As the name suggests, the town of South Lake Tahoe is located on the southern shore of Lake Tahoe on the Nevada state line. Perched amid the gorgeous Sierra Nevada Mountains, South Lake Tahoe is a terrific place for folks who like to spend time outdoors, with skiing in the winter and mountain biking, camping, and hiking in the summer.

Tourism forms the cornerstone of the local economy: Heavenly Mountain Resort operates its base at the eastern edge of the city, and the casinos in Stateline, Nevada, practically blend seamlessly with Downtown South Lake Tahoe. While the area along Lake Tahoe Boulevard is packed with shops, restaurants, and tourist attractions, much of the west side of the city is residential, with single-family homes making up most of the rental market.