Updated May 22, 2023
Greetings from Knoxville, Tennessee!
Historic Knoxville, named for Henry Knox, sits alongside the Tennessee River ๐๏ธ near the Great Smokey Mountains. Home of the University of Tennessee and the Vols ๐.
The Community of Knoxville, Tennessee
Knoxville is a city in and the county seat of Knox County in the U.S. state of Tennessee.
As of the 2020 United States census, Knoxville’s population was 190,740, making it the largest city in the East Tennessee Grand Division and the state’s third largest city after Nashville and Memphis.
Knoxville is the principal city of the Knoxville Metropolitan Statistical Area, which had an estimated population of 869,046 in 2019.
First settled in 1786, Knoxville was the first capital of Tennessee. The city struggled with geographic isolation throughout the early 19th century. The arrival of the railroad in 1855 led to an economic boom.
The city was bitterly divided over the secession issue during the American Civil War and was occupied alternately by Confederate and Union armies, culminating in the Battle of Fort Sanders in 1863.
Following the war, Knoxville grew rapidly as a major wholesaling and manufacturing center.
The city’s economy stagnated after the 1920s as the manufacturing sector collapsed, the downtown area declined and city leaders became entrenched in highly partisan political fights.
Hosting the 1982 World’s Fair helped reinvigorate the city, and revitalization initiatives by city leaders and private developers have had major successes in spurring growth in the city, especially the downtown area.
Knoxville is the home of the flagship campus of the University of Tennessee, whose sports teams, the Tennessee Volunteers, are popular in the surrounding area.
Knoxville is also home to the headquarters of the Tennessee Valley Authority, the Tennessee Supreme Court’s courthouse for East Tennessee, and the corporate headquarters of several national and regional companies.
As one of the largest cities in the Appalachian region, Knoxville has positioned itself in recent years as a repository of Appalachian culture and is one of the gateways to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Neighborhoods
Knoxville is roughly divided into the Downtown area and sections based on the four cardinal directions: North Knoxville, South Knoxville, East Knoxville, and West Knoxville.
Downtown Knoxville
Downtown Knoxville traditionally consists of the area bounded by the river on the south, First Creek on the east, Second Creek on the west, and the railroad tracks on the north, though the definition has expanded to include the U.T. campus and Fort Sanders neighborhood, and several neighborhoods along or just off Broadway south of Sharp’s Ridge (“Downtown North”).
While primarily home to the city’s central business district and municipal offices, the Old City and Gay Street are mixed residential and commercial areas.
If youโre looking for a vibrant city with plenty of activities and culture, then Downtown Knoxville, Tennessee is the place for you. Located in the heart of the city, Downtown Knoxville is home to an abundance of restaurants, museums, shops, and entertainment venues. Downtown Knoxville has something for everyone, making it a great place to live.
One of the best things about living in Downtown Knoxville is its walkability. With so many places to explore, youโll never be bored. From the historic downtown area to the University of Tennessee campus, thereโs plenty of places to explore. And with the convenient public transportation system, getting around town is a breeze.
Downtown Knoxville is home to a wide selection of restaurants and eateries. From upscale dining to casual cafes, thereโs something for every craving. Plus, you can find plenty of cultural attractions, like the Knoxville Museum of Art, the Tennessee Theatre, and the Womenโs Basketball Hall of Fame.
When it comes to shopping, Downtown Knoxville offers plenty of options. From local boutiques to national chains, youโll find everything you need. Plus, thereโs a great selection of farmers markets.
South Knoxville
South Knoxville consists of the parts of the city located south of the river, and includes the neighborhoods of Vestal, Lindbergh Forest, Island Home Park, Colonial Hills, and Old Sevier.
This area contains major commercial corridors along Chapman Highway and Alcoa Highway.
South Knoxville is a neighborhood in Knoxville, Tennessee, situated south of the Tennessee River and is connected to downtown Knoxville through Chapman Highway.
