Lots of guys live in the Reno area, and if you're going to live on the lake I'd go for the Nevada side (and instant 10% raise due to CA taxes). Incline Village on the north shore is prime, though expensive. Lots of commuters out of RNO with not too many flights, so getting the j/s may be an issue.

The problem with Tahoe is that you're going to have to commit to either flying or driving since RNO is one way and SFO is the other. Either way you're kind of in a bowl and you've got to go up over Donner if heading west, or Mt. Rose to the east which shut down regularly in the winter. I'd plan on a 3 hour drive, but give yourself 4 in case of traffic. Getting to the bay is usually a breeze (unless it's Sunday and you're fighting everyone driving home), but things grind to a halt in the Richmond/Berkeley area for much of the day.

Reno guys drive to the airport and stop if the flight look good, and keep on driving if bad. Ron Kent should chime in here with more info.