What to Know About Moving to Knoxville, TN

Knoxville, TN, is an amazing city with great people, abundant outdoor activities, and delicious restaurants. It’s among the top 50 places to live nationwide and the top 25 in the South. People come to access its amenities, but they stay for the friendly people, low cost of living, and laidback lifestyle.

Before moving here, getting acquainted with the city is important – knowing what to expect can make your transition much smoother.

About Knoxville

Knoxville is western Tennessee’s largest metro area. Ideally placed at the Appalachian foothills, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the nation’s most visited, is just 45 minutes outside the city.

The location means the city is in the Eastern Time Zone (EST) rather than Central, like the other two state regions.

The city grew around the convergence of the French Broad and Houston Rivers, which marks where the Tennessee River begins. There’s an abundance of waterfront in and around the Knoxville metro, which has earned it the nickname “The Great Lakes of the South.”

Knoxville’s economy is diverse enough to not make it a college town. However, The University of Tennessee’s bright orange Volunteers are still vital to the local culture. The forerunner of the university, Blount College, dates back to 1792.

Modern Knoxville may be bigger than you think. Classified as a mid-sized city, it’s home to 187,000 people. Knox County had 430,000 residents, showing the whole region is a popular place to call home.

Traffic can be hit-or-miss

When it comes to traffic, Knoxville is a mid-sized city that can get busy during rush hour. The interchanges around I-40 and I-75 can be particularly slow and get backed up easily.

Traveling around downtown or the university campus can be done for free using the Knoxville Trolley. It doesn’t run on Sundays, but you can use it the rest of the week. The city does have an area transit system based on buses.

To beat the traffic and take advantage of its walkability, consider living near downtown or one of the many greenways. Downtown neighborhoods tend to be more pedestrian-friendly and even have electric scooters for getting around easily.

A low cost of living

The cost of living in Knoxville is quite reasonable, coming in 10% under the national average. You’ll pay more in miscellaneous expenses like child care or eating out, but it’s balanced by savings in utilities, transportation, and healthcare.

Housing costs are lower than average by 12%. In March 2023, the median list price was $389,900, with 1,809 homes for sale, under the national list price of $424,000.

According to MIT, a family of four with one adult working and two children paid an average of $11,564 for food, $12,073 for housing, and 14,484 for transportation in 2022. This same family would need an after-tax income of $80,481 to cover all their essential expenses.

The good news is with no state income tax, any money you do earn can stretch a little further.

People consider it “recession-proof.”

The reason is the job market. Knoxville’s economy historically has been stable and kept growing even in down markets because of its diversity and the large number of employers in essential fields.

So while the University of Tennessee is a major employer, Knoxville doesn’t feel like a college town because it also employs thousands in healthcare with Covenant Health at the top, in energy with the US Department of Energy, Y-12 Site, and the Tennessee Valley Authority, and manufacturing with Aluminum Company of America (ALCOA) dominating.

Go orange

Living in Knoxville means embracing the University of Tennessee (UT) and embodying the spirit of the Tennessee Volunteers (or Vols). The college has been ranked as the #1 public university in Tennessee. With over 30,000 students, including 78% from Tennessee, the university offers more than 900 programs, such as logistics and supply chain management, psychology, and nursing.

Education is robust

Besides UT, the Knoxville area has seven other colleges and universities focused on various programs. From a two-year community college to private secular education, Knoxville delivers ample opportunities to advance your knowledge or career.

The intellectual capital influences the multiple public school districts and private schools for K-12 education. Two of the state’s top school districts are in the Knoxville metro.

Crime rates are a downside

One area Knoxville has some challenges is its crime rates, which are trending higher than similarly sized cities. In 2023, the per capita homicide rate was 18.7 per 100,000 people, well above Tennessee’s 9.9 and the nation’s 6.5 rate. However, its rate was down 11% from 2022, so its push for new nonviolent prevention programs may be working.

Like any other city, some areas have higher crime rates than others. It pays to do a bit of research on where you’re thinking of living before you move.

Many excellent neighborhoods

Knoxville has no shortage of thriving communities to buy a home. Here’s a few key areas to get to know in the city and to start a home search.

With its mix of historic homes and modern attractions, downtown is one of the most vibrant areas in town. Downtown Knoxville is home to over 146,000 people who enjoy being close to Knoxville’s premier shopping, dining, entertainment, schools, and employment opportunities. Residents can walk to places like the World’s Fair Park, Gay Street, and Market Place.

Old City is a lively and historic cultural hub in Knoxville. It has a unique atmosphere and features shops, bakeries, cafes, and restaurants housed in beautiful 19th-century buildings. Additionally, the Historic Tennessee Theatre is located in Old City. The housing leans towards rehabilitated historic buildings and homes transforming Old City into a premier live-work-play community.

If you want to live in an urban environment with many activities, Fourth and Gill might be the perfect neighborhood for you. It’s a historic area in east Knoxville, only a five-minute drive from downtown. Residents can enjoy many specialty dining and shopping options in the city center. Additionally, the Knoxville Zoo and Chilhowee Park are located nearby, providing ample opportunities for outdoor fun. Broadway Avenue and its shops are conveniently located for easy errands. The homes here are known for their Victorian and Gothic Revival features.

Sequoyah Hills is a suburb that was established around the 1920s. It now has many wealthy and accomplished residents who reside in single-family homes with mid-20th-century architectural designs. The Sequoyah Park and Greenway are prized features, which follow along the boulevard. The park has two access points to the Tennessee River, a playground, and several sports fields.

