Building Futures,

Relocating to Knoxville, Tennessee? Let Us Make Your Move Easy.

Thousands of people relocate to Knoxville, TN every year — from higher-cost metros like Atlanta, Charlotte, Nashville, Chicago, and the Northeast — drawn by Tennessee's no state income tax, a significantly lower cost of living, outdoor access to the Great Smoky Mountains, and a city that has genuine quality of life without the price tag or congestion of larger markets.

If you are planning a relocation to East Tennessee, The Abbott Mary Team is your local expert partner. We work with relocating buyers regularly and understand the unique challenges you face: searching for a home from hundreds of miles away, navigating an unfamiliar market under time pressure, and trying to make a confident decision without being able to drive the neighborhoods yourself. We solve all of that. Contact a relocation specialist today or keep reading to learn everything you need to know about moving to Knoxville.

Why People Are Moving to Knoxville, TN

No state income tax. Tennessee has no state income tax on wages or salaries. For someone moving from a state like California, Illinois, or New York, this is an immediate and significant financial benefit that effectively increases your take-home pay from day one.

Lower cost of living. Knoxville's cost of living sits below the national average across housing, groceries, utilities, and transportation. Home prices — while rising — remain far more accessible than comparable cities in the Southeast. A home that would cost $800,000 in Atlanta or Charlotte might be $400,000–$500,000 in Farragut or West Knoxville.

Outdoor access. Knoxville is the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited national park in the country. Hiking, fishing, camping, rafting, and skiing are all within an hour or two. The Tennessee River runs through the city itself, and the Urban Wilderness trail system provides over 50 miles of trails right within the city limits.

Strong economy and job market. Knoxville's economy is anchored by the University of Tennessee, the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), Oak Ridge National Laboratory, University of Tennessee Medical Center, and Pilot Flying J — one of the nation's largest private companies, headquartered here. Healthcare, education, technology, logistics, and energy sectors all have significant employer presence in the region.

Genuine community. Knoxville is a city big enough to have everything you need, but small enough that people still know their neighbors. It's regularly recognized as one of the friendliest cities in the South, and its downtown revitalization centered around Market Square, the Old City, and the Tennessee River waterfront has made it an increasingly vibrant place to live.

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Know the Market

Knoxville Area Overview: Neighborhoods by Lifestyle

For families prioritizing schools and space — Farragut and Hardin Valley: The Farragut community in western Knox County is the gold standard for families relocating to Knoxville. Top-rated schools from K through 12, large
well-maintained neighborhoods, Fort Loudoun Lake access, and a strong
community feel. Hardin Valley, just north of Farragut, offers newer
construction and excellent schools at slightly more accessible price
points.

For buyers who want more for their money — Halls, Powell, and Maryville: Halls and Powell in North Knoxville offer strong value with good schools and a growing community feel. Maryville, just south of Knoxville in Blount County, is a popular choice for relocators who want a quieter setting with a distinct small-town character while still being close to the city.

For buyers who want walkability and character — South Knoxville and Downtown: South Knoxville's proximity to the Urban Wilderness and the Tennessee River waterfront has made it a destination for buyers who prioritize outdoor access and a walkable, eclectic neighborhood feel. Downtown Knoxville appeals to young professionals and empty nesters who want to be within walking distance of restaurants, entertainment, and the waterfront.

For investors and buyers seeking appreciation — Oak Ridge and the Eastern suburbs:Oak Ridge, home to Oak Ridge National Laboratory, attracts a highly educated workforce and has seen consistent appreciation. Seymour, Corryton, and Lenoir City each offer value-oriented options for buyers whose work or lifestyle gives them flexibility on commute.

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We are here for You

How We Help You Buy Remotely

Buying a home from out of state doesn't have to mean flying back and
forth or making blind decisions. Here's how we make it work for
relocating buyers:

Video tours: We conduct live FaceTime or Zoom tours of properties, walking through every room and giving you our honest impressions, not just showing you the nice parts. We point out things you wouldn't see on Zillow: the slope of the driveway, the noise from a nearby road, the condition of the HVAC unit, the feel of the neighborhood at that time of day.

