$1,583,473Average Value$854Average Price per Sq Ft26Homes For Sale
Carnelian Bay, a lakeside community
Carnelian Bay sits on the shores of Lake Tahoe and glistens with its namesake's semi-precious red and yellow gemstones. While this lakeside community is home to less than 600 residents, it offers its small population sweeping views of Lake Tahoe, dog-friendly beaches, beloved local restaurants and forest-like living, with plenty of mountain and log cabin style homes.
Townhomes and lakefront mansions
Living in Carnelian Bay means not only do residents wake up to sunrises over Lake Tahoe, they also live in a dense forest of tall pine trees. The residential streets are windy and hilly, with homes along them. Some homes resemble log cabins, while other styles run the gamut, including townhomes, mountain homes, lakefront mansions and newly built properties. A unique property is a remodeled A-Frame house nicknamed Twilight. This home has two bedrooms and two bathrooms and is on the market for $1.25 million. Single-family home prices range from around $800,000 to $7.4 million. Built in 2023, the $7.4 million property can sleep 14 people and has luxury amenities like a private beach, a lake-view hot tub and a guest house.
A quintessential Lake Tahoe log cabin in Carnelian Bay.
A large mid-century modern with large windows in Carnelian Bay.
A woman paddle boards across Lake Tahoe in front of the beautiful homes of Carnelian Bay.
Carnelian Bay has an HOA dock available to to its residents.
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Highly rated public schools
Neighborhood children can attend the Tahoe Truckee Unified School District. They can begin their schooling years at Tahoe Lake Elementary, which has an overall A-minus rating from Niche. At Tahoe Lake Elementary, teachers supplement core teaching classes with technology, Spanish, art, music and physical education courses. Students can then attend North Tahoe School for their middle school years. North Tahoe School has an overall A-minus rating from Niche. High schoolers can attend the highly rated North Tahoe High School, which Niche recognizes with an overall A ranking. North Tahoe High is home to a highly acclaimed music program, including a popular jazz band. The high school also offers a Ski/Independent Study Academy. Students pursuing competitive downhill, Nordic skiing, or other extracurriculars that make it difficult to attend school regularly can enroll in the academy's customized study programs to provide a flexible schedule without losing a comprehensive high school experience.
Parks for barbecuing, skiing and mini golf
Carnelian West Beach offers locals 530 linear feet of public beach space, benches, picnic tables, barbecues and restrooms. Locals can also go for a stroll on the beach's lakefront promenade. Pebbles make up the traditional sandy area at Patton Beach, but that doesn't stop locals from enjoying a good day at the lake. Four-legged pals are also welcomed at Patton Landing. There are also opportunities to rent or bring your own paddleboard or kayak and take it to the water. For locals who prefer land recreation, specifically skiing and snowboarding, Carnelian Bay isn't too far from a few Lake Tahoe area ski resorts like Palisades Tahoe, Northstar California Resort and a little further away is Heavenly Mountain Resort. Back in Carnelian Bay is the Magic Carpet Golf & Arcade, where there are two mini golf courses overlooking Lake Tahoe and an arcade filled with pinball machines, classic video games and newer options.
A kayaker watches a wakeboarder get ready on Lake Tahoes calm waters in Carnelian Bay..
A couple enjoys a beach day with their dog on Carnelian Bay West Beach.
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Local dining and big-box retail
Along the water are a few local restaurants, including Waterman's Landing, where residents can sip specialty coffee drinks like a golden latte or a mushroom macca mocha. Waterman's Landing also has organic breakfast and lunch offerings. Gar Woods Grill & Pier offers unparalleled waterfront dining views. Locals can enjoy the restaurant's world-famous Wet Woody cocktail on the patio. A local favorite is CB's Bistro, an Italian restaurant and bar that, since 1986, has served pizza, burgers, sandwiches and pasta dishes. The Bistro has happy hour deals daily and live music every Wednesday. Residents can shop at nearby Safeway stores or New Moon Natural Foods when cooking at home.
A bacon cheeseburger on the Lake from Gar Wood Grill.
Waterman's Landing also sells essentials to enjoy a day on the lake in Carnelian Bay..
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Getting around Carnelian Bay
Whether driving or boating around Carnelian Bay, there are plenty of places to go to. Locals can cross state lines into Nevada in 5 miles or travel to the Tahoe National Forest in roughly 50 miles. Sacramento is the closest major California city, about 120 miles from Carnelian Bay.
