Moving to Knoxville
What it costs, how long homes take to sell, and how 12 areas compare
$415,200
Across recent sales in 12 Knoxville areas53
Half of sales closed in 29–98 days5263
Listed $1 – $8.9M5117
As of September 7, 2026Moving to Knoxville places you in the heart of East Tennessee, surrounded by the Great Smoky Mountains to the south and the Tennessee River flowing through the city. The metro area is well-connected by Interstates 40 and 75, facilitating travel in multiple directions. Growth in Knoxville typically expands outward from the city center, with development spreading into neighboring areas like Alcoa and Farragut.
The housing market in Knoxville is characterized by a balanced condition, with a median sold price of $415,200. The area encompasses 12 neighborhoods, providing diverse options for potential residents.
Knoxville areas compared
Every area we cover in the Knoxville metro, on the same numbers.
| Area | Median sold | Days to sell | For sale | Market |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AlcoaAlcoa, TN | $315,000 | 41 | 30 | Balanced |
| CorrytonCorryton, TN | $355,400 | 57 | 64 | Balanced |
| SeymourSeymour, TN | $376,300 | 59 | 120 | Balanced |
| PowellPowell, TN | $380,000 | 56 | 97 | Balanced |
| Oak RidgeOak Ridge, TN | $400,000 | 60 | 126 | Balanced |
| MaryvilleMaryville, TN | $403,000 | 47 | 368 | Balanced |
| KnoxvilleKnoxville, TN | $410,000 | 51 | 1944 | Balanced |
| LouisvilleLouisville, TN | $463,000 | 48 | 52 | Balanced |
| Lenoir CityLenoir City, TN | $472,000 | 52 | 171 | Balanced |
| SeviervilleSevierville, TN | $485,000 | 72 | 1631 | Buyer's Market |
| GatlinburgGatlinburg, TN | $517,500 | 64 | 625 | Buyer's Market |
| FarragutFarragut, TN | $790,000 | 50 | 11 | Balanced |
About these boundaries and statistics
Guides can cover a neighborhood, a city or several communities. Map outlines are simplified for display. Listing tags can include homes outside an outline, so overlapping guides may include the same home.
- Alcoa — OpenStreetMap outline
Place outline contributed to OpenStreetMap; it may cover a city or a broader community. Statistics include homes inside the boundary or matching the guide’s listing tags or ZIP codes.
Boundary source · Retrieved 2026-09-07. © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL - Corryton — No mapped outline
See the neighborhood guide for coverage and statistics.
- Seymour — OpenStreetMap outline
Place outline contributed to OpenStreetMap; it may cover a city or a broader community. Statistics include homes inside the boundary or matching the guide’s listing tags or ZIP codes.
Boundary source · Retrieved 2026-09-07. © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL - Powell — OpenStreetMap outline
Place outline contributed to OpenStreetMap; it may cover a city or a broader community. Statistics include homes inside the boundary or matching the guide’s listing tags or ZIP codes.
Boundary source · Retrieved 2026-09-07. © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL - Oak Ridge — OpenStreetMap outline
Place outline contributed to OpenStreetMap; it may cover a city or a broader community. Statistics include homes inside the boundary or matching the guide’s listing tags or ZIP codes.
Boundary source · Retrieved 2026-09-07. © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL - Maryville — OpenStreetMap outline
Place outline contributed to OpenStreetMap; it may cover a city or a broader community. Statistics include homes inside the boundary or matching the guide’s listing tags or ZIP codes.
Boundary source · Retrieved 2026-09-07. © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL - Knoxville — OpenStreetMap outline
Place outline contributed to OpenStreetMap; it may cover a city or a broader community. Statistics use listing tags and ZIP codes; this outline is for orientation.
Boundary source · Retrieved 2026-09-07. © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL - Louisville — OpenStreetMap outline
Place outline contributed to OpenStreetMap; it may cover a city or a broader community. Statistics include homes inside the boundary or matching the guide’s listing tags or ZIP codes.
Boundary source · Retrieved 2026-09-07. © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL - Lenoir City — OpenStreetMap outline
Place outline contributed to OpenStreetMap; it may cover a city or a broader community. Statistics include homes inside the boundary or matching the guide’s listing tags or ZIP codes.
Boundary source · Retrieved 2026-09-07. © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL - Sevierville — OpenStreetMap outline
Place outline contributed to OpenStreetMap; it may cover a city or a broader community. Statistics include homes inside the boundary or matching the guide’s listing tags or ZIP codes.
Boundary source · Retrieved 2026-09-05. © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL - Gatlinburg — OpenStreetMap outline
Place outline contributed to OpenStreetMap; it may cover a city or a broader community. Statistics include homes inside the boundary or matching the guide’s listing tags or ZIP codes.
Boundary source · Retrieved 2026-09-05. © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL - Farragut — OpenStreetMap outline
Place outline contributed to OpenStreetMap; it may cover a city or a broader community. Statistics use listing tags and ZIP codes; this outline is for orientation.
