A Comprehensive Guide to Retiring in Tega Cay, SC

Developed in 1970, 1,600 wooded acres of land on Lake Wylie, South Carolina just south of Charlotte, North Carolina were cleared to make way for the exclusive gated community of Tega Cay. In Polynesian, Tega Cay translates to “beautiful peninsula” and the Polynesian theme was carried throughout construction of this community. Roads, a clubhouse, pools, tennis courts, and a golf course were built as a part of this upscale development.

In 1982, the developer filed for bankruptcy and Tega Cay was incorporated into a city to ensure the rights and protect the interests of the area’s homeowners. Since 2000, the City of Tega Cay has annexed areas beyond the peninsula which now include commercial districts along Highway 160. The area is relatively new, but city officials have vowed to not overdevelop the land. Due to these building limitations, Tega Cay continually makes the list as one of the most desired places to live in the United States.

If you’re considering retiring in Tega Cay, there’s plenty to do in and around the area and it’s an excellent place for retirees. Use this comprehensive guide to get you started!

• Tax Benefits
• Weather
• Health & Wellness
• Fitness Centers & Nutritionists
• Senior Living Communities
• Food & Drink
• Shopping
• Sports
• Parks & Recreation
• Arts & Entertainment
• Transportation
• Neighborhoods

One of the many reasons Tega Cay is a popular retirement destination is the tax friendliness for seniors. In fact, South Carolina is one of the most tax-friendly states in the entire country. Here are a few reasons why:

Zero Social Security Tax

South Carolina is one of the many states that imposes no tax on social security benefits. This is important because social security is relied on by millions of older Americans. No social security tax means more disposable income for retirees in Tega Cay.

Deduct Up to $15,000 from Income Taxes

A $15,000 income tax deduction is available to South Carolina residents over the age of 65. It is applicable to all forms of retirement income, including that from 401(k) plans, IRAs and pension plans. This tax deduction is a great way for Tega Cay residents to save money during retirement.

Low Property Taxes

South Carolina has one of the lowest effective property tax rates in the country, at just 0.57%. In addition to paying this low rate, South Carolina seniors who’ve lived in the state over a year can benefit from a “homestead exemption,” which exempts them from property taxes on the first $50,000 of their home’s value.

Great weather is one of the many reasons people enjoy retiring in Tega Cay. On average, temperatures range from 30°F to 53°F in January (the coldest month) and from 69°F to 90°F in July (the warmest month). Snowfall is rare in this region, with an average of just 3 inches of snow per year, compared to a US average of 28 inches per year. What winters may lack snow is made up for in rainfall. On average, the city receives 44 inches of rainfall per year, which is slightly higher than the US average of 38 inches.

When relocating to a new area, familiarizing yourself with local healthcare options is an important task. One of the most appealing features of Tega Cay, South Carolina is the close proximity to top-rated healthcare services for area residents.

The area’s premier healthcare systems are Atrium Health and Novant Health. Their convenient locations and comprehensive operating hours offer a peace of mind for the city’s residents.

Healthcare Systems / Hospitals

Atrium Health is a nonprofit health system that is a nationally recognized leader in shaping health outcomes through innovative research, education and compassionate patient care. Atrium Health is renowned for its top-ranked cancer and heart care, as well as organ transplants, burn treatments and specialized musculoskeletal programs. A recognized leader in experiential medical education and groundbreaking research, Wake Forest School of Medicine is the academic core of the enterprise, including Wake Forest Innovations, which is advancing new medical technologies and biomedical discoveries. Atrium Health is continually recognized locally and nationally for their commitment to delivering efficient, quality care. Year after year, they receive distinctions from many of the top accrediting and ranking organizations in the industry.

• Atrium Health Pineville

  Located in Pineville, Atrium provides leading-edge healthcare in a local setting. The hospital offers open-heart surgery as part of the advanced cardiovascular program and innovative cancer care, including surgical and radiation oncology. Patients also have access to other highly specialized services such as robotic surgery, pediatric urology and neurosurgery.

Novant is an integrated system of physician practices, hospitals, outpatient centers, and more – each element committed to delivering a remarkable healthcare experience for you and your family. With world-class technology, personal connections, and care that’s easier to access and understand, Novant Health is with you every step of the way on your journey to health and wellness.

• Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center

  Located just outside of Uptown Charlotte, Presbyterian Medical Center hospital is a nonprofit, 624-bed medical center. It is one of the largest medical centers in the area with over 7,000 employees and over 700 physicians on medical staff. They are one of the largest medical centers in the region and are recognized throughout the state and across the country for quality care, outstanding patient satisfaction and commitment to giving back to our community.

• Novant Health Charlotte Orthopedic Hospital

  Founded in 1976, Charlotte Orthopedic Hospital is the region’s only orthopedic hospital, providing a full range of services for orthopedic injuries and conditions. Our national recognition includes:
  • Ranked among the top 5 percent of hospitals in the country for surgical care measures.
  • Earned the Gold Seal of Approval™ from The Joint Commission for six of our joint and spine programs.
  • Orthopedic Nurse Certified (ONC) caregivers.

Fitness Centers and Nutritionists

A vital part of maintaining and improving your overall health is through exercise and diet. When researching gyms in a local area, you may find that you have too many options, and it can be overwhelming. Identifying age-friendly fitness centers can improve the quality of workout you’re doing. The International Council on Active Aging offers a fantastic resource to help you find the perfect fitness center for you. Nutrition is another aspect of wellness that is crucial to reaching that goal weight or optimal fitness you’re looking for. You can use this tool from HealthGrades to help you identify someone who specializes in dietetics.

Senior Living Communities

Retirement communities are an excellent choice for seniors in Tega Cay. Eliminate the burdens of home maintenance while indulging in culinary programs, unique social events, activities, daily wellness programs and access to industry-best care services. The top-rated community in this area is Wellmore of Tega Cay which offers Assisted Living, Memory Care, Skilled Nursing, and Rehabilitation. Wellmore is committed to helping seniors live longer, healthier, happier lives in their community. To learn more about Wellmore of Tega Cay, visit their website.

A melting pot of unique fare and libations, Tega Cay’s food and drink offerings expand outside of this small community into surrounding towns like Fort Mill, Steele Creek, Rivergate, Pineville, and Charlotte proper. The area offers a wide range of cuisine options for residents. From authentic southern meals and seafood to authentic chinese and award-winning local burger joints, there’s a lot to choose from. Here are the top-rated restaurants and drinks in Tega Cay:

Top-Rated Restaurants in/around Tega Cay:

Blacow Burger

Wagyu means Japanese black cow, and is the origin of this top-rated burger joint just outside of Tega Cay in Fort Mill. They were recently ranked as the best burger in Charlotte during the Moo and Brew craft beer and burger festival. Their short rib steak patties, homemade buns, hand cut fries and all organic milkshakes make this burger joint a must-try in the area.

The Greek Grill

Fast, casual, Greek dishes are The Greek Grill’s specialty! The Greek Grill offers traditional Greek and Mediterranean style cuisine and its very best. With 40 years of restaurant experience, the goal of Owner, Nick Pahountis is to present patrons with quality imported ingredients and healthy meal alternatives from the Mediterranean.

Akahana Asian Bistro

Come and enjoy a relaxing upscale and relaxing environment in the heart of Baxter Village in Fort Mill. They are not a normal sushi restaurant and offer an expansive Asian & Sushi menu with sushi, teppanyaki, nori, hosomaki and makimono.

Papa Doc’s Shore Club

While it is a little bit outside of Tega Cay by traditional automobile, Papa Doc’s Shore Club is just a short boat ride from Tega Cay on Lake Wylie! Tega Cay residents adore boating and it is conveniently located on Lake Wylie (with dock space available to park your boat). Enjoy a refreshing cocktail or one of their freshly prepared entrées while dining inside or on the spacious outdoor dock. From tiki cocktails to live music on the water, Papa Doc’s keeps it fresh with a menu sure to please everyone. the Big Papa 3 Ib steamed seafood tower, char-grilled oysters, Lakehouse burger, Shore Club sandwich, Flounder Filet and more.

Local Dish

In June of 2012, Local Dish opened their doors with a goal of providing customers with the two essential ingredients for a successful restaurant, great food and great service. They created a Southern-inspired menu and decided to source as much food as they could locally, hence the name Local Dish. Occupying space in a hundred-year-old building on Main Street in the heart of Fort Mill helped add to the feel of a down-home farm-to-table restaurant.

