If you are looking to buy a home in Knoxville, Tennessee, you’ve likely stumbled across this gem! It’s no secret that people from out of state are flocking here. Knoxville is tucked right into the geographic center of East Tennessee, and it truly is a melting pot of cultures. As a local Knoxville realtor, I can tell you we’re a mid-sized city with that wonderful small-town feel that makes you feel instantly welcome. If you want the full scoop on why everyone is talking about us, you can read my previous post: Everything You Need to Know About Knoxville Tennessee.
But sometimes, people come to me and say they’re torn. They know they love Tennessee, but they’re struggling to choose between the different cities. Let’s break down how Knoxville real estate stacks up against some of our other great neighbors.
Knoxville Real Estate vs. Nashville: Cost of Housing and Pace of Life
When people think of Tennessee, they usually think of Nashville. It’s our big sister city, about 2.5 hours away, and it’s a world-class destination. But here’s the hard truth: Nashville is built for tourists. It’s fast-paced, high-energy, and expensive.
Knoxville? We’re more about the locals. Here’s a few key differences to note when comparing the two:
- Nashville is a big city. Knoxville is a mid-sized city.
- Nashville is popular with tourists. Knoxville is really for the folks who live here.
- When it comes to housing, Knoxville typically costs less than Nashville. That’s a huge factor when you’re looking to settle down and purchase a home.
Don’t get me wrong, both cities have amazing local options; the food, the music, and the local shops are fantastic in both places. But if you’re looking for a slightly slower pace and a friendlier price tag for your new home, Knoxville often wins (at least in my book!).
Knoxville vs. Chattanooga: Which East Tennessee College Town is Right for You?
Chattanooga is one of the most similar cities to Knoxville, we even look alike in some ways! They’re about an hour and a half away from us, and, if you’re moving from out of state, they both offer a great quality of life.
Here are a few ways they stack up:
- Knoxville is a slightly larger city than Chattanooga.
- We are both major college towns. However, if you come to Knoxville, you will feel the intense UTK (University of Tennessee, Knoxville) pride. We bleed orange and white here!
- Like Knoxville, Chattanooga is fantastic for locals, and neither of us see the massive tourism crowds that Nashville does.
- Housing prices tend to be around the same in both cities.
Knoxville Home Prices vs. Johnson City: Getting Closer to the Smoky Mountains
If you’re looking for an even smaller community feel in East Tennessee, let’s talk about Johnson City. It’s about 1.5 hours from Knoxville and is definitely a smaller city than us.
If getting close to the mountains is your biggest priority, here’s a tip: both Knoxville and Johnson City are close in proximity to the beautiful Smoky Mountains. However, Johnson City usually offers lower home prices than Knoxville.
What to keep in mind about Johnson City for home buyers:
- It’s smaller than Knoxville.
- Homes are typically less expensive.
- It’s a great option if you want to be close to the Smokies without the bigger city feel.
Ready to Buy a Home in Knoxville, TN?
Finding the perfect spot to buy a home in Tennessee can feel overwhelming, but don’t let it be! Knoxville is truly a great in-between option. It gives you the amenities of a mid-size city, the community feel of a small town, and is close to everything you could want.
If you’re still stuck on comparing these amazing locations, you’re not alone! You can also tune into my podcast where we talk about all things Tennessee and crazy real estate stories.
But if you need real, local help comparing all your options, ask a local Knoxville realtor like me! I’ve been through this process with countless clients, and I’d love to help you find the city that feels like home. Contact Gail Hardy, your Knoxville real estate expert, today.