Where luxury meets outdoor recreation
Set on the east shore of Lake Tahoe in Douglas County, Zephyr Cove pairs alpine tranquility with easy access to beaches, marinas, and dining in nearby Stateline and South Lake Tahoe. Residents enjoy lake life in all seasons—from boating and paddleboarding to skiing at Heavenly via Kingsbury Grade—with a small-town feel and dramatic Sierra views.
Zephyr Cove is a lakeside census-designated place known for its beaches, coves, and proximity to trailheads and ski terrain. Housing ranges from lakefront estates (often with beach/boat access) and custom single-family homes in forested settings to alpine cabins & A-frames, townhomes and condos near Round Hill/Stateline, and mountainside residences off Kingsbury Grade. With US 50 running through town and quick links to NV 207 (Kingsbury Grade), getting around the Tahoe basin is straightforward while keeping the focus on lake and mountain living.
Key Facts about Zephyr Cove, NV | |
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Area | Approx. 2.25 sq miles (2.12 land, 0.12 water) |
County | Douglas County |
Founded | Settled 1862; Post office established 1930 |
Population (2020) | ~679 (CDP) |
Metro Population | Part of the greater Lake Tahoe region (no formal MSA); nearest city: South Lake Tahoe, CA |
Main Roads | US-50 (Lake Tahoe Blvd), NV-207 (Kingsbury Grade); NV-28 access via Spooner Junction |
Whether you’re seeking a classic Tahoe cabin, a low-maintenance townhome near the Greenbelt-style paths and beaches, or a luxury lakefront estate, Zephyr Cove offers coveted access to Lake Tahoe with a relaxed Nevada tax environment and year-round recreation.
Zephyr Cove offers a coveted Lake Tahoe lifestyle on Nevada’s east shore—quiet coves and sandy beaches, pine-framed neighborhoods, and quick access to marinas, mountain trails, and world-class skiing. The area blends a relaxed, small-community feel with nearby dining and entertainment in Stateline and South Lake Tahoe, giving residents the best of both serenity and convenience.
What sets Zephyr Cove apart is four-season recreation and Nevada’s favorable tax climate, paired with a diverse mix of property types—lakefront estates, alpine cabins, lock-and-leave townhomes, and view homes tucked along Kingsbury Grade. Whether you’re seeking a full-time residence or a retreat, Zephyr Cove delivers enduring lifestyle value on the shores of Tahoe.
Feature | Details |
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Community Type | Lakeside residential with forested streets, resort amenities, and nearby entertainment/dining in Stateline & South Lake Tahoe |
Popular For | Second-home owners, outdoor enthusiasts, boaters, skiers, remote professionals seeking quiet and views |
Main Housing Types | Lakefront estates, custom single-family homes, alpine cabins & A-frames, modern townhomes/condos near beach & marina, mountainside/view homes along Kingsbury Grade |
Also Found | Gated/HOA neighborhoods, chalet-style homes, remodeled mid-century cabins, lock-and-leave condos ideal for low-maintenance living |
Parks & Outdoor Areas | Zephyr Cove Resort & Beach, Nevada Beach, Van Sickle Bi-State Park, Lake Tahoe water sports, Heavenly Mountain Resort (nearby) |
Shopping & Dining | Stateline/Heavenly Village: Cafés, restaurants, boutiques, live music Round Hill Village: Grocery, services, local eateries |
Health & Wellness | Nearby medical clinics; regional hospitals in South Lake Tahoe & Carson City; spa/wellness at local resorts; year-round trails and lake fitness |
Schools & Universities | Douglas County School District (Zephyr Cove Elementary; Whittell Middle/High); Lake Tahoe Community College (CA); University of Nevada, Reno (~1 hr) |
Transportation | US-50 through town; NV-207 (Kingsbury Grade) to Heavenly & the Carson Valley; Reno-Tahoe International Airport (~1 hr); Tahoe Transportation District routes |
From lakefront living to mountainside retreats, Zephyr Cove delivers a rare blend of tranquility and convenience—an ideal base for those who prize nature, privacy, and access to Tahoe’s signature experiences.
