Tennessee Boating Communities for Retirees

by Robert Borges on March 15, 2022

Due in large part to its favorable taxes, mild year-round climate, low cost of real estate, and overall beauty and charm, Tennessee has become a popular state for retirees. Active adult retirees especially love the Volunteer State for its variety of parks, mountains, and lakes that provide an abundance of fun and recreation. For those looking to settle down on or near water, there are some wonderful options in Tennessee, and below we’ll explore a few of the best boating communities in Tennessee.

Fairfield Glade- Crossville, TN

Tennessee Boating Community Fairfield Glade
A top Tennessee boating community, Fairfield Glade encompasses 11 spring-fed lakes stocked for fishing, with marina facilities at Lake Dartmoor and St. George Lake. The retirement community occupies a verdant 12,500-acre site near the charming small town of Crossville on the Cumberland Plateau, an area known as the Golf Capital of Tennessee. Aside from the boating and waterfront activities here, residents have access to five championship golf courses, tennis, pickleball, and equestrian centers, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, community fitness, and convenient shopping and dining venues on-site.

Rarity Bay- Vonore, TN

Tennessee Boating Community Rarity Bay
Located on a scenic peninsula overlooking the Great Smoky Mountains, with 10 miles of shoreline along Lake Tellico, Rarity Bay is ideal for retirees as well as second home and vacation property buyers seeking peaceful waterfront living in a Tennessee boating community. Residents have private docking privileges or use one of the many boat slips located within Rarity Bay, perfect for participating in popular activities on Lake Tellico like sailing, boating, fishing, waterskiing, and jet skiing. In addition, the east Tennessee community features an 18-hole Par 72 championship golf course designed by DeVictor Langham.

Tellico Village- Loudon, TN

Tennessee Boating Community Tellico Village
Another Tennessee boating community on Lake Tellico, this one sits along 40 miles of shoreline and encompasses 5,000 acres along the banks. And with a bevy of other lakes nearby, residents have plenty of opportunities for pleasure boating, trout and bass fishing, swimming, and other watersports. The community features numerous lakeside parks, boat launches, and marinas, as well as the Tellico Yacht Club with its own clubhouse, restaurant, full-service marina, and guest docks for boaters who wish to visit the Yacht Club by water.

WindRiver- Lenoir City, TN

Tennessee Boating Community WindRiver
This Tennessee retirement community offers more boating on—you guessed it—Lake Tellico! WindRiver is a lakefront community in Loudon County, touted as the “Lakeway to the Smokies,” home to several lakes, including Fort Loudon, Tellico, Watts Bar and Melton Hill, and the Tennessee and Clinch Rivers. WindRiver offers limitless opportunities for swimming, fishing, boating, and water skiing on Tellico Lake. The community’s impressive marina features 30- to 90-foot slips (covered and uncovered), shore power and water on docks, self-service fuel station, and more. Other amenities include a championship 18-hole golf course, sports complex with a resort-style swimming pool, sports courts, and a fully equipped exercise facility.