Even in the city of South Lake Tahoe, many homes have a stream, meadow or forest out the back door. Building limitations ensure the region will maintain the feeling of a mountain community. Different areas feature various degrees of isolation or convenience, scenic views and home costs.
Fewer homes cluster on the steeper slopes of the Nevada-side of the South Shore.
The average home size is twice as large as homes across the state line, is more likely to have a spectacular view and is priced accordingly. While the Nevada side of the South Shore has no incorporated cities, it does include many small communities such as Stateline, Round Hill, Zephyr Cove and Cave Rock. Glenbrook is a gated community in a valley on the East Shore of the lake. Stateline, the largest of the Nevada communities, features the region's casinos and their many fine restaurants, shops, stages and gaming. The city of South Lake Tahoe, incorporated in 1965, is immediately across the state line from the casinos corridor.