Living in Knoxville, TN: 15 Things To Know About Making Rocky Top Your Home Sweet Home
TennesseeKnoxville
Situated on the Tennessee River at the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, the artsy, charming city of Knoxville is one of the gems of East Tennessee. It’s home to the University of Tennessee, but The Marble City is more than just a college town. You’ll find beautiful historic homes, endless outdoor activities, a growing dining scene, and so much more when living in Knoxville, TN.
| Planning a move to Knoxville? Start by getting a free moving quote from PODS. |
Knoxville at a Glance
- Population: The population of Knoxville is just over 202,000.
- Median age: The median age in Knoxville is 33.5 years.
- City size: Knoxville has a total area of about 104 square miles.
- Location: Knoxville is located in East Tennessee, three hours from Nashville and two hours from Chattanooga.
- Fun fact: Knoxville’s Market Square has been used to host a farmers’ market for more than 170 years.
15 Things To Know About Living in Knoxville, TN
While we’re pretty confident you’re going to enjoy living in Knoxville, here are 15 things you should know before making the move.
1. The Cost of Living in Knoxville, TN, Is Relatively Low
Why are so many people moving to Knoxville? Even though K-Town has experienced recent surges in things like food costs and utility prices, the cost of living is still quite affordable at 91.8. That’s about two percent higher than the state average — but eight percent lower than the national cost of living (100).
2. The Pros and Cons of Living in Knoxville, TN, Include Outdoorsy Fun and Brutally Hot Summers
Pro: Outdoor Activities
Knoxville is situated in the Great Appalachian Valley, between the Cumberland Plateau and the Smoky Mountains, with an abundance of hiking, fishing, and camping spots.
Con: Hot Summers
The summer heat here can be brutal. But in comparison with other Southern cities, Knoxville isn’t really too bad. You can expect temperatures to heat up around the end of May, and then cool back down toward the end of September.
Pro: Strong Economy
Knoxville has a relatively low unemployment rate, with plenty of job opportunities in healthcare, manufacturing, and education.
Con: Land-Locked
There is no oceanfront property in the entire state of Tennessee. But Knoxville is home to plenty of lakes and rivers — and it’s just a day’s drive to the beaches of the Carolinas to the east and the Gulf of Mexico to the south.
The average home value in Knoxville is up just 0.6 percent from last year, but it’s been steadily on the rise over the past decade.
(Source: Caroline McDonald via Facebook)
3. The Knoxville Housing and Rental Market Is Reasonable
The median sale price of Knoxville, Tennessee, homes for sale is about $346,500. The average home value in the city is up 0.6 percent since last year — and steadily on the rise over the past decade. The rental market isn’t bad either, with rent averaging around $1,375 for a one-bedroom apartment.
Single-family homes and high-rise apartments are most popular in the area, and — believe it or not — some Knoxville, TN, neighborhoods are the best neighborhoods in the entire state.
4. The Best Places To Live in Knoxville Include Sequoyah Hills, SoKno, and Happy Holler
Sequoyah Hills
Located off Kingston Pike in West Knoxville, Sequoyah Hills is a neighborhood that dates back to the 1920s. It has a variety of architecture styles and is named after Chief Sequoyah, the scholar responsible for developing the Cherokee written language. The laid-back atmosphere makes it a popular destination for retirees.
SoKno
SoKno, short for South Knoxville, is connected to Downtown by the James C. Ford Memorial Bridge, the Gay Street Bridge, and the J. E. “Buck” Karnes Bridge, all spanning the mighty Tennessee River. The neighborhood is an ideal place for young professionals and families.
Happy Holler Historic District
The Happy Holler neighborhood is located in North Knoxville, about five minutes from Downtown. As its delightful name suggests, the area is lively and vibrant, home to shops, restaurants, and bars. Be sure to check out the ever-popular Saloon 16 — a shrine to the most famous Vol of all, Peyton Manning.
You’d be well advised to have a car when living in Knoxville, TN, as relying on public transit may make you late — or stranded.
5. You’ll Need a Car When Living in Knoxville, TN
If you're planning on moving to Knoxville, you’re going to need a car. On a scale from 0–100, the city itself has a transit score of 27, a walk score of 31, and a bike score of 30 — not great (but not the worst in the state).
