I've spent some time in Mammoth off and on the last couple years and I absolutely love the area, love the people I've met and know there- and as much as I thought about going there I am happy I ended up back in south lake. Shoulder season is almost non existent here anymore (slows some finally after labor day, especially october-thanksgiving) so there's always something to do. IMO it's got just enough infrastructure to usually have what you need, and carson isn't far and feels kind of fun to go down into when I need something, it's a good excuse to get out of town and take a nice drive.

Housing is definitely easier here in Tahoe, and realistically that's what brought me back here over going to Mammoth. It's far from perfect, but there's significantly more options nonetheless.