East Tennessee blends rolling foothills, lakefront living and mountain views with a strong golf culture. For those seeking communities where tee times, clubhouses and maintenance-free living are part of daily life, the region has a mix of private clubs, gated neighborhoods and family-friendly developments. The following guide highlights the most desirable communities and the courses that make them attractive, plus practical considerations for choosing the right place.
The climate in East Tennessee features warm springs and long falls, which extends the golf season compared with many northern states. Golf communities here take advantage of lakes such as Tellico and Fort Loudoun, ridgelines that provide scenic elevation changes and tree-lined fairways that feel private even near urban centers.
Affordability and variety are also strong draws. There are high-end, architecturally significant private clubs within short drives of Chattanooga and Knoxville, alongside more approachable public courses and amenity-rich communities that balance on-site golf with boating, hiking and social activities. That mix appeals to retirees, young families and weekend homeowners alike.
In addition to the natural beauty, many golf communities in East Tennessee offer a vibrant social scene with clubs that host regular tournaments, social gatherings, and wellness programs. This fosters a strong sense of camaraderie among residents and provides ample opportunities for networking and leisure. Moreover, the area's developing infrastructure ensures easy access to shopping, dining, and cultural attractions, making golf living both convenient and enriching.
For those seeking variety in course design, East Tennessee's golf courses range from challenging championship-level layouts crafted by renowned designers to more casual, family-friendly courses perfect for beginners. The diverse topography allows for creative course architecture, featuring everything from tight, technical holes weaving through wooded areas to expansive, panoramic vistas on elevated greens. These options accommodate players of all skill levels and preferences, solidifying East Tennessee’s reputation as a top-tier golf destination.
Several communities in East Tennessee stand out because golf is central to daily life. These range from lakefront resort-style neighborhoods to small-town developments centered on a single course. The following communities are notable for course quality, community amenities and overall lifestyle.
Tellico Village is frequently mentioned as one of the region’s premiere golf communities. Located on Tellico Lake, the village is built around three 18-hole courses—Toqua, Tanasi and Kahite—each with its own character. Toqua offers rolling terrain with panoramic lake views, Tanasi is known for its more traditional parkland layout and Kahite challenges players with water hazards and elevation changes.
Beyond golf, Tellico Village delivers extensive social programming, multiple marinas, walking trails and a strong volunteer culture. Homes range from low-maintenance condos to estate lots, making it an attractive option for retirees and those wanting a lake-and-golf lifestyle without the price tag of big-name resorts.
Rarity Bay is a gated community on Tellico Lake that blends waterfront properties with a golf-centric core. The golf course is integrated into the lakeside setting and provides a balance of scenic, playable holes and an active clubhouse scene. The community emphasizes security, maintenance services and a resort-like atmosphere that makes it popular for seasonal residents and full-time families.
Other amenities commonly found in Rarity Bay-style communities include fitness centers, organized social groups, boat slips and nature preserves, allowing residents to mix golf with other outdoor pursuits.
Close-in neighborhoods around Knoxville—particularly Sequoyah Hills, Bearden and parts of West Knoxville—offer easy access to established country clubs and municipal courses. These neighborhoods appeal to buyers who want suburban conveniences and walkable streets while remaining minutes from private club tee sheets, city parks and the urban cultural scene.
Properties in these areas vary from historic homes to modern new builds, and many buyers prioritize proximity to clubs such as Cherokee Country Club, Holston Hills and Fox Den Country Club for a traditional country-club lifestyle without rural isolation.
The Chattanooga metro area—including suburbs like Ooltewah and Collegedale—offers several top-tier private playing options. The Honors Course in Ooltewah is one of the region’s most acclaimed private courses and attracts golf purists for its classic conditioning and testing layout. Surrounding communities are a mix of subdivisions and rural acreage where membership at a private club becomes a neighborhood cornerstone.
For those wanting dramatic topography, Chattanooga’s ridges and riverfront settings create memorable golfing experiences and a different aesthetic from the lakefront communities farther north.
Whether seeking a membership or planning repeated weekend rounds, certain courses are regional benchmarks for design, maintenance and clubhouse service. These venues are destinations in their own right and often influence where nearby homes and developments are built.
The Honors Course is a private, highly-ranked facility known for immaculate conditioning and a classic championship test. Playing there is a serious golf experience—tight fairways, strategic bunkering and greens that demand precision. Membership is selective, and the club’s tournament schedule draws competitive players who appreciate a pure golf focus with limited social distractions.