Neighborhood video walkthroughs: We drive the neighborhoods you're considering and give you a ground-level view of the community, nearby schools, retail, and commute routes, so you can make a real comparison without being here.

Market analysis and honest pricing guidance: We provide detailed comparable sales data so you understand what homes are actually selling for — not just what they're listed at. You'll know whether a property is priced fairly before you make an offer.

Trusted local vendors: We have relationships with local inspectors, lenders, attorneys, and contractors. When you're relocating, having a team that can coordinate these pieces is invaluable.

Let's start your relocation consultation.

Renting vs. Buying When You Relocate

Some relocating buyers choose to rent for 6–12 months before
purchasing, which gives them time to learn the area and confirm the
right neighborhood before committing. Others are ready to buy from day
one, especially if they've already visited, researched thoroughly, and
are relocating with a firm job offer in hand. Both approaches are valid —
what matters is making the decision deliberately rather than
reactively.

Our honest advice: if you are relocating without having spent
significant time in Knoxville and are uncertain about neighborhoods,
renting first for 6 months is a smart move. If you've visited, done your
research, and know the area, buying on arrival is typically the better
financial decision — you start building equity immediately and avoid the
cost of a double move. Talk to us about your specific situation and we'll give you a straight answer.

Knoxville Employer Landscape and Commute Guide

Understanding where you'll work shapes where you should live. Here's aquick overview of Knoxville's major employment centers and the communities best positioned for each:

University of Tennessee / Downtown Knoxville: UT's main campus sits on the western edge of downtown. West Knoxville, Farragut, and neighborhoods along the Kingston Pike corridor offer reasonable commutes on I-40 or Kingston Pike. South Knoxville and 4th and Gill near downtown are also convenient.

Oak Ridge National Laboratory / Y-12: For Oak Ridge employees, western Knox County and Oak Ridge itself are the most convenient. Lenoir City and Maryville are also
within reasonable commuting distance via Highway 62 or Highway 95.

Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA): TVA's national headquarters is downtown Knoxville, making central and West Knoxville neighborhoods the most convenient options.

University of Tennessee Medical Center: Located in the Fort Sanders neighborhood near downtown, UT Medical Center draws healthcare workers who often choose neighborhoods along the Kingston Pike corridor, South Knoxville, or west of downtown for manageable commutes.

Pilot Flying J / Turkey Creek Business Corridor: Pilot's headquarters and the Turkey Creek business district sit in the Farragut/West Knoxville area, making Farragut, Hardin Valley, and western Knox County neighborhoods the most logical choices for employees there.

Relocating with a Family — Schools, Activities, and Community

For families, the school system is often the primary factor driving neighborhood selection. Knox County Schools is a large district with significant variation in school ratings across the county. The Farragut zone covering Farragut Primary, Intermediate, Middle, and High School is consistently the top-rated pathway in the district. Hardin Valley
Academy is another high-performing high school option in the western part of the county.

For families considering communities outside Knox County: Maryville City Schools (separate from Blount County Schools) has a strong academic reputation and draws families specifically for its school system. Oak Ridge City Schools, anchored by Oak Ridge High School, consistently outperforms state and national averages and has a STEM-focused curriculum that reflects the community's ties to the national laboratory.

Beyond schools, Knoxville and East Tennessee offer a strong quality of life for families: youth sports leagues, the Knoxville Zoo, the Children's Museum of Oak Ridge, the Tennessee River, Dollywood and the Smokies within an hour's drive, and a growing youth arts and music scene centered around Market Square and downtown.

Ready to make the move? Contact our relocation team today and let's map out your Knoxville home search from wherever you are right now. We've helped buyers move here from across the country and we'll make sure you land in the right neighborhood for your life.

