Fairfield Glade versus Tellico Village - The Big Debate

There are two master planned communities that are frequently compared by our buyers searching for where to retire in Eastern Tennessee. Because we know these communities well, we thought we’d quickly compare the differences for you. Tellico Village is about 30 minutes west of Knoxville and Fairfield Glade is an hour west of Knoxville. One of the reasons Baby Boomers choose Eastern Tennessee for retirement is because of no state income tax and mild four season weather. Fairfield Glade and Tellico Village are both excellent choices. Here's what we see:

FAIRFIELD GLADE

A LA CARTE AMENITIES - Development of Fairfield Glade began in the late 1970’s and today, more than 4,500 homes have been built. This Cookeville TN real estate development was designed with budget conscious retirees in mind. For example, this community has 5 golf courses, 12 tennis courts, 4 swimming pools, two clubhouses and a brand new wellness center and yet HOA fees are less than $1,000 a year. There are no expensive initiation fees. Fairfield Glade residents pay for amenities a la carte. If you don’t use it, you don’t pay for it. We checked out the latest golf course reviews and found the Stonehenge and Druid Hills course at Fairfield Glade are still 4 star rated. Golfweek Magazine named Stonehenge on the list of Top 5 Golf Courses in Tennessee. Fairfield Glade recently expanded its walking trails by adding 7 miles of new nature trails in addition to their paved pathways.

LOW HOME PRICES - Fairfield Glade has low home prices. If you don’t mind updating a house, you can easily find homes priced under $200k. Cookeville TN real estate average prices are in the mid $150k's. Fairfield Glade introduced new cottage homes last year starting at $219,900 plus the lot. Lot prices start in the $20k’s. It is possible to build a beautiful brand new home under $300k. Fairfield Glade’s new cottage homes include features such as granite kitchen counter tops, 9’ ceilings, hardwood flooring, crown molding, tile showers and more.

OUTGOING NEIGHBORS - Residents at Fairfield Glade are friendly and well connected. Just try to move in and not receive a welcoming warm apple pie from a neighbor. There are more than 100 social clubs at Fairfield Glades. Each week, residents are informed about what’s happening by email along with postings in the amenity centers. Social events include art classes, fitness classes, music events, sporting events and even Vodka tasting. The property owner scorecards we have on file reveal a strong sense of community and happiness.

MEDICAL CARE IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD - CMC Wellness Center operated by Cumberland Medical Center is the community’s fitness center. Resident’s can also obtain mammography imaging, physical therapy and aquatic therapy at the center. A new 30,000 square foot Cumberland Medical Center broke ground recently which will add more medical services and doctors offices adjacent to the wellness center. Fairfield Glade has quality medical facilities in its neighborhood.

COOLER MILD WEATHER - Fairfield Glade’s elevation on the Cumberland Plateau is approximately 2,000 feet. The upcountry elevation provides cooler weather during the summer months and some snow in the winter.

POSSIBLE DOWNSIDE - Buyers have expressed to us that they feel Fairfield Glade is kinda in the middle of nowhere. At Fairfield Glade, they say it’s in the middle of everywhere and technically they’re right. The question lies with you, as to how far you are willing to be from an international airport, major sporting venue or high end shopping malls. Knoxville is only one hour to the east and Nashville two hours to the west. Cookeville is the nearest adorable town and is about 45 minutes from Fairfield. Cookeville Tennessee has a charming downtown square and big box stores such as Belk, Hobby Lobby, Kolh’s and more. Crossville is only 20 minutes from Fairfield’s entrance and has the basics such as Wal-Mart, Lowes, and Kroger. We find Fairfield Glade to be one of the best master planned communities in the Cookeville TN real estate area.

TELLICO VILLAGE



BOATING LAKE - 16,000 acre Tellico Lake sets Tellico Village apart from Fairfield Glade coming out of the gate. Yes, Fairfield Glade has 11 spring fed lakes but Tellico Village borders a massive lake that is navigable to downtown Knoxville or to the Gulf of Mexico and the mesmerizing Great Smoky Mountains are highly visible from the lake. Tellico Lake has been named one of the Best Places to Boat in the U.S. by Boating Life Magazine. Speed boats and sailboats dominate the landscape. If you’re a boater, Tellico Lake is one of the most practical lakes to live on. The elevation is at approximately 1,000 feet providing a warmer climate for boating in Tennessee.

WATERFRONT HOMES - A large number of homes at Tellico Village are waterfront homes or have beautiful lake views. Loudon real estate prices are slightly higher reflecting the intrinsic value. Tellico Village began development began in the late 1980’s and there are 3,300 homes built to date. The average home price at Tellico Village is $287k. The membership model is similar to Fairfield Glade where property owners are not required to join the club and can pay for amenities a la carte. HOA fees are slightly higher at approximately $1,200 per year.

A LA CARTE AMENITIES - Tellico Village amenities include 3 championship golf courses, a yacht club, 8 tennis courts, 3 swimming pools and ball courts. The golf courses are the Kahiti, Tanasi, and Toqua. The Toqua golf course has a 4 star rating. Buyers who purchase property at Tellico Village are not required to join a club. No expensive initiation fees. At this Loudon real estate development, you only pay for the amenities you use. The impressive 26,000 square foot Tellico Village Wellness Center opened in 2007 and club membership fees run about $50 a month.

PROXIMITY TO TURKEY CREEK SHOPPING - If you enjoy shopping, this place may put a hurting on your wallet. Turkey Creek Shopping in Knoxville is perhaps Tennessee’s largest shopping complex with every type store and restaurant you can imagine. Plan on spending the day there exploring all the sales. Turkey Creek is 22 miles or less than 30 minutes from Tellico Village. You will also find medical facilities and hotels at Turkey Creek.

OUTGOING NEIGHBORS - Tellico Village too has a large variety of social clubs and ways to meet new friends. They claim there are hundreds of self-organized special interest groups to share interests. Tellico Village also has a dedicated television channel informing residents of upcoming events and of the latest news. The property owner scorecards we have on file reveal homeowner happiness.

POSSIBLE DOWNSIDE: - Expect to pay slightly higher prices at Tellico Village because of the value of lakefront property. We find Tellico Village to be one of the best boating oriented Loudon real estate developments in Eastern Tennessee for retirement.

We’ve spent years searching for the most knowledgeable brokers in these two Tennessee golf communities and we’ve found them. Our trusted colleagues who live there are happy to send you more information including the latest home and lot listings. Just ask us to introduce you by writing info@communityfinder.com or call us toll free at 866.384.1799.

We suggest you visit both regional areas during your search for where to retire in Eastern Tennessee.