Smart Lakefront Retirement Communities in Tennessee
Recently we wrote a story about comparing taxes in Florida verses Tennessee. More than the tax cost savings, we know there’s something magical about Tennessee attracting retirees to lakefront retirement communities. Is it the incredible friendliness of the people, the variety of topography or the abundance of tasty southern-comfort foods? Maybe all three.
Pretty much everyone knows most of the folks who live in Florida are transplants from northeastern states. Rarely do Floridians find a true ‘conch’ (someone born in a specific area in Florida). Folks have been migrating to Florida to escape the snow and high taxes. As a resident for 45+ years, we’ve witnessed the most popular cities become high density areas where residents have to battle traffic and wait in long lines for any decent restaurant.
In Eastern Tennessee, we feel there’s still plenty of elbow room and stunning lakefront homes in Tennessee to choose from. Drive in any directions, and within 30 minutes you may find yourself in a very rural area. Savvy home buyers have discovered that living within 30 minutes of country clubs in Knoxville TN offers the best of all worlds and a ‘good life’. They can experience a sense of space and yet step into a cosmopolitan-type day in downtown Knoxville.
One of the lakefront retirement communities we find that offers a ‘good life’ is Rarity Bay on Tellico Lake. And with the fall season reaching its peak, residents are seeing the trees turn into a watercolor of gorgeous bursts of red, yellow and orange with the Great Smoky Mountains in the backdrop.
Our trusted colleague at Rarity, On the Lake Realty, has sold several lakefront homes in Tennessee this year at Rarity along with a few new construction spec homes. Under new ownership, Rarity Bay is being continually improved. This year, the gated entrance was enhanced and the fitness center is currently being remodeled. Rarity Bay POA dues are only $756 per year. The Social Club membership dues are currently $157 per month. If you’re a social butterfly, you’ll find there’s always something going on at the clubhouse. Rarity offers a great alternative to country clubs in Knoxville TN.
This week, we found these beautiful homes for sale at Rarity Bay:
135 OSPREY CIRCLE - $450,000
Gorgeous three bedrooms, 2 baths 2,200 square feet new construction all brick home on golf course hole #8 in Rarity Bay. FULL GOLF membership can be included! (A $25,000 value) Basement awaits to finish how you want it. The home has 2 bedrooms + office/bedroom on main level with 3 car garage, full unfinished without basement for additional storage/garage space. Laundry room opens to Master Bath. Oil rubbed bronze fixtures, granite counter tops & center Island, hardwood floors, Kitchen Aid stainless appliances, tile. Natural gas fireplace, All brick & stone for low maintenance.
211 WREN COURT - $875,000
Like brand new all brick and stone home on golf course with fabulous wide open views of Tellico Lake and mountains and 3 different golf holes! This house was specially designed by world renowned architect Gary Best for this location, capturing the spectacular views of the mountains, rivers and golf course. The finest of amenities include granite, onsite finished hardwood floors, stainless appliances, 2 gas fireplaces and one wood burning. 6 person Hot tub and a sauna! An old world wine cellar with refrigeration. Enjoy movies at home in the theater room complete w/ elevated theater chairs and a 106'' screen. 3 HVAC units and 4 zones! A 3 season room off of kitchen that wraps around home. Custom plantation blinds and window treatments. Even a lower level golf cart entrance.
235 PINEBERRY DRIVE - $999,000
All-World luxury and charm found in this expansive, lakefront home. Main level features vaulted ceilings with breathtaking lake views. Wake up each morning to panoramic lake views from your main level master suite. His/hers baths, and huge walk-in closets, with laundry room are also featured in the master suite. Lake views from the main floor sunroom and veranda are picturesque. Home features a 3 stop elevator. The middle floor contains two bedrooms (one a master suite), large office with built-ins, game room, and another spacious veranda. Lakeviews are also abundant from this level. The lower level/basement features a craft room, 1 1/2 Bath, workshop & 3+ car garage possible. Buyer to verify square footage. Golf membership ($25,000) is not required but can be included at NO Charge.
The movement of ‘half backs’ continues to rise. Many of our inquires are from Floridians who want to move away from the cities and half way back to the northeast. After living with no state income tax, these folks find it hard to move to a state who will be now taxing their retirement income. This makes living in Tennessee a natural choice.
If you enjoy boating, golf and the great outdoors, we encourage you to tour Rarity Bay with our colleague who will share with you a wealth of information about living in the area as well as where to find bargain lakefront homes in Tennessee.
Call Karen Millikan direct at On the Lake Realty 423.519.3258 ext 1 to schedule a tour.