Fountain City is a thriving community just north of Knoxville. The former independent town is a peaceful residential area with music venues, old-fashioned diners, vintage shops, and numerous outdoor activities. It is the perfect place for those seeking a quiet community away from the hustle and bustle of city life. An example of the pace of life is the Fountain City Lake with its “duck pond,” which is beside the city’s art center. Adair Park also has a duck pond and a 1.1-mile walking trail.

Marble City has been named one of the best places to live. If you’re looking for a unique culinary experience, visit the Marble City Market, a 15,000-square-foot marketplace in the historic Regas Square where residents can enjoy new delicious dishes and participate in community events. The area has beautiful 19th-century mansions and miles of walking, running, jogging, and cycling trails. Originating from the marble workers who lived here in the early 1880s, Marble City is now a popular location for young professionals and families.

South Knoxville, also known as SoKno, may seem underdeveloped compared to the rest of the city. However, it is part of the “Urban Wilderness,” a connected park system that spans 1,000 acres and offers many outdoor activities like hiking, biking, rock climbing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and more. The highlight is the Ijams Nature Center and the Navitat Adventure Course. The parks are part of the charm of living here, as are the craft coffee shops, breweries, and restaurants spread across the SoKno area.

It’s super dog-friendly

When a university’s mascot is a dog, you know you’re in a dog-friendly city! Knoxville has multiple dog-friendly areas perfect for walks and hikes with your furry friend. Apartment Guide named it one of the best cities for pets.

Explore all seven dog parks in Knoxville to discover your furry friend’s favorite spot. To take your dog to outdoor patios in Knoxville, purchase a “dogs on patios permit” with a one-time fee. Or, head to one of the pet-forward events like Mardi Growl and Bark in the Park.

Knoxville Urban Wilderness and Ijams Nature Center are both excellent spots for exploring nature trails with your pup.

Top Attractions

The Knoxville area is full of great attractions. Take a stroll through World’s Fair Park and its iconic Sunsphere. The Sunsphere Tower, constructed for the 1982 World Fair, is a prominent architectural structure in Knoxville. It stands 26 stories tall, with each glass pane made out of 24-karat gold. The surrounding park offers many activities for visitors to enjoy.

Downtown Knoxville’s Gay Street is home to historic theaters and art galleries. From the landmark Tennessee Theatre to Market Square and all the restaurants in between, a day on Gay Street is eventful and busy! The American Planning Association has recognized it as one of the top ten great streets.

You can see red pandas and other animals at Zoo Knoxville, which has earned the nickname “Red Panda Capital of the World.”

Consider visiting the Big Ears Festival, a renowned four-day music festival in Downtown Knoxville labeled as “one of the world’s greatest music bashes” by The New York Times. The festival features talented artists from various genres, making it a unique and memorable experience.

Play outside

Knoxville’s nickname, “Great Lakes of the South,” is thanks to three major rivers and nine large lakes in the metro. The 34,000-acre Norris Lake is a top-rated destination with over 21 marinas, floating cabins, campgrounds, and park facilities. It’s the largest of the nine, which also include Melton Lake, Douglas Lake, and Cherokee Lake.

Besides the waterways, stay active, exploring the city’s many greenways and trails. The most prominent is the Urban Wilderness, 1,000 acres of downtown waterfront with trails that connect to other parks and cultural sites.

And when you do want to escape Knoxville, the Great Smoky Mountains are at your doorstep. Climb Clingmans Dome, go fall leaf peeping, or set off on the Appalachian Trail. Hundreds of hiking, biking, and scenic roadways await your exploration.

Get artistic

In 2016, Etsy selected Knoxville as one of the 13 cities to hold Maker City Summits because of its robust creative community. While there are plentiful art museums, community theaters, and performing venues, Knoxville shines as a hands-on, creative place. Just walk down the 100 block of Gay Street during the First Friday celebrations.

Dedicated maker spaces like The Central Collective and Knox Makers can be found across town. In Knoxville’s Old City, you can witness glass blowers crafting and selling artisan beer glasses, also available at Pretentious Beer Co. It’s worth noting that the craft beer industry is another component of Knoxville’s expanding Maker City.

It’s Southern food, plus more

Knoxville is a foodie paradise with a wide range of culinary experiences. From Southern comfort dishes to international cuisines to craft breweries and classic BBQ joints, there’s something to satisfy all cravings. Drawing from the local farms and rich local traditions, modern Knoxville is a melting pot of flavors.

The craft scene continues to expand, with 34 listings now on the Knoxville Ale Trail. And we can’t forget about Tennessee Whiskey, with a local small-batch distillery in town.

Knoxville moving resources

New residents have 30 days to obtain a new driver’s license. You’ll need to go in person to a full-service driver service center with your current license, proof of citizenship or lawful permanent residence, two proofs of state residency, and proof of a full social security number. Six locations can handle your vehicle transfer.

Knoxville’s utility providers are the Knoxville Utility Board (electric, gas, water, and sewage) and the West Knox Utility District. (water/sewage). Which one serves you depends on where you live.

Living in Knoxville

Moving to Knoxville can be an exciting adventure – just do your research before you go! With many things to do, friendly people, and great neighborhoods, Knoxville has a lot to appeal to anyone looking for a new home in the South.