Retiring in Knoxville, Tennessee
Overview
Gateway to the Smokies with no state income tax and a growing food scene.
Home Price
Homes in Knoxville typically range from $278k to $500k.
Source: Zillow Home Value Index. Estimates only — verify current pricing before making decisions.
Cost of Living
Knoxville's cost of living index is 92.2 compared to a U.S. national average of 100.
Climate
Average summer highs around 87°F and winter daytime temperatures around 51°F, with high humidity and a “Four seasons” seasonal pattern.
Geography & Landscape
Healthcare
Healthcare access and quality index: 74/100 (HomeAfterWork healthcare index — County Health Rankings + CMS Care Compare, local-adjusted from the U.S. national baseline).
Safety & Stability
Knoxville scores a safety index of 38.3/100 and a political stability score of 3.8/10, based on sourced crime and stability data.
Airport Access
About 27 minutes to the nearest major airport we could confirm. *Estimated drive time (straight-line distance) — not real routing data. Worth checking directly.
Lifestyle & Activities
Outdoor activities:
- Hiking
- Boating / kayaking
- Tennis / racquet sports
- Gardening
- Nature / bird watching
Culture & lifestyle:
- Live music
- Food culture
- Professional sports
- Shopping
Things to Consider
- Humid summers
- Traffic near the university
Find out whether Knoxville fits your retirement priorities.
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