Photography Contributed By
Eli Tye
Video By
Dan Mack
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Brendan Boyle,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Carnelian Bay, CA sell after 92 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Carnelian Bay, CA over the last 12 months is $1,050,000, down 10% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Newly remodeled expanded and updated North Shore Lake Tahoe home with permits - This beautifully refreshed single story Carnelian Bay home offers modern comfort, mountain character and an exceptional location near outdoor recreation. Hiking and biking trails are less than two blocks away with a nearby trail leading to public lake access and the beach.The extensive renovation and expansion added a
Located on a one of the most desirable quiet streets on the North Shore, this home provides panoramic south-facing views of Lake Tahoe, spanning from east to west. Centrally located to world-class ski resorts in the winter, and access to a 50% shared pier with upcoming expansion with 12000# boat lift, and two buoys for summer lakefront living, this property provides the best of both worlds. The
Welcome to this chalet-style retreat where classic Tahoe vibes meet everyday comfort. This 4-bedroom, 2-bath home is filled with woodsy character—hardwood floors, a stone hearth, and natural accents that create a cozy mountain feel from the moment you step inside. Nestled on a flat, coveted Agate Bay lot, the property offers effortless indoor-outdoor living with spacious decks in both the front
Escape to the Woods! Carnelian Woods #61 is an inviting mountain retreat with one bedroom plus a loft, one and a half bathrooms. Located in the heart of North Lake Tahoe allowing for amazing access to the lake, trails, resorts and more... All with worry-free condo living. The interior features an open concept layout with a fully functional first floor and thoughtful updates throughout. The
Newly remodeled expanded and updated North Shore Lake Tahoe home with permits - This beautifully refreshed single story Carnelian Bay home offers modern comfort, mountain character and an exceptional location near outdoor recreation. Hiking and biking trails are less than two blocks away with a nearby trail leading to public lake access and the beach.The extensive renovation and expansion added a
Set on a rare and expansive 10-acre parcel just minutes from the heart of Tahoe City, the crystal-clear shores of Lake Tahoe, and world-class skiing at Palisades Tahoe, this exceptional Sierra Nevada retreat offers a unique opportunity to create a true legacy property. Nestled among the beauty of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the property features a basic 4-bedroom, 3-bath main residence with a
Huckleberry Overlook Lodge is a remarkable 5-bedroom, 5-bathroom luxury home in Carnelian Bay with panoramic views of Lake Tahoe. Rebuilt and expanded in 2019, this one-of-a-kind mountain retreat blends timeless materials, thoughtful design, and exceptional comfort. Adding to its appeal, the property includes membership in the Ridgewood Pier Owners Association, which offers private lake access
Quintessential Lake Tahoe cabin perfectly positioned directly across from the lake in coveted Carnelian Bay. Thoughtfully taken down to the studs and completely renovated, this mountain retreat blends timeless Tahoe charm with modern comfort. A brand-new composition roof, installed in 2026, adds lasting peace of mind. Enjoy beautiful lake views from all three levels and three inviting decks,
A truly one-of-a-kind Tahoe retreat offering an extraordinary combination of breathtaking lake and mountain views, complete privacy, and unmatched natural beauty. Situated on three acres with a pond and bordered by National Forest lands with direct access to miles of trails, this exceptional property provides a rare opportunity to own a private sanctuary in one of Lake Tahoe's most coveted
Set in the highly sought-after Cedar Flat neighborhood, this thoughtfully renovated Tahoe cabin offers a rare blend of modern comfort and timeless mountain character. With clean Scandinavian-inspired lines and warm natural finishes, the home feels both contemporary and inviting, honoring its original charm while embracing today’s lifestyle. The main level is designed for easy living and
YOUR TAHOE BASECAMP Some places are visited once. Others become the backdrop for years of unforgettable memories. Welcome to your Tahoe basecamp. Tucked among towering pines in the highly desirable Carnelian Woods community, this beautifully remodeled mountain retreat offers an effortless North Lake Tahoe lifestyle where every season brings a new adventure. Perfectly positioned just a short
Nestled in the heart of Carnelian Bay, 4515 Ridgewood Drive captures the essence of Lake Tahoe living with timeless mountain architecture, refined finishes, and filtered lake views. This beautifully designed 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath residence spans three thoughtfully planned levels, offering exceptional space for gathering, entertaining, and everyday living. The upper level serves as the heart of the
Nestled in an extraordinary greenbelt setting and backing to both the Tahoe National Forest and an adjacent lot, this exceptional Tahoe retreat offers a rare combination of privacy, tranquility, and direct access to the very best of mountain living. Surrounded by towering pines and natural beauty, the property enjoys a park-like atmosphere that feels worlds away while remaining conveniently close
Located on a one of the most desirable quiet streets on the North Shore, this home provides panoramic south-facing views of Lake Tahoe, spanning from east to west.Centrally located to world-class ski resorts in the winter, and access to a 50% shared pier with upcoming expansion with 12000# boat lift, and two buoys for summer lakefront living, this property provides the best of both worlds. The
Perched on a quiet hillside in the coveted Carnelian Woods community, this beautifully remodeled end-unit townhome offers filtered views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding forest, creating the perfect blend of mountain serenity and modern comfort. Surrounded by towering pines and adjacent to miles of forest, the setting feels wonderfully private while remaining close to everything the North Shore
"Ski Bird's Paradise" – Cozy 5-Bedroom Tahoe Cabin in Central North Lake NeighborhoodRENTAL RATES (TERM PAID UPFRONT):• MAY 2026 Limited dates available ~ See Agent• JUNE 2026 $5,200/MONTH• JULY 2026 $6,200/MONTH• AUGUST 2026 $5,900/MONTH• SEPTEMBER 2026 $5,300/MONTH• OCTOBER 2026 $4,800/MONTH• NOVEMBER 2026 - APRIL 2027 $5,000/MONTH (5 MONTH
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