All-in monthly cost — $400K Rarity Bay home
HOA fee~$220/mo
Monroe Co. property tax (~0.55%)~$183/mo
Homeowners insurance (inland TN — low risk)~$75–$130/mo
Utilities~$150–$210/mo
State income tax$0 — zero TN income tax
Total monthly carrying cost (excl. mortgage)~$628–$743/mo
Monroe County Property Tax Freeze for SeniorsTennessee’s Property Tax Freeze program locks your tax bill at its current level for qualifying residents 65+ meeting income thresholds. In a rising market, this is meaningful protection against escalating carrying costs. Verify current Monroe County thresholds with the county assessor after purchase.
Zero Tennessee State Income TaxTennessee eliminated all state income tax in 2021 — no tax on IRA withdrawals, pensions, Social Security, or investment income. For retirees drawing $60K–$120K/year from tax-deferred accounts, this is worth $3,500–$7,000/year vs states with 5–6% income tax rates.