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TRUCKEE, Calif. — It can be said that quality of life is synonymous with where you live. As such, neighborhoods play a vital role in our well being. To a large extent, they determine who our friends are, what hobbies we do, where we go and even how people raise their children.
For these reasons, and many others, the Sierra Sun and Tahoe Bonanza decided to ask its North Tahoe and Truckee readers which neighborhood they thought was the best. And though every neighborhood can make the claim, this year's winner was Sierra Meadows in Truckee, a 500-plus-home neighborhood.
Steve Funk, board president of Sierra Mountain Management, which governs the neighborhood's many associations, said it's exceptional only in its simplicity.
“You don't have any attitudes,” said Funk, referring to the neighborhood's lack of geo-snobbery. “The people who do live there like it a lot and they're very quiet about it.”
Adding to his explanation, Funk said, unlike many higher-priced neighborhoods, Sierra Mead ows is a neighborhood that caters to middle-class families who are just starting out for the first time. There are kids who walk the streets, new mothers and fa thers, and a smattering of elderly couples living in the neighborhood, all enjoying its ease of access to local schools, the Truck ee downtown area and, for those who are traveling to Reno or Sacramento, to Inter state 80.
Funk said it wasn't always like this when the neighborhood first began in 1969. Then, Funk described it as more of a place for second-homeowners looking for an affordable Lake Tahoe alternative.
“Now I would say 70 percent are full-time residents, which gives you more of a traditional neighborhood feel,” he said.
And it's that feel of suburban freedom that Funk said he and his fellow board of directors are seeking to preserve by keeping their rules and regulations to an ut most minimum, and by balancing amenities at their club house to keep homeowner dues low and affordable.
“One of the things our neighborhood has going for it is that it is a very simple homeowners association with minimal regulations,” he said. “It's fairly laid-back.”
Sierra Meadows' affordable nature, Funk said, has allowed the neighborhood to weather the recession well. Funk said its simplicity and affordability has drawn continued demand throughout the recession, as wealthier home buyers seek to re duce their expenses, and middle-class fam ilies continue to seek refuge in the area's moderately-priced mortgages.
“When prices got to be too much on the higher end, some of these more middle-of-the-road homes became more desired,” he said. “I don't think we felt a big hit like some of the other communities.”
Looking back on his own experience in the neighborhood, Funk said he first moved to the area in 1997, and, like many residents who live there now, was looking for a sustainable area to raise his then-starting family.
“It was probably the best thing I could have done for raising a family,” Funk said.
As his children matured, he said he always felt confident that they would be safe and free from the crime haunting the typical urban neighborhoods in big cities. This, he said, was simply due to the many families and residents in the area who had like-minded values.
“What you do have is a block-to-block watch by neighbors, whether they're out mowing their lawns or going to work,” he said. “You feel very trusting that you can be gone and your neighbors will be watching.”
As a board member, Funk said he and fellow members always make sure residents are treated equally, with no preferential treatment given to status.
“My biggest thing and one of the things that I've based my decisions on working on the board is fairness,” Funk said. “It doesn't matter if you've lived here one year or 30 years — the rules apply to everyone the same.”
Going forward Funk said his board will continue its commitment to keeping things simple and affordable, while keeping to the area's modest yet enjoyable feel. A feel Funk said he hopes will be maintained for years to come.
For these reasons, and many others, the Sierra Sun and Tahoe Bonanza decided to ask its North Tahoe and Truckee readers which neighborhood they thought was the best. And though every neighborhood can make the claim, this year's winner was Sierra Meadows in Truckee, a 500-plus-home neighborhood.
Steve Funk, board president of Sierra Mountain Management, which governs the neighborhood's many associations, said it's exceptional only in its simplicity.
“You don't have any attitudes,” said Funk, referring to the neighborhood's lack of geo-snobbery. “The people who do live there like it a lot and they're very quiet about it.”