6. Living in Knoxville, TN, Means Access to Some Highly Rated School Districts
Despite some challenges in Knox County schools, the district has earned top accolades in recent years. Maryville and Oak Ridge are No. 2 and 3, respectively, on Niche’s list of Best School Districts in Tennessee.
7. There Are Many Higher-Education Opportunities in Knoxville, TN
The city is home to Strayer University, Lincoln Memorial College, Knoxville College, and Johnson University — just to name a few. But the biggest and most prestigious, by far, is the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, with more than 40,000 students studying for graduate, undergraduate, and other professional academic programs.
8. Sports Are a Big Part of Living in Knoxville, TN
Is Knoxville a good place to live for sports fans? You bet! Here are just a few highlights:
Football Season Means One Thing: “Go Vols!”
When it comes to the sports scene in Knoxville, the first thing most people think of is the Tennessee Vols (Volunteers) football team. Knoxville's population explodes in the fall as fans pour in from across the state — and beyond! — to show their support for UT. And whether in victory or defeat, rousing renditions of “Rocky Top” echo long into the night on football weekends.
Lady Vols Basketball and UT Athletics Are Legendary, Too
Though Tennessee is most definitely a football school, its other sports programs are top-flight, too — most notably Lady Volunteers basketball. Coach Pat Summitt led the squad for over 40 years, and during that span, the Vols dominated the SEC and won eight NCAA titles. The mark she left on Tennessee, and the NCAA as a whole, is permanent: President Barack Obama honored her with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2012.
Pro Sports Give Knoxville Year-Round Game-Day Fun
Sports in this city go beyond the university. Living in Knoxville, TN, also means some laid-back, affordable fun with pro and semi-pro teams, including the following:
- Knoxville Ice Bears: The hockey team is known for creating an energetic, family-friendly atmosphere.
- Hard Knox Roller Derby: The city’s first (and only) all-women professional flat-track roller derby league gives fans nonstop action around (and around and around) the rink.
- Knoxville Smokies: K-Town’s boys of summer play minor league baseball at the new Covenant Health Park, named Ballpark of the Year for 2025.
The weather in Knoxville is generally pleasant, which means more opportunities to enjoy all the outdoors have to offer. 9. Short Winters and Hot Summers Are Part of Living in Knoxville, TN
Is Knoxville a good place to live for warm-weather lovers? In short, yes. Winters here are generally mild and brief, with the occasional snow day but few temperature dips below freezing. Likewise, the hot season in Knoxville is relatively quick, from May to September, and although it does get hot and humid, 94 degrees is the max most years — not bad when you look at the rest of the South.
10. The Crime Rate in Knoxville Is High, But on Par With Nashville
Knoxville’s crime score is a five, which means it’s safer than only five percent of U.S. cities. While that may not sound great, keep in mind that Nashville is only safer than one percent of U.S. cities. As with most metros, certain parts of Knoxville are more prone to experiencing crime, while others are considered generally safe. You’ll want to research your options before committing to living in Knoxville, TN, and make a decision based on your personal comfort level.
11. Knoxville Boasts a Steady Job Market.
Is Knoxville, TN, a good place to live if you’re just starting out in your career? Yes, living in Knoxville, TN, is actually a very good move for young professionals. According to a WalletHub report on the best places in the U.S. to start a career, Knoxville ranks No. 19 — and an impressive No. 12 based on the quality of professional opportunities.
12. Living in Knoxville, TN, Means Tapping into an Underrated Food Scene.
Southern cuisine is a staple of living in Knoxville — think barbecue, fried chicken, and other down-home delights. But that’s not all you’ll find. A growing foodie scene is expanding the K-Town palate in a big way. Here are a few local faves to check out:
- Stock & Barrel Burgers and Bourbon
- Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar
- Emilia Italian
- Nick and J’s Café
- Yassin’s Falafel House
13. Enjoying a Fun, Vibrant Nightlife Is Part of Living in Knoxville, TN.
Most college towns have a lively nightlife, and Knoxville is no exception, with bars, breweries, and live music destinations. Check out historic Gay Street and Old City for some of the most hopping hotspots in the area.
