19 Reasons Why You Should Avoid Moving to Knoxville, Tennessee

1. Knoxville Has High Crime Rates

Knoxville, Tennessee is known for its high crime rates. The city has consistently ranked among the most dangerous in the nation, with a crime rate of 10.71 per 1,000 residents. This is more than double the national average.

Violent crime is the most prevalent in Knoxville, with a rate of 5.39 per 1,000 residents. This rate is higher than the state average of 4.3. Property crime is also high, with a rate of 5.32 per 1,000 residents. This is more than double the national average of 2.36.

The city has seen an increase in crime over the last several years. In 2019, the total number of violent crimes reported was 2,821. This was an increase of 12.4% from 2018. Property crimes also increased, with a total of 8,735 reported in 2019. This was an increase of 10.4% from 2018.

The police department has responded to the increase in crime by increasing their presence on the streets. They have also implemented a number of programs to help reduce crime in the city. These include community policing initiatives, targeted patrols, and increased youth programs.

2. Poor Air Quality in Knoxville

Knoxville, Tennessee is a beautiful city, but many of its residents are suffering from the poor air quality. Knoxville has experienced some of the highest levels of air pollution in the state, and it is taking a toll on its citizens. Air pollution in Knoxville can cause health issues, damage to the environment, and economic harm.

Health Issues

Air pollution in Knoxville has been linked to a variety of health issues, including respiratory problems, asthma, and other lung conditions. The air quality can worsen during the summer months due to the hot and humid climate, causing the pollutants to become trapped in the air. This can make it difficult for people with asthma and other respiratory problems to breathe.

Environmental Damage

Air pollution in Knoxville can also damage the environment. The pollutants in the air can accumulate in bodies of water, soil, and vegetation, leading to long-term damage. The pollutants can also lead to acid rain, which can cause erosion and other forms of damage to the environment.

Economic Harm

Air pollution in Knoxville can also have an economic impact. Businesses can suffer due to the poor air quality, as customers may be deterred from visiting due to the health risks. Additionally, businesses may have to spend more money on air filters and other equipment to protect their employees from the pollutants.

Knoxville is a great city, but the poor air quality is having a serious impact on its citizens, the environment, and the economy. It is important to take steps to reduce air pollution and protect the health of the citizens of Knoxville.

3. Knoxville’s Cost of Living is High

Knoxville, Tennessee, is known for its low housing costs and affordable lifestyle, but the city’s cost of living is still high. The city’s housing costs are above the national average, and other everyday expenses such as groceries, utilities, and transportation are also more expensive than the national average. This makes Knoxville an expensive place to live, but there are ways to make it more affordable.

Housing Costs

Housing costs in Knoxville are above the national average, and the median home price is around $200,000. Rent prices are also high, with an average of $1,100 for a two-bedroom apartment. Knoxville has a limited number of affordable housing options, so it’s important to shop around and compare prices before making a decision.

Utilities

Knoxville’s utilities are also more expensive than the national average. The average monthly electricity bill is around $140, and the average water bill is around $40. These costs can be reduced by using energy-efficient appliances and reducing water usage.

Transportation

Transportation costs in Knoxville are also high. The average price of gasoline is around $2.50 per gallon, and the cost of public transportation is around $2.50 per ride. To save money on transportation, it’s best to use a combination of public transportation, walking, and biking.

Groceries

Groceries are also more expensive in Knoxville than the national average. Prices for basic staples such as milk, bread, and eggs are around 10-20% higher than the national average. To save money on groceries, it’s best to buy in bulk and shop around for the best deals.

Living in Knoxville can be expensive, but there are ways to reduce the costs. By shopping around for housing, using energy-efficient appliances, and using a combination of public transportation, walking, and biking, it’s possible to save money and enjoy living in Knoxville.

4. Knoxville Has Poor Public Transportation

Lack of Convenient Public Transportation
Knoxville, Tennessee is a city known for its music, outdoor recreation, and food. But what it’s not known for is convenient public transportation. Knoxville is one of the few cities in the United States that does not have a public transportation system that is efficient, reliable, or comprehensive. This lack of reliable public transportation makes it difficult for residents to get around town.

Unreliable Bus Service
The only public transportation option available in Knoxville is the Knoxville Area Transit (KAT) bus system. Unfortunately, the bus system is unreliable and often late. Bus schedules are unreliable, and riders often experience long waits for buses. This lack of reliable bus service makes it difficult for residents to rely on the bus system for their daily transportation needs.

Expensive Taxi and Ride-Share Services
For those who do not have access to a car, the only other option is to take a taxi or use a ride-share service. Both of these options can be expensive and unreliable. Taxi fares can be high, and ride-share services can be unreliable and often require riders to wait for a long time for a ride.

Limited Access to Areas Outside of Knoxville
The lack of public transportation also makes it difficult for residents to access areas outside of Knoxville. Knoxville is surrounded by smaller towns and rural areas, but there is no public transportation available to get to these areas. This lack of access to rural areas makes it difficult for residents to access employment, health care, and other services that are located outside of Knoxville.

5. Knoxville’s Job Market is Limited

For those looking to move to Knoxville, the job market may be a concern. Knoxville is the third-largest city in Tennessee and the largest city in the East Tennessee region. While the job market is growing, it is limited in comparison to other cities in the region.

High Cost of Living

One of the factors limiting the job market in Knoxville is the high cost of living. The city is located in an area with a high cost of living compared to other cities in the region. This means that salaries are typically lower, and jobs may be harder to come by.

Lack of Major Employers

Another factor that limits the job market in Knoxville is the lack of major employers in the city. The city is home to several smaller businesses, but there are few large employers in the city. This means that there may be fewer job opportunities for those looking to move to Knoxville.

Fewer Professional Opportunities

Finally, the job market in Knoxville is limited due to the fewer professional opportunities available in the city. The city is home to several colleges and universities, but there are few professional opportunities available in the city. This means that those looking to move to Knoxville may have to look outside of the city for professional opportunities.

Job Seekers in Knoxville

For job seekers in Knoxville, the job market may be limited, but there are still opportunities available. The city is home to several small businesses and there are some professional opportunities in the city. However, job seekers should be aware of the high cost of living and the limited number of major employers in the city. Additionally, job seekers may need to look outside of the city for more professional opportunities.