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Knoxville, TN

Smoky Mountain gateway — affordable, outdoorsy & the #1 move-to city for 2026

900K metro
Population
$340K
Median Home
$1,250
Avg Rent
None
Income Tax

Knoxville is America's hottest relocation destination. A moveBuddha study found it has the highest move-in to move-out ratio in the country for 2026. The appeal: a cost of living 15% below the national average, no state income tax, the University of Tennessee's energy, and the Great Smoky Mountains 30 minutes from downtown. Remote workers get genuine affordability with a growing food and craft beer scene.

Cost of living
Monthly costs in Knoxville
Estimated for a single remote worker · 15% below average vs national average
$1,250
Rent (1BR)
$320
Groceries
$140
Utilities
$120
Gas
$55
Internet
$190
Dining Out
$2,075/month estimated
No state income tax plus genuinely affordable housing make Knoxville one of the best value cities in America. Your dollar goes further here than almost anywhere.
Neighborhoods
Explore Knoxville
Click a neighborhood to see homes, community data, and book a stay

Downtown / Market Square

Walkable & Historic

Downtown Knoxville is the city's walkable urban core — a compact, historic neighborhood centered on Market Square with restaurants, live music, and th...

Walk: 85 Avg: $350K 0 min — you're here
65% 35% STRs

Fourth & Gill

Historic & Artsy

Fourth & Gill is Knoxville's most charming historic neighborhood — Victorian and Queen Anne homes on tree-lined streets, walking distance to downtown,...

Walk: 72 Avg: $375K 5 min to downtown
85% 15% STRs

Bearden

Established & Convenient

Bearden is Knoxville's sweet spot between city access and neighborhood calm — an established, family-friendly area with great restaurants on Kingston ...

Walk: 52 Avg: $400K 12 min to downtown
90% 10% STRs

South Knoxville

Outdoorsy & Up-and-Coming

South Knoxville is the city's outdoor adventure hub — home to the Urban Wilderness with 50+ miles of trails, plus a growing food scene and affordable ...

Walk: 38 Avg: $290K 8 min to downtown
88% 12% STRs

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