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Knoxville : Tennessee

What it's Like to Retire in Knoxville

Knoxville is the third largest city in Tennessee, a popular retirement state. Knoxville is particularly attractive because it is home to the Vols - the University of Tennessee. It is a vibrant college town with big-time sports and many cultural events. The 2011 population was 179,225. Knoxville was the site of the 1982 World's Fair and several buildings, including the Sunsphere, were built for that event. Picture of University of Tennessee at Knoxville courtesy of Wikipedia and Zereshk, picture of City of Knoxville courtesy of Wikipedia and Nathan C Fortner. There are many other interesting towns for retirement in the Knoxville area. See Tennessee retirement guide for more information.

Watch this short Youtube video prepared by Visit Knoxville Visitors Center:

Where to Retire in Knoxville and Home Prices

Median home price in Knoxville during the first quarter of 2017 was $164,300, according to the National Association of Realtors.

What is special about Knoxville

Knoxville was once known as the "Marble City", as well as the "Underwear Capital". Now it is mostly known as a low-key community and home to the University of Tennessee. Oak Ridge National Laboratories and the Woman's Basketball Hall of Fame are local attractions. Nearby Norris Lake goes over a huge area and has been described as a fabulous gem.

What is not special about Knoxville

Knoxville has had its ups and downs but is in a good phase now. Crime rate is high, about double the national average

Who will like retirement in Knoxville

People who like living in a down to earth college town with a big university will love it here.

Local economy is driven by

One of the best things about modern Knoxville is its diverse economy. In addition to the University of Tennessee, the Oak Ridge National Laboratories and the TVA contribute mightily to the economy

Climate and Physical Environment

Knoxville is in the eastern part of Tennessee in the substantial ridge-and-valley structures of Appalachia. The Tennessee River begins in Knoxville

Restaurants & Cultural Scene

The University of Tennessee is a major cultural driver. But there is also an Opera company, a symphony orchestra, an active music scene (bluegrass and rock 'n roll), and frequent cultural festivals including the 17-day Dogwood Arts Festival in April. Knoxville has a vibrant cultural life. James Agee (A Death in the Family) lived and wrote about Knoxville.

Crime

Crime rate is about double the national average.

Medical facilities

Knoxville has a number of hospitals and medical facilities including those of the University of Tennesee

Transportation

Public transportation provided by Knoxville Area transit; McGhee Tyson airport services Knoxville and surrounding area; Knoxville is below average in walkability when compared to other towns.

Valuable Links

Guide to Tennessee retirement communities
Knoxville Tourism and Sports Center

What people are saying about Knoxville
Knoxville
Knoxville is a very small college town and if you love college sports then the area will appeal to you. Not much going on downtown --very few shops or restaurants. There are some lovely communities (Sequoia Hills) and the people are really friendly. If you enjoy larger city type activies (theatre) then you will be disappointed. Very few major tour companies perform here even though restored TN Theatre downtown is lovely. My major pet peeve is that it is rather boring here...life is much too slow. I've put more miles on a car since moving here than I did in five years in DC area...everything is further to drive---upper scale shopping is non-existent. You have to go to Nashville or Atlanta to even have a Macy's!...Bloomingdales, Saks Fifth Ave, and Nordstrom are unheard of here in Knoxville area. It's just a whole new mindset if you move here
Posted by sunnydays on March 20, 2012
high crime in Knoxville & Chattanooga
sueleath - Here's a couple of sites that can help you find crime stats. http://www.neighborhoodscout.com/ http://www.clrsearch.com/ All crime statistics are per 1,000 people, so if you have a town or targeted area with a population of 4,000 and one person is robbed or murdered it looks like a high crime area. The most important statistic is the crimes per square mile. I hope this helps.
Posted by doug061363 on March 01, 2012
High Crime
Why is there so much high crime in Knoxville & Chattanooga? What kinds of crime? We were all set to move to TN, but now we're not so sure because so many comments address the high crime issues in TN.
Posted by sueleath on February 29, 2012

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Knoxville Active Communities

Facts about KNOXVILLE

State: TN
Environment: College Town,Small-mid Sized City,
City Population: 100,001+
Median age of Population: 25-44
Avg Jan Temperature: 21-40
Avg July Temperature: 60-80
Median HH Income: 20,001-40,000
Average Home Price (MLS): $100,000-$200,000
Annual Property Tax on a $200,000 house: Less than 2000
Total Crime Index: 111-120 (high)
Cost of Living Index: 81-90 (low)
Culture Index: 111-120 (high)
State Sales Tax: Yes
State Income Tax: No
Name of the Guide: boomer1

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1. Rating: 3.8/5 ( 13 votes cast)

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3. Rating: 2.6/5 ( 7 votes cast)

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4. Rating: 3.6/5 ( 7 votes cast)

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5. Rating: 4.0/5 ( 5 votes cast)

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6. Rating: 2.3/5 ( 10 votes cast)

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7. Rating: 2.8/5 ( 15 votes cast)

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