Knoxville, Tennessee is a city located in the county seat of Knox County in the U.S. state of Tennessee. Knoxville has a population of approximately 190,740, making it the most populous city in the East Tennessee Grand Division. Knoxville is Tennessee’s third largest city next to Nashville and Memphis. 

History of Knoxville, Tennessee

First settled in 1786, Knoxville was the first capital of Tennessee. 

Knoxville is the home of the flagship campus of the University of Tennessee, whose sports team, the Tennessee Volunteers, is 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 offices of several national and regional companies. 

As one of the biggest cities in the Appalachian region, Knoxville has recently positioned itself as a repository of Appalachian culture and is one of the gateways to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

About Downtown Knoxville

Downtown Knoxville is the central business destination of Knoxville, Tennessee, United States. It is also the entertainment hub of East Tennessee. Hill Avenue bounds the downtown area to the northeast, Summit Hill Drive to the southeast, Clinch Avenue to the southwest, and James White Parkway to the northwest.

Downtown Knoxville is known for its multiplex movie theaters, live music venues, restaurants, the art gallery Art Market Gallery, convention center, Knoxville Convention Center, and hotels such as the Marriott and the Hilton Garden Inn. Downtown Knoxville also has several exciting and famous shops like the independent Union Ave Books, the old-time Mast General Store, and the popular Market Square. 

One can also find beautiful parks such as Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, Ijams Nature Center, and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. These parks are within a 90-minute drive of the city and are popular places to hike or picnic with the family.

Real Estate in Knoxville, Tennessee

Knoxville real estate is one of the most affordable in the country. The cost of buying a home in Knoxville is less than in many other major metro areas. The median home price in Knoxville is $160,000, and the average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $937. 

Knoxville has a lot to offer its residents, from a low cost of living to plenty of things to do. So if you’re thinking of moving to Knoxville, Tennessee, you won’t be disappointed.

According to U.S. News, after analyzing over 150 metropolitan areas in the United States to find the best places to live, Tennessee, ranks as

• Number 33 in Best Places to Live
• Number 20 in Best Places to Retire
• Number 2 in Best Places to Live in Tennessee and
• Number 17 in Cheapest Places to Live.

Here are some quick statistics on Knoxville, Tennessee:

• The metro population in Knoxville is 861,872
• The median home price is $335,283
• The Median Monthly Rent in Knoxville is $864
• The Median Age in Knoxville is 40.6 years old
• The Average Annual Salary in Knoxville is $47,740
• The Unemployment Rate in Knoxville is 6.5%
• Average Commute is in Knoxville 24 minutes
• The average High Temperature in Knoxville is 69.5° F
• The average Low Temperature in Knoxville is 48.76° F
• Knoxville’s Average Rainfall of 47.86 inches

Transportation in Knoxville, Tennessee

Driving a personal vehicle is the best way to get around the metro area, but Knoxville Area Transit, or KAT, is another reliable option. In addition, KAT has buses and trolleys that travel throughout the city. Meanwhile, the area’s young, eco-friendly population has helped make transportation via bicycle commonplace.

Several highways thread through Knoxville, making traveling out of town for work or pleasure accessible. Nashville is 180 miles west of Knoxville on I-40, while Atlanta is 214 miles south on I-75. Greyhound has a bus station right off I-40 near downtown. McGhee Tyson Airport, located approximaely 12 miles south of downtown, provides domestic flights and is serviced by Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier, and United Airlines.

Living in Knoxville, Tennessee

Residents enjoy living costs lower than the national average, reflected in reasonable housing, utility, and transportation costs. The average price of a home and the average monthly rent are well below those of many other large metro areas. 

Things to Do in Knoxville, Tennessee

There are so many things to do for fun and entertainment in Knoxville. The city has several attractions, and a lively nightlife scene, with many bars and clubs concentrated in the downtown area. However, there are many restaurants and cafes to choose from for those who prefer a more low-key evening. 

Some examples of things to do in Knoxville, Tennessee, include:

Visit the Sunsphere: Built for the 1982 World’s Fair, the Sunsphere is a one-of-a-kind structure and one of the most iconic pieces of architectural art in Knoxville, Tennessee. The 4th Floor Observation Deck offers a breathtaking 360-degree view stretching from downtown to the Great Smoky Mountains, including World’s Fair Park, the Tennessee River, and the University of Tennessee Campus. A 1982 World’s Fair timeline, gallery, memorabilia, and gift shop await you!

East Tennessee History Center: The Museum of East Tennessee History is dedicted to Knoxville’s past. Unique, Ever-changing, award-winning exhibits tell the history of the people, places, and events that shaped this region. Located directly across the street from the Tennessee Theatre and just blocks from other historical attractions, including Blount Mansion and James White’s Fort, the Center strives to capture the interest of a wide range of audiences. 

Market Square Knoxville: Since the 1860s, Market Square has been one of Knoxville’s most famous places to shop, work, play, dine, and live. Market Square is the venue for multiple outdoor concerts and movies, Shakespeare on the Square, and more. The Square is located just minutes from the University of Tennessee Campus and Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness, a 1,000-acre stretch of land that features more than 50 miles of hiking and biking trails and connects parks, trails, civil war sites, and recreational amenities.

For a complete offering of things to do in Knoxville, Tennessee, visit https://www.visitknoxville.com/things-to-do