Fairfield Glade, TN (Knoxville: buyer, gated community, quality of life)

[Beretta]

Originally Posted by chrisjef

Love what the Glade has to offer retirees. So many things to do. What's with all the homes for sale? What could be the reason for this? Are there any problems which we should be aware of so we don't make a costly mistake moving there?

Please read through this thread. There are also some other FFG threads that have been locked by previous Moderators for various reasons. You can find those by doing an Advanced Search. Good luck and you are smart to do research no matter where you plan on going.

[loonyrich]

It is not an age restricted community but almost everyone there (with the exception of the service job folks) is retired. I lived in FFG's sister community in Arkansas for 10 yrs.

[jmk]

I know several people who have put their homes on the market because they are moving into the new Good Samaritan Assisted Living facility which is scheduled to open soon.
Its been my experience that many homes are on the market because the owners didn't buy a big enough home to accommodate the social life they didn't expect to find in FFG. They will only sell if they get their price (frequently higher then than they are worth) so they can buy a bigger one and therefor are not really for sale.
As in most retirement communities there is a normal attrition and in the present economy many potential buyers are waiting to retire or can't sell their homes and move. If homes in Michigan ever begin to sell our population will increase quickly.
It's a buyers market here like everywhere and if your an active social type you won' t regret settling in FFG.

[MorninSky]

Originally Posted by DGlenday

We just got home to MD after spending a few days in FFG, and looking at Tellico Village on the way home. IF we decide on FFG instead of Tellico, we're quite keen on a lot on the 'Bent Oak' area (near Stonehenge golf course, but not on it), but the price is steeper than we're prepared to consider and we hope the owner will negotiate.

We've met a a builder in the area whose house plans, quality of work, and pricing are all excellent. I'll provide details here if you like, but it would probably be more 'politic' to provide details in DM.

We were very tempted to snatch up an extremely well-priced house:
- Backs onto a golf course
- 1,800+ sq ft
- Hard wood and upscale cabinetry
- Stainless steel appliances
- Silestone (sp?) countertops
- Large deck split into two - part covered and screened, part open
- Brand new, and all for $209,000

BUT we didn't put in the offer, because there are a few things we want, and this house dod not have: Walk Out Basement, woods or some sort of total privacy in the back yard, and we want to be on the north side. If we get the Bent Oak lot, we plan to build this exact house plan - with a walk-out. The builder gave us a copy of the plan, and my wife is already making subtle changes to the layout. I'll bet her changes are going to add to the cost

Not sure if you still check this... but I can't wait to visit next year. This post has been so helpful. My husband and I both plan to retire within the next couple of years. Not sure yet if we want to build or start looking for a house now and rent it. But we are definately visiting. Would love to meet some people. I hear TN folks are just wonderful. We live in Seattle WA, I love the weather, my husband doesn't. Neither one of us loves the cost of living.

[DGlenday]

Still here, though not checking in too often. We've been locked in place since the housing slump, and will resume our search next year.

I'll be curious to hear your progress. Good luck!

[joebaldknobber]

I was considering buying properties in Fairfield Glade until I came across this youtube video.

Fairfield Glade seemed like a nice place when I visited.


Fairfield Glade Scam Commentary - YouTube

[TN Tin Man]

It's called Buyer Beware... Dot all your I's and cross all your T's...

If you do travel in the Glades.. Seat Belts... Car Seats for the child ...Stop !! at all Stop signs and watch your speed..especially if you have out of state plates or out of county tags.. They will stop you !

[hiknapster]

This man bought his property 35 years ago and the local news clips that he also has recently posted on You Tube were originally broadcast 14 years ago. I'm not saying he shouldn't be upset but this seems like a very, very old ax to grind. The statute of limitations has long passed. And over the years there are plenty of people that bought land in Fairfield Glade, built homes and are quite happy. Bless his heart.

[Ridgerunner]

My wife and I were invited to to visit FG back in the '70's when the development was relatively new. We were turned off by the "hard sell" we were given and declined to buy. But now I'm tempted to possibly acquire one of those cheap lots to use as a campsite. FG is in an area of great natural beauty.

[TN Tin Man]

I have looked at most of the FFG post an a unanswered question keeps popping up. Sitting in a greasy spoon the other day having coffee and looking at a Real Estate book and a nice gentleman told me, look at the Glades. I told him I don't golf and being a HOA / POA I did not want too get involved. He and another gentleman said they have a lot of homes. I said why because of taxes or age .. No reason just every one is selling. I asked if it's HOA /POA what are the fees for the home owner.Now I have 3 individuals in the conversation.The first individual I spoke with said it was $1400.00 a year for HOA fees.
and you get too use all facilities,the public golf course would cost cart fees & green fees. The gentleman too my left said I think now it's more like $1800.00 a year for association fees,the third gentleman said most likely it's that plus depending on where your residents is and size of lot.It could be as much or more that $2,000 a year in association fees.
This seems too be a topic know one really has a answer for. I have sent several e-mail inquires out on this topic with no response.
Does any know where I can get actual fact sheet in print on the association fees and rules of the Glades. I have a PDF.doc on FFG but it's very vague and no prices mentioned.
It's just my curiosity...wanting too find real hard facts..