7 Worst Things About Knoxville TN
Knoxville, Tennessee is known for its scenic beauty, its southern charm, and the residents’ love of country music and college football. However, the city is not without its flaws; there are fewer less desirable aspects of the city that should be considered before making a move. Notably, the city is plagued by crime. According to FBI crime data reports, Knoxville has a violent crime rate that is nearly double the national average. Additionally, the cost of living in Knoxville is relatively high, and the job market is not as strong as it could be.
If you are considering moving to Knoxville, this article is for you. We will discuss what life is like in Knoxville, the population, things to do in Knoxville and the 10 worst things about Knoxville.
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Living in Knoxville
Knoxville is Tennessee’s 3rd largest city after Nashville and Memphis. It is located in the eastern part of the state and its metropolitan area includes Knox, Blount, and Sevier counties. The city has a population of approximately 200,700 residents. Life in Knoxville is fast-paced but enjoyable; the city has a diverse economy with a strong focus on healthcare, education, manufacturing, and research.
Knoxville also has a thriving arts and culture scene, with many museums and galleries to explore. In addition, there are many parks and green spaces throughout Knoxville, providing residents with ample opportunities to get outdoors and enjoy the beautiful Tennessee scenery. The city also boasts a lively nightlife scene, with many bars and clubs to choose from. In this light, whether you’re looking for a place to relax or an exciting new adventure, Knoxville has something to offer everyone.
The cost of living in Knoxville is high, however, relatively affordable when compared to other large cities in the United States. According to The Council for Community and Economic Research, the cost of living in Knoxville is about 8% below the national average. The city offers a variety of housing options to suit different budgets. Precisely, housing costs are a major factor in the low cost of living in Knoxville. Notably, the price of homes and rent vary depending on numerous factors including location, size, unit type, and quality of the houses/apartments.
As of October 2022, the median home price in Knoxville is just over $320,500, which is significantly gone up over the past year but is still below the U.S. average. When it comes to renting prices studio apartments are the smallest and most affordable, followed by one-bedroom, then 2 and 3-bedroom apartments. In the most affordable neighbourhoods-like Asbury, Bella Vista, and Buffat, average rent prices are $ 1,090 for studio apartments, $ 1350 for a 1-bedroom apartment and $ 1650 for 2-bedroom apartments. In some of the most expensive neighbourhoods such as Avenue strip, Cumberland, Fort Sanders and the University of Tennessee, the average rent prices are $1,600, $1850, and $2250 for the studio, 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom apartments, respectively.
Utilities, transportation, and healthcare costs are all relatively low in Knoxville as well. This makes it an ideal city for those on a budget or fixed income. With its low cost of living and beautiful scenery, it’s no wonder that Knoxville is such a popular place to live.
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Things to do in Knoxville, TN
One of the best things about Knoxville is its abundance of outdoor activities. Whether you enjoy hiking, biking, canoeing, or kayaking, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to explore the great outdoors in Knoxville.
1. Explore Knoxville’s Rich History
The city also has a rich history and culture that can be explored through its many museums and historic sites. For instance, you can visit the East Tennessee History Center. This museum tells the story of Knoxville and East Tennessee from pre-history to the present day.
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2. Explore Knoxville cuisine and signature dishes
And of course, no visit to Knoxville would be complete without experiencing its food. Just so you know, Knoxville is also known for its deliciousness whilst the city has a diverse range of cuisines and signature foods. The city’s cuisine is heavily influenced by the Appalachian region, as well as the southern United States. Some of the city’s most popular signature foods include BBQ, fried chicken, and country ham.
Knoxville also has a number of unique traditional and contemporary restaurants that offer a variety of unique local fare as well as international cuisines. In addition to its diverse range of restaurants, Knoxville also has a number of farmers’ markets and food festivals that showcase the city’s culinary diversity. Some of the worthy while restaurants include Bistro at the Bijou, the French Market, Connors, Surin of Thailand, and the Plaid Apron among many others.
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3. Enjoy the scenic nature views
For nature lovers, Knoxville is home to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the largest and most visited mountain range and national park in the eastern United States. Knoxville is also home to the Tennessee River, which runs through the city and provides opportunities for fishing, boating, and swimming. In addition, Knoxville has several parks, nature centres, and green spaces that offer hiking, biking, and picnicking. They include Ijams nature centre, Knoxville Zoo, World’s Fair Park, House Mountain State Natural Area, Lakeshore Park, and New Harvest Park among many others. The parks and natural areas offer hiking, camping, fishing, and much more.
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4. Enjoy Knoxville’s music scenes and vibrant city
Knoxville, Tennessee is a music city with much to offer. From country to rock, there is a scene for everyone. The city has a long history of music, dating back to the early days of rock and roll. Knoxville is home to many famous musicians, including Kenny Chesney and Rodney Atkins, among others. The city also has a thriving live music scene, with venues like the Bijou Theatre and the Knoxville Civic Coliseum hosting concerts and events year-round. Whether you’re a fan of country, rock, or anything in between, Knoxville’s music scenes have something for you.
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Is Knoxville Dangerous?
No. While Knoxville has been reported to have a high crime rate in recent years but this does not make it an entirely dangerous city. Besides, only some places are insecure at various times of the day and night. In 2020, the city’s crime rate was greater than the U.S. average. The city’s crime rate compares to that of Dallas and Houston, with both violent crime and property crime being higher than the national average. Some sources suggest that one’s chance of being a victim of violent crime is 1 in 124, and 1 in 23 for property crime.
While the violent crime rate in Knoxville is high, it’s important to note that the city has been making strides in recent years to reduce crime. The police department has implemented new programs and initiatives that have helped to decrease the crime rate.
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7 Worst Things About Knoxville TN
To some people, Knoxville is a perfect city while to others the city is full of flaws. It depends on one’s experiences, preferences, and expectations. Generally, some of the things that are bad about the city include:
- High crime rate
- High traffic
- High cost of living, which has increased over the past 3 years.
- High rate of drug use and addiction
- Sexual immorality
- The high unemployment rate, which has only gotten worse in recent years.
- Poor road infrastructure is characterized by few sidewalks and bike lanes.
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Best Things About Knoxville TN
- It has great public schools
- Knoxville’s weather is mild most of the year
- The city is vibrant with a great nightlife
- Knoxville has many parks and nature centres that offer opportunities for outdoor activities
- Compared to other large cities, the cost of living is relatively affordable.
Learn more about Knoxville here.
Conclusion
Knoxville, Tennessee is a wonderful place to live. The city is full of history and culture, and the people are friendly and welcoming. There are plenty of things to do in Knoxville, from exploring the great outdoors to enjoying the city’s many restaurants and shops. If you’re looking for a place to call home, Knoxville is definitely worth considering.
Nonetheless, the city has its flaws, just like others. There is a relatively high crime rate and depending on where you choose the cost of living in Knoxville can be quite high. Also, some parts of the city’s poor infrastructure.
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