Knoxville, TNBest Places to Live in the U.S. in 2024

Although temperatures usually remain moderate overall (generally ranging from 28°F to 88°F), be prepared for many days of heat and humidity in the summer, with a nice reprieve in the winter when temps drop, and there could even be occasional (though minimal) snow.

The average annual snowfall in Knoxville is 7 inches. 

The average annual rainfall in Knoxville is around 51 inches, and the city tends to have more rain during spring and summer. 

Knoxville averages 204 sunny days a year.

Hike, bike, climb, swim and paddle at Ijams Nature Center, an oasis just minutes from downtown, where you can also take outdoor fun to new heights with Navitat’s treetop zipline adventures. Play in nature right in the city at Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness. There are trails, lakes, parks, a nature center and a massive wildlife area where you can fish, swim, paddle, bike, hike, climb or even go ziplining.

Soak up the arts with a tour of the Knoxville Museum of Art featuring works by regional and national artists. It’s no surprise that Knoxville is a city where music matters, considering visitors are invited to sit in on a live Blue Plate Special performance of roots music for WDVX public radio station during lunch hour at the Knoxville Visitors Center studio.

If you’re visiting the city with children, you can’t miss Zoo Knoxville. Spanning 53 acres and home to 1,200 animals, this unexpectedly awesome zoo is worth an entire day’s visit for animal lovers. Another great option in town is the McClung Museum of Natural History & Culture on the University of Tennessee campus. 

Knoxville loves a good celebration, as evidenced by the dozens of festivals the city hosts each year, and the city has an impressive artistic side. From events that celebrate the city, like the Dogwood Arts Festival in the spring, to cultural offerings, such as the HoLa Festival and music fests like Big Ears, there’s almost always a festival happening in the city. USA Today recently named the city the fourth-best arts district in the nation, beating out larger cities like Chicago and Denver. 

Explore the sidewalks of Market Square, which is home to an unparalleled farmers market and various local boutiques and restaurants. Browse the stacks at locally owned, independent Union Avenue Books, which carries a large selection of titles and hosts events throughout the year.

Knoxville is a foodie city with nearly 100 restaurants, most locally owned, within a square mile of downtown. J.C. Holdway is a popular dinner spot, owned by the former executive chef at Blackberry Farm and James Beard Award-winning chef Joseph Lenn. The menu features veggie-forward, Appalachian-inspired dishes that change seasonally. 

Ask any of the locals, and they’ll quickly report that Bijou Theatre is the place to go for live performances of all sorts. This beautiful centerpiece of the city boasts a storied history that began in 1909 and has grown ever since. For theater lovers, the Clarence Brown Theatre and Ula Love Doughty Carousel Theatres on the Tennessee campus can’t be missed. 

Head to Old City, home to dozens of restaurants, distilleries and nightlife options. Grab a slice and enjoy live music at Barley’s, or sip on craft beers and cocktails while enjoying elevated comfort food at Southern Grit. 

Thanks to Knoxville’s growth across several diverse industries, it’s easy to see why so many students come to Knoxville for college and stay to build a career. Advanced manufacturing, education and research, and technology are three large industries contributing to Knoxville’s robust economy. The University of Tennessee, Tennessee Valley Authority, and Pilot Company are some of the major companies operating in Knoxville. Additionally, companies like Scripps Network Interactive and Regal Cinemas are headquartered in the area. 

In 2024, the sales tax rate in Knoxville is 9.25%.

No, Tennessee does not have a state income tax. 

Knoxville has several top-tier providers, including Parkwest Medical Center and the University of Tennessee Medical Center. East Tennessee Children’s Hospital is also in the city, keeping the entire family in good health. 

Knoxville has several colleges and universities, including the University of Tennessee – Knoxville and Pellissippi State Community College.