If you've thought about moving out of Philadelphia when you retire, there's one area in Tennessee you should know about — Tellico Lake.
Tellico Lake has a way of pulling people in. Once you drive along its shoreline with the Smoky Mountains in the distance, it is easy to start picturing life here. The lake covers more than 16,000 acres and offers hundreds of miles of winding coves. Several communities have grown up around it over the years, each with its own feel, amenities, and price range. If you are looking at real estate in eastern Tennessee, understanding the differences between places like Tellico Village, Kahite, Rarity Bay, WindRiver, and the smaller neighborhoods will help narrow your search.
Tellico Village is the biggest and oldest development on the lake. It began in the late 1980s and now has thousands of homes and around 7,000 residents. People often describe it as a small town inside the lake area. You will find three championship golf courses, several marinas, a large wellness center with an indoor pool, tennis and pickleball courts, and more clubs than most people can keep track of.
Home prices cover a wide spectrum. You can find older homes starting in the low $300,000s and new lakefront properties that reach well over a million. The annual HOA fee stays reasonable for the amount of amenities, typically between $1,000 and $1,200. The strongest selling point is social life. If you enjoy scheduled activities, group outings, or simply having plenty of neighbors to meet, this community keeps things lively.
The size does come with some drawbacks. Weekends can feel busy, and driving across the village might take fifteen or twenty minutes. For buyers who prefer a quieter setting, the central areas can seem too active.
Kahite sits within Tellico Village but stands out enough to deserve separate attention. It is the newest section and occupies a peninsula almost surrounded by water. Homes here tend to be more modern, with larger lots and updated designs. Prices usually begin in the mid-$400,000s and move upward from there.
Residents enjoy full access to all village amenities, plus their own clubhouse, outdoor pool, and practice facilities. Many people choose Kahite because they want the big-community perks without living right in the middle of everything. It offers more privacy and space while still letting you tap into the golf courses and events across the village. Compared to the older sections, Kahite feels fresher and less crowded on a daily basis.
Rarity Bay occupies its own peninsula a few miles away from Tellico Village. It is fully gated, which gives it an immediate sense of security and exclusivity. The homes follow a European country style with plenty of stone and brick, and the whole community has a polished look.
You get one solid championship golf course, tennis and pickleball courts, an equestrian center, a clubhouse with lake-view dining, and a nice dog park. The HOA fee runs lower than many larger communities, often in the $600 to $700 range annually. Home prices start around $300,000 for patio homes and climb to several million for custom lakefront estates.
Rarity Bay appeals to buyers who want quiet and refinement. The peninsula location means water views in almost every direction, and the smaller size keeps things intimate. It beats Tellico Village on privacy and lower ongoing costs, but you trade away the multiple golf courses and indoor pool.
WindRiver sits on the northwest side of the lake, closer to Lenoir City and Knoxville. It is another gated community, but it positions itself as high-end resort living. Homes start higher, usually in the $600,000s, with many custom builds going well over $2 million.
The golf course here earns high marks and carries Audubon certification. There is a full marina, a good lakeside restaurant, hiking trails, and a modern fitness center. Everything feels newer and carefully landscaped.
WindRiver stands out if you want upscale finishes and a more exclusive crowd. It offers better dining options than most lake communities and easier access to town for errands or medical appointments. The price reflects the luxury level, so it suits buyers who prioritize quality and seclusion over sheer number of activities.
Not everyone needs a long list of amenities. Several smaller developments around Tellico Lake focus on waterfront access and views while keeping rules and fees minimal.
Legacy Shores limits itself to about 100 lots, many with private docks. Foothills Pointe emphasizes elevated sites for panoramic sunrise and sunset views. Harbour Place near Maryville and Thunder Pointe near Vonore follow a similar pattern: smaller scale, dockable lots, and lower HOA costs, often under $500 a year.
These areas work well for independent buyers who plan to boat, fish, or relax without paying for golf or clubhouses they will never use. They offer better value on pure lakefront living, though you give up organized social events and resort-style facilities.
Your choice depends on daily life priorities. If you want variety, events, and good value, Tellico Village or Kahite usually wins. For gated privacy and refinement at a reasonable cost, Rarity Bay makes a strong case. WindRiver takes the lead when luxury and newer construction matter most. The smaller spots shine for budget-conscious buyers who just want a home on the water.
Location around the lake affects convenience too. Northwest areas sit closer to Knoxville for hospitals and shopping. Eastern sections deliver stronger mountain views and a more tucked-away feel. Always check water depth, dock rules, and flood zones for any specific property.
The only real way to know is to visit. Come in different seasons. Rent for a week if possible. Talk to residents. Walk the docks at sunset. Chat with a local Tellico Lake real estate agent. Tellico Lake has options for almost every taste. Finding the neighborhood that clicks will make the move feel exactly right.
