Tellico Plains (Knoxville, Chattanooga, Maryville: buying, high school, income)

[Terry&G]

Tellico Plains is on my list of small towns in Tn I might would consider moving to. In the 1990s I trout fished there several times for 3 days each time and simply loved the area, at least the areas I visited.

So, I am hoping that someone could do some "bragging" about Tellico Plains for me, tell me whats to like about it, all kinds of stuff. Also, I would like to know whats "not to like" about Tellico Plains.

My wife and I are in our early sixties and are looking to retire in about 2 years. We have lived in SW Georgia for the last 31 years. Taxes and race problems are really terrible here. We are considering Tn and Fl., one big reason is because both states have no state income tax.

Any information would be appreciated.

Thanks
Terry

[Forest Breath]

Taxes are relatively high in Tellico, due to the US Forest Service owning much of the land in Monroe County. People coming from out of state is not so much an issue, as a lot of Tellico and Coker Creek has been purchased by people from other states and they have a moce mixture of folks in those areas now. A nice mixture except for hispanics and blacks.

Tellico continues to be one of the most racists counties in Tennessee. It was not too many years ago I recall seeing a rope hanging from a tree between Tellico and Coker Creek with a hand painted sign above it stating "N***** don't let the sun set on your A** or your A** will be hanging from this tree in the mornin" I also recall being at The Beach (A small drive up diner on the river that is popular) and there were some kids playing in the water below the restaurant. Several old men were standing on the bank watching in disgust, because one of the kids was black. One said to the other "What the F*** is that?" The other replied "Looks like a monkey to me and I thought all of those had been shot out of here years ago. The family were tourist and had no clue of the prejudice in the area. I also ran into a mixed couple who were celebrating their honeymoon in the area and were at Bald River Falls taking pictures and some "good ol' boys" harrassed them and threatened to drag the young bride to the top of the falls and push her off. So...racism is horrible in the area and I doubt it will let up anytime soon.

As for living there period. You have seclusion, you have good people who make good neighbors and you have a beautiful area for your home. There are limited stores in town, One grocery store for instance. It tends to get crowded in the small town in the summer months. There are a few restaurants. Most people go to Masisonville (about 15 miles or so north) to do their shopping. You are not far from Knoxville and Chattanooga however. Jobs will not be an issues for you, but for anyone else, there are none in Tellico. You wold have to go maybe as far as Knoxville, Maryville or maybe Vonore for a decent job. The closest hospital is probably Woods in Etowah or Blount. Sweetwater and Athens hospitals are in the area as well. But none in Tellico. Health care is not that great in Tellico, but 15 minutes or so wil get you to good Docs.

The plus side is, you have the entire southern region of the Cherokee National Forest as your backyard. There are so many sight seeing day trips, hiking trails, fishing, water sports, horseback riding, picnics and scenic oppotunities. It is truly a beautiful area. There are a few Senior Centers in Etowah and Athens, but I am not sure about Tellico Plains. You have one of the best bakeries I have ever been to in the town (Tellico Grains). Most of the folks are just nice country people, but you do have the backwoods rednecks that like to well...show their redneckness. LOL BUT....the place has proven to be a good retirement area for folks.

If you have any other specific questions, just ask. My family is from Coker Creek and Tellico Plains and I am there A LOT.

[Terry&G]

Forrest Breath,

Thanks for your comments. Your write-up speaks volumns.

Terry

[KeysDreamer]

You're welcome to come check out Florida Terry&G. The views here are not like the beautiful mountains that we all love in TN & NC. Been to Tellico Plains several times for lunch on our way to ride the Cherohala Pkwy. Finally got to meet the pie lady who used to bake all the pies at the little "downtown" restaurant there. Beautiful area up there FB.

[BRH]

I agree pretty much completely on Forest Breath's assesment of Tellico Plains. I, myself, live on the other end of Monroe County, in Sweetwater, but my ex-wife was from Coker Creek, so I've spent quite a bit of time in the area.

It is a beautiful, peaceful, remote area with wonderful scenery and views. Also, as was pointed out, there has been a huge influx of out of state people buying land and moving into the area over the past 20 years or so, so there has been a fair amount of change. I think the area is definitely more open to "outsiders" now than was the case in the past. But I certainly know what Forest Breath meant when mentioning the racial views (especially in the past). There definitely was a time when you did not want to be in that part of the county if you were not a "good ole' boy". I've also heard about the sign that FB mentioned as well, and it was quite known throughout the whole East TN. area for those racial views. I know we used to have some problems back when I was in high school when Sweetwater would play Tellico Plains because of race relations. But as I said, I think a lot of that has changed, especially among the younger generations as time has passed. You still may find some lingering pockets of prejudice (especially with older persons), but overall, it's gotten a lot better. And the flow of outsiders buying up the mountain property has aided this as well.

But even with that negative, it is a beautiful area and a great, lesser known option for wonderful mountain views than the overly commercial Smoky Mountain area to the north.

[Teresa Russell]

I've live in Tellico plains pretty much my whole life and I think it's very beautiful. if you do move here I just want to say welcome to our community you should check out the fish hatchery and bald river falls good luck to you and your wife!

[BlueCuzco]

The only item of interest for me in Tellico is the fact that it is the western terminus of the Cherohala Skyway, one of the best scenic drives in the southeast.

[Terry&G]

Thanks so much for the information. I am getting information on from the chamber of commerce on Tellico Plains, Tn., and Port St. Joe, Florida. We love Cape San Blas & the St. Joseph's Penn State Park, but we can't affort to buy on the Cape. Port St Joe is just a stone's throw away and property is more affordable for he average joe.

Tellico is attractive to us because of past memories of fishinng and the sheer beauty of the area. No hussle and bussle.

Thanks

[sienna]

Hey any Tellico Plains newbies here ?

[bballjunkie]

TP is close to Calhoun's on the marina and that is a worthwhile place to visit!