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Sierra Meadows

Sierra Meadows

Neighborhood in Truckee, California

Nevada County 96161

$969,124 Average Value
$591 Average Price per Sq Ft
6 Homes For Sale

A retreat for locals, just south of Truckee tourism

A lot of people live seasonally in the Sierras, but in this neighborhood, that’s not the case. “Sierra Meadows is highly sought-after, mostly by locals that live and work here year-round,” says Ross Collins, who’s been in these mountains since 2000 and has 30-plus years of real estate experience. “It’s a respite from the more touristy parts of Truckee. People like the proximity to schools, employment and open space.” For instance, the Sawtooth Trail network is nearby on a fire service road. World-class ski resorts — Palisades, Alpine Meadows and Northstar resort — are scattered outside of town, and Lake Tahoe is a short drive south. Unlike the higher-elevation neighborhoods around it, Sierra Meadows avoids some of the 200 inches of snow that this area experiences in winter. But it still has that mountain feel, with tall pines, wide streets and sloping lots.

Walking to the park and year-round recreation in the Sierras

Truckee River Regional Park is a waterside space on the neighborhood’s north side. It’s the most popular park in Truckee, and amenities include a disc golf course, skate bowl, baseball fields and tennis courts. Its amphitheater hosts Summer Music in the Park from June to August, when residents can bring lawn chairs and listen to local bands. The Truckee Certified Farmers Market is also here on Tuesdays from May through October. Just east on Old Brockway Road, Ponderosa Golf Course is a public 9-holer nearby. Mounts Rose and Lookout can often be seen from its fairways. Hiking in these Sierra Mountains is common in spring and summer, and there are 20-plus trails around Truckee. During the winter, locals and tourists flock to nearby ski resorts such as Donner Ski Ranch and Palisades Tahoe. Donner Lake is about 4 miles west of Sierra Meadows, and it’s a small alpine lake that offers beaches and water sports. For a body of water that’s almost 200 times the size, Lake Tahoe is 10 miles south. It’s one of the most visited spots in California for summertime boating, fishing and other recreation.

Sierra Meadows residents can play tennis on one of two courts in the neighborhood.
Sierra Meadows residents can play tennis on one of two courts in the neighborhood.
Summer League Softball is a big deal to locals in Sierra Meadows, hosted at the Regional Park
Summer League Softball is a big deal to locals in Sierra Meadows, hosted at the Regional Park
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Ranch-styles with mountain influence, two-story cabins

Raised ranch-styles from the 1970s were some of the first builds in this neighborhood. They have the architectural staples of the time period such as earth-toned siding, low-pitched roofs and a compact design. But since they’re in the mountains, they have features of a cabin — exposed wood and sizeable porches, to name a few. These smaller properties range from $830,000 to $1.1 million. Two-story cabins were built in the 1990s and 2000s, and they typically have more room. They can also be found in this range, but bigger homes can go up to $1.4 million. In most cases, homes are far away from neighbors on either side, as the median lot size is just over 13,000 square feet. Northernmost homes, though, have less yard space and are more packed together, but they’re closer to town. This is especially true for the subdivision of Winter Creek, which has its own homeowners association. Inventory is usually low across the board; most homes sell in roughly half the time as the national average.

Sierra Meadows has seen an uptick in large custom estates on the South end of the neighborhood.
Sierra Meadows has seen an uptick in large custom estates on the South end of the neighborhood.
Sierra Meadows has many a-frame cabins that were first built in the 80's.
Sierra Meadows has many a-frame cabins that were first built in the 80's.
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Steps from award-winning restaurants on Brockway

Sierra Meadows is about a mile from Historic Downtown Truckee, but restaurants toward Old Brockway Road are even closer. These spots, just south of the popular district, are not as well-known by tourists, and foot traffic is mostly from locals. Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar specializes in New American fare and overlooks downtown with its hilltop deck. “My friends own 1882 Bar and Grill nearby,” says Billy Watters, a longtime local and a Realtor with Compass since 2000. “Their brisket sandwich is amazing.” A mile south on Brockway, a cluster of restaurants offer everything from Thai food to local brews. “Another one of my friends owns FiftyFifty Brewing Company,” Watters continues. “They do worldwide and microbrew beers. Their pilsner, Tahoe Pilz, won the first place for Bohemian Pilsners during the 2024 Brewers Cup of California.” After a couple of beers, the Drunken Monkey is next door for some sushi rolls. Mountain Valley Meats is in the same complex, too, and its sausage flavors change daily. Raley's and other grocers are nearby for everyday needs.

The Verlasso Salmon is recommended by the staff at Cottonwood next to Sierra Meadows.
The Verlasso Salmon is recommended by the staff at Cottonwood next to Sierra Meadows.
Sierra Meadows is directly across from 50/50 Brewing Co, which brews over 30 types of beer.
Sierra Meadows is directly across from 50/50 Brewing Co, which brews over 30 types of beer.
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Downtown Truckee: a bite-sized Old West

This historic downtown was established in the 1860s and still has all the staples of an Old West town: a jailhouse, a railroad and saloons. Centered on Donner Pass Road, it attracts seasonal tourists from across California, but locals can enjoy its shops and restaurants year-round. Bar of America offers New American food and cocktails, and its building dates back to 1891. Wagon Train Café has walls filled with buck heads and old photos, and mining gear hangs from the ceiling. These casual spots mix in with upscale restaurants such as Trokay and Truckee Tavern & Grill. Local shops include Word After Word Books and Rock Cellar Records. The Sock Parlour has almost an entire wall of socks for purchase, and Cabona’s sells upscale clothing. Alongside these boutiques, La Galleria and Riverside Studios specialize in paintings, prints and pottery. The railroad and jailhouse also have small museums for history buffs.