It is an older part of the city and has several outdoor recreational activities available, such as mountain biking, kayaking, paddle boarding, and walking trails.
It is a dog-friendly neighborhood with a dog park in development. The urban wilderness in South Knoxville has miles of trails, including bike trails and a Baker Creek play area for kids.
South Knoxville has a private airport and has several marble quarries that developed due to the region’s outcroppings of Tennessee marble. These quarries have formed naturally beautiful rock pools, which are free to access.
South Knoxville has a thriving market, which may make it hard to get into, but real estate agents can help with finding a suitable house.
The neighborhood also has a waterfront development along the Tennessee River, where Regal Cinemas and Saturday Landing Park are located.
The neighborhood is close to downtown Knoxville and has several charming local breweries and food trucks.
If you’re on the hunt for a lively city that’s bursting with activities and culture, then South Knoxville, Tennessee is the spot for you.
Tucked away south of downtown, South Knoxville boasts a plethora of restaurants, museums, shops, and entertainment venues that are sure to keep you on your toes.
Whether you’re into foodie adventures, museum-hopping, or shopping sprees, you’ll find plenty to do in this charming neighborhood.
One of the best things about living in South Knoxville is how easy it is to get around. The area is super walkable, so you can take your time exploring the historic downtown area or meandering around the University of Tennessee campus.
And if you’re not feeling up for a stroll, the public transportation system is top-notch, making it a breeze to zip around town.
Now, let’s talk about the food scene. South Knoxville is home to a diverse array of restaurants and eateries that cater to all tastes and budgets.
Whether you’re looking for a fancy night out or a quick bite at a cozy cafรฉ, you’re sure to find something that hits the spot.
And if you’re a culture buff, there are plenty of must-visit spots, like the Ijams Nature Center and the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum.
If shopping is your jam, you’re in luck. South Knoxville is chock-full of options, from trendy local boutiques to big-name chains.
There are also plenty of farmers markets, antique stores, and vintage shops to explore, so you’re bound to stumble upon some hidden treasures.
Last but not least, South Knoxville has no shortage of activities to keep you entertained.
From sprawling parks to bustling nightlife, there’s always something happening in this vibrant neighborhood. So if you’re in the market for an exciting new place to call home, give South Knoxville a try!
West Knoxville
West Knoxville generally consists of the areas west of U.T., and includes the suburban neighborhoods of Sequoyah Hills, West Hills, Bearden, Cumberland Estates, Westmoreland, Suburban Hills, Cedar Bluff, Rocky Hill, and Ebenezer.
This area, concentrated largely around Kingston Pike, is home to thriving retail centers such as West Town Mall and Turkey Creek.
Living in West Knoxville, Tennessee has a lot to offer its residents. Located just minutes from downtown Knoxville, West Knoxville offers a suburban lifestyle that is close enough to the city to enjoy the amenities but far enough away to enjoy the peace and quiet of the neighborhood.
The neighborhoods in West Knoxville are some of the best in the city. Most are well-maintained, offering access to great amenities such as swimming pools, tennis courts, parks, playgrounds, and more. Plus, the area is home to many shopping centers, restaurants, and other attractions.
The schools in West Knoxville are highly rated and offer excellent educational opportunities. Whether youโre looking for a public or private school, there are plenty of options to choose from. Plus, several universities and colleges are located in the area, making it a great place to pursue higher education.
West Knoxville is also known for its strong sense of community. From neighborhood gatherings to community events, thereโs always something going on to bring neighbors together. The area is also home to many churches, giving residents plenty of options for spiritual growth.
The cost of living in West Knoxville is also very affordable. The area offers a wide range of housing options, from single-family homes to apartments and condos. The median home price in West Knoxville is around $290,000, which is much lower than the average in Knoxville.
Overall, living in West Knoxville is a great choice for those looking for a suburban lifestyle with easy access to downtown Knoxville. With its excellent schools, strong sense of community, affordable housing, and many other amenities, West Knoxville is a great place to call home.