Adding to his explanation, Funk said, unlike many higher-priced neighborhoods, Sierra Mead ows is a neighborhood that caters to middle-class families who are just starting out for the first time. There are kids who walk the streets, new mothers and fa thers, and a smattering of elderly couples living in the neighborhood, all enjoying its ease of access to local schools, the Truck ee downtown area and, for those who are traveling to Reno or Sacramento, to Inter state 80.
Funk said it wasn't always like this when the neighborhood first began in 1969. Then, Funk described it as more of a place for second-homeowners looking for an affordable Lake Tahoe alternative.
“Now I would say 70 percent are full-time residents, which gives you more of a traditional neighborhood feel,” he said.
And it's that feel of suburban freedom that Funk said he and his fellow board of directors are seeking to preserve by keeping their rules and regulations to an ut most minimum, and by balancing amenities at their club house to keep homeowner dues low and affordable.
“One of the things our neighborhood has going for it is that it is a very simple homeowners association with minimal regulations,” he said. “It's fairly laid-back.”
Sierra Meadows' affordable nature, Funk said, has allowed the neighborhood to weather the recession well. Funk said its simplicity and affordability has drawn continued demand throughout the recession, as wealthier home buyers seek to re duce their expenses, and middle-class fam ilies continue to seek refuge in the area's moderately-priced mortgages.
“When prices got to be too much on the higher end, some of these more middle-of-the-road homes became more desired,” he said. “I don't think we felt a big hit like some of the other communities.”
Looking back on his own experience in the neighborhood, Funk said he first moved to the area in 1997, and, like many residents who live there now, was looking for a sustainable area to raise his then-starting family.
“It was probably the best thing I could have done for raising a family,” Funk said.
As his children matured, he said he always felt confident that they would be safe and free from the crime haunting the typical urban neighborhoods in big cities. This, he said, was simply due to the many families and residents in the area who had like-minded values.
“What you do have is a block-to-block watch by neighbors, whether they're out mowing their lawns or going to work,” he said. “You feel very trusting that you can be gone and your neighbors will be watching.”
As a board member, Funk said he and fellow members always make sure residents are treated equally, with no preferential treatment given to status.
“My biggest thing and one of the things that I've based my decisions on working on the board is fairness,” Funk said. “It doesn't matter if you've lived here one year or 30 years — the rules apply to everyone the same.”
Going forward Funk said his board will continue its commitment to keeping things simple and affordable, while keeping to the area's modest yet enjoyable feel. A feel Funk said he hopes will be maintained for years to come.
Finalists
Kings Beach
Affordability and lake access are two of the significant traits drawing homeowners to Kings Beach neighborhoods. The area at the moment is undergoing a major change in affordable housing and community revitalization with Placer County projects such as the Kings Beach Commercial Core Project and Domus Developments affordable housing project, the latter of which will bring 77 new units of affordable housing to the area. Couple this with its prime location near Highway 267 for those wishing to access Northstar-at-Tahoe or head to Interstate 80, and you get a neighborhood that is on the rise. Glenshire Nestled in the pines of Union Valley, Glenshire boasts easy access to many recreational and retail opportunities. The neighborhood is located in the east end of Truckee, roughly a 10-minute drive from the hustle and bustle of the downtown and yet a short cut to Interstate 80 from its east end. Some of its amenities include a club house with tennis courts, a basketball court, swimming and wading pool and access to the Lake Trail, which when completed will stretch more than 4,000 feet on a 6-foot wide paved path. Prosser Conveniently located just north of downtown Truckee for shopping and dining, and with quick access to Interstate 80, the Prosser area, like Glenshire, is known for having ease of access with a mountain backdrop. Nestled in a deeply forested setting, the quiet neighborhoods are said to offer a retreat with year-round recreation opportunities. Bordered by National Forest lands, hiking, mountain biking trails, cross country skiing and snowmobiling are just outside the door. Residents also enjoy being able to walk to Prosser Reservoir, or enjoy nearby Stampede and Boca reservoirs, popular for boating, fishing and water sports. Adding to the convenience, no homeowner dues are required. |
