The main difference between North and South Lake Tahoe is that most people who live on the lake year around tend to own houses on the northern end. Here you'll find housing developments of the highest quality, serene resorts, campgrounds, beautiful beaches as well as shopping and dining as good if not superior to the choices in the busier, more crowded southern end of the lake. North Lake Tahoe vacation rentals tend to favor the more family-oriented traveler, seeking peace and serenity. Because there are more permanent living facilities on the north shores, there are more houses and condos available for rent to tourists than there are on the southern shores. Furthermore, the resorts dotted throughout the area are, for the most part, more of the smaller, boutique resorts rather than the larger, bustling hotels. Because the northern shores are in California there is no gambling there. This major difference accounts for the total difference in ambiance between the two locations around the lake.
There are concerts, art shows, dance recitals and other local gatherings on the north shore that are more typical of a small town while the south end is more typical of a Las Vegas atmosphere. In Lake Tahoe you'll find more emphasis on skiing in the winter and mountain play all year round. You can take the Heavenly Gondola Tram into the mountains and hike to your hearts content. Then cool off with a relaxing swim in the lake. In the summer the Renaissance Fair holds its annual merrymaking in the hills around the north shore.
North Lake Tahoe is well known for its community living. Resort condominiums are springing up all over the area. They feature many of the same luxuries found in the major hotels with maid service, beautiful pools, lakeside cabanas and recreation rentals, with one exception - you're an owner not a tourist. True, you can rent out your condominium to tourists as a source of extra income. Or you can just buy it and keep it to enjoy for the rest of your life. In North Lake Tahoe you get the best of both worlds - the peaceful serenity of the mountains and the lake situated minutes away from the glamorous nightlife at the south shore casinos.
