For many years, tourists from all over the U.S. have traveled
to East Tennessee to experience the natural scenic beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains, as well as the lakes and rivers that
are so plentiful in this region. Many of these visitors have discovered that this area, especially Knoxville and the surrounding
environs, is among the country's most affordable places to retire. With its beautiful, and predominantly, rural setting combined
with the amenities and advantages of urban living, Knoxville is often cited as being among America's most livable cities.
Located within a short drive of three national parks and wilderness areas, and surrounded by no less than
seven lakes, Knoxvillians display an uncommon love for the outdoors. Hardly a weekend can be found that is not filled with
some organized outdoor event ...a marathon with runners winding through downtown streets and along the shores of the Tennessee
River, a music festival or crafts fair on Market Square or a sailboat regatta with hundreds of sails billowing across Ft.
Loudon Lake.
With a spectacular new Civic Center and a complete transformation of the historic
Market Square District into an area of trendy restaurants, unique specialty shops and an outdoor stage for summer music events
and Shakespearean dramas; downtown Knoxville appears to be on the verge of a return to its reputation as the City's cultural
and entertainment center. Also, there has been a noticeable trend for a return to downtown living, especially in Riverfront
Park and in the "Old City," a charming neighborhood of commercial warehouses and historic storefronts that have
been transformed into apartments and upscale condos.
The venerable Tennessee Theatre and nearby
Bijou Theater both recently underwent multi-million dollar restorations and have re-opened their stages for the return of
nationally known performers. In addition, The Tennessee is home for the Knoxville Symphony and the city's ballet and opera
companies. Of course, the cultural life of the city is enhanced by the presence of the University of Tennessee and its Clarence
Brown Theatre, a professional-quality venue that hosts dramatic performances throughout the year.
It
should be noted that any description of life in Knoxville would be incomplete without a mention of the significant impact
that the presence of the University has on the entire community. Not only does it provide a stabilizing influence on the area
economy, but it has a dramatic impact on the cultural and entertainment life of the region. as well as providing a variety
of educational programs for retirees. However, for many, it is those football weekends with 105,000 fans in Neyland Stadium,
along with hundreds more in the Vol Navy who dock their boats along the adjacent riverfront, that represent the most visible
evidence of university life in Knoxville.
Living in Knoxville is quite affordable, with the
overall cost of living approximately 10 to 12% below the national average. Retirees also will discover that the quality of
medical care is excellent, with six major hospitals located here. Housing choices range from exclusive enclaves of costly,
executive-style homes along the lakefront or within gated, golf-course communities to reasonably priced subdivisions and retirement
communities.
There is a growing trend toward the construction of upscale resort-type golf course
projects, with most of these being situated in the outlying areas. But even these are, for the most part, less than an hour
from downtown. Unquestionably, given the natural beauty of the area, its mild climate, quality of life and central location;
this trend is probably just the beginning of such developments.
Viewed in a totality, it is
clear to see why more and more people are selecting Knoxville and the surrounding areas of East Tennessee as their best place
to retire.
Population: 173,890 Metro Area: 687,000
Climate:
Avg. Jan. Low - 27 Avg. July High - 87
Rainfall: 51" Snowfall: 11"
Average Home Price: $128,000
