Living on the Lake
Life in South Lake Tahoe
The economy of South Lake Tahoe took off with the discovery of gold and silver in the area. However, there wasn’t that much of it. But there were plenty of trees to support the logging industry throughout the late 1800’s until the forests were almost exhausted. It was during this same time period that the real economic driver of South Lake Tahoe was established that has lasted until today, tourism.
Tourism and retail make up the bulk of jobs in the area, but that isn’t the only source of income. South Lake Tahoe has experienced steady job and population growth for a healthy economy with many jobs outside of the tourism and hospitality industries. The health and medical services, education, government, heavy construction, and real estate also help make up the 1,594 establishments with 17,070 workers.
Those living in South Lake Tahoe not only enjoy wages that meet and even exceed the national average, but also a low unemployment rate, work commutes that average 10-14 minutes, and a community that supports responsible economic growth with programs like a Business Loan Fund and the Micro-Enterprise Program that support start-up and small business.
Even though South Lake Tahoe has a small population, it’s big on entertainment and recreation. The City of South Lake Tahoe Parks and Recreation Department, which can be found at www.recreationintahoe.com, makes sure that residents and visitors alike, from the oldest to the youngest family member, have plenty to do in the 12 parks and beaches, Bijou Golf Course, the Swimming Pool Complex, South Tahoe Ice Arena, and the Senior Citizens Center.
Families can really come together in South Lake Tahoe where Explore Tahoe Kids Club has programs for elementary age kids, Spring Break Camp for teens, and even family dodge ball nights. With boating, skiing, fishing, camping, and hiking tours the summer months at the lake are just as active as their famous winters.
If you’re more comfortable on the snow then there is still plenty to do in South Lake Tahoe on one of the 182 skiing trails. Ski resorts encompass over 8,800 acres of the South Lake Tahoe area with the top ski resorts being Heavenly Mountain Resort dominating. Heavenly truly lives up to its name with slops for all skiing levels, 95 trails, and also has the longest ski run in the area as well as the ski run with the biggest vertical drop. Other than skiing, residents can enjoy ice skating, sleigh rides, fishing, snow mobile rides, tubing down the snow, snow shoeing, and even dog sledding.
The attractions are just outdoors in South Lake Tahoe. Fun continues into the night at the 6 casinos in the area you can try your luck at, over 30 bars and pubs to quench your thirst, and if you still have energy to spare to can hit the dance floor of either the Blu Nightclub or Vex. For live entertainment there’s over 30 music venues as well as 7 places to find live shows.
During the day South Lake Tahoe offers more than enough shopping and culture to keep you busy. There are a dozen historic places and museums that run the gamut from the Tahoe Maritime Museum that covers the history of Lake Tahoe boating to Vikingsholm Castle. South Lake Tahoe’s economy is heavily dependent on tourism and retail which translates into shopping at every level.
There are antique shops, which include Guns of Tahoe, shops for art, jewelry, clothing, books, and gifts. But there’s also the malls and large shopping centers you’ll find in other bigger cities that feature brand name items, and the Factory Stores at the Y even offer deals on big name items. For more information attractions in the area you can visit www.bluelaketahoe.com.