Knoxville, TNBest Places To Live in the U.S. in 2023
Strangers ain’t come down from Rocky Top, and it’s easy to see why. Knoxville’s affordability, proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains, calendar full of festivals and friendly community make it a dynamic, welcoming city.
More About Living in Knoxville
Knoxville, TN, Is One of the Best Cities To Live in America
Knoxville, TN, is the largest city in East Tennessee and the third-largest city in the entire state. Home to the University of Tennessee, a paradise of outdoor activities, and miles of riverfront homes and businesses, Knoxville is one of the best places to live in the U.S. It offers arts and culture and endless dining and entertainment options, as well as nature and scenery — from the river bluffs to the famous flowering dogwood trees to its location at the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
The downtown area, which was first revitalized in the 20th century and is ever-improving and developing, is now a vibrant and bustling area centered around Market Square, complete with shops, restaurants, galleries, nightlife, breweries and two fountains for the kids to play in. There is always something happening in Knoxville, including several farmers markets and a range of festivals and special events.
The strong business presence in Knoxville helps foster a good economy. Big-name corporations headquartered there, such as the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), Pilot Flying J and Regal Cinemas, provide resources, revenue and jobs for the city. As of 2007, Knoxville had more than 19,000 registered businesses! The city also offers good professional diversity, with people working in everything from education to government to retail, and the industries are constantly growing and expanding. Knoxville also has diverse types of architecture and housing, including many affordable options and a relatively low cost of living.
Another advantage? Knoxville is highly accessible and easy to get around. Whether you want to go to the zoo on one end of the city or the stadium on the other, getting almost anywhere is a breeze. In addition to the many convenient roads and highways crisscrossing the area, Knoxville has taxis, limos, shuttles, scooters for rent and a highly-rated bus system (which saw 3 million passengers in 2022!). The city also provides a free trolley for the downtown and university neighborhoods. And there’s ample parking – free in many places in the evening and on weekends — including right in the heart of downtown. Knoxville is very walkable and bike-friendly, with 112 miles of greenways and “soft-surface” trails.
Knoxville, TN Quality of Life LivScore
Knoxville, TN Top Categories
Housing & Cost of Living
Transportation
Environment
Knoxville ranks highest for housing, transportation and environment.
Weather and Outdoor Activities in Knoxville, TN
Although temperatures usually remain moderate overall (generally ranging from 28°F to 88°F), be prepared for many days of heat and humidity in the summer, with a nice reprieve in the winter when temps drop, and there could even be occasional (though minimal) snow.
The average annual snowfall in Knoxville is 6 inches. The snowiest month is typically January, but snowfall can vary in the area from year to year.
The average annual rainfall in Knoxville is around 48 inches, and the city tends to have higher amounts of rain during spring and summer.
Knoxville averages 204 sunny days a year.
Play in nature right in the city at Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness. There are trails, lakes, parks, a nature center, a massive wildlife area and more, where you can fish, swim, paddle, bike, hike, climb or even go ziplining.
Knoxville Weather
204 days
Average Annual Sun
48 inches
Average Annual Rain
6 inches
Average Annual Snow
Things To Do in Knoxville, TN
History and science buffs and generally curious folks will love the McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture, with exhibits that help explain the history of Tennessee and several other places. And both admission and parking are free!
Named for Henry Knox, a Revolutionary War general and former Secretary of War, Knoxville was once the capital of Tennessee from 1796 until 1812 and again from 1817 to 1818.
Take a romantic cruise down the Tennessee River on the Star of Knoxville, an authentic paddlewheeler. Wine and dine your date with a dinner, lunch or drinks cruise, or you can enjoy a sightseeing trip or one of several themed cruises. If the date goes really well, the Star of Knoxville also does weddings.
At Seasons Innovative Bar & Grille, a fresh and affordable American-style restaurant in the Turkey Creek retail center, happy hour is every day from 4 to 6:30 p.m. (and all day on Monday!). Get half-off wine by the glass, $2 off appetizers and $1 off liquor and beer.
The Local and State Economy in Knoxville, TN
Advanced manufacturing, education, and research and technology are three large industries contributing to the robust economy in Knoxville. The University of Tennessee, Tennessee Valley Authority and Pilot Company are some of the major companies operating in Knoxville. Additionally, companies like Scripps Network Interactive and Regal Cinemas are headquartered in the area.
In 2023, the sales tax rate in Knoxville is 9.25%.
No, Tennessee does not have a state income tax.
Knoxville has several top-tier providers, including Parkwest Medical Center and the University of Tennessee Medical Center. East Tennessee Children’s Hospital is also in the city, keeping the entire family in good health.
There are several colleges and universities in Knoxville, including the University of Tennessee-Knoxville and Pellissippi State Community College.
Quick Facts About Knoxville, TN
- Median Household Income
- $47,215
- Median Home Value
- $230,958
- Average State Property Tax
- $1,270
- Total Population
- 195,340
- Median Rent/Mo.
- $868
- Average Commute
- 18.61 minutes
Knoxville is one of the best places to live in the U.S. thanks to its strong showing in the housing and cost of living category. Transportation, environment and countless amenities, including easy access to the outdoors and plenty of fun festivals, also contribute to ranking Knoxville as one of the best places to live in the U.S. Learn more about living in Knoxville or consider other great places to live in the Southeast. Another moving resource: The Ultimate Guide To Finding Your Best Place To Live.