Top-Rated Drinks in/around Tega Cay:

Model A Brewing Company

The Founders of Model A Brewing Company have called Tega Cay home for many years and got tired of driving to other towns to visit a brewery. So they decided to build one. The mission is to provide the local community with a family friendly place to enjoy exceptional craft beer, good food, and fast / friendly customer service.

Amor Artis Brewing

Family owned and operated, Amor Artis is the dream of Steve and Travis, the Tolson Brothers. Originally hailing from Fort Mill, the brothers found it fitting to return to their hometown to continue to grow their roots, and to do what they love: Brew great beer! After homebrewing, higher education and running the uber successful Wicked Weed brewpub in Asheville, the Brothers decided to begin making beer together. The mission of Amor Artis is to sustain the name: the love of craft.

Mister Chang’s Coffee House

A new addition to the Tega Cay community, Mister Chang’s is your go-to spot for local coffee, and fresh farm to table coffeehouse fare. Make sure to stop by and grab a drink!

Lake Wylie Brewing Company

Craft beer. Pizza. Jumbo wings. Combine each of the three, and you have Lake Wylie Brewing Co., a brewpub in Fort Mill, SC, that all of the locals love. They’re best known for their extensive tap of in-house beers and our classic brewpub menu. Brews and food were always meant to go together. So we give you both in an environment that’s perfect for spending time with friends and catching up with the score.m Patrons enjoy our indoor and outdoor seating arrangements that accommodate large parties, as well as our innovative cocktails and beautifully plated food as they hang out.

Tega Cay Coffee Company

Always on the move, the Tega Cay Coffee Company has 2 locations, a full mobile coffee cart and their cold brew tapper trailer. The owner, Brian wanted to create something unique and unlike the typical coffee shop that would help Tega Cay residents kick start their morning with quality coffee. After surviving (and thriving) a heart transplant in 2019 – newly restored energy and passion kept pushing him towards coffee.

Tega Cay has a limited variety of stores in the area, however just minutes away from Tega Cay are a multitude of shopping choices! Whether you’re looking for a big shopping center or would rather shop in a local boutique, there is an abundance for you to choose from.

You won’t find a more welcoming place to shop, dine and socialize than in Baxter Town Center in Fort Mill. It’s reminiscent of a quaint downtown where merchants know your name. True Southern flavor and hospitality infuse every business on its charming small-town streetscape. Retailers include Katyloo Boutique, Page 6 Boutique, Divine Consign, and more!

Uniquely situated near Lake Wylie and the Catawba River, RiverGate Shopping Center was meticulously designed with you in mind! Their selection of clothing and lifestyle anchor stores, combined with the full array of personal grooming/healthcare/fitness services, and specialty boutiques makes RiverGate an amazing destination as well as a great place to shop. Their expansive, relaxing outdoor commons with benches and a fountain invite you and your family to spend a leisurely day at RiverGate. Retailers include: Marshall’s, Old Navy, Best Buy, PetSmart, SuperTarget, Rack Room Shoes, and more.

Find everything you’re looking for all under one roof at Carolina Place in Pineville. From nationally recognized department stores filled with your favorite brands to unique retailers featuring the latest must-haves, this center is the go-to destination for shoppers throughout the Charlotte area. Retailers include: Barnes & Noble, Bath & Body Works, Belk, JCPenney, Lane Bryant, Pandora, REI, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and more.

Owned by Simon Malls, Charlotte Premium Outlets offers 100 designer and name brand outlet stores including Gap Outlet, Michael Kors, Nike Factory Store and more. Enjoy these exceptional brands and more at savings of 25% to 65% off every day.

While there aren’t any Major League sports teams in the immediate area of Tega Cay, residents are merely minutes away from Downtown Charlotte, North Carolina. Charlotte’s growing population, economy, and demand for sports teams has driven multiple leagues to bring teams into the city within the past decade. Residents enjoy attending sporting events throughout the year to cheer on their hometown teams.

Professional Sports Teams

The Carolina Panthers compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the league’s National Football Conference – South Division (NFC South). The Panthers were announced as the league’s 29th franchise in 1993, and began play in 1995 under original owner and founder Jerry Richardson. On May 16, 2018, David Tepper, formerly a minority owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers, finalized an agreement to purchase the Panthers. The sale price was nearly $2.3 billion, a record. Since 1996, they have played at Bank of America Stadium in Downtown Charlotte. They have 8 playoff appearances, 2 conference championships and two Super Bowl Appearances in 2003 and 2015.