East Knoxville
East Knoxville consists of the areas east of First Creek and the James White Parkway and includes the neighborhoods of Parkridge, Burlington, Morningside, and Five Points.
This area, concentrated along Magnolia Avenue, is home to Chilhowee Park and Zoo Knoxville.
Living in East Knoxville, Tennessee offers the best of city living with a small-town feel. East Knoxville is an up-and-coming area that is full of culture, entertainment, and great opportunities.
East Knoxville is an affordable place to live. The cost of living is lower than in the surrounding areas, so you get more bang for your buck. There is a wide range of housing options, from single-family homes to apartments and condos, so you can find something to fit your budget.
The area is full of things to do. From popular festivals and events to local businesses, thereโs something for everyone. The restaurants in East Knoxville offer a variety of cuisines to explore, such as classic Southern cooking, Mexican, Italian, and much more. There are also plenty of parks, recreation centers, and entertainment venues to keep you busy.
East Knoxville is a safe and welcoming place. The community here is close-knit and friendly, and there are plenty of ways to get involved and meet people. The schools in the area are highly rated, so you can feel confident sending your children to quality education.
East Knoxville is a great place to call home. The combination of affordability, culture and safety makes it an ideal place to live. With so much to do and explore, you wonโt be bored living in East Knoxville.
North Knoxville
North Knoxville consists of the areas north of Sharp’s Ridge, namely the Fountain City and Inskip-Norwood areas. This area’s major commercial corridor is located along Broadway.
Living in North Knoxville, Tennessee has its advantages and disadvantages. But overall, it’s a great place to call home.
North Knoxville is a vibrant, diverse neighborhood with a variety of activities and attractions. The area is close to downtown Knoxville, making it easy to get to the cityโs many attractions, such as the Knoxville Zoo, the Womenโs Basketball Hall of Fame, and the Worldโs Fair Park. Additionally, the University of Tennessee is only a few miles away, giving residents easy access to its sporting events, lectures, and performances.
North Knoxville is also home to various museums, parks, and restaurants. The Knoxville Museum of Art and the Beck Cultural Exchange Center are great places to explore the cityโs art and culture. Additionally, the Lakeshore Park and the Third Creek Greenway offer plenty of outdoor activities for residents to enjoy. And for those who love food, North Knoxville has a variety of restaurants, from classic Southern fare to international cuisines.
The cost of living in North Knoxville is also quite affordable. The area is home to a variety of housing options, from single-family homes to apartments. Additionally, property taxes are relatively low, making it an attractive option for those looking to purchase a home.
Overall, North Knoxville is a great place to call home. It offers a variety of activities and attractions, affordable housing, and plenty of places to eat. Residents enjoy the convenience of being close to downtown Knoxville while still having the comforts of a small town. Whether youโre looking for a place to raise a family, or just looking for a place to call home, North Knoxville is an excellent option.
History
More coming soon.
Knoxville, TN Real Estate Trends as of June 2022
Affordability of Living in Knoxville, TN
- The typical home value is $331,796
- Homes are typically worth $195/sqft
- In June, 2022 the average home was on market for 14 days
Average Home Value in Knoxville, TN, by Home Size
| Home Size | ย Home Value |
| 1 bedroom | $179,952 |
| 2 bedrooms | ย $212,606 |
| 3 bedrooms | $323,469 |
| 4 bedrooms | $487,206 |
Current Market Statistics
- 499886.67,485158.44,487590.98,498340.76,500807.59,505027.17,517889.17,531334.72,571391.21,573530.67,595212.58,627978.13
Information is deemed to be reliable, but is not guaranteed. © 2023
Listings in Knoxville, Tennessee
2022 Cost of Living Calculator:
Brentwood, California vs Knoxville, Tennessee
Comparison Highlights
- Overall, Knoxville, Tennessee is 48.2% cheaper than Brentwood, California
- Median Home Cost is the biggest factor in the cost of living difference.
