Are you moving to Tennessee and trying to decide whether living in Chattanooga or Knoxville is right for you? Though both of these cities are great choices, we understand it can be a tough one to make. Each of these cities has fun local activities, great job opportunities, proximity to the mountains, and that Tennessee charm that so many people are looking for. On top of that, both of these areas are growing in size thanks to more people who want to enjoy all these benefits. So, will it be Knoxville or Chattanooga?
Like most of TN, Chattanooga and Knoxville are both great places to settle down. When looking at a comparison of Knoxville vs Chattanooga, what better way to choose which city is better for you than with a pros and cons list?
It’s also important to review the cost of living in Chattanooga vs Knoxville, as well as details about the local population, crime rate, and weather in the Knoxville and Chattanooga area. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about Knoxville vs Chattanooga.
Pros & Cons of Living in Chattanooga vs. Knoxville
Choosing between two cities is never easy! You want to make sure that where you decide to relocate will be a good fit for your career, lifestyle, and family, which is why it’s imperative to do your research. Laying out the Knoxville vs Chattanooga pros and cons will help you make an informed decision that you can feel good about. Let’s take a look at what the benefits and drawbacks of Chattanooga and Knoxville really are!
Living in Chattanooga Pros
View this post on Instagram
Here are the pros of Chattanooga vs Knoxville.
Beautiful Surroundings
Like much of TN, Chattanooga is gorgeous. Chattanooga isn’t called “Scenic City” for no reason. It’s known for its scenery, which is easily accessible via a variety of transportation options. Chattanooga sits in a beautiful valley between the Appalachian and Cumberland mountain ranges. Additionally, residents of Chattanooga have endless opportunities for outdoor recreation in the city’s parks and trails, and nearby rivers and lakes. From fishing to hiking, you’ll find it all in Chattanooga!
Thriving Economy
When it comes to Knoxville TN vs Chattanooga TN in terms of jobs, Chattanooga comes out on top. One of the most important parts of relocating is being sure that you can afford to pay to live there (with housing costs, taxes, etc). Thankfully, Chattanooga is home to a diverse, thriving economy. If you’re looking for job opportunities, you’re sure to find them here.
Major industries include automotive, healthcare, tourism, insurance, manufacturing, and retail. Chattanooga is also well known as a great place for startups and entrepreneurs, and has earned the nickname “Gig City” after rolling out the nation’s first citywide gigabit network in 2018.
Culture and Community
View this post on Instagram
Will the culture of Chattanooga and the surrounding county work for you? Chattanooga has a strong sense of community. There are lots of festivals and community events, and residents love supporting local businesses. With a median age of 37.2, Chattanooga has a culture that appeals to a variety of ages.
The city also provides plenty of options for culture lovers and families alike, from the Hunter Museum of American Art, the Tivoli Theater, and the Tennessee Aquarium. Additionally, you’ll find plenty of fantastic child care options.
Living in Chattanooga Cons
Here are a few cons of Knoxville vs Chattanooga.
Poor Public Schools
Chattanooga has plenty of family-friendly activities, but the public school system is not particularly highly rated. Students in Chattanooga perform 3% lower on standardized tests than the national average. While this can vary depending on the district and the school, it’s something to keep in mind if you’re moving to the Chattanooga area with a family.
Not Ideal for People with Allergies
Although the weather in Chattanooga can be beautiful, Chattanooga is known as less than ideal for people who suffer from allergies and other health concerns, especially in the spring. Because of so many trees and plants compared to the rest of TN, Chattanooga has more pollen in the air, which can cause issues. The good news is that in Chattanooga, there is a high allergist-to-patient ratio. If allergies are a problem for you, you may want to discuss your move with your current doctor.
High Poverty Rate
Income inequality is a big problem in Chattanooga. It is estimated that almost 20% of Chattanooga residents live in poverty. This is much higher than the national average of 13.6%. Females ages 25-34 are the largest demographic affected by poverty in Chattanooga.
Living in Knoxville Pros
View this post on Instagram
Now, let’s discuss the Knoxville pros and cons.
Rich Music and Arts Community
How do Knoxville vs Chattanooga compare when it comes to music and arts? Knoxville is a major player in the music and arts scene. If you love country and bluegrass music, you’ll be right at home here. Knoxville is also home to the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, Knoxville Opera, and various traditional and non-traditional entertainment venues. If you’re a festival-goer, you’ll love the wide variety of festivals in Knoxville, from the Dogwood Arts Festival to Kuumba, to the Rossini Festival, and many, many more.
Higher Learning Opportunities
If you’re looking for great education in TN, Chattanooga and Knoxville both deliver, but Knoxville excels in higher education. In addition to a highly rated public school system, Knoxville boasts a long list of great higher education institutions. Whether you’re moving here with young kids or old kids, you can plan on them having a good education. The University of Tennessee’s main campus is located in Knoxville, as well as South College, Johnson University, Knoxville College, and many branch campuses connected to other universities.