Boundary source · Retrieved 2026-09-07. © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL
Why people move to Knoxville
Knoxville sits in the Great Appalachian Valley, with the Great Smoky Mountains to the east and the Cumberland Plateau to the west. The Tennessee River runs through downtown and begins here where the Holston and French Broad rivers meet. Fort Loudoun Lake extends along the river corridor, and the land shifts between riverfront, broad valleys, wooded ridges, and higher ground across the metro. Outdoor access is a major draw, with the national park, the Appalachian Trail, and a long network of waterways, parks, and trail systems close to the urban core.
The climate brings four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid, spring arrives early, fall is long and mild, and winter is usually cool with occasional snow. The valley setting also shapes daily travel. Interstate 40 and Interstate 75 cross in Knoxville, creating a regional hub for movement across East Tennessee and toward Nashville, Asheville, Atlanta, and Lexington. McGhee Tyson Airport provides the main commercial airport for the metro.
- Major employers include Covenant Health, the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee Valley Authority, East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, and Pilot.
- The broader regional economy is reinforced by Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the Y-12 National Security Complex, and DENSO Manufacturing Tennessee.
- Key industries include health care, higher education, energy, federal research, advanced manufacturing, and transportation-related business.
People relocating from larger metros often focus on Knoxville’s combination of major institutions, access to outdoor recreation, and housing costs that can be lower than in many larger Southeastern markets.
What you will pay in Knoxville
Income, sales and property tax, straight from the agencies that set them.
| Tax | Rate | Source |
|---|---|---|
State income tax Tennessee levies no individual income tax on wages or salaries. The Hall tax on interest and dividends was fully repealed effective January 1, 2021. | None | Tennessee Department of Revenue, 2025 |
State sales tax The state portion only. Counties and cities add a local option capped at 2.75% by statute, so the rate at the register is higher — check the current combined rate with the county before budgeting. | 7% | Tennessee Department of Revenue, 2025 |
Effective property tax — Knox County $1.5540 per $100 of assessed value on the 25% residential assessment ratio. Property inside Knoxville city limits also pays a separate city rate on top of this. | 0.39% of market value | Knox County Finance Department, 2026 |
Effective property tax — Blount County $1.59 per $100 of assessed value on the 25% residential assessment ratio. | 0.40% of market value | Blount County, Tennessee, 2025 |
The honest trade-offs
Balanced Housing Market
Knoxville's housing market is currently balanced, with a median sold price of $415,200 and a median of 53 days on the market for homes. This stability can provide a more predictable environment for buyers and sellers.
Outdoor Recreation Opportunities
Knoxville is close to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offering extensive hiking, biking, and outdoor activities. The area's natural beauty is complemented by numerous parks and recreational facilities.
Diverse Employment Sectors
The local economy features a mix of industries, including healthcare, education, and manufacturing. Major employers include the University of Tennessee and Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
Accessible Major Airport
McGhee Tyson Airport provides convenient access to both domestic and limited international flights. Its proximity to Knoxville enhances travel options for residents.
Traffic Congestion Issues
Interstate 40 and Interstate 75 can experience significant traffic congestion, especially during peak commuting hours. This can lead to longer travel times for residents.
Hot and Humid Summers
Knoxville experiences hot and humid summers, which can be uncomfortable for many. The region also faces risks from severe storms during the summer months.
Sprawling Development Patterns
The city's layout promotes sprawl, resulting in longer distances between residential areas and commercial destinations. This can increase car dependency for daily activities.
Sales Tax Burden
Tennessee has a relatively high sales tax burden, which can impact the overall cost of living. Residents should be prepared for additional costs when making purchases.
Knoxville neighborhood guides
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Knoxville a good place to live?
Knoxville has a balanced housing market, with a median home price of $415,200 and homes typically selling in 53 days. The area enjoys a mild climate and features major employers across various industries, contributing to a reasonable cost of living.
What is the median home price in Knoxville?
The median home price in Knoxville is $415,200. This figure reflects recent sales across the area, indicating the current market conditions.
How long do homes take to sell in Knoxville?
Homes in Knoxville take a median of 53 days to sell. The middle half of home sales varies from 29 to 98 days on the market.
Which Knoxville suburbs are closest to downtown?
Suburbs closest to downtown Knoxville include areas like Alcoa and Farragut. These neighborhoods feature a range of housing options and convenient access to urban amenities.
How much is property tax in Knox County?
Property tax rates vary by county, including Knox County and Blount County. It is advisable to check the current rate with the county before budgeting.
What is the cost of living in Knoxville?
The cost of living in Knoxville is generally aligned with housing prices, which have a median of $415,200. This balance contributes to an affordable lifestyle compared to many other metro areas.
How far is the nearest major airport from Knoxville?
The nearest major airport to Knoxville is McGhee Tyson Airport. It provides convenient access for both domestic and international flights, facilitating travel for residents.
What is the weather like in Knoxville?
Knoxville features a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Residents experience warm summers and mild winters, making it suitable for a variety of outdoor activities year-round.
Who are the main employers in Knoxville?
Knoxville is home to several major employers spanning various industries, including healthcare, education, and manufacturing. This diverse economic base supports local job opportunities and contributes to the area's growth.
How do I start a home search in Knoxville?
To start a home search in Knoxville, consider determining your budget and preferred neighborhoods. You can explore active listings, which total 5,263, across the area's 12 neighborhoods.
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