The popularity of the active retirement community of Tellico Village continues to increase. Besides being ranked as number one in affordability, Tennessee also has a mild climate, low tax rates, and good access to healthcare in its favor. With the addition of great recreational and wellness activities, more than 200 clubs and organizations, and three award-winning golf courses, retirees from across the nation are choosing to retire at Tellico Village.
Tellico Village is located in eastern Tennessee in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains and on the banks of Tellico Lake. The lakeshore community occupies over 5,000 acres in two counties: Loudon and Monroe.
Tellico Village is continually ranked by Bliss Awards as one of the best places to retire in the southeast.
Here are 18 reasons why the waterfront Tellico Village is popular with retirees.
Note: While Tellico Village and Fletcher Marketing PR sponsored my visit, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
1. Extremely Low Taxes
Tennessee has no state income tax, nor state inheritance tax. It also enjoys some of the lowest property taxes in the country. A study by Bankrate ranks Tennessee as number one in affordability because of the combination of below-average living costs and low property taxes.
2. Mild Climate With Four Distinct Seasons
Village residents love the mild climate with the extended spring season and long fall season. One resident explained his thoughts on winter: “Just hang out at home ‘till noon, then it is plenty warm.”
3. Jaw-Dropping Surroundings And Location
Tellico Village is located on 5,000 acres along the shores of Lake Tellico in eastern Tennessee. With its 357 miles of shoreline, Tellico Lake offers residents many recreational activities. Loudon County has gained the reputation as the “Lakeway to the Smokies.”
Retirees also mention their ideal location: Tellico Village is located within a day’s drive of 60 percent of the U.S. population.
If you are driving, Tellico Village is close to two major interstate highways: I-75 and I-40.
Tellico is easy to reach by air also. You can fly into McGhee Tyson Airport, just south of Knoxville, and drive the 30-minute trip to Tellico Village. If you are looking for a “Big City Fix,” Knoxville is a thriving city with many historical, cultural, and artistic experiences.
4. Proximity To World Class Medical Facilities
Less than 10 miles from Tellico Village is the Fort Loudoun Medical Center, with more than 200 doctors and emergency and hospital facilities. Additional quality medical services are found at the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville, approximately 40 minutes away from the village.
5. Access To On-Site Injury Assessment
Tellico Village has an on-site Tennessee Orthopaedic Clinic offering residents free injury assessment by a certified and licensed athletic trainer. Help is also available with home exercise rehabilitation programs.
6. Village Concept Is All Resident Run
Tellico Village is all resident-run, with a seven-member board of directors who take on the responsibilities of the village government. There are a number of advisory committees that advise the board and make recommendations. Thus, as one resident stated, “We are all dependent on each other for the quality of life here.”
7. Three Championship Golf Courses
The Village boasts three championship golf courses designed by nationally recognized golf architects. Each course offers a variety and distinct personality. Also available are three clubhouses, two driving ranges, short-range practice areas, and practice putting greens. As part of the monthly fees, all homeowners have a membership to all three courses.
8. Wide Range Of Indoor And Outdoor Wellness Activities
Tellico Village offers eight lighted pickleball courts, three tennis complexes with 10 courts, and several racketball courts. With over 700 members, the Tellico Village Pickleball Club ranks as one of the largest pickleball clubs in the nation.
A wide range of wellness activities is offered, including swimming, fitness classes, cardio, and strength building.
Tellico also offers more than 20 miles of walking and hiking trails maintained throughout the village. Most of the trails have been built by volunteers. There are four hiking clubs available in the village.
9. Water Sports, Boating, Yachting, And Fishing
Tellico Village features three marinas with water sports, including boating, yachting, sailing, personal watercraft, kayaking, and paddle boarding in beautiful clean waters. Recreation members are offered free paddle boards, kayaks and paddle board 101, and kayaking 101 lessons. Tellico Lake doesn’t freeze so you can leave your boat there year-round. If desired, a kayak launch and storage facility is available to rent. Boating Magazine recognizes Tellico Village as one of the “Best Places To Live And Boat.” All residents automatically become members of the Yachting Club.
Check out Soggy Bottom Kayakers to explore Tennessee’s waterways and America’s Great Loop for a more extended cruise.
The Tellico Village Fishing Club enjoys year-round fishing. The main fish caught are small mouth bass.
10. The Arts Of Tellico Village
The Art Guild Of Tellico Village has a variety of opportunities, including lectures, exhibits, tours, and workshops. The variety of clubs includes music, photography, stained glass, quilting, and woodworking. Many of the clubs contribute to community charities such as Toys For Tots.
11. The New Villagers Club
The New Villagers Club welcomes newcomers to Tellico Village and offers events to help folks weave into the village social structure and meet other villagers. Last year, the club held 120 events to help newcomers meet other newcomers.
12. Public Library At Tellico Village
The 64,000-square-foot Public Library at Tellico Village is the only public Tennessee library not funded by a municipality. Many free or inexpensive classes of interest to seniors are offered, including history, computer, writing, medical information, financial information, and gardening classes. There are many volunteer opportunities through the Friends Of Tellico Library.
13. Enjoy Community Dining
Each of the clubhouses offers dining facilities. The Blue Heron Restaurant and Lounge is the area fine dining restaurant at the Yacht Club. The other clubhouses offer bar and grill types of restaurants.
14. On-Site Adult Day Care Center And Graduated Care Facilities
Newly opened is “Our Place,” an adult day care program for seniors living with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Our place also provides caregivers with support and resources.
“Senior Living” has independent living apartments catering to individual needs. “The Neighborhood” in Tellico Village offers assisted living apartments.
15. Many Volunteer Opportunities
Because the community totally runs Tellico Village, there are many volunteer opportunities. Indeed, volunteerism is one of the critical strengths of the Village. The Tellico Village Volunteer Fire Department boasts of a 4-minute response time and, as such, helps to keep home insurance premiums low. The Citizens Observer Patrol and Neighborhood Watch are pro-active groups aiming to deter village crime and vandalism. Another volunteer organization, the Tellico Boaters Assistance Response Team (T-BART), provides dawn-to-dusk assistance to boaters in distress on Tellico Lake.
Tellico Village is known for its overall safety and security with these and other amenities.
16. Diversity Of Housing
The diversity of housing styles and price range at Tellico Village add to the charm of the village. There are numerous styles of homes, big and small, townhouses, and single-family homes. More than 9,000 full-time residents call Tellico Village home.
17. Ample Water Resources
Loudon County, where Tellico Village is situated, is often referred to as the “Lakeway To The Smokies” because of the abundance of pristine lakes and rivers. Tellico Village, sitting on the banks of Tellico Lake, boasts ample water resources while some communities across the nation are suffering from severe droughts.
Suppose you are interested in visiting Tellico Village. In that case, Discovery Programs are available, offering the opportunity for you to stay a few days in the village and experience what it has to offer. Consider a visit and experience all that is Tellico Village. You will be happy that you did so.
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