Zephyr Cove’s lakefront setting on Tahoe’s east shore creates a low-inventory, high-demand market. Prices skew premium—driven by proximity to beaches and marinas, forested privacy, and access to Heavenly via Kingsbury Grade. Property choices range from condos/townhomes near the shoreline to custom single-family homes and luxury lakefront estates.
Property Type | Median Price (USD) | Price per Sq.Ft (USD) | Average Rent (USD/year) | Rental Yield |
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1–2BR Condo (lake-adjacent) | $950,000 | $700 | $30,000 | ~3.2% |
2–3BR Townhome (near beach/HOA) | $1,600,000 | $750 | $48,000 | ~3.0% |
3BR Single-Family Home | $2,200,000 | $900 | $66,000 | ~3.0% |
Luxury 4BR+ Lakefront Estate | $4,200,000 | $1,200 | $120,000 | ~2.9% |
Notes: Figures are illustrative market snapshots for Zephyr Cove and nearby east-shore submarkets; values vary by lake proximity, view, and remodel level. Sources: regional MLS snapshots, Redfin/Zillow (2025), and recent rental data.
Zephyr Cove offers lakeside cabins, boutique resorts, and condo-style stays—perfect for beach days, marina access, and winter ski getaways at Heavenly via Kingsbury Grade.
Choose from luxury waterfront resorts, cozy cabins steps from the sand, extended-stay suites with kitchens, or short-term rentals ideal for test-driving neighborhoods like Zephyr Heights and Round Hill.
Zephyr Cove puts you right on Lake Tahoe’s Nevada shoreline—think calm coves, sandy beaches, marina days, and alpine sunsets. In minutes you can shift from paddleboarding and lake cruises to hiking forested trails or riding the Heavenly gondola over panoramic ridgelines.
Dining, music, and shopping in nearby Stateline and Heavenly Village keep evenings lively, while quiet neighborhoods like Zephyr Heights and Skyland offer peaceful, pine-scented mornings. Below is a curated look at local favorites to live the east-shore lifestyle.
Whether you’re craving a quiet beach morning, a ridge-top hike, or dinner with alpenglow views, Zephyr Cove delivers easy access to Tahoe’s best—every season of the year.
Zephyr Cove is served by the Douglas County School District on Lake Tahoe’s east shore, with a close-knit elementary campus in town and a combined middle/high school nearby. Families also tap into a range of private and Montessori options across Stateline, South Lake Tahoe, Incline Village, and the Carson Valley, plus outdoor learning woven into daily life at the lake.
Explore Zephyr Cove’s schools and early learning choices—and see why the area’s blend of small-class community, year-round recreation, and Nevada’s favorable tax environment appeals to full-time residents and second-home owners alike.
School / Nursery | Type | Distance | Highlights |
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Zephyr Cove Elementary School | Public / K–5 | In Zephyr Cove |
Neighborhood elementary with small class feel; close to lake and trail access; active parent community and enrichment tied to Tahoe’s outdoors.
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Whittell Middle & High School | Public / Grades 6–12 | ~5–10 min (Zephyr Cove/Stateline) |
College-prep coursework, athletics, and clubs; lake-to-mountain experiential learning with proximity to Heavenly and Van Sickle Bi-State Park.
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Lake Tahoe School (Incline Village) | Independent / PreK–8 | ~25–30 min north |
Independent day school emphasizing strong academics, arts, and outdoor education; draws families from the Nevada east shore.
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Sierra Lutheran High School (Carson Valley) | Independent / 9–12 | ~35–40 min via Kingsbury Grade |
College-focused program with small classes and extracurriculars; convenient to valley sports and community activities.
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Tahoe Montessori & Local Preschools | Private / Early Childhood | ~10–20 min (Stateline / South Lake Tahoe) |
Montessori and play-based options serving toddlers through Pre-K; some programs offer flexible schedules for seasonal families.
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Zephyr Cove sits on Lake Tahoe’s Nevada shoreline with straightforward east–west access along US-50 and quick links over Kingsbury Grade (NV-207) to the Carson Valley and Heavenly ski terrain. Most daily trips are a short, scenic drive— whether you’re heading to beaches and marinas, Heavenly Village in Stateline, or services at Round Hill.
