Situated in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains along the Tennessee River, Knoxville serves as a gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, making it a haven for outdoor adventurers. Home to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville has a thriving sports culture and a diehard fanbase that proudly suits up in orange and white for literally any occasion.
Knoxville also has a robust food and beverage scene, with everything from classic Southern comfort food to innovative farm-to-table dining, alongside a growing number of craft breweries and distilleries. Overall, Knoxville’s climate offers moderate temperatures, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, whether it’s hiking in the Smoky Mountains, attending a street festival, or taking a paddleboat cruise on the Tennessee River.
If you are planning a move to Rocky Top, check out our list of the most affordable neighborhoods.
Fort Sanders
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Knoxville: $1,312/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Fort Sanders: $1,001/month
- Median Home List Price in Fort Sanders: $439,900
One of Fort Sanders’ biggest draws is its unbeatable location. It’s within walking distance of both the University of Tennessee (UTK) campus and downtown Knoxville, making it incredibly convenient for renters who want to be in a dynamic place to both work and play. Referred to as “the Fort” by locals, this neighborhood is filled with houses converted into apartments and modern apartment communities. Walking through Fort Sanders feels like stepping back in time, with tree-lined streets and Victorian-style homes.
Things to do in Fort Sanders
The neighborhood is home to several local restaurants, coffee shops, and bars. Popular spots include lively pubs where you can grab a drink or catch a game on Cumberland Avenue, the main strip. For those into the performing arts, the Clarence Brown Theatre on UTK’s campus is renowned for its high-caliber performers and theatrical productions.
Park enthusiasts will love that Fort Sanders is just a mile from World’s Fair Park, a beautiful green space with walking paths, fountains, and event venues. Home of the 1982 World’s Fair, the park has become a great place to relax, exercise, or attend one of Knoxville’s many festivals and events. Additionally, the nearby Tennessee River provides opportunities for kayaking, paddleboarding, and riverside strolls.
Transportation
Fort Sanders is highly walkable and bike-friendly, making it easy to get around without a car. The Knoxville Area Transit (KAT) system serves the neighborhood, providing bus routes to downtown, the university, and other parts of the city. The neighborhood’s central location offers quick vehicle access to major roads and highways.
Uptown Knoxville
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Knoxville: $1,312/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Uptown Knoxville: $1,024/month
- Median Home List Price in Uptown Knoxville: $319,900
Uptown Knoxville is an emerging area that blends historic charm with modern development. While not as widely recognized as some of Knoxville’s other neighborhoods, Uptown Knoxville is gaining attention for its revitalization efforts, creative energy, and convenient location near the heart of Knoxville.
This area is characterized by a mix of historic buildings, industrial spaces, and newer developments. Many of the older structures have been repurposed into trendy apartments and lofts. The neighborhood’s industrial roots are still visible, but they’ve been transformed into a backdrop for modern living and creative ventures.
Things to do in Uptown Knoxville
One of the highlights of Uptown Knoxville is its growing arts and culture scene. The area is home to galleries, studios, and performance spaces that showcase local talent and foster a sense of community. Public art installations and murals add to the neighborhood’s creative vibe, making it a visually engaging place to explore. Living in Uptown will put you steps away from events like art walks, pop-up markets, and live music performances. The annual Dogwood Arts Festival features fine art and food vendors.
Transportation
Uptown Knoxville is easily accessible via major roads and highways, including Interstate 40 and I-275, which run nearby. Cycling is becoming increasingly popular in Uptown Knoxville, as the city continues to expand its bike-friendly infrastructure. For those who need to travel longer distances, Uptown Knoxville’s proximity to downtown means easy access to the Knoxville Station Transit Center, the city’s main hub for buses and regional transportation.
West Knoxville
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Knoxville: $1,312/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in West Knoxville: $1,453/month
- Median Home List Price in West Knoxville: $385,000
West Knoxville is known for its convenience and proximity to national landmarks, such as the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Renters who want suburban living mixed with urban amenities will love West Knoxville with its newer construction, restaurants, and retail galore.
Things to do in West Knoxville
West Knoxville has entertainment ranging from shopping to museums to outdoor recreation. Sutherland Avenue is where you can find the best traditional barbeque in the city at Dead End BBQ. Or you can head over to the Fresh Market only a few minutes away to grab all your cooking essentials. West Knoxville is home to the Turkey Creek shopping district where you can shop popular retail stores like Marshalls and Dressbarn.
Transportation
Interstate 40 runs right through the middle of West Knoxville, so getting in and out of the city is a breeze. This highway will also take you into the heart of Downtown Knoxville if you’re looking for a fun night out. Public transit is scarce in West Knoxville, but the KAT bus system offers transportation to surrounding areas. Many residents rely on the newly constructed roadways and sidewalks to get around the neighborhood.
North Knoxville
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Knoxville: $1,312/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in North Knoxville: $1,548/month
- Median Home List Price in North Knoxville: $299,999
North Knoxville is located about 14 minutes from Knoxville and offers renters easy access to and from the city. North Knoxville is perfect for renters who want to be close to the hustle and bustle of downtown living, while maintaining a peaceful and relaxing home life with multiple new apartment communities and subdivisions to choose from.
Things to do in North Knoxville
The close proximity of North Knoxville to Downtown Knoxville makes it the perfect place to experience the arts and culture of big-city living. Downtown restaurants and shopping are easily accessible for residents via transportation systems. Remedy Coffee is a go-to spot for many coffee-loving residents of North Knoxville, while Fourth & Gill Park is the perfect place to play, relax, or have a picnic on a sunny day.
Transportation
North Knoxville has easy access to Interstate 75 and 40, allowing residents to get to Downtown Knoxville in no time. Public transit is accessible via the KAT system, but tree-lined streets and paved sidewalks make it easy for residents to drive or walk to their chosen destination.
Downtown Knoxville
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Knoxville: $1,312/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Downtown Knoxville: $1,613/month
- Median Home List Price in Downtown Knoxville: $609,000
Downtown Knoxville houses a combination of national landmarks, natural beauty, and big-city living, perfect for any renter. Living downtown in this metro offers easy access to almost anything- theatre, restaurants, parades, and more. Residents of Downtown Knoxville are never bored in this bustling city.
Things to do in Downtown Knoxville
Visit the iconic Sunsphere in Downtown Knoxville. When looking at the sphere, you get a 360-panaroma of downtown, the Tennessee River, and the Smoky Mountains. While you’re in the city, stop by Blount Mansion, Old City Hall, and the James White Fort to discover some local Knoxville history. Local shopping and restaurants can be found in historic Market Square, Old City, and Gay Street.
Transportation
Downtown conveniences make transportation seamless in Downtown Knoxville. Walking is highly favored by most residents, but travelling by car is not as exhaustive as it is in other big metros. Whatever you prefer, traveling in and out of Downtown Knoxville is easy for residents.
This article was originally published on April 17, 2025 by Sharon Livsey.
Find the Perfect Rental in Knoxville
Knoxville is a city that truly has something for everyone, from its affordable living options to its lively neighborhoods filled with rich history and character. Whether you’re drawn to the spirited streets of Fort Sanders, the historic charm of Downtown Knoxville, or somewhere in between, each area offers a unique sense of community and a chance to make it your own. Let Apartments.com help you find your perfect home in Knoxville today!
