Why Live in Donner Lake
Donner Lake, located in Truckee, about 15 miles north of Lake Tahoe, is a small, noncommercial community with a family-oriented atmosphere. With a population of around 1,500 full-time residents, the area maintains a close-knit feel, featuring three restaurants and a single grocery store. The neighborhood is known for its namesake lake, which offers various attractions such as West End Beach with lifeguards, sand volleyball courts, paddleboard rentals, and a snack bar. Shoreline Park and Donner Memorial State Park provide additional swimming, picnicking, camping, and hiking opportunities. The Donner Memorial State Museum offers insights into the history of the Donner Party, Chinese railroad workers, and the native Washoe people. Nearby, Sugar Bowl Ski Resort and Donner Summit are popular for skiing and rock climbing.
Homes in Donner Lake range from smaller two-bedroom cabins to larger estates with lake views and private docks. Elevated foundations help mitigate snow accumulation, and large lots provide ample space. The area has a high inventory of homes, with properties typically selling faster than the national average. For dining, residents frequent local spots like Little Truckee Ice Creamery, The Pub at Donner Lake, and Donner Lake Kitchen. Historic downtown Truckee, just 4 miles east, offers more commercial options, including bars, restaurants, and shops.
Students in Donner Lake attend schools in Truckee, such as the highly rated Sierra Expeditionary Learning School, Truckee Elementary, Alder Creek Middle, and Truckee High School. While the area is remote, requiring a car for most travel, Interstate 80 provides access to Sacramento and Reno. Winter driving can be challenging due to heavy snowfall, making snow tires essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Donner Lake a good place to live?
Donner Lake is a good place to live. Donner Lake is considered very car-dependent and somewhat bikeable. Donner Lake is a neighborhood with a crime score of 2, making it safer than the average neighborhood in the U.S. Donner Lake has 4 parks for recreational activities. It has a median age of 44. The average household income is $161,904 which is above the national average. College graduates make up 71.7% of residents. A majority of residents in Donner Lake are home owners, with 42.2% of residents renting and 57.8% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Donner Lake can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Donner Lake neighborhood guide.
Is Donner Lake, CA a safe neighborhood?
Donner Lake, CA is safer than the average neighborhood in the United States. It received a crime score of 2 out of 10.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Donner Lake?
The median home price in Donner Lake is $1,022,450. If you put a 20% down payment of $204,500 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.18%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $5,000 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $214K a year to afford the median home price in Donner Lake. Learn how much home you can afford with our
Home Affordability Calculator. The average household income in Donner Lake is $162K.
What are the best public schools in Donner Lake?
The best public schools that serve Donner Lake are:
What are the most popular zip codes in Donner Lake, Truckee, CA?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Donner Lake, Truckee, CA?
Are home prices dropping in Donner Lake?
Yes, home prices in Donner Lake are down 13% in the last 12 months.
Home Trends in Donner Lake, CA
On average, homes in Donner Lake, Truckee sell after 199 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Donner Lake, Truckee over the last 12 months is $750,500, up 16% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$750,500
Median Single Family Sale Price
$947,450
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$1,599,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$658
Number of Homes for Sale
9
Last 12 months Home Sales
1
Median List Price
$1,022,450
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
16%