Because the course attracts a committed membership, nearby properties tend to be premium and appeal to buyers who prioritize golf excellence and privacy over resort-style extras.
Holston Hills is a historic course with traditional architecture and a mature, tree-lined setting. Its reputation for strategic design and consistent conditioning makes it a favorite among local players. The clubhouse reflects a community-oriented atmosphere where events and member activities are part of the seasonal rhythm.
Homes near Holston Hills range from established mid-century residences to newer infill construction, often appealing to buyers who want a neighborhood feel with immediate access to a respected local club.
Cherokee Country Club and Fox Den Country Club offer two slightly different but complementary country-club experiences in the greater Knoxville area. Cherokee blends traditional club amenities and social programming with a parkland course that suits a wide range of players. Fox Den tends to appeal to families with junior programming, active calendars and a clubhouse that functions as a social hub.
Memberships at these clubs are often bundled with community activities like tennis, pools and dining, which makes neighboring subdivisions attractive for those who want a full lifestyle package rather than golf-only access.
Deciding on a community involves more than evaluating course architecture. The right fit depends on lifestyle, budget and priorities—how often will rounds be played, is membership essential, and are additional amenities a requirement?
Clubs in the region vary from private and invitation-only to semi-private facilities that welcome non-member play. Understanding membership structures—initiation fees, monthly dues, and guest policies—should be an early step. Some communities sell homes with dedicated membership options or offer preferred access for residents, which can simplify the decision-making process for buyers who want guaranteed tee times.
Course condition reflects both the club’s budget and priorities. Well-funded private clubs typically offer the best conditioning year-round, while public or municipal courses may vary with local funding and staffing. It helps to play a few rounds at prospective courses during different seasons to assess how maintenance changes through spring, summer and fall.
Golf is often one piece of a broader lifestyle. Communities that emphasize fitness centers, boating, hiking trails and social programming create a more diverse calendar and attract a broader resident mix. For those moving with non-golfing partners, these additional amenities can be decisive.
Moving into a golf community means understanding HOA rules, property assessments and potential encroachment from course operations. Reviewing covenants, club bylaws and neighborhood maps can prevent surprises about setback rules, maintenance responsibilities and how membership obligations are handled when a property is sold.
Homes in established golf communities often hold value well, particularly when the club maintains high standards and the neighborhood has diversified amenities. However, marketability depends on location, course reputation and the broader real estate climate. A well-located home with water or fairway views typically outperforms a similar home without those attributes.
Consider when the area is busiest. Some communities fill during spring and fall, with quieter summers and winters. If purchasing a second home for part-time use, verify short-term rental rules and how the HOA treats vacation properties. For full-time residents, it’s important to choose a community that maintains year-round activity and services.
East Tennessee communities with golf access rarely offer golf in isolation. Museums, music venues, hiking in the nearby Cumberland Plateau, and water recreation on Tennessee’s lakes and rivers enrich daily life. Proximity to mid-sized medical centers and airports is also a consideration for those who travel or prioritize healthcare access.
Food and cultural scenes in Knoxville and Chattanooga continue to grow, providing dining and entertainment options that complement the more leisurely pace of lakeside or country-club living. Seasonal festivals, farmers’ markets and outdoor concerts make it easy to balance a golf-focused routine with broader community engagement.
East Tennessee offers a spectrum of golf living—from secluded, championship private clubs to active lakefront neighborhoods where golf is one of many attractions. Tellico Village and Rarity Bay represent the lake-and-golf lifestyle that appeals to boaters and retirees, while areas near Knoxville and Chattanooga deliver quicker access to historic clubs and urban amenities.
Choosing the best community depends on personal priorities around course quality, membership style, additional amenities and whether the home is primary or seasonal. Touring several clubs, talking with residents, and playing the courses during different seasons helps form a complete picture before committing to a purchase. With solid planning, the region’s mix of landscapes and clubs makes East Tennessee a rewarding place to call home for golfers at nearly every stage of life.
Discover the exceptional lifestyle at Tennessee National, a premier gated community that perfectly complements the best golf living East Tennessee has to offer. With a Greg Norman Signature Golf Course, private marina, waterfront dining, and over 20 member amenities, Tennessee National provides an unmatched blend of luxury and natural beauty. Whether you prefer a move-in ready home or a custom build, our community offers diverse options tailored to your needs. Embrace resort-style living with scenic nature trails and vibrant social clubs just minutes away. Schedule a private tour today and see why Tennessee National is the ideal place to call home for golf enthusiasts at every stage of life.
