East Tennessee offers a lower cost of living and a more relaxed pace of life compared to Houston, making it an attractive choice for those seeking affordability and a quieter lifestyle.
See the difference between Tennessee and Houston Living
East Tennessee and Houston offer very distinct living experiences. East Tennessee offers a mild four-season climate, innate lush beauty from the mountains and valleys and to the lakes, thriving cities with welcoming hometown vibes, and a low cost of living. These are just a few reasons it’s easy to see why people are drawn to Tennessee. Houston, on the other hand, is a bustling metropolis. The city has one of the highest tax rates in the United States, hot summers, and heavy traffic congestion which contributes to having some of the worst air pollution in the country. On top of the high cost of living and harsh environment it also has a notoriously bad crime rate.
Cost of Living in East Tennessee
- Top 10 Most Affordable States
- 0% Income Tax
- No Inheritance Tax
- No Prescription Drug Tax
- $4.5 Property Tax Rate
- Home Appreciation 24.9% Last 12 months
- Home Appreciation 83.4% Last 5 years
- Overall Cost of Living 7.8% less than the U.S. average
- Healthcare 4% less than the U.S. average
- Groceries 3.6% less than the U.S. average
The East Tennessee Location
- Knoxville is within a days drive to 2/3 of the population
- Crossroads to 3 major interstate (I-40, I-75 & I-81)
- Located near the Great Smoky Mountains
- Beautiful climate all year round
- Located close to multiple top-tier medical facilities
- Conveniently located near shops, grocery stores, and activities
- Located 20 minutes from McGhee Tyson Airport
The Cost of Living in Houston
- Housing is 7% lower than the national average
- 3.3% more expensive than Lenoir City
- 0% Income Tax
- Cost of living is 1% higher than the national average
- $17.1 Property Tax Rate
- Home Appreciation 7.11% over the last 12 months
- Healthcare costs 9% more than the national average
- Groceries cost 2% cheaper than the national average
The Houston Location
- Topography is very flat
- A major risk of flooding over the next 30 years, which means flooding is likely to impact day-to-day life within the community
- Notorious for its sweltering summers
- Heavy traffic congestion which contributes to having some of the worst air pollution in the country
- Houston has made little progress in reducing crime, it still has a long way to go
- 4th largest city in the United States
WindRiver Amenities
- Marina: convenient, clear water location, secure, gated docks, floating docks, year-round access, and fuel station all located on Tellico Lake.
- Dining: two restaurants at WindRiver with scenic views of Tellico Lake and many local options located close by in Lenoir City, Knoxville, and Maryville.
- Golf Course: exceptional golf experience with some of the most breathtaking golf real estate in Tennessee. The par-72 course features six sets of tees ranging from 4,146 yards on the forward tees to 7,453 yards from the championship tees.
- Pool & Sports Complex: resort-style pool, sundeck & hot tub, tennis courts, pickleball courts, basketball court, bocce lawn and so much more!
WindRiver Community
WindRiver is a debt-free resort style planned community, with beautiful waterfront property. The community is family owned and operated by the Ayres, who have strong ties to the East Tennessee area. The Ayres have called WindRiver their “Legacy Project” and treat it as such, you will see them on property 7 days a week and at majority of the community events.