Sierra Meadows is minutes from Downtown Truckee which has all of the nightlife in Truckee.
Sierra Meadows is minutes from Downtown Truckee which has all of the nightlife in Truckee.
Sierra Meadows sits on the South end of Truckee with views of Downtown from high elevations.
Sierra Meadows sits on the South end of Truckee with views of Downtown from high elevations.
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Gathering along Donner Pass Road

Residents are often less than a mile from year-round events, concentrated in downtown Truckee. Brewfests, ski gear swaps and music festivals are just some of the options here, so there’s something for every interest. Truckee Thursdays is a streetwide event that promotes local businesses, which run discounts on Thursday nights from June through October. The farmers market, in addition to their Tuesday operation at Truckee River Regional Park, is available during these downtown festivals, too. The Truckee Tahoe Air Show & Family Festival happens every June at Truckee Tahoe Airport, and the Truckee 4th of July Parade is a couple of weeks later.

Truckee Thursday is located in Downtown and locals of Sierra Meadows can walk to the event.
Truckee Thursday is located in Downtown and locals of Sierra Meadows can walk to the event.
The Truckee 4th of July Parade is an event locals of Sierra Meadows look forward to annually.
The Truckee 4th of July Parade is an event locals of Sierra Meadows look forward to annually.
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Highly rated options in Tahoe-Truckee Unified School District

Most schools are just west of downtown Truckee, about 3 miles from Sierra Meadows. Sierra Expeditionary Learning School is a public charter for kindergarten through eighth grade, and California recognized it as a Distinguished School in 2023. It scores an A from Niche. Alternatively, Truckee Elementary doesn’t require a charter application and gets a B-plus from Niche. It serves kindergarten through fifth grade, and in 2024, field trips included Empire Mine State Park and the Placer County courthouse. About 2 miles north of downtown Truckee, Alder Creek Middle serves grades six through eight and scores an A-minus from Niche. Truckee High School is closer to town, next to the elementary school. It gets an A, and its Career Technical Education program includes Welding & Materials Joining and Product Innovation & Design.

Sierra Meadows teens will attend Tahoe Truckee High School.
Sierra Meadows teens will attend Tahoe Truckee High School.
Alder Creek Middle School is directly across from Sierra Meadows on Highway 89.
Alder Creek Middle School is directly across from Sierra Meadows on Highway 89.
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Thoroughfares, Interstate 80 and Highway 267

Truckee is pretty spread out, so residents mostly drive. Old Brockway Road becomes Bridge Street upon crossing the Truckee River, and the total trip downtown is about a mile. From there, Donner Pass Road leads 4 miles west to Donner Lake. Interstate 80 provides an alternative route. Sacramento is 100 miles west on this road, and Reno is 30 miles east. Highway 267 is just east of the neighborhood and leads 10 miles south to Lake Tahoe. While Sierra Meadows has slightly less snow than surrounding areas, roads can often freeze in the winter. Snow chains are required, and drivers should always be prepared for a storm.

Matt Medl
Written By
Matt Medl
Jeremy Jensen
Photography Contributed By
Jeremy Jensen
Tyler Hall
Video By
Tyler Hall

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Schools

Source:
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. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Justin Swett, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Reno/Tahoe International

63 min drive

Bus

Brockway & Cedar House Sport Hotel

Bus

Across From Best Western

Bus

Brockway Rd & Village Green Mhp

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Sierra Meadows US
Homicide 2 4
Sexual Assault 3 4
Assault with Weapon 2 4
Robbery 2 4
Burglary 4 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 4 4
Larceny 4 4
Crime Score 3 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$1,010,000
Median Single Family Price
$998,500
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$649,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$591
Number of Homes for Sale
6
Last 12 months Home Sales
24
Months of Supply
3.00
Median List Price
$1,082,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
10%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
751
Median Year Built
1983
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,685
Below the national average
1,937
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,832
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,317
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
13,068

Open Houses

  • Saturday, May 3
    12 - 2pm

    10559 Sara Bear Ln, Truckee, CA 96161

    $1,225,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 1,827 Sq Ft
    • 10559 Sara Bear Ln

    **Open House 12-2pm 5/3** Welcome to your dream home in the sought-after Winter Creek Development! This stunning 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom residence offers the perfect blend of style, comfort, and convenience. Step inside to discover a thoughtfully designed layout with the primary suite and laundry located on the main floor — no need to tackle the stairs! The main level also features a versatile

    Christine Morrison Home and Slate Real Estate

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  • Saturday, May 3
    10am - 1pm

    11748 Old Mill Rd, Truckee, CA 96161

    $799,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,320 Sq Ft
    • 11748 Old Mill Rd

    Unique architectural design in Sierra Meadows. Home is on a level lot 3 bd, 2ba, 2 car garage with 2 bonus loft areas and an office. This home features a fully remodeled kitchen with quartz countertops, stainless fridge, custom built pot rack, and Kraftmaid custom cabinetry. Upstairs bathroom has been remodeled. Downstairs bath features a claw foot tub and pedestal sink. New deck off the living

    Helen Manville Chase International - Trk

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Justin Swett, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
2,580
Median Age
39
Population under 18
26.1%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
12.3%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$104,855
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$147,511

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
93.1%
College Graduates
51.5%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
17.4%
% Population in Labor Force
74.1%
Above the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
30''
Average Winter Low Temperature
15°F
Average Summer High Temperature
84°F
Annual Snowfall
153''

Area Factors

Bikeable

Bike Score®

54 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

35 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Sierra Meadows
Justin Swett
Tahoe Mountain Realty
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