Moving to East Tennessee?

Your Complete Relocation Guide to Knoxville, Farragut, Maryville & Surrounding Communities

Questions?
Call us at 865-405-5848 or visit knoxreadvisor.com

Welcome to East Tennessee

You're considering a move to one of America's fastest-growing regions. East Tennessee offers a unique blend of affordability, outdoor access, and community that attracts relocators from across the country.

This packet covers the essentials: where to live, what to expect, how we work with out-of-state buyers, and a practical timeline to get you moved and settled confidently.

Quick Facts About East Tennessee

• No state income tax on wages—your paycheck goes further here.
• Affordable housing compared to major metros. Median home price: $XXX,XXX (as of 2026).
• Four-season living with access to the Great Smoky Mountains, lakes, and outdoor recreation.
• Growing job market in healthcare, tech, manufacturing, and professional services.
• Top-rated schools and a strong sense of community across neighborhoods.

In This Packet

1. Neighborhood Profiles (West Knoxville, Downtown, Maryville, Oak Ridge, Lakes, Sevierville)
2. Cost of Living Comparison
3. Budget Planning Worksheet
4. Relocation Timeline (8 to 12 weeks)
5. Remote Buying Playbook
6. Moving Checklist
7. Key Contacts & Resources
8. About Our Team

Neighborhood Profiles

West Knoxville & Farragut

Vibe: Polished, family-friendly suburbs with upscale retail and new construction options.

Who lives here: Families, young professionals, executives seeking convenience.

Typical price range: $350K–$750K

Commute to Downtown: 15–20 minutes

Why relocators love it: Top-rated schools, Turkey Creek shopping, easy highway access, newer homes.

Downtown & Central Knoxville

Vibe: Walkable, vibrant, historic with restaurants, breweries, and cultural attractions.

Who lives here: Young professionals, empty nesters, creatives, urban lifestyle seekers.

Typical price range: $250K–$500K

Commute to employers: Walk or short drive to many jobs.

Why relocators love it: Walkable lifestyle, arts/entertainment, lower cost than similar urban areas.

Maryville & Alcoa (Blount County)

Vibe: Mountain-adjacent, balanced suburban/rural feel with airport proximity.

Who lives here: Families, remote workers, retirees, outdoor enthusiasts.

Typical price range: $280K–$600K

Commute to McGhee Tyson Airport: 20–30 minutes

Why relocators love it: Smoky Mountain access, good schools, less traffic than Knoxville proper.

Oak Ridge (Anderson County)

Vibe: Distinct, historic community with unique mid-century architecture and neighborhood feel.

Who lives here: Families seeking a strong community identity, professionals at nearby employers.

Typical price range: $220K–$450K

Commute to Knoxville: 25–35 minutes

Why relocators love it: Unique housing stock, strong civic pride, accessible to multiple employers.

Loudon County Lakes (Lenoir City)

Vibe: Water-centric living with lake access and more space.

Who lives here: Retirees, outdoor enthusiasts, buyers seeking acreage and privacy.

Typical price range: $180K–$500K

Commute to Knoxville: 30–45 minutes

Why relocators love it: Lake recreation, larger lots, slower pace, affordable.

Sevier County (Sevierville & Mountain Area)

Vibe: Mountain living with close Smoky Mountain National Park access.

Who lives here: Outdoor lovers, retirees, vacation home investors, adventure seekers.

Typical price range: $200K–$600K (higher for newer builds or premium views)

Commute to Knoxville: 40–60 minutes

Why relocators love it: Mountain views, hiking trails at your doorstep, tourist-area amenities.

Cost of Living Comparison

One of the biggest draws to East Tennessee is affordability. Here's how we compare to national averages:

Expense	Knoxville Area	US Average
Median Home Price	$XXX,XXX	$XXX,XXX
Monthly Mortgage (Principal & Interest)	~$1,500–$2,200	~$2,200–$3,500
Property Taxes (annual % of home value)	~0.71%	~1.1%
State Income Tax	$0 (no state income tax)	3–13% (varies by state)
Groceries (monthly, family of 4)	~$900–$1,100	~$1,000–$1,300
Utilities (average monthly)	~$140–$180	~$150–$200
Gas (per gallon, average)	$2.80–$3.20	$2.80–$3.50

Budget Planning Worksheet

Use this worksheet to outline your relocation budget. Fill in your numbers, then discuss with a lender and your real estate agent.

