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 a great place 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.LoudonLake.
With a spectacular new CivicCenter 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 RiverfrontPark and in the “OldCity,” 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 all residents. 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 a great place to retire.
