Knoxville

Living in Knoxville offers a unique combination of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and affordability. Residents and visitors alike enjoy a mild climate, access to outdoor recreational activities, and a vibrant city scene with diverse dining options, music venues, and museums.

The pedestrian-friendly Market Square in downtown Knoxville is a hub of activity with plenty of shops, restaurants, and live entertainment. This area is also home to the Knoxville Museum of Art, featuring a collection of local and regional art, as well as Tennessee Theatre, hosting a variety of concerts, plays, and other live events throughout the year.

Hike in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, located just a short drive from Knoxville and offering plenty of hiking trails, scenic drives, and wildlife viewing opportunities. Venture out to the 315-acre Ijams Nature Center, a nature preserve with hiking trails, a quarry, and a visitor center. Explore the Tennessee River via paddleboard, kayak, or boat to enjoy the scenic views of the city from the water.

Visit the Knoxville Zoo, featuring a menagerie of animals from around the world, as well as interactive exhibits and activities. Explore the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum, a 47-acre garden features walking trails, a butterfly garden, and a variety of plant collections.

For a meal you’ll want to savor, dine at Stock & Barrel, offering gourmet burgers and a wide selection of bourbons. Indulge in an all day menu of comfort foods at Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar. Get a taste of the Eastern shore at Chesapeake’s Seafood Restaurant.

Maryville

Located about 20 miles south of Knoxville, Maryville is often cited as one of the best places to live in Tennessee. The city has a small-town feel with friendly residents and a strong sense of community.

The historic downtown area hosts many locally-owned shops and restaurants, as well as several parks and green spaces including the Maryville-Alcoa Greenway, which offers miles of walking and biking trails. Maryville also hosts a number of festivals and events throughout the year, such as the Foothills Fall Festival and the Smoky Mountain Scottish Festival and Games.

Attend a performance or event at the Clayton Center for the Arts, a state-of-the-art facility that hosts a range of cultural activities. Take a scenic drive along the Foothills Parkway, which offers beautiful views of the Great Smoky Mountains. Visit the Blount County Historical Museum to learn about the area’s rich history.

Enjoy large portions of regional comfort foods at Aubrey’s Maryville. Relax in the rustic ambiance of The Walnut Kitchen and delight in their menu of woodfired dishes. Get a blast from the past at The Hop 50’s Drive In, serving up drive-in classics like burgers and ice cream with a side of nostalgia.

Lenoir City and Loudon

The neighboring towns of Lenoir City and Loudon offer an unbeatable combination of affordability and close proximity to the larger cities of Knoxville and Chattanooga. These bedroom communities offer a quiet and peaceful small-town lifestyle with easy access to outdoor recreation and cultural attractions.

Both cities offer a range of amenities and attractions, including several parks and recreational facilities, such as Tellico Lake and Fort Loudoun State Park, which offer opportunities for boating, fishing, hiking, and other outdoor activities. The towns also have historic downtown areas with local shops and restaurants, as well as cultural attractions such as the Lenoir City Museum.

Grab a slice at Gondolier Pizza & Italian, offering classic dishes in a comfortable, family-friendly setting. Hit the Carmichael Restaurant & Tavern on a Tuesday for Trivia Night or a Friday or Saturday for live music, and enjoy the ambiance and local flavors.

Tellico Village

Situated on the shores of Tellico Lake and just southwest of Knoxville, Tellico Village is a popular retirement destination, offering a range of resort-style amenities and activities geared towards seniors. With a lower cost of living compared to many other retirement communities and easy access to nearby cities, this community is a win/win.

The community has three championship golf courses, a wellness center with fitness classes and a pool, and several marinas with access to the lake for boating and fishing. Tellico Village also has several restaurants, a library, and over 200 clubs and organizations, providing ample opportunities for socialization and community involvement.

Play a round of golf at Tellico Village Golf Club and enjoy the scenic views of the lake and the Great Smoky Mountains. Attend a concert or play at the Tellico Community Players Theater. Take a nature walk at the Tellico Village Greenway Trails.

Head over to Tellico Village Yacht Club for a lakeside lunch at The Blue Heron Restaurant, and stay for sailing lessons, boat rentals, or one of their many social events.

Oak Ridge

Located about 25 miles west of Knoxville, Oak Ridge is best known for its role in the Manhattan Project during World War II. Today, this charming community offers a unique combination of scientific and historical significance, natural beauty, and modern amenities.

Oak Ridge has a vibrant downtown area with local shops and restaurants, as well as several parks and green spaces. The city hosts several festivals and events throughout the year, such as the Secret City Festival, which celebrates Oak Ridge’s history and culture.

Visit the American Museum of Science and Energy to learn more about Oak Ridge’s role in the Manhattan Project and other scientific endeavors. Attend a lecture or workshop at the Oak Ridge Institute for Continued Learning. Visit the Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge, which offers interactive exhibits and activities for all ages. Take a scenic drive along the Melton Lake Greenway, which offers beautiful views of Melton Lake.

Enjoy a farm-to-plate meal of Southern classics like chicken and dumplings or pot roast at Dean’s Restaurant and Bakery. Take that special someone out for a classy fine dining experience at Burchfield’s, featuring a gorgeous Art Deco setting.

Farragut

Known for its high quality of life and excellent schools, Farragut is a town located about 20 miles west of Knoxville. Boasting a strong economy with a low unemployment rate and several major employers, this community is an excellent place to live for people of all ages with ample opportunities to stay active and engaged.

Farragut is home to a range of amenities and attractions, including several parks and green spaces, such as Mayor Bob Leonard Park and Anchor Park. The town also has a lively downtown area with local shops and restaurants, as well as several community events and festivals throughout the year, such as the Farragut Food and Wine Festival and the Fourth of July Parade.

Attend a senior fitness class or activity at the Farragut Community Center. Take a scenic walk through the Concord Park trails. Visit the Farragut Folklife Museum to learn about the area’s history and culture.

Enjoy a variety of dishes, all made from scratch at Daddy Mac’s Down Home Dive. Turn up the sophistication at The French Market Creperie, serving delectable crepes for breakfast and lunch. 

Louisville

Just 14 miles southeast of Knoxville, Louisville offers a quiet and peaceful small-town lifestyle with easy access to outdoor recreation and historic charm. The low cost of living compared to many other parts of the country makes this locale an attractive option for retirees. The town also has a strong sense of community, with several local organizations and events aimed at bringing residents together.

Louisville offers a range of amenities and attractions, including several parks and green spaces, such as the Louisville Point Park and the nearby Smoky Mountains. The town also has a historic downtown area with local shops and restaurants, as well as several community events and festivals throughout the year, such as the Thunder Road Wine Trail and the Balloon Fest.

Attend a performance or event at the Fort Loudoun State Historic Park, which hosts reenactments, tours, and other activities throughout the year. Take a scenic walk along the Louisville Point Park trails, which offer beautiful views of the Tennessee River. Visit the River Bluff Wildlife Area for bird watching and nature observation.

Enjoy an ice cold beer, weekend entertainment, and a great atmosphere at Louisville Landing Marina. Delight in the varied menu or optional buffet at Coopers Restaurant, conveniently located in the Hilton Knoxville Airport.