Waterfront Living
Knoxville, Tennessee - Real Estate Guide

The magic of waterfront living

What is so compelling about living on or near the water?

For some, it’s the chance to live a vacation-like existence throughout the year. Others enjoy the relaxing and therapeutic benefits still waters provide. Boat and fishing enthusiasts find the proximity ideal for their favorite activities, while others might just enjoy the chance to get away from city bustle and traffic.

Regardless of the reasons, waterfront and water-view living has exploded over the past few years, with no letup in sight.

“Water is magic,” said George Wallace, who co-owns Coldwell Banker Wallace & Wallace, Realtors with his brother, Jim. “It has always done well – especially with the emphasis on recreation in this area.

“There is nothing else like it.”

Fort Loudoun frontage in Knox, Blount and Loudon counties remains in high demand – when it’s available – while developers are expanding their offerings on Norris, Cherokee, Watts Bar and Tellico lakes.

Bryan Langley does not own waterfront property, but the Re/Max Preferred Properties real estate agent is listing agent for a 21-lot development boasting Fort Loudoun Lake views. Preston Park (builder is Joe Houck) is nestled between Montgomery Cove and The Woods at Montgomery Cove, off Northshore, which is within five minutes of Choto and Concord marinas.

“It seems like a lot of people are buying homes on the lake,” says Langley. “It is really good for the boating enthusiast.”

Other Fort Loudoun developments are emerging in Beacon Park and Lowe’s Ferry.

Norris, about 30 to 45 minutes from Knoxville, is touted as the cleanest of the TVA-controlled lakes. It has a 96 percent level of purity and up to 25 feet of underwater visibility. Helping keep the lake clean are restrictions prohibiting 75 to 80 percent of shoreline development.

Rock Harbor in Claiborne County and The Villages are among developments currently being built on Norris.

Northeast of Knoxville, a low-key neighborhood is being built on Cherokee – Grainger’s Landing. Its developers hope it is more reflective of its namesake than its waterfront pedigree.

Two major properties are under construction south of Knoxville on Watts Bar Lake: Greg Norman’s 1,400-acre Tennessee National (built around a Norman-designed golf course) and River’s Edge.

Tellico still has room for more residents, since Rarity Communities developer Mike Ross is releasing waterfront, water-view and golf course home sites in October.