Why Buyers Choose Tennessee National
What distinguishes Tennessee National isn't a single feature. It's the rare combination of things you can't find together anywhere else.
Schedule a TourThe Short Version
The only gated community with both a marina and championship golf course — 140+ boat slips and 18 holes designed by Greg Norman on the same property.
22 active clubs that actually meet — wine clubs, golf clubs, boat clubs, tennis, cooking, art. Not cosmetic. These are real communities within the community.
180+ events per year — boat parades, wine tastings, tournaments, dinners, festivals. There is literally something happening most weekends.
Zero percent state income tax — Tennessee has no state income tax and no tax on Social Security income. That's real money staying in your pocket.
30 minutes to Knoxville — close enough for world-class healthcare, dining, and UT football. Far enough away to feel like a retreat.
What Daily Life Looks Like
6:30 AM
You're on the dock with coffee. The water is flat. The mountains are starting to light up. Your day hasn't officially started, but living has.
9:00 AM
You head to the first tee. The course is immaculate. You'll run into neighbors you know and some you want to know. Golf here is both sport and social.
12:30 PM
You grab lunch at the clubhouse. It's busy but never rushed. You might see friends from your wine club, your neighbors, the guy you golf with Tuesdays.
3:00 PM
You take the boat out. The lake is calm. You might meet friends at a private cove, or just spend quiet time on the water with a book or fishing rod.
6:00 PM
Someone's hosting a casual dinner on their screened porch. Or there's a club gathering at the pavilion. Or you're grilling at home. Every night has options.
9:00 PM
You're back on the dock as the sun sets over the water. The day was full. Busy but not hurried. Connected but not intrusive. This is why you moved here.
Who Lives Here
60% full-time residents. 40% second-home owners. All walks of life. All ages. All united by wanting more from where they live.
Retirees Who Are Just Getting Started
Active, energetic, ready to travel and play. They wanted to stay in the mountains but found something better than a golf-only community. Golf, water, clubs, and a calendar that never stops.
Families Building for the Future
Young families who chose Tennessee National for safety, activities, and school access. Kids grow up here with structured activities, water sports, and a real sense of community.
Empty Nesters Ready to Downsize
Their kids moved away, so they moved here. Simpler to maintain. Better to live in. More friends to make. The social aspect surprised them—in the best way.
Vacation Home Owners
A retreat that's never empty. Events happening every weekend. A community that's welcoming whether you're here one week a month or every other. You're never a stranger.
The common thread isn't age, profession, or background. It's simple: everyone here chose to be here. They looked at other communities—Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina—and said no. Tennessee National made more sense. More to do. Better location. Better value. Better weather. Better fit.
Why They Chose Tennessee National
"I love the location. We're still in small town, but so close to Knoxville. The little towns around here — it's like Mayberry sometimes. And then you're in the mountains."
— Resident, relocated from North Carolina
"One of the reasons we chose Tennessee National is because there would be other kids and families. It's not all old folks. My kids actually have friends here."
— Parent, full-time resident
How Tennessee National Compares
| Feature | TN National | Florida Communities | NC/SC Communities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Championship Golf | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Private Marina/Water | ✓ 140+ slips | Saltwater only | Rarely combined |
| State Income Tax | 0% | 0% | 3-5% |
| Four Seasons | ✓ Mild winters | No real winter | ✓ |
| Cost of Living | Moderate | High | Moderate-High |
| Healthcare Access | 30 min to Knoxville | ✓ | ✓ |
| Community Events/Year | 180+ | 50-100 | 50-100 |
Ready to Experience It?
Schedule a private tour. No pressure. No sales pitch. Just come see what Tennessee National is really about.
Schedule Your Tour
First Time Ever Offered — May 2nd
Dockable Waterfront at Tennessee National
Never before offered — dockable waterfront homesites and cottages with private boat slips. Limited selection available by appointment only.
Private appointments by reservation only