Outdoor enthusiasts love living in Knoxville, TN, thanks to the mighty Tennessee River, where you can kayak, canoe, or fish to your heart’s content.
14. Don’t Miss Out on the Abundance of Outdoor Activities in Knoxville
There’s so much to do outdoors in Knoxville! Check out Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness, minutes from Downtown, for several miles of biking and hiking trails and the Ijams Nature Center. The beautiful Great Smoky Mountain National Park is just about an hour away, with over 800 miles of hiking trails, unmatched waterfall views, and plenty of room for camping.
15. There Are Plenty of Cool Things To Do in Downtown Knoxville
The vibrant and charming food and arts scenes of Downtown Knoxville have only continued to grow in recent years. Visit Market Square for live music and a variety of bars and restaurants, and the Market Square Farmers’ Market every Wednesday and Saturday from May to November. As for the arts in Downtown, check out the murals and graffiti along Strong Alley.
Living in Knoxville, TN — FAQs
Q: How much do you need to make to live comfortably in Knoxville?
A: To cover basic needs when living in Knoxville, TN, a single adult should make at least $47,200 annually before taxes, according to the MIT Living Wage Calculator. If you’re looking for how much you’d need to live comfortably, double that to $95,000.
Q: Is Knoxville a good place to live in Tennessee?
A: Knoxville is a great place to live in Tennessee thanks to its steady job market, energized sports and creative culture, and gorgeous landscape as the gateway to the Smoky Mountains.
Q: Is it better to live in Knoxville or Nashville?
A: Both cities have a rich, vibrant history and offer the Tennessee perk of no state income tax. It really comes down to the lifestyle you’re looking for, so here’s a quick comparison:
- Living in Knoxville, TN, means a lower cost of living, a lower crime rate, a fun college-town vibe, and easy access to some of the most beautiful scenery in the U.S. — not to mention Dollywood right down the road (OK, an hour).
- Living in Nashville, TN, means you’re in the historic heart of country music, home to the Honky Tonk Highway and the Grand Ole Opry, and the bachelorette party capital of the world.
Q: What are winters like in Knoxville, TN?
A: Winters in Knoxville are fairly mild. Rain is common, but there’s also the occasional snow day — which can be a lot of fun.
Q: Is Knoxville, TN, a good place to live for families?
A: Yes, K-Town is a top destination for families. Here are just a few reasons why:
- Great options for kids’ exploration and education, including Muse Knoxville, the Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge, and Zoo Knoxville.
- Easy access to the great outdoors with dozens of parks, lakes, and greenspaces to explore.
- Solid school system, including several of the top 10 public schools in Tennessee.
Top 5 Reasons You’ll Love Life in Knoxville, TN
- Big-city energy without all the touristy hassles of Nashville and Memphis.
- Strong economic and research hub thanks to the University of Tennessee, other state and federal institutions, like Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and a network of advanced manufacturing partners including IACMI (Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation).
- Good value for the cost of living with the perks of a college town that’s also a growing urban destination.
- Mountains, lakes, and endless parks with just a six-hour drive to the ocean.
- Sports, arts, and year-round happenings, so there’s always something going on!
Ready to start enjoying life in Knoxville, TN? Let PODS help you get there!
Get to Knoxville With the Help of PODS
Make your move to Knoxville flexible with a PODS portable moving container delivered right to your driveway. You can load it up yourself or PODS can connect you with local packing and loading services to help with the heavy lifting. Once you're ready to go, PODS will pick up your container and deliver it to your new home, or to a PODS Storage Center until you’re ready to unload. One month’s storage is included in the cost of every move, so there’s no need to feel rushed.
Visit PODS online for a free local moving quote or call 877-350-7637 for long-distance moving.
Editor’s note: For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100.
*This article was written on behalf of PODS Enterprises, LLC (“PODS”). PODS does not warrant the completeness or accuracy of any information contained in this article and disclaims any liability for reliance upon the content herein.
Your quote in 60 seconds
Get pricing tailored to your needs!
Related Articles
