Is Tellico Village Safe, Pros and cons of living in Tellico Village
Tellico Village, Tennessee, offers a unique blend of serene living and active community engagement, nestled on the shores of Tellico Reservoir. This planned community is primarily known as a retirement destination, attracting those who seek a peaceful environment with ample opportunities for recreation and social connection. The area boasts a mature population, a stable housing market, and a cost of living that is attractive to many, especially retirees looking to optimize their savings.
The community’s development began in the late 1980s, with a vision to create a comprehensive living experience. It is managed by the Tellico Village Property Owners Association (POA), which oversees amenities and ensures a well-maintained environment for its residents. The POA’s role is crucial in maintaining the high standards and quality of life that Tellico Village is known for, contributing to its appeal as a desirable place to live.
Is it Safe to Live in Tellico Village?
Tellico Village presents a generally safe environment for its residents. The violent crime rate in Tellico Village is approximately 2.912 per 1,000 residents annually (CrimeGrade.org). This rate is considered about the same as the average U.S. city, and the community ranks in the 50th percentile for safety, meaning it is safer than 50% of cities but less safe than 50% (CrimeGrade.org). While the northeast parts of Tellico Village see more incidents, residents often consider the southwest area to be the safest.
Overall crime rates in Tellico Village are reported to be 60% lower than the national average, with violent crimes being 46% lower and property crimes 62% lower than the national average (AreaVibes). This suggests a low likelihood of becoming a victim of crime, with a 1 in 118 chance of experiencing crime in Tellico Village. The community is considered safer than 56% of U.S. cities, and year-over-year crime has decreased by 12% (AreaVibes).
Housing and Cost of Living
The housing market in Tellico Village features a median home value of approximately $517,200 as of 2024 (Data USA). This value is about 1.55 times higher than the national average. The homeownership rate is notably high, at 95.8% (Data USA), indicating that most residents own their homes rather than rent. The median listing price for homes in Tellico Village is around $665,000, with homes selling for an average of 2.38% below the asking price (Realtor.com®). Homes tend to stay on the market for about 76 days on average (Realtor.com®).
The cost of living in Tellico Village is 35% higher than the national average (AreaVibes). Housing costs are particularly elevated, being 125% higher than the national average (AreaVibes). However, Tennessee as a state offers tax advantages, including no state income tax, no state estate tax, and no personal property taxes (Tellico Village). These state-level tax benefits can help offset the higher local cost of living for residents.
Housing Costs
The median home price in Tellico Village has seen an increase, with a median sale price of $617,500 in March 2026, up 11.3% year-over-year (Redfin). The median property value was $517,200 in 2024, a 6.66% increase from the previous year (Data USA). For renters, the median gross rent was $2,038 per month as of 2019-2023 (Point2Homes), and the median rental price is around $2,750 per month (Realtor.com®).
Cost of Living Index
Tellico Village’s overall cost of living index is 35% higher than the national average (AreaVibes). This index is influenced by various expense categories, with housing being the most significant factor, at 125% higher than the national average (AreaVibes). Other categories like groceries, transportation, healthcare, utilities, and lifestyle also contribute to the overall cost, with all being higher than the national average. However, Tennessee’s favorable tax structure, including no state income tax, contributes positively to the financial well-being of residents (Tellico Village).
Job Market and Economy
The economy in Tellico Village employs approximately 1,397 residents (Data USA). The largest industries in Tellico Village are Retail Trade, Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services, and Construction (Data USA). The highest paying industries include Finance & Insurance, Utilities, and Construction (Data USA).
The unemployment rate in Tellico Village is 1.9% (Point2Homes), which is significantly lower than the typical rate of 4% to 5% considered normal for U.S. cities. This low unemployment rate suggests strong job prospects and a stable local economy. The employed population in Tellico Village grew by 16.3% from the previous year, indicating a dynamic job market (Data USA).
Major Employers
While specific major employers within Tellico Village are not detailed, the broader Loudon County economic development efforts focus on attracting businesses that contribute to job creation and economic growth (Loudon County Economic Development Agency). The Loudon County Chamber of Commerce also works to foster a favorable business climate for the region, which includes Tellico Village.
Average Salary
The average annual household income in Tellico Village was $125,736 in 2024, with a median income of $106,875 (Point2Homes). This median income has seen an 8.8% increase over the previous year. For individuals, the average income is reported as $68,619 (Krista Freshour), and the median wage is $40.8K per year, with the 75th percentile earning $48.5K (ZipRecruiter).
Climate and Weather
Tellico Village experiences a temperate four-season climate, characteristic of the Tennessee Valley region. Summers are long, hot, and humid, typically from late June through August, with July being the hottest month, averaging a high of 88°F and a low of 69°F (Time and Date). Winters are short and mild, with January being the coldest month, averaging a high of 48°F and a low of 30°F (Time and Date).
Annual precipitation in Tellico Village averages around 55 inches (myPerfectWeather), with the wettest month being December, receiving about 6 inches of rain (myPerfectWeather). Snowfall is minimal, generally less than six inches annually (Tellico Village). The area is protected by the Cumberland Mountains to the west and the Smoky Mountains to the east, which can mitigate the impact of severe weather systems (Tellico Village).