The Charlotte Hornets compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the league’s Eastern Conference Southeast Division. The original Hornets franchise was established in 1988 as an expansion team, owned by George Shinn. In 2002, Shinn’s franchise relocated to New Orleans and became the New Orleans Hornets. In 2004, the NBA established the Charlotte Bobcats, which was regarded as a new expansion team at the time.[10] In 2014, the Bobcats were renamed Charlotte Hornets, and acquired official history and records of the original Hornets (spanning from 1988 to 2002). On February 27, 2010, it was announced that the team had been sold to NBA Legend, Michael Jordan, allowing Jordan to become the first former NBA player to become majority owner of a franchise. The Hornets currently play at “The Hive” or Spectrum Center, a multipurpose venue in Downtown Charlotte.

Charlotte Football Club (Charlotte FC) is a Major League Soccer (MLS) expansion team that is expected to begin play in 2022. The club will play at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. The team is owned by David Tepper who was awarded the expansion franchise on December 17, 2019.

In addition to these major league teams, there are minor league and professional-level sports teams with a presence in Charlotte. These include the Charlotte Checkers (AHL), Charlotte Knights (MiLB – Triple-A East and the Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox), Charlotte Independence (USLC), Charlotte Thunder (AAL), Charlotte Eagles (USL2), Charlotte Rugby Club (MARFU), Charlotte Roller Girls (WFTDA), and Carolina Queens (IWFL).

PGA Tour

The Wells Fargo Championship is held at Quail Hollow Country Club in May each year on the PGA Tour. This event has one of the tougher finishes on the tour with 16, 17, and 18, commonly known as the “Green Mile,” often ranked among the PGA Tour’s toughest holes. The purse for this event was $8.1 million in 2021 with $1.4 as the winner’s share. Quail Hollow has previously hosted the PGA Championship and in 2022, the course will host the Presidents Cup. Previous winners of this event include Rory McIlroy, Jason Day, Tiger Woods, and Rickie Fowler among others.

Auto Racing

The National Association of Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) has a heavy presence around Charlotte. Teams including Hendrick Motorsports, Richard Petty Motorsports, Roush-Fenway Racing, Joe Gibbs Racing, Stewart-Haas Racing and more are headquartered within the area. Since most teams are headquartered in Charlotte, NASCAR’s organization has a large presence in the city. A variety of offices and the NASCAR Hall of Fame are both located in Downtown Charlotte.

Each year Charlotte hosts multiple events at Charlotte Motor Speedway for their Truck, Xfinity, and Cup Series. The complex features a 1.5 mi (2.4 km) quad oval track that hosts NASCAR racing including the prestigious Coca-Cola 600 on Memorial Day weekend, and the Bank of America Roval 400. The speedway was built in 1959 by Bruton Smith and is considered the home track for NASCAR with many race teams located in the Charlotte area. The track is owned and operated by Speedway Motorsports Inc.

In addition to NASCAR, Charlotte Motor Speedway regularly welcomes The National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) to their ZMax Dragway each spring. The NHRA races Top Fuel Dragsters, Funny Cars, Automobiles, and Motorcycles during their NHRA 4-Wide Nationals.

Collegiate Sports

In addition to professional sports teams, there is a deep-rooted appreciation for college sports among Tega Cay residents. Those who live in the area cheer for Carolina-based teams including the Clemson University Tigers, University of South Carolina Gamecocks, UNC Charlotte 49ers, UNC Chapel Hill Tarheels, Duke University Blue Devils, North Carolina State (NC State) Wolfpack, and more.

Tega Cay is accentuated by impressive parks, recreation facilities, and lakeside spots for both residents and visitors alike to enjoy. Here are a few of the top parks, and recreation facilities in and around Tega Cay:

One of the older and more popular parks in Tega Cay, Windjammer is used throughout the warmer months by residents who enjoy relaxing by the lake. On one side of the point is a beach and lake swimming area. There are a few playground pieces on the beach as well as further up the point next to the covered picnic shelter, restrooms and scenic overlook. On the right side of the point is a small area for boaters who wish to visit the park. During the summer months, Windjammer Park is the home of the award winning Carolina Show Ski Team. Periodically the team puts on free water ski shows for residents and skiing enthusiasts.

