At first glance, the small town of Knoxville, Tennessee might look like any other mountain town. But there’s plenty of diversity and opportunity hidden in “The Marble City.” Rich in history, yet poised for economic growth; oozing with Southern hospitality, yet filled with diversity, Knoxville is a great city for young singles, families, and established professionals alike. Read on to see if moving to Knoxville is right for you.
Jobs
The Dept. of Energy’s Oak Ridge Reservation is the largest Knoxville employer, with roughly 13,000 employees. So it’s no wonder that energy remains a top job industry here. But the University of Tennessee, Covenant Health, The Knox County Public School System are also big in the area, employing some 25,000 people between them. And for a city with a population of just over 183,000, Knoxville has attracted quite a few big companies: Cooking Channel, Pilot Flying J, and Regal Entertainment all have headquarters in The Marble City.
Knoxville was also one of the first to fully recover from the recession back in 2012, and has been going strong for the past 4 years, so if you’re looking for a place to give you and your family a fresh start, Knoxville could be it.
Neighborhoods
North Hills: With its unique architecture and beautiful gardens, the North Hills neighborhood attracts people from all walks of life. Residents remain diverse with respect to income, politics, and ethnicity, so you’re sure to feel at home no matter your background. The historic district was built in 1927, so if you’re looking for a Craftsman or Colonial, you should have plenty of homes to choose from.
Island Home Park: Founded in 1899, Island Home Park is a scenic neighborhood filled with Craftsman style bungalows and gorgeous views. If you’re looking for a scenic home among neighbors with diverse politics and viewpoints, Island Home Park’s got it.
Sequoyah Hills: If you want to feel like you’ve truly “made it,” then set your sights on Sequoyah Hills. One of the city’s oldest and most affluent neighborhoods, Sequoyah Hills offers diverse architecture, historic homes, lovely walking and biking trails…and a hefty price tag.
Shady Grove/Choto Estates: Great schools, low crime, and lots of single-family homes makes Shady Grove the perfect family-friendly neighborhood. NeighborhoodScout rated it in the top 1% of family-friendly Knoxville neighborhoods. So if you’ve always wanted to raise your kids in an episode of “Leave It to Beaver,” Shady Grove/Choto Estates is the place for you.
Weather
Unlike Orlando, Knoxville has four distinct seasons, with mild winters and warm summers. The temperature in summer rarely goes above 90, and winter lows hover right around freezing. So you’re sure to see some occasional snow flurries, but shouldn’t need to buy a snow shovel.
With such close proximity to the Smoky Mountains National Park, there are plenty of chances to enjoy the weather. Spring is the perfect time to cast off the chill of winter with a mountain hike, but don’t forget about the changing leaves in fall, either.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Knoxville is considerably lower than the national average and about 12% lower than it is in Orlando. You’ll pay a lower price for everything from mortgage rates to household goods, so you shouldn’t have to worry about how far your new salary will stretch. In fact, a $50,000 salary in Orlando translates to just under $44,000 in Knoxville.
Tennessee residents will have to pay income tax on money earned through interest and dividend earnings, but not their wages, so your salary will stretch much further here than moving to many other states.
Lifestyle
No matter your interests, there’s plenty to do in Knoxville. Art lovers will favor First Fridays downtown, where food, art, and music make up the perfect evening. History buff? Check out any of the amazing museums, cultural centers, and historic sites the city has to offer. Take the kids to the Knoxville Zoo or Navitat Canopy Adventures to get their wiggles out. Football fans, rejoice! Knoxville is a college town, so you’ll have plenty of chances to join the crowds for a Saturday game. (Learn the lyrics to “Rocky Top” now and you’ll fit right in!) Low on funds? Knoxville has plenty of free options to get out and have some fun.
And if you’re in the mood for a little trip, the Smoky Mountains are just an hour away. Hit the slopes or just enjoy the sights for a year-round spectacle of natural beauty.
If you’re looking for an up-and-coming city with affordable home prices, plenty of jobs, and lots to do, Knoxville is the perfect place to call home. And whether you’re thinking about moving to Knoxville, Denver, Boise, or just across town, Cento Family Moving can help you get there. Call us today for a free quote.