Average Temperatures
Throughout the year, temperatures in Tellico Village typically range from 32°F to 88°F (myPerfectWeather). The hot season, from May to September, sees daily high temperatures generally above 80°F. Conversely, the cold season, from November to February, has average daily high temperatures below 56°F. The mild climate allows for year-round outdoor activities, including golf, as Tellico Lake rarely freezes (Tellico Village).
Rainfall and Precipitation
Tellico Village receives an average of 4.32 inches of precipitation annually (Time and Date). Rainfall is distributed throughout the year, with December being the wettest month and October being the driest. The chance of a wet day is highest in July and lowest in October (Tellico Village). The climate risk for the area is rated as “Relatively Low” (Kurby AI).
Schools and Education
Tellico Village is served by the Loudon County School District, which has an overall Niche grade of B (Niche). The district includes several schools, with ratings varying across different levels. North Middle School, for instance, has a rating of 4 out of 5 (Niche), while Fort Loudoun Middle School has a rating of 2 out of 5 (Niche).
For high school education, Loudon High School has a rating of 3.6 out of 5 based on 100 reviews (Niche). Greenback School, which serves PK-12, has a rating of 3.72 out of 5 (Niche). These ratings provide an indication of the school’s performance based on various academic and student life factors.
Public School Ratings
Public schools in Tellico Village are part of the Loudon County School District. Niche provides ratings for these schools, with Loudon High School receiving a B- grade (Niche). Greenback School also serves the area and has a rating of 3.72 out of 5 (Niche). Elementary schools serving the community include Eaton Elementary School and Highland Park Elementary School, both part of the Loudon County School District (Niche).
School District Performance
The Loudon County School District is rated B overall by Niche (Niche). The district’s ranking is based on rigorous analysis of state test scores, college readiness, graduation rates, and teacher quality. While specific test scores are not detailed here, the district’s overall grade suggests a solid educational foundation for students in the Tellico Village area.
Demographics
Tellico Village has a population of approximately 7,414 residents (Point2Homes). The median age is 70.8 years, indicating a significantly older population, which is typical for a planned retirement community (Point2Homes). The racial makeup is predominantly White, with 96.7% of residents identifying as Caucasian (Point2Homes).
The community is composed of 3,807 households, with an average of 1.94 persons per household (U.S. Census Bureau). A large majority, 95.8%, of housing units are owner-occupied (Data USA). The population is fairly evenly split between males and females, with 50% male and 50% female (Point2Homes).
Population Breakdown
The population of Tellico Village is 7,414, with a median age of 70.8 years (Point2Homes). The majority of residents are 65 years of age or older, accounting for approximately 68.1% of the population (Point2Homes). Only a small percentage, about 2.3%, are under the age of 18 (Point2Homes).
Racial and Ethnic Composition
The racial composition of Tellico Village is overwhelmingly White, at 96.7% (Point2Homes). Other racial groups are represented in very small percentages, including 0.1% African American and 0.8% Asian (Point2Homes). A segment of the population, 2.3%, identifies with two or more races. The community is primarily English-speaking, with 99.2% of households reporting English as the only language spoken at home (AreaVibes).
Pros and Cons of Living in Tellico Village
Tellico Village offers a tranquil lifestyle with abundant amenities, making it attractive for retirees and those seeking a slower pace. The community boasts numerous recreational facilities, including golf courses, marinas, walking trails, and community centers, fostering an active lifestyle (Tellico Village). The low crime rate and tax advantages of Tennessee further enhance its appeal as a safe and financially prudent place to live.
However, the cost of living, particularly housing, is higher than the national average (AreaVibes). The community’s demographics also skew heavily towards an older population, which may not appeal to those seeking a younger, more diverse community. Additionally, Tellico Village is car-dependent, with a Walk Score of 0 out of 100, indicating that a vehicle is essential for daily life (Kurby AI).
Advantages
The primary advantages of living in Tellico Village include its serene environment, extensive amenities, and a strong sense of community. The low crime rate contributes to a feeling of security (AreaVibes). Furthermore, Tennessee’s tax structure, with no state income tax and no personal property taxes, offers significant financial benefits (Tellico Village).
The community’s focus on active adult living means there are ample opportunities for social engagement and recreation. Access to golf courses, boating facilities on Tellico Lake, and numerous clubs and organizations cater to a variety of interests. The POA’s management ensures well-maintained common areas and amenities, contributing to a high quality of life.
Disadvantages
One of the main drawbacks is the higher cost of living, especially when it comes to housing prices, which are significantly above the national average (AreaVibes). The community’s population is also predominantly older, with a median age well into the 70s (Point2Homes), which might not suit individuals or families looking for a more intergenerational environment. The lack of walkability means that residents will likely need a car for most errands and transportation needs (Kurby AI).
While the community is safe, the crime rate is comparable to the average U.S. city, and some neighborhoods experience more incidents than others (CrimeGrade.org). The prevalence of planned communities can sometimes lead to a less diverse social fabric compared to more organically developed towns.