Tega Cay, SC 120 Apartments for Rent

The Ervin Company started the community in 1970, naming it "Tega Cay," which mean "beautiful peninsula" in Polynesian. It incorporated the South Seas theme in everything from street names to clubhouse decorations.

Is it really a city if everything is planned to the last detail? The residents of Tega Cay would answer a resounding yes, because they voted a government, consisting of a mayor and four council members, to serve two-year terms. The mini-metropolis contains homes, commercial properties, retail structures, and recreational facilities. The city occasionally annexes new areas in order to expand and increase the population.

Moving to Tega Cay

When the worst thing you can say about an area's climate is that it gets humid, then you've arrived at a near paradise. You can move to town at any time of year because even during the winter, it rarely gets below freezing, even for the lowest temperature of the day.

The city does occasionally suffer from tornadoes, but they cause injuries maybe once every five years and tend to touch down miles from the city center. Hurricanes are more likely but also irregular. To avoid encounters with these weather events while moving, come during the fairer days of summer.

Apartments are relatively rare and so you're most likely to find rental housing in Tega Cay that will consist of single-family homes. Even then, only about six percent of the locals are renters. You may need to ask a real-estate agent to help find a place, but it normally won't cost you anything because the property owner pays the commission.

Make it easy on whomever you hire by showing proof of earning enough income, paying off your financial obligations and having good credit. Want to know what the state of your finances looks like to landlords? There are sites where you can download a free credit report.

Neighborhoods in Tega Cay

Because the Ervin Company planned every part of the community to have the same features, there's only one neighborhood, and that's Tega Cay. Of course, even in one neighborhood, some places are better for you than others, depending on your needs.

Lake Wylie: It's a no-brainer that property facing Lake Wylie is the most desirable, especially if it comes with a private dock. Fortunately, the city has several inlets to maximize shoreline exposure.

Highway 160: Despite being surrounded by water and artfully designed groves of trees, maybe you just need to get to work as quickly as possible. You may then want to eschew the winding roads that lead further into the community and live near Highway 160. This thoroughfare is also good if you want convenience because it hosts restaurants and stores.

India Hook Hills: If you like spending time on the greens, then find a place near the Golf Club, which is the only 27-hole golf course in the region. The facility also includes a restaurant, conference center, community center and tennis. You'll have to spring for membership because it's not a public course.

There is one community in particular that should be mentioned if you are moving to Tega Cay.

Palmetto Place: Depending on who you ask, Palmetto Place is either in Fort Mill or Tega Cay. However, the location of the apartment complex west of the 160 and south of Gold Hill Rd. puts it squarely within Tega Cay neighborhood limits. You do get your money's worth with this complex in Tega Cay. The on-site Business Center, with a cyber lounge and conference room, lets you continue work outside of the office, although later, you can have fun at the Community Activities Center, take a dip in the pool or workout your biceps at the 24-hour fitness center. A dog park takes care of your best friend. Models start at 695 square feet with one bedroom and one bath, and go up to 1,195 square feet with three bedrooms and two baths. You'll get a porch or balcony, outside storage, garden tub, connections for a full-size washer and dryers, ceiling fans and walk-in closets.

Living in Tega Cay

If such details as street signs and floor plans are planned in advance, then it follows that recreational activities are just as well-organized. You won't lack for anything to do. Since water is a big draw of this city, the Beach and Swim Center is a good place to start. There is an eight-lane Junior Olympics-sized pool where you can hone your lap-swimming skills or you can lounge in the sand at the beach area.

Windjammer Park offers lakeside access and hosts the Carolina Show Ski Team. Come Friday night to see these aquatic experts put on free water-ski shows. The city actually manages over a dozen outdoor recreational areas including Central Bark, popular with your furry friends; Turner Field, which has lighted fields for soccer and baseball/softball; and Wuertle Tennis Courts, where the Tega Cay Memorial Tennis Tournament happens every October.

Annual events spice up your schedule and give you a chance to know your neighbors. In the summer, the 4th of July/City Birthday Celebration features more than the expected land parades, food, musical entertainment and fireworks. A golf tournament gives you a chance to wear red, white, and blue on the links while a canoe joust, boat parade and fish fry take advantage of the lake.

In the fall, locals get together during the Tega Cay Block Party, which includes more musical performances and more food. Booths showcase everything from artisan crafts to items for sale from local merchants.