Moving to Knoxville, Tennessee: Your Complete Guide

Lifestyle & Community

Knoxville combines the energy and amenities of a mid-sized city with Southern hospitality and a relatively low cost of living. The revitalized downtown area features Market Square, Gay Street entertainment district, and a thriving restaurant and brewery scene. From UT football at Neyland Stadium to the Sunsphere (a remnant of the 1982 World's Fair), Knoxville has developed a unique identity that celebrates both its history and its forward-looking growth.

The city's population of approximately 190,000 (with over 900,000 in the metro area) creates a diverse community of young professionals, families, university students, and retirees. Neighborhoods range from historic districts like Fourth and Gill to modern developments in West Knoxville and Farragut. The community is active, with strong involvement in local schools, volunteer organizations, and outdoor recreation.

Affordability

Compared to many growing Southern cities like Nashville, Charlotte, or Atlanta, Knoxville offers exceptional affordability. The cost of living is approximately 10% below the national average, with housing costs significantly lower than comparable metros. Tennessee's lack of state income tax means more money stays in your pocket, and everyday expenses like groceries, dining, and entertainment are reasonable.

Median home prices hover around $285,000, though the market offers options from condos under $150,000 to luxury homes exceeding $1 million. Property taxes in Knox County are moderate, typically $2.50-$2.75 per $100 of assessed value. This combination of affordable housing, no state income tax, and reasonable living costs makes Knoxville attractive for remote workers, retirees, and young professionals.

Location & Accessibility

Knoxville's location in East Tennessee provides excellent connectivity and natural beauty. McGhee Tyson Airport offers direct flights to major hubs across the country. Interstate 40 and Interstate 75 intersect in Knoxville, making travel to Nashville (2.5 hours), Atlanta (3 hours), and Charlotte (3.5 hours) straightforward.

The city's proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (30-40 minutes) is a major draw for outdoor enthusiasts. Additionally, numerous rivers and lakes—including the Tennessee River, Fort Loudoun Lake, and Norris Lake—provide water recreation opportunities. This combination of urban amenities and outdoor access is rare and highly valued by residents.

Public Schools

Knox County Schools is the primary public school system serving Knoxville and surrounding areas. The district includes over 90 schools serving approximately 58,000 students. School quality varies across the district, with several standout schools consistently earning top ratings. Farragut High School, Bearden High School, West High School, Hardin Valley Academy, and Powell High School are among the most sought-after high schools.

Popular elementary and middle schools include Cedar Bluff Elementary, Karns Elementary, Concord Elementary, Farragut Intermediate, and Bearden Middle School. The district offers magnet schools, specialty programs, and Advanced Placement courses. School assignment is primarily based on residential address, so many families choose homes specifically for school zone access.

Private Schools

Knoxville offers excellent private school options. The Webb School of Knoxville is a prestigious college-preparatory school serving grades 6-12. Christian Academy of Knoxville (CAK) and Knoxville Catholic High School provide faith-based education. Other options include Concord Christian School, Grace Christian Academy, and several Montessori and independent schools.

Higher Education

The University of Tennessee is Knoxville's flagship institution, offering world-class academics, SEC athletics, and significant economic impact. Pellissippi State Community College provides affordable two-year degrees and technical training. Johnson University and several smaller institutions round out the higher education landscape. The university presence creates a youthful energy and supports a strong local economy.

Major Employers & Economy

Knoxville's economy is diversified and growing. Major employers include the University of Tennessee (11,000+ employees), Oak Ridge National Laboratory (nearby, 4,500+ employees), Covenant Health, Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA headquarters), and numerous manufacturing, technology, and service companies. The partnership between UT and Oak Ridge creates a unique research and innovation ecosystem.

Key industries include advanced manufacturing, healthcare, energy, education, and increasingly, technology startups. The presence of UT provides a steady stream of educated workers, and the lower cost of doing business has attracted companies relocating from higher-cost regions. Remote work has also brought professionals who can work from anywhere but choose Knoxville for its quality of life.

Commute & Transportation

Traffic in Knoxville is manageable compared to larger metros, though peak hours can create delays on major corridors like I-40, I-640, and Kingston Pike. Most commutes within the metro area run 15-30 minutes. Many neighborhoods are car-dependent, though downtown and the University area are walkable. The city is working to expand bike lanes and alternative transportation options.