Knoxville Communities

Finding the best place to retire can be overwhelming. It’s difficult to find a place that ticks all the boxes: a peaceful and safe community, low cost of living, and access to leisure and entertainment opportunities. Lucky for you, you don’t have to search any further because this guide takes you through the best neighborhoods in Knoxville for retirees.

 

Why Retire in Knoxville?

There are plenty of places to retire in the US. So, why choose Knoxville, TN?

First off, Forbes just named Knoxville as one of the best places to retire in 2022. This list considered several factors such as healthcare, housing costs, air quality, climate, and natural hazards for its ranking. Knoxville was also listed in the 2021 Forbes list edition.

In addition to this list, there are more benefits on offer when you choose to retire in Knoxville:

• Seniors can enjoy the low cost of living in Knoxville. The average cost of living in Knoxville is lower than the national average by 4 percent. Thus, seniors will get more out of their retirement money.
• Knoxville’s mild climate helps retirees stay comfortable all year round. It also enables seniors to enjoy the beautiful outdoor scenery in Knoxville and the surrounding areas.
• Retirees can also access health and medical care services in Knoxville. The city is home to six major hospitals, which means seniors can access basic and specialty care services. 
• Retirees who enjoy spending time outdoors will love living in Knoxville. It offers a limitless array of natural features including the famous Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 

 

Best Areas in Knoxville for Retirees

The Knoxville area has plenty of communities to choose from if you are ready to retire. Take time to explore each neighborhood and find out why they are the ideal choice for retirees.

1. Holston Hills

Holston Hills is one of the most popular neighborhoods in Knoxville, TN. It was a popular cultural center in the 1920s after the Holston Hills Country Club was built. Today, it is known for its old population with a high median income. The country club is part of the reason why seniors choose to retire here because they have access to luxurious and relaxing facilities such as the golf course, a swimming pool, and a scenic greenway.

The neighborhood is also home to two assisted living facilities, and there are a few more within a 5-mile radius of this neighborhood. They have facilities such as grocery stores and pharmacies. 

2. Sequoyah Hills

This neighborhood is located parallel to Holston Hills so you can expect almost the same type of atmosphere, making it clear why seniors choose to retire in this neighborhood.

Sequoyah Hills is an excellent option for seniors to retire because it is one of the safest neighborhoods in Knoxville. It is close to shopping and recreational facilities along Kingston Pike, a major road in Knoxville. There is an abundance of lavish homes in Sequoyah Hills making it a great option for anyone looking for a luxury retirement area.

3. Edgewood

Edgewood is a great option to retire for seniors who want to live near the city. This neighborhood has a median age of 43, which makes it a suitable place for seniors. Edgewood is highly walkable and is abundant in senior-friendly recreational facilities.

It is home to the John T. O’Connor Senior Center which serves the over-50 population in Knoxville, especially those who require help with their physical and mental health. Seniors living in Edgewood also have access to basic facilities like grocery stores, convenience markets, and other shopping options along Magnolia Avenue. 

4. Tellico Village

The community of Tellico Village is part of Loudon County in Knoxville, TN. Residents of Tellico Village enjoy a rural feel and the majority of its residents are homeowners (98%). 

With a little over 5,000 in population, Tellico Village is a great neighborhood for retirees because it is very safe and clean. This beautiful community offers plenty of recreational opportunities for its residents including golfing, birding, swimming, hiking, and boating. About 75% of the population is aged 65 and above, so retirees should feel at home.

5. Farragut

Farragut is another great community in Knoxville for retirees. While it is not exclusively for retirees (about 23% of the population are aged above 60), the rural and small-town feel offers a laid-back place for seniors to live.

Farragut is ranked not just as one of the best neighborhoods for retirees in TN, but also one of the best suburbs and one of the best places to buy a house in the state. This beautiful community offers lots of walking paths and amenities for outdoor enjoyment. 

6. Norris

Norris is a small and quiet area in Knoxville, TN. It is ideal for growing families and for seniors to live.

Norris has a small population of less than 2,000 and many of these residents are homeowners. While there is a lack of economic and ethnic diversity in the population, it does not seem to deter seniors from living there because they make up 36% of the population. It is also ranked highly in terms of cost of living and job or business growth. 

7. Oak Ridge

Oak Ridge rounds up the list for best Knoxville communities for retirees. The median age of the population in this neighborhood is lower than other ones listed here. However, it is a suitable option for retirees because it is a safe community. The neighborhood is also highly walkable with excellent facilities such as bike lanes and sidewalks.

Aside from being low on crime, Oak Ridge is also excellent when it comes to community services. It is the ideal place for retirees to enjoy a peaceful and laid-back lifestyle. 

 

Summary

Choosing the best Knoxville communities as a retiree is all about knowing what kind of lifestyle you want to enjoy. Some neighborhoods are more active than others. Some offer more diversity, and some are nearly exclusive to seniors. 

Make a list of priorities for your retirement life and then make your choices based on what these neighborhoods have to offer.