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Living a College Town Lifestyle in Knoxville, Tennessee

Knoxville is the home to the main campus of the University of Tennessee, as well as a wide variety of other public and private universities. Knoxville is the third largest city in Tennessee and is particularly attractive because it is home to the Vols, of the aforementioned university.


As such it is a vibrant college town with big-time sports and many cultural events. The 2007 population was 183,000. Knoxville was the site of the 1982 World's Fair and several buildings, including the Sunsphere, were built for that event.

Where to Retire in Knoxville and Home Prices

The median home price in Knoxville during the 2nd quarter of 2022 was $336,000, according to the National Association of Realtors, which is a 23.6% rise in home prices from a year earlier.

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

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. The town is below average in walkability when compared to other towns.

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