Which lake to live on in E. Tennessee (Knoxville, Maryville: new house, to buy)

[Lake-girl]

My husband and I are thinking of relocating to Eastern TN. My husband is retired and I will work from home. We plan to buy a lakefront lot and build a home. In our research we've found we like Norris Lake, Cherokee Lake, Douglas Lake, and Watts Bar Lake. I need to be within 1 hour from the airport as I travel occasionally for work. Things we'd like: to be near a town with grocery store, some restaurants, a target like store. We don't want to be too remote. Being within a gated community is fine, but we don't want too many restrictions, also we are down sizing and want to build ranch house with about 1700 sq ft. so can't have a requirement to build something too big. We are going there for two weeks in June to see what will work.
Any help/suggestions would be so appreciated.

[Beretta]

Originally Posted by Lake-girl

My husband and I are thinking of relocating to Eastern TN. My husband is retired and I will work from home. We plan to buy a lakefront lot and build a home. In our research we've found we like Norris Lake, Cherokee Lake, Douglas Lake, and Watts Bar Lake. I need to be within 1 hour from the airport as I travel occasionally for work. Things we'd like: to be near a town with grocery store, some restaurants, a target like store. We don't want to be too remote. Being within a gated community is fine, but we don't want too many restrictions, also we are down sizing and want to build ranch house with about 1700 sq ft. so can't have a requirement to build something too big. We are going there for two weeks in June to see what will work.
Any help/suggestions would be so appreciated.

Hello - welcome to the forum. You will need to come visit to see what feels right and suits your needs. Also, please research this forum on previous threads. All the best!

[ElDiabloJoe]

Budget is another huge consideration. You could build in Kahite or Rarity Bay or WindRiver, or even Tellico Village. You could also build directly on the Tennessee River (Hello Concord!) or is a lake a "must?" What size lake do you prefer? Big enough to fish and get lost, or more pond-like? Water clarity? Do you have a preference for East or West Knoxville areas? South or North?

I know you provided a good starting point, but we really do need some more information in order to better direct you to areas you might prefer.

The primary Target stores are in Farragut, Maryville, and there's one off the Pellissippi Pkwy (Alcoa?) I believe. All are within your 1 hour to the airport. That might help narrow your areas down.

[Lake-girl]

Thank you for your reply! It looks like Kahite, Rarity Bay, WindRiver, or Tellico Village is above our budget. Also, I don't want to have to ask permission and color options to paint my front door. (Not that I want to paint it purple ;-). That being said, I wouldn't mid some restrictions such as trailer homes. We are middle class folks, my husband is planning on being the contractor for the new house as he has done that a few time before, and we are hoping to spend about $150,000 at the most on a lot. Lakefront is a must. We'd prefer a large lake rather than pond-like. We don't know the difference between it being north, south, east, or west of Knoxville (We would welcome any insight). We don't need Target per se, we just want a town close enough with some type of shopping and a few restaurants. We would love to be able to narrow down some areas as the four lake areas are far and wide. I am new to this site and love it! I've learned a lot so far. Thank you for any help you can provide.

[Dave_n_Tenn]

Keep in mind impounded lakes (reservoirs) fluctuate a lot. If you're on a spur you may look at a muddy lake bottom at times. Then there's draw down too. If you're a boater with a floating dock, it can be a big deal. I prefer being very close to sharp drop offs rather then gently sloping lake edges.

I prefer Norris Lake, will not meet your airport needs, but you soul will be happy.

https://www.tva.gov/Environment/Envi...Health-Ratings

[Barking Spider]

Budget may be a problem for a decent lot.

[NYS2Tennessee]

Norris is a bit farther from an airport, but that lake is amazing.

[indy_317]

A relative in the family has had a houseboat on Norris Lake for decades (a minimal-frills cabin on water really). I went once not too long ago. Their boat is based at one of the marinas off TN-33 just after one leaves the New Tazewell area. The lake is nice, with a lot of property on and around the shoreline. However, it felt more rural and is pretty far away from a decent sized metro area with what you are looking for.

Last time we visited Gatlinburg we took a road trip to Dandridge. We drove over Douglas Lake and the lake was pretty low, so low that some of the houseboats weren't even near the current waters edge. That definitely would've sucked, but it was the mid-Fall season and temps that year were pretty cool so I doubt it was prime boating season anyway. A store worker we spoke to in Dandridge said she lives in Knoxville and drives there for her job.

I'd say Douglas Lake over Norris Lake due to the proximity to Knoxville.

[Serious Conversation]

Originally Posted by indy_317

A relative in the family has had a houseboat on Norris Lake for decades (a minimal-frills cabin on water really). I went once not too long ago. Their boat is based at one of the marinas off TN-33 just after one leaves the New Tazewell area. The lake is nice, with a lot of property on and around the shoreline. However, it felt more rural and is pretty far away from a decent sized metro area with what you are looking for.

Last time we visited Gatlinburg we took a road trip to Dandridge. We drove over Douglas Lake and the lake was pretty low, so low that some of the houseboats weren't even near the current waters edge. That definitely would've sucked, but it was the mid-Fall season and temps that year were pretty cool so I doubt it was prime boating season anyway. A store worker we spoke to in Dandridge said she lives in Knoxville and drives there for her job.

I'd say Douglas Lake over Norris Lake due to the proximity to Knoxville.

There are drawdowns on most lakes around here in the fall. Boating into October or later is usually going to be a bit ugly on any lake that does have a drawdown.

[Esposla]

My husband and I are also considering Eastern TN. for retirement/work P/T. We’ve travelled a little over the years, but not there. From some research, TN might be worth a look, so we’ll be checking on it soon. I find it odd that not many homes are built as a ranch, 1 story. We’ll probably build too. Good luck to us both.