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Tellico Lake : Tennessee

What it's Like to Retire in Tellico Lake

Tellico Lake, more correctly called Tellico Reservoir is a very large reservoir in Tennessee that was created by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) in 1979 by the Tellico Dam. The dam impounded the Little Tennessee River and the lower Tellico River. The lake has approximately 357 miles of shoreline. Although there is no town called Tellico Lake, several towns are located on or near the lake, including Franklin and Vonore in Loudon County. Knoxville is about 30 minutes away. Many retirees have settled in this area and live along the lake, many of them in active communities or other types of developments.

Where to Retire in Tellico Lake and Home Prices

You can live in one of the small towns around the lake, or in an active adult community. Rarity Bay and Tellico Village are 2 of the biggest (see links at right). Home prices are hard to determine here, because it depends if you are in a development and/or how close you are to the lake. New homes in the nicer developments will start in the mid $200's. The typical home sells in the $150's.

What is special about Tellico Lake

The recreational possibilities are incredible here for boating, fishing, golf, and just plain relaxing. If you recall the famous snail darter (an endangered species), the controversy over the creature was the reason why Tellico Dam was one of the last TVA dams to be constructed.

What is not special about Tellico Lake

The area is rural and somewhat remote. You will have to drive just about everywhere for anything.

Who will like retirement in Tellico Lake

People who want to live near a lake in tax friendly Tennessee might like to retire here.

Local economy is driven by

Tourism and second homes are a big part of the local economy.

Climate and Physical Environment

Average January temp is in the high 30s and average July temp in the high 70s. Tellico Lake is in the eastern part of Tennessee.

Restaurants & Cultural Scene

Vonore has a library and Community Center. Trip Advisor lists 19 restaurants in Tellico, with undoubtedly more in Vonore (Countryside Inn) and other towns. Most of these restaurants are casual cafes, drive-ins, and the like. The outdoor life is the main form of culture here. Vonore has a community center. Early American Indians had major settlements in the area and there are rich archeological remains such as the Icehouse Bottom Site.

Crime

The crime rate is unusually low.

Medical facilities

The nearest hospitals of any size are in Maryville or Knoxville (UTenn), about 45 minutes away.

Transportation

The automoblile is the major form of transport. Knoxville McGhee Tyson Airport is the nearest larger airport, although the Monroe County Airport is in Sweetwater. Many people travel by boat although there aren't many commercial destinations along the reservoir.

Valuable Links

Tellico Reservoir

Vonore Tennesee on Wikipedia

What people are saying about Tellico Lake
LOVE Tellico!!!
We would choose Tellico, except for one thing. Let me explain: We began researching and traveling to areas of interest for our retirement. We were looking for better weather than MN (which is just about everywhere)! We first went to FL, and decided it was too crowded for us. Then onto TX, and it seemed too dry, therefore we decided that most of the SW would be similar. After researching online, we visited Tellico in March 2009. The weather was fabulous and the people were friendly. We met ReMax realtors named Ron Lascola and Karen Snell. Their love and knowledge of the area was infectious! Really great folks. Tellico has single family homes/townhomes/villas/rentals/and condos in a myriad of price ranges from $150k-$1 million+. The closer to the water, the higher the prices, although there were many places to choose from and lots of competition. There was a variety of people and family sizes represented from other states. We returned July 2010 to find a new grocery store and lots of new development. Tellico had many basic services: Bank, salons, P.O., Library etc. A clinic maybe? The closest hotel and Catholic Church (important to us) was in Lenior City. I thought the roads were slow and busy getting across the dam and into Knoxville. We attended a newcomers meeting and felt very welcome. They encouraged us to sign up for a wide variety of activities or clubs. Almost every interest was represented. You won\'t have any problem finding things to do in Tellico. In addition to the beautiful golf courses, there were several swimming pools, including a nice new indoor one, along with club houses/tennis exercise rooms etc. I believe there was an extra charge to use the clubs, above the standard (HOA/tax) type fee for village maintenance about $110.00 a month, I think. They had a marina, a yacht club/restaurant, parks, and a swimming/picnic area for kids too. All fun, and so very picturesque! Clean air AND decent weather!! The reason we chose not to move there is due to the fact that there was no nearby full service airstrip. I know this doesn\'t concern most folks, yet is paramount to our decision as we will commute using a small aircraft. Perhaps TopRetirements would host a blog regarding best places to retire near small airports?
Posted by caps on January 31, 2014
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I posted here yesterday. I\'m wondering what happened to it.
Posted by caps on January 31, 2014
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I took time to post. Where is it?
Posted by caps on January 31, 2014

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Showcase Listing

Tellico Village

Nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Tellico Village comprises over 5,000 acres along Tellico Lake. Established in 1986, it has become one of the premier golf and water communities in the southeast. Its three private championship go....

Tellico Lake Active Communities

Facts about TELLICO LAKE

State: TN
Environment: Mountain,Lake,Boating Community,Golf Community,Resort Community,
City Population: Less than 10,000
Median age of Population: 25-44
Avg Jan Temperature: 21-40
Avg July Temperature: 60-80
Median HH Income: 20,001-40,000
Average Home Price (MLS): $100,000-$200,000
Annual Property Tax on a $200,000 house: Less than 2000
Total Crime Index: 81-90 (low)
Cost of Living Index: 91-100 (slightly below average)
Culture Index: 81-90 (low)
State Sales Tax: Yes
State Income Tax: No
Name of the Guide: boomer1

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