Regional buses, bikeable lakefront stretches, and nearby airports make travel flexible for residents and second-home owners. The Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) is the primary commercial hub, with general aviation options closer to the South Shore.
Major Highways |
Direct access along US-50 (Lake Tahoe Blvd) with quick connection to NV-207 (Kingsbury Grade) toward Heavenly’s Nevada side and the Carson Valley. NV-28 is reachable via Spooner Junction for north-shore destinations like Sand Harbor and Incline Village. |
Public Transit |
Tahoe Transportation District (TTD) operates South Shore routes linking Zephyr Cove/Stateline, Heavenly Village, and South Lake Tahoe. Seasonal shuttles add frequency for beach and ski access—check schedules for service windows. |
Biking & Walking |
Lakeside paths and neighborhood streets make short trips to Zephyr Cove Beach & Marina, Nevada Beach, and nearby parks easy. Popular rides connect toward Van Sickle Bi-State Park and Heavenly Village; always observe seasonal conditions and elevation. |
Airport |
Reno-Tahoe International (RNO) ~55–70 minutes by car (conditions/season dependent) with nonstop service across the West and connections nationwide. Lake Tahoe Airport (TVL) in South Lake Tahoe supports general aviation and charters. |
Ride Sharing |
Uber and Lyft operate around Zephyr Cove/Stateline and South Lake Tahoe; availability can vary by season and time of day. Local taxis and resort shuttles supplement service during peak periods. |
Property Types Near Transit & Trails |
Lakefront & lake-access estates (walk to beach/marina) • Zephyr Heights / Skyland single-family & view homes (quick US-50 access) • Round Hill condos & townhomes (near services and bus stops) • Kingsbury Grade chalets (fast Heavenly access) • Classic cabins & A-frames tucked in forested streets for low-key, car-light living. |
With lakefront roads, quick mountain passes, and regional transit linking beaches and ski areas, Zephyr Cove offers relaxed resort-town mobility—ideal for weekenders, second-home owners, and full-time residents alike.
Zephyr Cove sits on Lake Tahoe’s coveted east shore, where limited inventory, lake proximity, and four-season recreation drive enduring demand. From luxury lakefront estates and view homes along Kingsbury Grade to low-maintenance condos and townhomes near beaches and marinas, property types support a range of strategies—second-home enjoyment, long-term holds, and high-end resale. Market performance is highly location-specific (shoreline, views, walkability to beach/marina, and ski access) and can vary seasonally.
Why Zephyr Cove? Nevada’s favorable tax environment, resort-adjacent amenities, and true scarcity of lake-oriented parcels underpin long-term value. Well-located homes—especially those with beach access, boat moorings, or panoramic views—tend to preserve pricing power. For income strategies, note HOA rules and local vacation-rental regulations; many owners prioritize lifestyle use plus selective seasonal renting.
Whether you’re targeting a legacy lakefront, a view-centric mountainside home, or a turnkey condo/townhome, Zephyr Cove offers lifestyle-led assets with durable, scarcity-based value on Tahoe’s east shore.
Choosing where to buy on Tahoe’s East/South Shore depends on your priorities—lake access, marina/mooring options, ski proximity, HOA amenities, or quiet forest settings. Zephyr Cove offers sandy beaches and marina access with a small-town feel, while areas like Stateline/Heavenly Village, Round Hill/Skyland, Incline Village, and South Lake Tahoe deliver different blends of lifestyle, price points, and property types.
