Knoxville Area, TN 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

For valuable information about visiting or relocating to the Knoxville area, here are some local resources:

• Visit Knoxville - Official Tourism Website
• Knoxville News Sentinel - Local Newspaper
• City of Oak Ridge 
• Maryville City Government 

Knoxville Area Affordability and Cost of Living 

Knoxville is generally considered an affordable place to retire. The cost of living in Knoxville is almost 11 percent lower than the national average. The median home price in the area is $301,600 which is higher than the state average but below the national average. Other costs such as groceries, healthcare, transportation, and utilities are lower than U.S. averages as well. 

Tennessee has no income tax and the state has lower than average property taxes. On the other hand Tennessee does have a tax on dividends and interest income if they exceed certain limits. Tennessee’s sales tax can be high since localities can add additional tax to the state sales tax rate. 

Knoxville Area Climate and Geography 

Summer in the Knoxville area tends to be hot and humid with average temperatures around 90 degrees with humidity that frequently exceed 80 percent. Winters tend to be mild with above freezing temperatures and only an occasional snowfall. The area receives an average annual rainfall of around 47 inches, with thunderstorms being a common occurrence during the summer months. While severe weather events like tornadoes are rare, the area is occasionally affected by strong thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, and occasional flooding.

The Knoxville region is known for its rolling hills, forests, and picturesque lakes. The area’s proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains makes it one of the most beautiful parts of Tennessee. These majestic mountains offer a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, and scenic drives. The Tennessee River flows through Knoxville, adding to the area's natural beauty and providing opportunities for boating, fishing, and other water-based recreational activities. Additionally, Knoxville is within a short driving distance of the Norris Dam State Park and the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, providing further options for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Recreation, Shopping, and Entertainment in Knoxville Area 

The Knoxville area offers a wide range of recreational activities, cultural events, shopping opportunities, and entertainment options. Here are some highlights of what you can find in and around the Knoxville area:

Golf and Racquet Sports in Knoxville Area

• Gettysvue Polo, Golf & Country Club in Knoxville
• Fox Den Country Club in Farragut
• Deane Hill Recreation Center in Knoxville
• Knoxville Racquet Club in Knoxville

Hiking, Biking, and Boating in Knoxville Area

• Ijams Nature Center in Knoxville
• Seven Islands State Birding Park in Kodak
• Haw Ridge Park in Oak Ridge
• Melton Hill Lake in Oak Ridge

Museums and Historical Sites in Knoxville Area

• East Tennessee History Center in Knoxville
• McClung Museum of Natural History & Culture in Knoxville
• Museum of Appalachia in Clinton
• American Museum of Science and Energy in Oak Ridge

Performing Arts in Knoxville Area

• Tennessee Theatre in Knoxville
• Clarence Brown Theatre in Knoxville
• Bijou Theatre in Knoxville
• Oak Ridge Playhouse in Oak Ridge

Shopping in Knoxville Area

• West Town Mall in Knoxville
• Turkey Creek in Farragut
• Market Square in Knoxville
• The Pinnacle at Turkey Creek in Knoxville

Parks and Gardens in Knoxville Area

• Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum in Knoxville
• World's Fair Park in Knoxville
• Cove Lake State Park in Caryville
• House Mountain State Natural Area in Corryton

Festivals and Fairs in Knoxville Area

• Dogwood Arts Festival in Knoxville
• Greek Fest in Knoxville
• Tennessee Valley Fair in Knoxville
• Secret City Festival in Oak Ridge

Knoxville Area Health and Wellness 

With access to major medical centers and a variety of local options for self-care and fitness the Knoxville area is well-equipped to meet the health and wellness needs of its residents. The region is home to several renowned hospitals, including the University of Tennessee Medical Center and Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center. Both medical centers offer comprehensive healthcare services and specialty care in various medical fields.

The Knoxville area provides numerous opportunities for self-care and staying fit. There are several fitness centers, yoga studios, and wellness centers that offer a range of classes and activities tailored to the needs of active adults. The area also boasts beautiful parks and walking trails, such as Ijams Nature Center and Lakeshore Park, where individuals can engage in outdoor exercise and enjoy the scenic surroundings. For mental well-being, residents can explore meditation centers and mindfulness workshops offered by various organizations.

For those interested in fresh and healthy produce, there are several farmers markets in the area. One notable market is the Market Square Farmers Market, located in downtown Knoxville. This vibrant market offers a wide variety of locally grown fruits, vegetables, and artisanal products, allowing residents to support local farmers and enjoy nutritious produce.

Recommended Itinerary for Visiting Knoxville Area 55+ Communities

If you're considering moving to a 55+ retirement community in the Knoxville area and want to get a feel for the region, here's a two-day itinerary that will help you familiarize yourself with the area and explore what it has to offer. 

Day One

Morning:

• Start your day with a delicious breakfast and coffee at Scrambled Jake's Breakfast Company.
• Visit the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum, taking a leisurely stroll through the beautifully landscaped gardens.

Afternoon:

• Enjoy a delightful lunch at Sweet P's Barbecue and Soul House, savoring some of the region's famous barbecue.
• Take a scenic drive to Ijams Nature Center, where you can immerse yourself in nature and go for a hike or walk along the trails.
• Visit the East Tennessee History Center to learn about the rich history of the region.

Evening:

• Indulge in a delicious dinner at Chesapeake's Seafood House, known for its fresh seafood dishes.
• Take a relaxing stroll along the waterfront at Volunteer Landing Park, enjoying the views of the Tennessee River.

Day Two

Morning:

• Start your day with a hearty breakfast at First Watch.
• Meet with your local 55places expert retirement community partner agent to discuss retirement community options and gain valuable insights into the local housing market.

Afternoon:

• Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Tomato Head, a popular spot known for its delicious pizzas and salads.
• Explore the exhibits at the McClung Museum of Natural History & Culture, located on the University of Tennessee campus.

Evening:

• Treat yourself to a memorable dinner at Bistro by the Tracks, known for its upscale American cuisine and fine wines.

Getting to the Knoxville, TN Area

Getting to the Knoxville, TN area is convenient and accessible, whether you're traveling from nearby or from across the country. Here are the different transportation options and directions for reaching this region:

Flying:

The closest major airport to Knoxville is McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS), located in Alcoa, just south of Knoxville. It is served by several major airlines, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and Allegiant Air. McGhee Tyson Airport has connections to various primary hubs, such as Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, and Dallas. 

Driving:

If you're driving to the Knoxville area, there are several major highways that provide easy access. Interstate 40 is the primary east-west route, connecting Knoxville to cities like Nashville to the west and Asheville, North Carolina, to the east. Interstate 75 runs north-south, connecting Knoxville to cities like Cincinnati, Ohio, and Atlanta, Georgia. Additionally, Interstate 640 provides a bypass route around Knoxville for convenient navigation.

By Train or Bus:

Knoxville is not directly served by passenger train services, but Amtrak does have a station in Morristown, TN which is about 45 miles east of Knoxville. Greyhound and Megabus provide bus services to and from Knoxville, connecting it to various destinations across the country.