Why is everyone moving to Knoxville?

If you’ve heard the news about Knoxville topping the charts of moveBuddha’s Most Popular Cities to Move to in 2026, you may be wondering, “Why Knoxville?” While it comes as no surprise to our Knoxville-loving team, we are happy to explain why moving to Knoxville is a popular choice.

Knoxville offers affordable living compared to the national average.
Knoxville’s cost of living is 14% lower than the national average making it an attractive location for retirees and families of all budgets. More notably, Knoxville’s housing, utilities, and transportation costs are 23% below the national average. Add in low property taxes and no state income tax, and Knoxville offers an exceptional value for everyday living.

Knoxville offers natural beauty.
With the Great Smoky Mountains just to the east and the Cumberland Plateau to the west, scenic views are part of everyday life in Knoxville! As you drive around town, you can enjoy mountains in the distance, rolling pastoral farmland, and peaceful waterway views that make even everyday errands feel more relaxed. Throughout Knox County, waterways like Fort Loudoun Lake, Melton Hill Lake, and the Tennessee River weave through the landscape, adding to the natural charm that makes Knoxville so special.

Knoxville provides plenty of outdoor recreation.
We’ve already established Knoxville’s natural beauty, so it’s no surprise there are endless ways to enjoy the outdoors. The area’s lakes are popular for boating, fishing, and waterfront recreation, complete with marinas and lakeside spots to relax and refuel during a day on the water. Knox County is also home to many fantastic local parks including our favorites McFee Park and Lakeshore Park. Local parks are a hub for activities with many featuring playgrounds, splash pads, dog parks, sports courts, picnic areas, and plenty of trails.

Knoxville has a strong cultural scene.
Knoxville has a vibrant arts and entertainment culture and is consistently recognized as home to one of the best arts districts in the U.S. You can catch a show at the historic Tennessee Theatre, enjoy live performances at the Bijou Theatre, or experience modern concerts at venues like The Mill & Mine. The city’s creativity shines through annual events such as Big Ears and the Dogwood Arts Festival, while the monthly First Friday art walk offers a lively glimpse into Knoxville’s local art scene.

Knoxville includes your favorite big-brand stores and many local gems.
Knoxville is the best of both big cities and small towns. You’ll find plenty of big retailers throughout town that make errands feel easy. At the same time, the city is filled with incredible local shops that add character and charm to the community. Some of our favorite local food spots include Euphoric Cheese Shop, Bake That Dough, Simpson’s Meat, Butler & Bailey Market, and Three Rivers Market, along with a variety of wonderful farmers’ markets around town.

Knoxville is a college town with school spirit spanning every age.
Knoxville is home to the Tennessee Volunteers, and support of this beloved football team spans the entire local area. While it’s likely you will see at least one orange shirt every day you live in Knoxville, on game days, the city becomes a sea of orange and comes alive with an unmistakable energy. Even if you aren’t a football fan, the community connection and camaraderie make it impossible not to become loyal to the Tennessee Vols. So, make sure you learn the words to Rocky Top before you move!

Knoxville offers many ways to get incorporated into the local community.
Southerners are known for hospitality, and you can certainly feel that in the vast number of ways Knoxville has for you to get involved and meet new people. If you’re interested in meeting other new Knoxville residents, check out New2Knox. If you want to bond around a common interest, explore Knox Craft Club, Knox Girls Who Walk, Folks in Nature Hiking Club, SlowKno Running Group, and many more activity-focused community groups.

Knoxville offers homes for every buyer’s preference.
Knox County has a variety of communities, each with its own vibe and lifestyle. At Saddlebrook, there are plenty of options to choose from. If you love being able to walk to a coffee shop or restaurant, neighborhoods like Northshore Town Center or Biddle Farms Townhomes are a perfect choice. If you prefer single-family homes near parks and waterways, check out Holder Branch or The Grove at Boyd Station. And for easy, low-maintenance living, Ironwood and Meadows on McFee offer homes that let you spend less time on upkeep and more time enjoying life.

Interested in moving to Knoxville? Explore our Knoxville communities, and let us help you find your next home!