Area | Typical Median (Homes) | Market Dynamics | Main Appeal |
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Zephyr Cove (NV) | $1.5M+ (varies widely by lake proximity) | Low inventory • Lifestyle-driven | Beach & marina access, sandy shoreline, classic cabins to lakefront estates |
Round Hill / Skyland (NV) | $1.3M+ | Steady demand | Single-family & view homes; townhomes/condos near services & paths |
Stateline / Heavenly Village (NV/CA border) | $1.1M+ (homes) • Condo/townhome options | Resort energy | Ski gondola access, dining, nightlife; condo-style & lock-and-leave living |
Incline Village (NV) | $2.0M+ (premium submarket) | Prestige pricing | Private amenities, golf & beaches; high-end estates & condos |
South Lake Tahoe (CA) | $0.8M+ (neighborhood-dependent) | Varied by micro-area | Walkable pockets, broad home mix, strong seasonal vibe |
Kingsbury Grade / Upper NV 207 (NV) | $1.2M+ | View & access oriented | Mountainside chalets, quick Heavenly access, valley connectivity |
Carson Valley (NV) | $0.6M+ (generally lower than lakeside) | Value & space | Acreage, bigger garages/shops, easy drive to Tahoe via Kingsbury |
Key Takeaways: Zephyr Cove balances sandy shoreline living with marina access and a quiet neighborhood feel. Round Hill/Skyland add convenience and low-maintenance options; Stateline/Heavenly suit buyers wanting gondola and nightlife; Incline Village commands prestige pricing; Carson Valley trades lakefront premiums for space and value. Tip: Pricing and availability shift seasonally; verify HOA rules and short-term rental ordinances before modeling income.
Figures are illustrative ranges; confirm current comps with your agent or local MLS.
Deciding between Zephyr Cove and neighboring communities comes down to access (beach, marina, gondola), HOA amenities, and neighborhood vibe. Use the quick compare below to align lifestyle goals with submarket traits.
Area | Typical Median (Homes) | Market Dynamics | Main Appeal |
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Zephyr Cove (NV) | $1.5M+ (varies by lake proximity/view) | Low inventory • High amenity | Sandy beach, marina, cabins-to-estates mix, quiet streets |
Round Hill / Skyland (NV) | $1.3M+ | Convenience-led | Single-family & townhome/condo choices near services & paths |
Incline Village (NV) | $2.0M+ (premium) | Luxury-driven | Private amenities, golf, curated neighborhoods, upscale condos |
Stateline / Heavenly Village | $1.1M+ (homes) • Condo/townhome mix | Resort-centric | Gondola, dining/nightlife, walkable village energy |
South Lake Tahoe (CA) | $0.8M+ (area dependent) | Broad spectrum | Neighborhood variety, lively seasonal events, diverse inventory |
Kingsbury Grade (NV) | $1.2M+ | Access & views | Chalets and view homes with quick Heavenly/valley access |
Property Types to Watch: Lakefront & lake-access estates (premium, scarce) • Zephyr Heights/Skyland single-family & view homes • Round Hill condos & townhomes (low-maintenance) • Kingsbury Grade chalets (ski/valley access) • Classic cabins & A-frames tucked under the pines.
Data points are generalized for design consistency; consult current MLS comps for exact pricing/appreciation.
Zephyr Cove, NV blends laid-back lake life with four-season alpine adventure on Lake Tahoe’s east shore. With sandy beaches, a full-service marina, nearby trailheads, and quick access to Heavenly’s Nevada lifts and Stateline dining, it’s a coveted base for both full-time residents and second-home owners.
Whether you’re relocating for lifestyle, remote work, or a legacy retreat, Zephyr Cove offers a refined mix of property types—lakefront and lake-access estates, single-family view homes in Skyland & Zephyr Heights, low-maintenance condos and townhomes near Round Hill, classic cabins and A-frames under the pines, and Kingsbury Grade chalets with fast mountain access.
Ready to plan your move? Explore neighborhoods, HOA insights, beach and marina access, and seasonal living tips in our full relocation guide.
Read the Complete Zephyr Cove Relocation Guide →186 people live in Zephyr Cove, where the median age is 43 and the average individual income is $128,917. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
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Zephyr Cove has 165 households, with an average household size of 2. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Zephyr Cove do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 186 people call Zephyr Cove home. The population density is 4,843.9 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
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There's plenty to do around Zephyr Cove, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.
Explore popular things to do in the area, including J Boutique, Will & Ivey, and Sierra Blue Yoga and Wellness.
Name | Category | Distance | Reviews |
Ratings by
Yelp
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Shopping | 2.91 miles | 6 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
Shopping | 2.24 miles | 7 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
Active | 2.21 miles | 5 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
Active | 2.25 miles | 11 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
Active | 2.71 miles | 25 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
Active | 2.21 miles | 13 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
Beauty | 3.39 miles | 30 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
Beauty | 2.74 miles | 16 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
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