About Tega Cay

Location

Tega Cay is located twenty miles south of Charlotte, N.C. Only three miles west of I-77 near the South Carolina/North Carolina state line. The Charlotte Douglas International Airport is only twenty minutes away. This location offers easy access to employment, entertainment, and cultural events. The Blue Ridge Mountains and the South Carolina coastline are less than a 3-hour drive. Carowinds Theme Park is only 5 minutes away.

History of Tega Cay

In 1904 electricity first flowed from the old Catawba River in York County. The construction of the dam and creation of Lake Wylie led to the birth of Tega Cay, located on a peninsula on the east side of the lake.

The idea of Tega Cay began with The Ervin Company purchasing the peninsula from Crescent Land Development Corp. in 1970. After a mayhem camping trip to the beach with his family, an officer of the company had a vision of a recreational community where one could live as though on vacation all year. The name "Tega Cay" means "beautiful peninsula" in an obscure Polynesian language. Many streets were named for islands such as Molokai, Palmyra, Mai Kai and Marquesas. The original homes were built with mostly Polynesian-style rooflines.

Original homeowners in Tega Cay were provided with many services such as lawn care and daycare for a minimal HOA fee. Prospective homeowners were driven by jeep to view the home sites available. A riverboat, the Conticki, was constructed to tour prospects and business groups around the peninsula by water. Unfortunately, the $15- $35 fee was not enough to support the services promised and the developer was forced into bankruptcy. At that time a purchase was negotiated between the bank and the new owner, Tega Cay Associates. Tega Cay residents rallied with the new owners and in 1982, Tega Cay became a city with it's own tax base. This occasion is celebrated every year on the 4th of July.

In 1999 the Newland Corporation purchased the undeveloped property in Tega Cay. Newland began developing the remaining 550 acres. This development includes new homes, a brand new clubhouse, and pool and recreation center. Also, an additional 9 holes were added to the golf course along with an events pavilion. Walking trails are provided and the playground equipment has been recently updated.

Tega Cay Today

Today Tega Cay thrives as a vital and recreational community. The 1600-acre peninsula, surrounded by 16 miles of shoreline, offers golf, swimming, boating, tennis, hiking and biking trails. Tega Cay has rugged topography and many densely wooded greenbelts. Only one road, Tega Cay Drive, for entering and exiting the city, and all vehicles must drive past the police station. All other roads dead end, many at the water. Houses range in price from $140,00.00 to $1,000,000.00 + and are available on the waterfront, golf course, or interior lots. The new clubhouse is located in the center of the city and has a restaurant, bar, and Golf Pro-Shop. Diners may sit inside, or outside on the veranda overlooking the golf course. There are eight tennis courts, junior Olympic sized swimming pool, athletic fields, two waterfront parks, walking trails, interior parks, and a marina. There is no industrial area inside the city limits of Tega Cay and no businesses other than the Real Estate offices. All utilities are underground and privately owned.

The city of Tega Cay has a Mayor-Council form of government. There is a City Administrator. The Mayor and Council members are elected and receive a small salary. The police department is full time, offering 24-hour protection. There is a volunteer fire department and EMT. The real estate and personal property taxes account for 76% of the annual revenue.

The People

The current population of Tega Cay is approximately 6,000  people and growing. There has been a growth of 34% since the 1990 census. The current growth averages 3 to 4 % per year due to new development and annexations. The annual income is far higher than the York County and South Carolina state averages. More than 80% of Tega cay residents work in professional or technical fields. 50% of the population holds a college degree and 70% commute to Charlotte for work. Children attend the highly rated Fort Mill schools.

Median Age 40
Under 18 26.8%
65+ 9.2%

Things to Do

Golf

Warm up for mountain golf on the 27 challenging holes at the Tega Cay Golf Club, where a tee box is elevated almost 100 feet above the fairway.
1-888-TEGA-FUN Web Site

Tega Cay Marina

Dock your boat for an annual fee. Covered and open slips are available. Also, you can rent pontoons, ski boats, and Jet Ski's. Tega Cay Marina
1-803-548-3715

Tega Cay Beach & Swim Center (Membership required) Web Site

8 lane Junior Olympic size swimming pool
Home of the Tega Cay Breakers
Kiddie Pool with raining umbrella and shaded picnic area
Expansive pool deck overlooking Lake Wylie
Beach area for swimming
Outdoor volleyball court
Picnic tables and grills
Playground
Access to walking trails
Gathering room
Snack Bar
Fitness Room (available for use from 5 AM - 10 PM)
Cardio equipment
Nautilus station
Free weights
 

Tega Cay Parks

-Windjammer Point Beach Park
Offers 3 sandy beaches, swimming area, picnic shelter, restroom facilities, and playground. It's located at the end of Windjammer Drive.
-Pitcairn Park
Offers picnic shelter, pier and boat launch, restroom facilities, playground, two observation decks, grills and a nature walk.

-Other Parks
Trailhead Park ­ swings, playground, paved walking trails
Diamond Head Park ­ swings, playground
Koala Park ­ swings, playground
Park on Palmyra ­ park, and play area
Park on Heron Run ­ playground

Runde Field

Two ball fields, a one-third mile paved walking trail, and a  $30,000 playground facility with seven slides and a swing set.

Turner Field

Baseball diamond and Soccer  fields

Restaurants

Steve and Kelly's  (803) 548-1799
El Maguey  (803) 802-7555
Red Bowl (803) 802-5666
McHales (803) 548-2151
De Marcos  (803) 802-3223
Village Pizza  (803) 547-7770
 

Events

Tega Cay 4th of July / City Birthday Celebration
All day food, parade, fireworks, boat parade, and entertainment
 

Tega Cay Block Party
Booths, crafts, music, and food
October