Lookout Park and Trailhead Park are both great facilities provided by the City of Tega Cay and there is a 1.4 mile trail that connects the two parks. Lookout Park is a great spot for a picnic or day in the sunshine with chairs, a gazebo, grill, parking, playground, restrooms, trail access and a disc-golf course!

Catawba Park is a new multi-use park and sports complex for people of all ages to enjoy. This project is planned as a 62 acre park on the shores of the Catawba River, including a boat launch just below the Lake Wylie dam, which has become a popular paddle sports launch for the region.

The Tega Cay Golf Club is home to 27 holes of golf that sit on over 200 acres surrounding Lake Wylie. It as recently voted the #1 golf course in the Fort Mill, South Carolina area. Their stately 15,000 square foot Clubhouse is complete with a beautifully renovated restaurant and fully stocked golf shop.

Music Venues

Within Tega Cay, there are small venues like bars and restaurants that welcome live music from local performers. The Shore Club at Tega Cay, Model A Brewing, and Lake Wylie Brewing regularly host live music for residents. If you’re looking for a bigger venue or to see a national act, they’re simply minutes away in Rock Hill, SC or Charlotte, NC. These venues include:

• The Fillmore Charlotte
• Comporium Amphitheater at the Anne Springs Close Greenway
• PNC Music Pavilion
• Spectrum Center
• Charlotte Metro Credit Union Amphitheatre
• Amos’ Southend
• Visulite Theater
• Neighborhood Theater

Places To Go & Museums

While Tega Cay itself is relatively young, the surrounding area holds a lot of unique history for residents and visitors. As a vivacious outdoor-focused community, Tega Cay is home to many adventures for the whole family.

• Museum of York County

  4621 Mt Gallant Rd, Rock Hill, SC 29732

  Explore the Carolina Piedmont and its connections to the world at the Museum of York County! With more than 2,000 specimens at your fingertips, The Naturalist Center will guide your learning adventures. In the Settlemyre Planetarium, travel the cosmos from the comfort of your seat with state-of-the-art digital projection and new programs.

• Carowinds Amusement Park

  14523 Carowinds Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28273

  Owned by Cedar Fair, Carowinds is a 407-acre amusement park located adjacent to Interstate 77 in Charlotte, North Carolina. It is located in both North and South Carolina. There are over 57 rides for thrill-seekers, families and kids of all sizes. Their Roller Coaster, Fury 325 was Voted as the Top Steel Coaster in the World.

• Anne Springs Close Greenway

  2573 Lake Haigler Drive, Fort Mill, SC 29715

  In 1995, the Anne Springs Close Greenway, a 2,100 acre nature preserve in Fort Mill, South Carolina, was dedicated to the public to serve as a natural buffer from urban development and a place for countless activities – from hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding, to picnics, kayaking and more.

• ​Lake Wylie

  Lake Wylie is a reservoir, or man-made lake straddling the border of both South Carolina and North Carolina. The lake has a surface area of 13,400 acres and features 325 miles of shore line. Tega Cay residents and visitors enjoy boating, water sports, picnics, and more on the lake.

• President James K. Polk State Historic Site

  2031 Lancaster Hwy, Pineville, NC 28134

  The President James K. Polk Historic Site is a museum and historic location in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, and a historic site managed by the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources’ Historic Sites division. The property was the location of property owned by the parents of President James K. Polk, and exhibits at the historic site serve to tell the story of the President’s political career, as well as provide a look into life in North Carolina in the early 19th century.

Highways

Tega Cay is located close to two major interstates, I-85 and I-77, making it easily accessible for those traveling from both the North and South. With easy access to these highways, starting your trip to other major destinations along the east coast becomes a breeze.

Airport

The major hub for air travel in the area is Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT). Located less than 20 minutes from Tega Cay, this airport is ranked among the Top 10 Busiest Airports in the World, averaging 1,600 daily aircraft operations. CLT serves approximately 178 nonstop destinations around the globe and welcomes more than 50 million passengers annually. Whether you’re looking for a domestic flight or international adventure, CLT is sure to have a flight that is suitable for your needs.

The natural beauty and close-knit community that Tega Cay offers makes it an excellent place to retire. The area offers close proximity to a major city with shopping, culture, easy travel, sports, music, and more! These features make Tega Cay a great place for anyone to enjoy their retirement.

Other Top Cities For Retirement: