Florida Boomers Choose Tennessee for Retirement

Lifestyle and Affordability drive Retirees North

LOUDON, TENN. (February 19, 2014): According to a 2013 study by Bankrate.com Tennessee is the number one retirement state due to its low taxes and affordable cost of living. One Tennessee active-adult community, Tellico Village, in Loudon County and Monroe County, Tenn. reported more than 10 percent of new residents relocated to the community from Florida in the past two years.

Former Naples, Fla. residents, Dennis and Natalie Tracy moved to the lakeside resort-style community in 2013. The couple, originally from Chicago, lived in Naples for 12 years and upon relocating, was surprised by the number of Floridians they again call neighbors.Tracy_Naples

“We learned Florida was too far south from Illinois. We regularly return to the Chicago-area to visit family and friends,” Dennis Tracy said. “We wanted to be halfbacks – people who come half way back from Florida.”

Halfbacks, northerners who move to Florida and later decide to settle in the mid-South, are relocating to Tennessee not only to stretch their funds: many are seeking active lifestyles to help maintain personal health and a milder four-season climate.

Tellico Village excels at providing an active lifestyle. Residents run more than 200 clubs and organizations from pickleball to hiking and even line dancing. The mountain lake community offers affordable amenities including three golf courses, three health clubs and a yacht club. Former Orlando, Fla. Residents Ken and Sherry Boydston are taking full advantage of staying involved in the community. In addition to boating, kayaking and hiking, they are involved in the New Villagers club. Ken has joined the Men’s Golf Association and Sherry plays pickleball and visits the Wellness Center to exercise and attend classes.

“Here in Tellico Village, there is more stuff to do than you can imagine,” said Ken Boydston.

Finding a location that fits lifestyle wants and needs is an important step for boomers looking to relocate and making an informed decision is crucial. Many active adult communities offer packages for perspective buyers to stay in the community for a long weekend or extended time period to truly experience the lifestyle.Francis_Jacksonville

“We felt at home immediately in Tellico Village,” said Jerry Francis, former Jacksonville Fla. resident. “Here in Tellico Village everyone can be who they want to be. There is no pressure to get involved despite having all these activities.”

Juhas_TampaPrior to retirement, former Bill Juhas was a small business owner and his wife Diane worked in retail and medical management. Although the former Tampa-area residents are happily living in Tennessee, some aspects of Florida are irreplaceable.

“Well, we do miss the warmer winter weather,” said Bill Juhas.

 

 


About Tellico Village

Tellico Village is a planned, active adult community established in 1986 and located in Loudon County and Monroe County, Tennessee. It encompasses nearly 5,000 acres along Tellico Lake with the community continuing to grow because of the variety of recreational amenities available and the friendliness of the nearly 7,000 residents.