- Median Home Cost is 69% cheaper in Knoxville.
Geography
Topography
Downtown Knoxville, with the Great Smoky Mountains rising in the distance, viewed from Sharp’s Ridge
Discover the Natural Wonders of Knoxville, TN
Knoxville, TN is a beautiful city nestled in the Great Appalachian Valley, surrounded by the majestic Great Smoky Mountains to the east and the Cumberland Plateau to the west.
Let’s take a closer look at the geography of Knoxville and the natural wonders that make it a must-visit destination.
Land and Water Area
The city has a total area of 104.2 square miles, of which 98.5 square miles is land and 5.6 square miles, or 5.42%, is water.
That means you’ll have plenty of space to explore, whether you’re interested in hiking, biking, or water sports.
Elevation
Knoxville’s elevation varies from just over 800 feet along the riverfront to just over 1,000 feet on various hilltops in West Knoxville.
The downtown area rests at just over 900 feet. High points include Sharp’s Ridge in North Knoxville at 1,391 feet and Brown Mountain in South Knoxville at 1,260 feet.
If you’re looking for a more challenging hike, House Mountain, the highest point in Knox County at 2,064 feet, is located just east of the city near Mascot.
Appalachian Valley and Ridge-and-Valley Appalachians
Knoxville is situated in the Great Appalachian Valley, also known locally as the Tennessee Valley. The valley is part of a sub-range of the Appalachian Mountains known as the Ridge-and-Valley Appalachians, characterized by long, narrow ridges flanked by broad valleys.
Some of the prominent Ridge-and-Valley structures in the Knoxville area include Sharp’s Ridge and Beaver Ridge in the northern part of the city, Brown Mountain in South Knoxville, parts of Bays Mountain just south of the city, and parts of McAnnally Ridge in the northeastern part of the city.
Tennessee River and Tributaries
The Tennessee River, which slices through the downtown area, is formed in southeastern Knoxville at the confluence of the Holston River, which flows southwest from Virginia, and the French Broad River, which flows west from North Carolina.
The section of the Tennessee River that passes through Knoxville is part of Fort Loudoun Lake, an artificial reservoir created by TVA’s Fort Loudoun Dam about 30 miles downstream in Lenoir City.
Knoxville is also home to several notable tributaries of the Tennessee River, including First Creek and Second Creek, which flow through the downtown area, Third Creek, which flows west of U.T., and Sinking Creek, Ten Mile Creek, and Turkey Creek, which drain West Knoxville.
Conclusion
Knoxville, TN is a city that truly has it all. With its stunning natural beauty, varied elevation, and unique geological formations, it’s no wonder that Knoxville is such a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer vacation, be sure to add Knoxville to your list of must-visit destinations.
Oh yeah, it’s a great place to move to!
Climate
What’s the weather like in Knoxville?
Well, it’s definitely got some heat to it! The summers can get pretty hot and humid, with temps averaging around 78.4 ยฐF in July.
And if you’re not a fan of the heat, watch out, because there’s an average of 36 days per year where the temps reach 90 ยฐF or higher.
But don’t worry, things cool down a bit in the winter. You can expect some cooler temps and occasional snowfall, although it’s usually not too much.
January averages around 38.2 ยฐF, and there’s usually at least one day each year where the high doesn’t make it above freezing.
The highest temperature ever recorded in Knoxville was a whopping 105 ยฐF back in 2012. Yikes! ๐ฅต And on the flip side, the coldest it’s ever been was โ24 ยฐF, which happened back in 1985.
When it comes to precipitation, Knoxville gets an average of just under 48 inches of rain each year.
And if you’re hoping for a winter wonderland, you might be disappointed – the normal seasonal snowfall is only around 4.6 inches, with most snowfall occurring in January and February.
The biggest one-day snowfall on record was 17.5 inches, which happened way back in 1960.
Parks and Recreation
There are loads of great parks in the Knoxville area. We will be adding more as time passes.
