Why Young Professionals Thrive in Knoxville, TN
Knoxville, TN, is known for the wave of orange that floods the University of Tennessee (UT), Knoxville campus each football season, but the spirited energy of this evolving city doesn’t stop at football. It spreads to every aspect of everyday life. This city has proven itself to be a nexus of career opportunities, foodie hot spots, affordable living and accessible outdoor spaces – in other words, Knoxville, TN, offers an idyllic balance for young professionals looking to plant roots.
Ahead, hear from Caroline Cate, a young professional and an associate project manager for Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), an electric utility corporation, as she shares what first brought her to Knoxville and what compelled her to return years later.
What attracted you to Knoxville, TN, and how did you end up settling there as a young professional?
I grew up in Nashville and decided to go to UT for undergraduate school in 2014. I liked that UT wasn’t as big as some other SEC schools. It felt very manageable but still had every program imaginable. After graduation in 2018, I moved to Fort Collins, CO, for three years. When the pandemic started, I realized that I wanted to be closer to home, and I had loved Knoxville since I moved there for undergrad.
It’s a great city. There are lots of new and emerging restaurants, venues and outdoor spaces. It’s also really close to the Great Smoky Mountains, and I like being able to hike and picnic and breathe the fresh air. Those were all big reasons to move back.
I wanted a bit of a career shift at the time, too, so I went ahead and applied to UT’s MBA program. Through the program, I did an internship with TVA. I was eventually hired on and graduated in December of 2022 with the same role I was doing as an intern.
What connections and networking opportunities helped you find your career?
When I moved back to Knoxville for my MBA, I had a few friends who still lived here from my undergraduate days, and they were able to connect me socially with folks around town. When I started the MBA program, I got connected through the school and other business professionals in the area.
There’s also a group called Young Professionals of Knoxville, and that’s a great outlet for networking.
What makes Knoxville, TN, a great place for young professionals to plant roots?
Since Knoxville is a medium-size city, lots of businesses have headquarters or secondary hubs here, so as a professional, there’re plenty of solid jobs that pay well. On top of that, the cost of living is generally low. Rent and groceries are more affordable, so you can go to a nice dinner and get that extra glass of wine. I think that really matters when deciding where you’re going to live. There’s so much more that you can do and explore here because of the affordability.
What neighborhoods would you recommend?
North Knoxville is just a couple of miles from downtown and includes some really nice historic homes. A lot of younger folks are buying there. Sequoyah Hills is just west of downtown and has some really stunning homes and a lovely park surrounding the neighborhood. On the east side of town, Parkridge seems to be emerging as a popular area. It’s close to what’s going to be the new Smokies baseball stadium.
What are your favorite outdoor spaces in Knoxville?
Ijams Nature Center is a really great outdoor spot if you’re looking to cool off. They’ve built a loading dock on a quarry of water, and they have kayaks and paddle boards for rent. You can grab a beverage there, as well. We’re also about an hour and a half from the Smokies, and you can’t go wrong with a mountain hike.
What are some of Knoxville’s hidden gems?
In North Knoxville, there’s a restaurant called Central Flats & Taps. It’s a neighborhood gem, for sure. They have flatbreads, paninis, fantastic salads and surprisingly good lasagna. Schulz Bräu Brewing Co. is a really fun place, too, especially during a UT game. It’s set up like a German castle and has a biergarten with really good drinks and amazing food.
Any tips for how young professionals can get connected in Knoxville, TN?
There’s an Instagram account, @new2knox, made to help young professionals get connected with one another and the city. They share events going on every week and post group hangouts to sign up for. I’ve been to one of their events before and had a lot of fun and met some new people.
What advice do you have for young professionals looking to relocate to Knoxville, TN?
No matter where you go, it takes time and effort to get plugged in. Don’t beat yourself up for not feeling like you’ve found your place. Everyone in their 20s and 30s is in a bit of a weird spot in life. It takes time to settle, but Knoxville can feel like home if you make the effort to find your place.