Median Home
$265,000
Rent (1BR)
$1,000/mo
Cost of Living
88 / 100
Unemployment
3.2%
Sunny Days
204/yr
Walkability
Car-Dependent
What It's Really Like in Knoxville
Gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains with UT Vols football culture, no state income tax, and remarkably affordable living. A mid-sized city with big outdoor recreation access.
Neighborhood Guide
Where to live in Knoxville based on your lifestyle and budget.
Market Square
trendyDowntown's heart with restaurants, live music, and a vibrant public square.
Avg Rent
$1,200
Home Price
$300,000
Walkability
High
Fourth and Gill
artsyVictorian homes near downtown with a creative community and Central Street restaurants.
Avg Rent
$1,000
Home Price
$280,000
Walkability
Medium
Bearden
family-friendlyWest Knoxville with excellent schools, dining, and suburban convenience.
Avg Rent
$1,100
Home Price
$320,000
Walkability
Medium
Old City
trendyWarehouse district with breweries, lofts, and nightlife adjacent to downtown.
Avg Rent
$1,100
Home Price
$280,000
Walkability
High
Cost of Living Breakdown
Compared to the national average (100). Below 100 = cheaper, above 100 = more expensive.
Groceries
92
8% below avg
Housing
72
28% below avg
Transportation
90
10% below avg
Healthcare
88
12% below avg
Utilities
90
10% below avg
Best Neighborhoods By Situation
Best for Families
- Bearden — $1,100/mo rent
Best for Young Professionals
- Market Square — $1,200/mo rent
- Old City — $1,100/mo rent
Most Affordable
- Fourth and Gill — $1,000/mo rent
- Bearden — $1,100/mo rent
Most Walkable
- Market Square — walkability: high
- Old City — walkability: high
Getting Around Knoxville
Walkability: Car-Dependent
Knoxville is primarily car-dependent. You'll need a vehicle for most daily activities including commuting, shopping, and entertainment.
Airport: TYS
Knoxville is served by TYS airport, connecting you to major domestic and international destinations. This is important if you travel frequently for work or want to visit family back home.
Jobs & Economy
Median Income
$40,195
Unemployment Rate
3.2%
State Income Tax
0%
Cost of Living Index
88
Top Industries
EducationHealthcareEnergy ResearchManufacturingTourism
Major Employers
University of TennesseeUT Medical CenterCovenant HealthORNL (nearby)Pilot Flying J
Popular Routes to Knoxville
People are moving to Knoxville from these cities.
Knoxville, TNKnoxville
818 miles14.9hr driveI-40 East
Knoxville, TNKnoxville
2,518 miles45.8hr driveI-40 West
Knoxville, TNKnoxville
591 miles10.7hr driveI-95 North
Knoxville, TNKnoxville
1,027 miles18.7hr driveI-95 South
Knoxville, TNKnoxville
2,084 miles37.9hr driveI-40 West
Knoxville, TNKnoxville
716 miles13hr driveI-40 East
Knoxville, TNKnoxville
1,246 miles22.7hr driveI-40 West
Knoxville, TNKnoxville
2,471 miles44.9hr driveI-40 West
Knoxville, TNKnoxville
996 miles18.1hr driveI-40 West
Moving from Knoxville to Other States
Route guides from Knoxville, TN to every US state.
Knoxville → CaliforniaKnoxville → TexasKnoxville → FloridaKnoxville → New YorkKnoxville → PennsylvaniaKnoxville → IllinoisKnoxville → OhioKnoxville → GeorgiaKnoxville → North CarolinaKnoxville → MichiganKnoxville → New JerseyKnoxville → VirginiaKnoxville → WashingtonKnoxville → ArizonaKnoxville → MassachusettsKnoxville → IndianaKnoxville → MarylandKnoxville → MissouriKnoxville → WisconsinKnoxville → ColoradoKnoxville → MinnesotaKnoxville → South CarolinaKnoxville → AlabamaKnoxville → LouisianaKnoxville → KentuckyKnoxville → OregonKnoxville → OklahomaKnoxville → ConnecticutKnoxville → UtahKnoxville → IowaKnoxville → NevadaKnoxville → ArkansasKnoxville → MississippiKnoxville → KansasKnoxville → New MexicoKnoxville → NebraskaKnoxville → IdahoKnoxville → West VirginiaKnoxville → HawaiiKnoxville → New HampshireKnoxville → MaineKnoxville → Rhode IslandKnoxville → MontanaKnoxville → DelawareKnoxville → South DakotaKnoxville → North DakotaKnoxville → AlaskaKnoxville → District of ColumbiaKnoxville → VermontKnoxville → Wyoming
Moving from Knoxville to Metro Areas
Route guides from Knoxville to major metropolitan areas.
Knoxville → New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJKnoxville → Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CAKnoxville → Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-INKnoxville → San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CAKnoxville → Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TXKnoxville → Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WVKnoxville → Trenton-Princeton, NJKnoxville → Bridgeport-Stamford-Danbury, CTKnoxville → Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MDKnoxville → Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FLKnoxville → Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZKnoxville → Vallejo, CAKnoxville → Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TXKnoxville → Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WAKnoxville → Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MDKnoxville → Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WAKnoxville → Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NHKnoxville → Denver-Aurora-Centennial, COKnoxville → Kenosha, WIKnoxville → Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI
Moving from Knoxville to Major Cities
Route guides from Knoxville to the largest US cities.
Knoxville → New York, NYKnoxville → Los Angeles, CAKnoxville → Chicago, ILKnoxville → Houston, TXKnoxville → Phoenix, AZKnoxville → Philadelphia, PAKnoxville → San Antonio, TXKnoxville → San Diego, CAKnoxville → Dallas, TXKnoxville → Austin, TXKnoxville → San Jose, CAKnoxville → Jacksonville, FLKnoxville → Fort Worth, TXKnoxville → Columbus, OHKnoxville → Charlotte, NCKnoxville → Indianapolis, INKnoxville → San Francisco, CAKnoxville → Seattle, WAKnoxville → Denver, COKnoxville → Nashville, TNKnoxville → Oklahoma City, OKKnoxville → Washington, DCKnoxville → El Paso, TXKnoxville → Boston, MAKnoxville → Portland, ORKnoxville → Las Vegas, NVKnoxville → Memphis, TNKnoxville → Louisville, KYKnoxville → Baltimore, MDKnoxville → Milwaukee, WI
Your Knoxville Newcomer Checklist
A 30-60-90 day plan to get settled in your new city.
30
First 30 Days
- Update your driver's license & vehicle registration
- Register to vote at your new address
- Set up utilities (electric, water, internet)
- Find a primary care doctor & dentist
- Open a local bank account if needed
- Explore your neighborhood on foot
60
Days 30–60
- Join a local gym, club, or meetup group
- Try restaurants in different neighborhoods
- Find your go-to grocery store & pharmacy
- Learn the best commute routes & shortcuts
- Attend a local event or festival
- Meet your neighbors — introduce yourself
90
Days 60–90
- Establish a weekend routine (parks, brunch spots)
- Build a professional network in your industry
- Find a favorite coffee shop to work from
- Explore day-trip destinations nearby
- Start feeling like a local — give directions!
- Invite friends & family to visit your new home