Knoxville, Tennessee
Area and Community Information

The third largest metropolitan area in Tennessee, Knoxville is perhaps one of the most scenic cities in the country. Situated on the banks of the meandering Tennessee River, the city is surrounded by mountains and lakes, providing endless opportunities for the outdoor recreation that is the center of the region’s lifestyle.

 

With natural beauty and a long and rich history, Knoxville today is at the cutting edge of technology development and scientific research. In addition to their own research initiatives, The University of Tennessee and nearby Oak Ridge National Laboratory offer extensive opportunities, often in partnership, for outside interest to conduct research in the state of the art facilities of ORNL. Business and academia have both benefited greatly from these programs, and transfer of technology developed in the region benefits the entire scientific, industrial, and environmental communities.

 

Cost of Living

Nearly six percent below the national average, the cost of living in Knoxville is just one of the many factors to the great quality of life residents enjoy. Housing prices are among the lowest in the state and are a full 12 percent below the national average. A low tax burden also makes Knoxville one of the nation’s more affordable location for both businesses and individuals.

 

 

Climate

Four distinct seasons make up the year in Knoxville, with winter being short and mild. Mid-winter nights can be cold, with temperatures near 30, but daytime temperatures in the 50s and little snowfall make outdoor activities possible throughout the year. Upper 80s to low 90s are not uncommon highs in the summer months with temperatures easing lower throughout the pleasant and colorful autumn months.

 

Economy

Manufacturing remains essential to the Knoxville economy, however, technology, government and healthcare employment is rapidly growing. In fact, the largest employer in the region is a major health care provider. More than a thousand wholesale distribution centers also contribute to the Knoxville economy, as do several customer service call centers for various corporations.

 

Transportation

Located 12 miles from downtown Knoxville, McGhee Tyson offers service through 12 commercial airlines. Passengers using McGhee Tyson Airport are linked to 16 non-stop destinations, totaling approximately 100 flights per day. Passenger traffic totals nearly 2 million annually. Almost 47,500 tons of air-freight are handled each year through the airport's Air Cargo Complex.

 

Three of the nation's most heavily traveled interstates converge in Knoxville: Interstates 40, 75 and 81. Interstate 640 circles the city to the north and Interstate 140 connects the airport in Alcoa to Oak Ridge. This strategic junction allows 53 percent of the nation's marketplace to be within a 650-mile radius of Knoxville.

 

CSX Transportation and the Norfolk Southern Railway System provide rail freight service. Direct service to most cities in the Southeast is available.

 

Education

With an A+ rating from the Tennessee State Department of Education, Knoxville’s public schools are models of quality. More than 50,000 students attend Knox County public schools and have a variety of options open to them, including advanced academic programs for the gifted and a comprehensive range of services for the learning disabled and physically challenged. An excellent network of private and parochial schools also serves the Knoxville area.

 

The University of Tennessee is located in the heart of Knoxville and serves 26,000 students. Renowned for its business and humanities curricula, the university is also recognized for its research programs and veterinary medicine schools. In addition to the University of Tennessee, the greater Knoxville area is home to several community colleges, including Pellissippi State Technical Community College, and private colleges such as Knoxville College, Carson-Newman College, and Maryville College, a nationally ranked liberal arts college.