In the Words of our Clients

Success Stories

"Abbott is hands-down the best realtor you’ll ever need. He is incredibly easy to communicate with and possesses a wealth of knowledge about homes of all ages. Beyond just showing houses, Abbott is a master at handling the complexities of offers and n…

"5 stars. Hands down the team you want handling your real estate services. They deliver luxury service on every detail. Super knowledgeable."

"I’d advocate for Abbott any day of the week! Amazing!"

"Professional, knowledgeable and incredibly helpful!"

"Abbott has been a great help and answers all questions one could have. His enthusiasm is contagious and he is very helpful!"

"Abbott and Jacob have been awesome to work with! The are professionals in the real estate space!"

"Andrew Kennedy is one of the best! Personable, takes the time to answer all the questions, quick to respond to follow up questions. Even after the sale, he was still there to ensure we had all we needed. Thanks for a great experience, we'll use him a…

"We had a fantastic experience with Andrew Kennedy as our realtor. The whole process went smoothly and stress-free. He was able to find a house quickly in our desired price range and location. If you are searching for a realtor who is a person of inte…

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$179,000

912 Raccoon Valley Rd

Maynardville, TN

2 Beds 1 Baths 1,612 Sqft

$355,000

319 Ironwood Drive

Kodak, TN

3 Beds 3 Baths 2,800 Sqft

$314,900

1462 Sandy Ridge Rd

Dandridge, TN

2 Beds 2 Baths 1,326 Sqft

$249,000

2610 Woodrow Drive

Knoxville, TN

2 Beds 1 Baths 1,064 Sqft

$499,900

605 Summerdale Drive

Knoxville, TN

3 Beds 2 Baths 2,254 Sqft

$187,000

3851 Tambark Drive

Knoxville, TN

2 Beds 1 Baths 977 Sqft

$284,900

1505 Red Maple Court

Knoxville, TN

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,248 Sqft

$245,000

169 Hendrix Drive

Oak Ridge, TN

2 Beds 2 Baths 1,206 Sqft

$276,999

2904 Greenway Drive

Knoxville, TN

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,344 Sqft

$124,900

543 Keylon Drive

Harriman, TN

2 Beds 1 Baths 1,358 Sqft

$189,000

2616 Woodrow Drive

Knoxville, TN

3 Beds 1 Baths 1,219 Sqft

$449,000

190 Country Walk Drive

Powell, TN

4 Beds 2 Baths 3,021 Sqft

$307,500

7015 Bert Newman Lane

Knoxville, TN

3 Beds 1 Baths 1,490 Sqft

$249,000

221 Woodby Fridley Rd

Sweetwater, TN

5 Beds 3 Baths 2,128 Sqft

$475,000

2522 Piney Grove Church Rd

Knoxville, TN

5 Beds 2 Baths 2,360 Sqft

$325,000

975 Norwood Village Lane

Maryville, TN

4 Beds 2 Baths 1,321 Sqft

$537,500

2859 Luther Catlett Circle

Sevierville, TN

4 Beds 3 Baths 3,132 Sqft

$215,000

1115 W Parkway Ave

Knoxville, TN

2 Beds 1 Baths 1,033 Sqft

$289,000

221 Heritage Crossing Drive

Maryville, TN

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,478 Sqft

$385,000

8941 Colchester Ridge Rd

Knoxville, TN

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,720 Sqft

$282,000

741 Catherine Crisp Way

Kodak, TN

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,456 Sqft

$344,900

7315 Windtree Oaks Way

Knoxville, TN

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,422 Sqft

$279,000

154 Nicole Chase Lane

Knoxville, TN

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,092 Sqft

$500,000

4207 Holston Hills Rd

Knoxville, TN

5 Beds 2 Baths 3,446 Sqft

Ready to take

The next step?

Not sure if buying or selling is the right move right now? Looking for a trustworthy contractor or simply need expert advice? We’re here to listen, guide, and support you. Whatever your needs, we’d love to learn more about your goals! Reach out to us using any of the options here—we’re always happy to help.

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