Discover Tennessee
“East Tennessee — Where Lifestyle Meets Value
From the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains to the pristine shores of Tellico Lake, East Tennessee offers an unmatched combination of natural beauty, low taxes, and lakefront living. The Knoxville metro is one of the fastest-growing regions in the Southeast — and one of the last places where luxury lakefront and mountain-view living remains genuinely affordable.
WHY EAST TENNESSEE
- No state income tax — Tennessee has no personal income tax, making it one of the most tax-friendly states in the country for retirees, second-home buyers, and relocating professionals.
- Lower insurance and operating costs compared to coastal markets.
- Knoxville MSA population has grown 12–13% since 2010, with continued in-migration from the Midwest, Southeast, Nashville, and Atlanta.
- Proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park — the most visited national park in the United States.
- Access to TVA-managed lakes with clean, stream-fed water including Tellico Lake, Watts Bar Lake, and Fort Loudoun Lake.
- Ranked consistently among the best places to retire and relocate in the Southeast.
Knoxville & West Tennessee
Knoxville is the anchor of East Tennessee — home to the University of Tennessee, a growing tech and healthcare economy, and a vibrant downtown riverfront. West Knoxville and Farragut offer top-rated schools, upscale retail and dining, and easy access to both the mountains and the lake. The area draws families, professionals, and retirees alike, and its affordability relative to Nashville, Atlanta, and coastal markets continues to drive strong population growth.
- Knoxville MSA population growth: +12.7% (2010–2023)
- Top 10 best places to retire in the Southeast
- No state income tax
- 30 minutes to the Great Smoky Mountains
Tellico Lake — East Tennessee's Premier Lakefront Address
Tellico Lake stretches across Loudon, Monroe, and Blount Counties, offering 14,200 acres of clean, stream-fed water sourced directly from the Great Smoky Mountains. Unlike coastal and Florida markets, Tellico Lake offers luxury lakefront living at a significant value — lakefront and golf community homes in the area range from $500,000 to $950,000, compared to $1.2M–$2.5M+ for comparable coastal properties. That’s a 40–60% relative discount for the same lifestyle.
- 14,200 acres of clean TVA-managed lake water
- 55+ population within 10 miles: ~24,000 residents
- 40,000 overnight lakefront vacation stays annually
- Lakefront & golf community home prices: $500K–$950K
- 40–60% more affordable than comparable coastal markets
A Lifestyle Worth Building For
Golf
WindRiver Golf Club, Tellico Village (Tanasi, Kahite, Toqua), Tennessee National
Great Smokey Mountains
Hiking, Waterfalls, Scenic drives, National Park Access
Boating & Lake Access
Tellico Lake, Watts Bar Lake, Fort Loudoun Lake
Dining & Entertainment
Knoxville’s Market Square, Farragut Town Center, Old City
Shopping
West Town Mall, Turkey Creek, Kingston Pike Corridor
History & Culture
Museum of Appalachia, Tennessee Theatre, World’s Fair Park
A Region on the Rise
- Knoxville MSA: +12.7% population growth (2010–2023)
- 55+ population within 10 miles of Tellico Lake: ~24,000 today → projected 29.5% growth by 2028
- Nashville corridor spillover: Nashville MSA grew 20%+ in same period; East Tennessee is absorbing lifestyle migration
- In-migration sources: Midwest, Southeast, Nashville, Atlanta — buyers seeking lower taxes, lake and mountain access, and affordability