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Folks are flocking to Knoxville, and there’s no shortage of reasons why. With its ever-growing downtown scene, reasonable cost of living, and self-explanatory nickname of “Gateway to the Smoky Mountains,” Knoxville is quickly becoming a fixture on relocation shortlists.
However, for every shiny line item on their pros list, there is often a tradeoff on the cons list. Get the full Knoxville picture, including affordability, rental options, neighborhood variety, and more, to determine if moving to Knoxville, Tennessee, is truly the right move for you.
Affordability is a major consideration when contemplating a big move. How much do you really need to live comfortably in Knoxville, Tennessee? Here’s what you need to know.
If Knoxville is up for consideration, you may have other Tennessee titans on your list, too, like Nashville, Memphis, and Chattanooga. So, how does the cost of living in Knoxville compare to those hot spots?
In general, Knoxville is pretty affordable, but it’s not the only affordable city in Tennessee. The Volunteer State boasts a cost of living about 10 percent lower than the national average, and fortunately, that stat applies to its cities, too. Knoxville and Memphis are typically considered the cheapest, with rental prices, amenities, grocery costs, and a lack of state income tax contributing to an extremely reasonable cost of living.
The average rental price for a 1-bedroom apartment in Knoxville is around $1,307, which is pretty similar to Memphis’ $1,180 and Chattanooga’s $1,414. Nashville and its surrounding suburbs, on the other hand, are the priciest options in Tennessee, with the average one-bedroom renting for $1,772. However, even Nashville is typically considered right in line with the US average.
Knoxville’s overall cost of living is an impressive 14 percent lower than the U.S. average. The biggest factors in this are:
In short, living in Knoxville, TN, doesn’t require the bank account or spending power that many other U.S. cities do.
Like most cities, your day-to-day experience of Knoxville, Tennessee, will vary based on which neighborhood you choose to rent or buy in.
If you enjoy being in the center of the action, look no further than downtown proper. Downtown offers a mix of historic buildings and shiny, modern ones, plus the ability to walk to restaurants, coffee shops, breweries, shops, and parks.
Conversely, living in Old North offers a quieter, residential feel. It’s a popular choice for families and young professionals, and still offers convenient access to downtown Knoxville.
One of Knoxville’s more affordable neighborhoods, East Knoxville is less walkable than downtown but makes up for it with plenty of green space and tranquility. If you’re looking for a more suburban feel, this is a great choice.
If downtown is calling to you, take a closer look at Old City. While technically part of downtown Knoxville, it has its own unique identity. This area is known for great nightlife, entertainment venues, and trendy loft apartments.
Sitting just north of downtown (at the intersection of 4th Avenue and Gill Avenue, go figure!), the 4th and Gill neighborhood is known for historic homes and a tight-knit community feel. It’s a particularly great option for renters who appreciate the uniqueness and character of historic homes and want the conveniences of downtown without living in the midst of it.
What is in Knoxville, TN? Knoxville has a ton of great things going for it, and these are the big ones that many residents appreciate.
We’ve already covered this one pretty in-depth, but it’s a big advantage of this city. Living and renting in Knoxville will likely not break the bank.
Knoxville is home to the University of Tennessee, so you’d better like orange. Residents enjoy cheering on the Tennessee Volunteers (the “Vols”), and the city buzzes with UT pride.
Knoxville’s city center has been undergoing significant growth over the past decade, offering residents new restaurants, entertainment options, and nightlife. You’ll never come up empty-handed when you’re wondering what to do in Knoxville, TN.
Did you know that America’s most visited National Park, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is only about an hour away from Knoxville? Plus, the Tennessee River runs through the city, along with 125 miles of trails for walking, running, and biking.
No one benefits from rose-colored glasses. These are some of the most commonly cited “areas of improvement” for Knoxville.
While Knoxville Area Transit offers 20 fixed bus routes, residents say the public transit system is generally too infrequent and limited to serve all commutes. Most people living in Knoxville still rely on their cars quite a bit.
As Knoxville’s downtown scene continues to grow, it’s inevitable that prices will too. That said, it’s pretty affordable now and could be a good investment, given the increased development on the horizon.
Yes, Knoxville is a vibrant city, but don’t expect the same conveniences you’d find in Chicago, NYC, or Boston. The downtown area still sleeps at night, there are limits to your direct flight options out of its airport, and you won’t get the same entertainment, cultural, and dining options you find in the major hubs.
Knoxville has a “humid subtropical climate”, which means high summer temperatures feel even hotter because of the high humidity levels. If you’re new to the area, expect to feel a bit sticky during the summer months.
As you begin your hunt for a rental apartment or home in Knoxville, Tennessee, there are some important things to consider.
What do you need in a rental unit? If you work from home, a dedicated home office is probably essential. If you love to cook, a great kitchen can be a major plus. Consider exactly what you need in your space so that your new home truly works for you.
Knoxville has a wonderful mix of both historic and modern rental options, so it’s up to you if you’d prefer the more open floor plans and modern amenities of a modern option, or the quirky character and charm of a historic one.
As previously mentioned, most Knoxville residents are pretty reliant on their vehicles. When you begin looking at different rentals, pay attention to the parking options and associated costs.
Not sure if Knoxville will be a permanent landing place? Already committed to a short stay? Your move to Knoxville will be much less stressful if you hone in on options that come pre-furnished, offer flexible leases, and allow you to have a Knoxville “test run” without any long-term commitments or huge expenses.
You can’t get a true taste of what living in Knoxville would be like if you don’t feel settled or comfortable in your new home. Enter CORT Furniture Rental! Not only will CORT deliver and set up your furniture for you, but we’ll pick it up whenever you’re done, too. Avoid impulse furniture buys or the hassle of building and arranging furniture. We’ve got you covered.
Finding the right neighborhood is easier when furnishing isn’t a permanent commitment. With CORT Furniture Rental, you can set up your Knoxville space fast while keeping flexibility built in. Enjoy stylish furniture, white-glove delivery, and easy pickup when you’re ready for what’s next. Get started online or visit a showroom today.
