Overview
Loudon makes a name for itself as a great retirement location for retirees interested in living in a scenic location with southern charm. The mountain city is within close proximity to Knoxville and offers residents a small community feel with easy access to the amenities of the larger city close by.
Climate & Geography
Situated in a humid subtropical climate zone, residents of Loudon can expect warm to hot temperatures in the summer, with cool temperatures in the winter. The city experiences much higher-than-average rainfall, just a few inches of snow, and about 204 sunny days each year.
Loudon is located in Eastern Tennessee along the Tennessee River. The city is nestled among the ridge-and-valley portion of the Appalachians, with the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to the east.
Recreation, Culture, & Entertainment
Residents of Loudon can explore the downtown area which is filled with quaint shops and easy walking access.
While there are organized community trips to destinations such as Harrah’s Cherokee, Biltmore Estate, and a Smoky Mountain Tour, there are also local events held nearly every month in Loudon.
Fort Loudon State Historic Park, a 1,200-acre historic preserve, is home to one of the earliest British fortifications on the western frontier. Active adults can paddle board, hike, fish, and bird watch at the park. Men 55+ can join the local men's softball league for additional recreational opportunities.
Loudon is less than half an hour from Knoxville which allows residents easy access for day trips to enjoy everything the city has to offer.
Cost of Living & Taxes
Though the cost of living in Loudon is higher than the state index, the average is lower than the national cost of living index. Healthcare and transportation categories are below the state and national averages.
Tennessee is considered one of the most tax friendly states for retirees. The state does not have an income tax, so all forms of retirement income remain untaxed, including Social Security benefits, retirement savings accounts, and pensions. In addition to having some of the lowest property taxes in the country, certain residents who are 65+ may qualify for an income-based exemption to reduce that cost even further. Tennessee does, however, have a fairly high sales tax, with the combined rate in Loudon being 9.5 percent.
Health Care
Although there are no hospitals within Loudon, nearby Parkwest Medical Center is ranked No. 2 in the Knoxville area and No. 7 in Tennessee. The medical center is rated high performing in four procedures and conditions by U.S. News.
Other high performing hospitals in the area include, Roane Medical Center in Harriman, Methodist Medical Center in Oak Ridge, and Blount Memorial Hospital in Maryville.