Living in Knoxville Video Guide
What Is It Like Moving from California to Knoxville, TN?
For Steve and Karen, who left the only home either had known in California, the move to the Knoxville area has been a big positive. They love the nature, the changing seasons, the water and the friendly people, and say their financial picture changed dramatically for the better. The downsides were leaving friends, a tougher job market and narrow country roads.
Key facts
- Who: Steve and Karen, lifelong Californians who relocated to the Knoxville area. This is the first interview in Todd Jewell's relocation series.
- Where they live: Out in the county closer to Lenoir City, with Knoxville about half an hour away.
- Why Knoxville: Friends had moved here after looking at several cities. They also compared the Charlotte, North Carolina area and found Knoxville prettier.
- Favorite drive: Pellissippi Parkway and 140 in the fall. A half-hour drive here feels like nothing.
- Smoky Mountains: They visited Great Smoky Mountains National Park in fall when the leaves were changing.
- Schools: Their son takes dual enrollment classes at a Pellissippi community college and likes the culinary program and resources.
- Local tip: Karen recommends the Good Neighbor Shop in Lenoir City.
Pros and cons of moving from California to Knoxville
What they love
- Nature everywhere. You do not have to drive to a destination to enjoy it.
- Real seasons. Fall leaves, spring flowers and something new to look at, even in your own backyard.
- Far more water than they expected, and cleaner, fresher air than they had in California.
- Friendly, normal people and a community that was easy to find, including a church and the local deaf community.
- A bigger house with room for everything, and great garage sales for furnishing it.
- Greenways for biking, even if you drive to reach them.
The honest downsides
- Leaving friends and family behind in California.
- A job market that seemed weaker to them than Charlotte's, though they think it is more about who you know.
- Curvy two-lane country roads with no shoulder and no sidewalks between neighborhoods.
- No flat areas they have found to rollerblade.
- Flashing yellow traffic lights, which Karen does not like.
- Before recent flight additions at the Knoxville airport, they often had to drive to Nashville to fly.
Video chapters
- 0:00 Intro
- 0:13 What they were nervous to give up
- 1:15 How the decision to move happened
- 1:55 Surprises after arriving
- 3:22 The downsides they didn't expect
- 4:55 What they love most about Knoxville
- 6:37 Meeting people & finding community
- 8:04 Cost of living: California vs. Knoxville
- 10:00 Advice for anyone considering the move
- 10:57 The home buying process from out of state
- 12:25 Roads, greenways & getting around
- 15:46 Final thoughts
Frequently asked questions
Is moving from California to Knoxville worth it?
For Steve and Karen it has been. They call it a great move and say life here is so much nicer, from the scenery to the people to their finances.
How does the cost of living in Knoxville compare to California?
They say their financial picture changed dramatically for the better. Their house cost far less per square foot than in California, their electric rate is much lower, and they felt groceries were about the same.
Are people in Knoxville welcoming to Californians?
Karen was nervous about it, but no one has been negative. Most people just say they don't blame them for moving, and they found a church community and other groups quickly.
Can you buy a house in Knoxville from out of state?
Yes. Steve and Karen bought while still in California and said the buying side was easy. Their only snag was their California buyers negotiating late on the sale of their old home.
What are the downsides of moving from California to Knoxville?
They miss the friends they left behind, found the job market tighter than in Charlotte, and had to adjust to narrow country roads with no sidewalks. They also have not found a flat place to rollerblade.
Thinking about moving to the Knoxville area?
Book a free Zoom consultation with the Living in Knoxville team, or grab our free guide to the 7 mistakes relocation buyers make. We help people relocate to East Tennessee every day.
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