The Everly Brothers Park
In October of 2022, Libby, Ken, and their faithful dog Barbie took a visit to the Everyly Brothers Park
The pocket park connects to the Bearden Village Greenway at the corner of Kingston Pike and Forest Park Boulevard. Gorgeous landscaping is inside the park and sumac trees decorate the outside.
A stage, seating, pathways, tributes featuring famous musicians’ words about the Everly Brothers, and a remarkable art piece make this place a great addition to the city and an attractive place to visit.
Phil Everly was one of my great heroes, and with his brother Don, they were one of the major influences on the Beatles. When John and I first started to write songs, I was Phil and he was Don.”
– Paul McCartney
In the Paul McCartneyย song “Let ‘Em In”, Paul mentions Phil and Don of the Everly Brothers. A wonderful tribute to his heroes.
Without the Everly Brothers there might not have been The Hollies or Crosby, Stills and Nash.
They were our voal heroes.”
– Graham Nash
Honorary Park Chariman
In September 2022, a Tennessee Music Pathways marker was placed to honor the influence of the Everly Brothers in the music industry.
Everly Brothers Park
4635 Kingston Pike
Knoxville, TN 37919
Directions:ย From I-40, take exit 383 onto Papermill Road; follow signs for Northshore Drive; turn left onto Kingston Pike; in 1.2 miles turn left onto South Forest Park Blvd.
Norris Lake
In May of 2022, Libby and Ken took a short trip to Norris Lake. Although not in Knoxville proper, it is considered a local vacation destination.
Norris Lake is about an hour North of Knoxvilleย and is one of the huge TVA (Tennessee Valley Authority) lakes they have around here.
It is a beautiful lake with quite a variety of fish. Our plan was to relax, explore and do a little fishing from the shore.
We stayed in a nice Air B&B with a deck overlooking the lake and the ownerโs docks. Barbie and the ownerโs two chocolate labs became great buddies. They swam and played a bunch!
The fishing from the bank and docks right there was not very successful. We were limited to just that small stretch of beach.
Unlike so many lakes in California, there is very little public land around the lake. It is nearly all private with homes and cabins all around the lake.
We did find out though a short drive would take us to the Chuck Swan State Forest. This is a large state owned wildlife preserve.
Also, on the preserve are quite a number of very old cemeteries from tiny communities that once existed there before the TVA bought all the property, built the dams and filled the lake.
We stopped at a couple of the cemeteries to look. Some of the graves go back to the early 1800โs.
The people who lived in that area were subsistence farmers and the communities were very isolated.
There is even an old church dating from the early 1800โs that has been preserved and is still used.
There is one main gravel road, and the rest are all dirt or mud depending on how long since it has rained.
We were glad we had 4 wheel drive! Didnโt need it that day but would have on other days.
After about a 15 mile drive through the preserve, we came to a picnic area on the shore of the lake.
It was a beautiful site with a long, lovely beach. It looked like excellent smallmouth bass water.
We were the only people there! Of course, Barbie had to swim before we could do any fishing. Once that was over, we proceeded to fish.
It took a little while to find out what the fish wanted. We did catch two nice smallmouths.
I landed one and Libby landed the other. They were good eating size, but we could not keep them because the smallest size you can keep is 18โ.
These were just short of that, so we threw them back. There are big smallmouth bass in that lake!
The ones we caught were really good fighters too! The structure underwater was perfect for smallmouths but the deeper water where the bigger ones are, is out a ways.
We could barely get our lures past the shelving rock before it dropped off. I know there are big ones in there!
One day we can rent a boat and try it again. Or float tubes would work well there too. Havenโt done that in a long time. We shall see.
You can find out more about Norris Lake here.
~ Ken Guthrie
What kind of activities are popular with the locals in Knoxville?
University of Tennessee sports are one of the most popular activities in Knoxville. The university is called “UT” (you tee) by locals. Major sports include football and basketball along with the U.T. baseball team. The womenโs basketball team, โthe Lady Volsโ is particularly beloved. The football stadium seats well over 100,000 and is always sold out. Go Vols!