Great for Foodies
Is food another passion of yours? If so, you’ll love Knoxville! You will not have a problem finding great food in Knoxville! Not only is the city filled with great eateries, the city loves to celebrate food. You’ll love the International Biscuit Festival and the Knoxville Brewers’ Jam, that is held every year.
Living in Knoxville Cons
What about the cons when relocating to Knoxville vs Chattanooga?
Getting Around Isn’t Easy
The public transit system isn’t great in Knoxville, and sidewalks are scarce. It’s not a particularly walkable or bikeable city, which is something to consider if you don’t want to be dependent on a car. It’s nearly impossible to live in Knoxville without having a car, which is definitely a disadvantage to residing in Knoxville.
Conservative Vibe
If you’re looking for a more liberal place to live, Knoxville might not be the best fit. The majority of Knoxville residents are conservative-leaning. This may be an advantage to some, and a disadvantage to others.
Sports Culture
Sports are a big deal in Chattanooga! The city majorly supports the University of Tennessee’s teams, among others. If sports aren’t your thing, be prepared to be around them a lot! There is also a lot of traffic when game nights occur, so you may rethink relocating if you don’t want to deal with delays. (If you are into sports, convert this one to a positive!)
Cost of Living in Chattanooga vs. Knoxville
View this post on Instagram
Cost of living is a major consideration when choosing between Knoxville vs Chattanooga. However, prices in both cities are fairly similar across the board. Here’s a look at some of the differences in cost in Chattanooga in comparison to Knoxville, according to Numbeo:
- Rent prices are 4.4% higher in Knoxville
- Restaurant prices in Knoxville are 10% lower than in Chattanooga
- Utilities are 62.6% less expensive in Chattanooga
- A gallon of milk in Knoxville is 3.5% more than in Chattanooga
- A loaf of bread is $0.10 less expensive in Knoxville
- A dozen eggs is $0.41 cheaper in Knoxville
Overall, when comparing Knoxville vs Chattanooga, Chattanooga is more affordable, although both cities have a cost of living that is below the national average.
The median household income in Chattanooga is $61,028, whereas in Knoxville, the median household income is $40,175.
Curious about real estate in Knoxville vs Chattanooga? According to Redfin, it costs around $380,000 to buy a house in Chattanooga, while the Knoxville median home price is $348,000.
Additional Things to Consider Between Chattanooga vs. Knoxville
In addition to the pros and cons of Knoxville vs Chattanooga, there are a few more important comparisons to consider.
Population of Knoxville vs Chattanooga
What is the population of Knoxville vs Chattanooga? In terms of population and density, Chattanooga and Knoxville are fairly similar. However, when it comes to diversity, Chattanooga wins compared to Knoxville. It’s much more diverse in Chattanooga as compared with Knoxville. If you’re looking for a younger crowd, Knoxville’s median age is 33.7 years old, slightly younger than Chattanooga, where the median age is 37.2. Keep in mind that this may be due to all the college-aged students who live in Knoxville!
Crime Rate in Knoxville vs Chattanooga
Curious about the Knoxville vs Chattanooga crime rate? Every city deals with its fair share of crime, and Chattanooga and Knoxville are no different. Both cities have crime rates that are above the national average. However, between the two, Chattanooga has the higher total crime rate.
Chattanooga vs Knoxville Climate
What about the Knoxville vs Chattanooga climate? Weather is a big consideration when you’re relocating! You want to make sure you’re as comfortable as possible where you live. While both cities are known to have hot, humid summers, winters are slightly different when comparing the two. You can expect colder temperatures in Knoxville, and almost 6 inches of snowfall annually. Chattanooga sees hotter temperatures and sunny weather, giving you plenty of time to enjoy regular parks and dog parks in Chattanooga.
Chattanooga to Knoxville Distance
Consider the distance from Knoxville to Chattanooga when choosing where you’re planning to reside. Chattanooga is 112 miles from Knoxville, or 1 hour and 57 minutes.
Knoxville vs Chattanooga: Where Are You Moving?
Now that you’ve learned more about the advantages and disadvantages of living in Knoxville vs Chattanooga, which will you choose as your next home? Are you more drawn to Chattanooga’s booming economy or Knoxville’s education and festival scene? Only you know what’s best for your lifestyle. Only you know what’s best for your lifestyle. Once you’ve made your decision, a full packing service for the move can organize, wrap, and prepare your belongings before moving day.
If Chattanooga is your choice, moving between Tennessee cities is easier with a team that can coordinate the loading, transportation, and delivery for your intrastate relocation.
No matter which way you’re leaning, you want to make sure you work with a trustworthy moving company to get you there. The Chattanooga movers at All Out Moving will ensure an easy moving experience with no hassles or hidden fees! Call us today at (423) 716-3025 to discuss this exciting new chapter and get started on your free quote!