Monthly Housing Budget

Moving Costs

Neighborhoods of Interest

Rank your top 3 neighborhoods by priority:

Must-Have Features (check all that apply)

Your Relocation Timeline

Here's a practical 8–12 week timeline to guide your move. Adjust based on your specific situation.

Weeks 1–2: Initial Research & Planning

• ☐ Complete the Budget Worksheet (page 5)
• ☐ Schedule a relocation strategy call with our team
• ☐ Research neighborhoods using our neighborhood profiles
• ☐ Connect with a local lender for pre-approval discussion

Weeks 3–4: Pre-Approval & Virtual Tours

• ☐ Submit mortgage pre-approval application
• ☐ Receive pre-approval letter
• ☐ Review virtual tours of homes in target neighborhoods
• ☐ Narrow down preferred neighborhoods to 2–3 areas

Weeks 5–6: Plan In-Person Visit

• ☐ Schedule in-person tour day(s) with our agent
• ☐ Book hotel/travel (if needed)
• ☐ Create list of 8–12 homes to see in person
• ☐ Plan neighborhood drive-throughs and walkabouts

Weeks 7–8: In-Person Tour & Offer Strategy

• ☐ Complete in-person home and neighborhood tours
• ☐ Identify top 2–3 finalists
• ☐ Discuss offer strategy with agent
• ☐ Prepare offer on selected property

Weeks 9–10: Inspection & Negotiation

• ☐ Offer accepted!
• ☐ Schedule professional home inspection
• ☐ Order appraisal
• ☐ Review inspection report and negotiate repairs/credits if needed
• ☐ Finalize home insurance quote

Weeks 11–12: Closing & Handoff

• ☐ Final walkthrough of property
• ☐ Sign closing documents (in person or remotely)
• ☐ Arrange wire transfer of down payment
• ☐ Receive keys & closing documents
• ☐ Plan moving company date
• ☐ Schedule utilities turn-on

Moving Checklist

Before Your Move (2–4 weeks prior)

• ☐ Schedule professional movers and get written estimate
• ☐ Declutter: sell, donate, or discard items you don't need
• ☐ Collect and organize important documents (deeds, insurance, medical records)
• ☐ Update address with USPS, employer, banks, insurance companies
• ☐ Notify subscriptions and memberships of address change
• ☐ Transfer or cancel utilities at current home
• ☐ Schedule utilities setup at new home (water, electric, gas, internet, TV)
• ☐ Arrange TN driver's license and vehicle registration
• ☐ Update vehicle insurance with new address

Moving Day

• ☐ Create "First Night" box with essentials (toiletries, change of clothes, chargers, snacks)
• ☐ Label all boxes by room and contents
• ☐ Provide moving company with clear access to property
• ☐ Take photos of appliance settings (AC/heating, water heater, etc.)
• ☐ Do a final walkthrough of old home
• ☐ Meet movers at new home and direct placement

After Your Move (First 2 weeks)

• ☐ Unpack essentials first
• ☐ Check all utilities are working
• ☐ Register to vote in Tennessee
• ☐ Get new TN driver's license (if relocating from out of state)
• ☐ Register vehicles in TN
• ☐ Locate nearest doctor, dentist, veterinarian
• ☐ Introduce yourself to neighbors
• ☐ Update address with all service providers

Key Contacts & Resources

Government & Administrative

Utilities & Services

Real Estate & Relocation Support

Schools & Education

About Our Team

We specialize in helping relocators make smart decisions about moving to East Tennessee. With deep local knowledge and a proven process for remote buying, we guide you from first question to closing day.

Our Commitment to You

• ✓ Honest neighborhood insights and cost-of-living data
• ✓ Video tours and virtual consultations (no pressure to travel until you're ready)
• ✓ Clear communication on market conditions and realistic timelines
• ✓ Expert negotiation to protect your interests
• ✓ Support through inspection, appraisal, and closing

This packet is for informational purposes. While we've provided current data and best practices, we recommend independent research on schools, specific neighborhoods, and local regulations. No relocation decision should be made without consulting appropriate professionals (lenders, inspectors, attorneys).