Dining out is popular. There are an incredible number of eating establishments here.
Outdoor activities are popular and include water sports, boating fishing, hunting, hiking, camping, etc.
Nascar racing is huge here. A couple places where they race are Bristol Motor Speedway, north of Knoxville, https://www.bristolmotorspeedway.com/ and
Nashville Superspeedway, near Nashville https://www.nashvillesuperspeedway.com/.
What is there to do for Tourists?
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is not far. Known for its spectacular views, wildlife, wildflowers, waterfalls, and more. There’s plenty to do there. Camping, hiking, white water rafting, fishing, bird watching and more. Gatlinburg is in the park and is a huge tourist attraction
Gatlinburg is a mountain town in eastern Tennessee, known as a gateway to the roughly 520,000-acre Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Many of its key attractions offer sweeping views of the neighboring park, including the 407-ft. Space Needle observation tower and the Sky Lift, a 2.1-mile aerial cable car that journeys from Downtown to the popular amusement park and ski resort Ober Gatlinburg.ย
Not far away is Dollywood, which is in Pigeon Forge. A great family fun area! Water slides, music, โgoonie golf,โ which is what they call miniature golf here. There are an incredible number of goonie golf courses!
In addition, the Knoxville area is honeycombed with civil war sites and attractions.
![Captain Orville E. Babcock, Chief Engineer Ninth Corps [Seated], and Captain Orlando Poe, Chief Engineer Twenty-third Corps, pose for a photograph at Fort Sanders in Knoxville, Tennessee. Poe was instrumental in the design of the Defenses of Camp Nelson prior to the East Tennessee Campaign.](https://gghknoxville.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Orlando-Poe-Knoxville_7109199_3.webp)
Library of Congress
About the Greater Knoxville Area
Downtown Knoxville has a very lively art and food scene. Market Square is big, a great place to be for outdoor concerts, and a tremendous selection of restaurants, bars and shops of all kinds located right in the square of within easy walking distance.
Locals know Knoxville is one of the best cities for pets. Especially dogs. Besides being welcoming place for dogs, there are almost 100 veterinarian practices and many, many boarding facilities.
There are many beautifully maintained and well sized dog parks all around Knoxville and in adjoining communities.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions aboutย Knoxville, Tennessee
Q. How far is Graceland from Knoxville?
A. Graceland is in Memphis on the Mississippi River. Itโs about 390 miles from Knoxville. It takes approximately 6h 29m to drive from Knoxville to Graceland.
Q. How far is it to Nashville from Knoxville?
A. Knoxville is aboutย 180 miles from Nashville when traveling along I-40. It takes approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes to travel between the two cities along the most direct route.
Q. How far is it to Dollywood from Knoxville?
A. Dollywood is about 35 miles from Knoxville in the town of Pigeon Forge. Pigeon Forge is where Dolly Parton grew up and still lives. The trip will take about 50 minutes via I40 E. Dollywood is currently the #1 attraction in Tennessee.
Q. What are The Best Things To Do in Tennessee
- Visit Dollywood
- Visit The Smokies: The Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Visit Elvis Presley’s Graceland
- Visit the Grand Ole Opry and Opry Museum
- Visit the Tennessee Aquarium
- Visit The Hermitage: President Andrew Jackson’s Home
- Visit the Memphis Zoo and Aquarium
- Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Additional Resources
Coming soon.
Click to View Full Sized
You may also be interested in
Loudon, Tennessee
You may also be interested in
Farragut, Tennessee
You may also be interested in
Alcoa, Tennessee
You may also be interested in
Louisville, Tennessee
You may also be interested in
Tellico Village, Tennessee
You may also be interested in
Maryville, Tennessee
You may also be interested in
Oak Ridge, Tennessee
You may also be interested in
Seymour, Tennessee
