On Nevada’s north shore of Lake Tahoe, Incline Village blends the charm of a small community, with the activities of a ski town and the amenities of resort living.
The sparkling waters of Lake Tahoe, private beaches, and the numerous recreation features of Incline Village lure people to live the dream. Since its development in 1960 by the Crystal Bay Development Company, people from all walks of life have sought out Incline Village for its tax advantages and quality of life.
To learn more about what makes Incline Village so special, I interviewed Mary Jurkonis, a Dickson Realty agent who has lived in the community for more than 25 years. During that time, she was the publisher of the local newspaper and then became a Realtor. So, she knows what’s up in Incline. Here’s what she had to say:
How would you describe Incline Village?
Mary Jurkonis: It has skiing and it has golfing, but it’s not a ski town and it’s not a golf community. It’s not totally a resort town either. It’s got bits and pieces of everything. It’s just a special place.
What are some of the changes you’ve seen in Incline Village in the past 25 years?
Mary Jurkonis: We’re seeing a resurgence of full-time residents moving into the neighborhood. My street used to be all second homeowners, and now there are young families with lots of new babies.
Why do people choose to move to Incline?
Mary Jurkonis: Many people are initially attracted to Incline Village because of the tax advantage. Since we’re on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe, people who live here 51% of the time don’t pay state income tax. But I think they ultimately also choose to move here because of the people. I think it’s the biggest community in Lake Tahoe, as far as spirit and involvement.
How would you describe the Incline Village community?
Mary Jurkonis: Our community is so active and philanthropic because of the people who live here. Most of them run corporations or organizations and have a different mindset of what community should be. Most people give a lot of money, time, and energy to many organizations in our community, in Nevada, and throughout the country and world. A great example of this giving spirit is the Parasol Tahoe Community Foundation, Lake Tahoe’s oldest and largest community foundation that was founded right here.
What is it like to be part of that community?
Mary Jurkonis: Once you’ve lived in Incline Village, it’ll take you about three hours to get out of one of our grocery stores. You’ll see all your neighbors and catch up on all the news. It’s always fun to go to a movie in Incline Village because even if I go by myself, I’ll know someone in the theatre. There are good people here, people who know each other and look out for each other.
What kind of things are there to do in Incline Village?
Mary: We have such great assets for a town of about 10,000. Our recreation opportunities and outdoor activities are abundant. No matter the season, there’s always a way to play outside—from water sports, hiking, or mountain biking in the summer, to skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing in winter. As part of the annual recreation fee, Incline also offers private beaches to homeowners and resident rates at the Recreation Center, The Championship Golf Course, and the Mountain Course, and Diamond Peak Ski. If you don’t want to play outside, you can go to our lovely little bowling alley.
What kind of homes are available to buy?
Mary Jurkonis: Incline Village offers many opportunities to buy a home, such as condominiums near Diamond Peak Ski to single-family homes with expansive views on the Eastern Slope. Most buildable lots in the area are already taken, but extensive remodels or tear down of existing homes are possible.
What’s it like to buy a home in Incline Village?
Mary Jurkonis: It’s important to know that there are many different rules and regulations when it comes to property at Lake Tahoe. So, having a Realtor who understands those nuances and dynamics can be helpful to home buyers. I have the experience of knowing what it’s like to be an Incline Village resident. I also understand the various government agencies around Lake Tahoe and how their policies can impact home buyers, sellers, and owners.
