Knoxville is a fantastic place to live if you enjoy college football, beautiful mountain views, and the occasional black bear wandering into town like it has errands to run. But as more people realize how great the city is, the rent has started creeping up like kudzu on an abandoned fence. Luckily, a few affordable Knoxville suburbs still exist, offering lower rent, more space, and a much better chance of finding a parking spot.
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful lakeside retreat, a small-town feel, or a place that’s dangerously close to Dollywood, we’ve got you covered.
Knoxville’s housing market at a glance
Knoxville’s mix of outdoor adventure, classic Tennessee college town energy, and Southern charm makes it a great place to live, but housing costs can still add up. Fortunately, several nearby suburbs offer more affordable alternatives without sacrificing convenience or quality of life. Here’s a quick look at Knoxville’s current housing prices before diving into six of the most affordable Knoxville suburbs for renters in 2025.
| Average 1-bedroom rent in Knoxville | $1,279 |
| Average 2-bedroom rent in Knoxville | $1,440 |
| Median home price in Knoxville | $320,000 |
1. Seymour
If your dream is to live somewhere affordable enough that you can afford rent and a weekend hiking habit, Seymour is calling.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $530
- Distance from Knoxville: 13 miles south
- Drive time to Knoxville: About 20 minutes
At $530 a month for a 1-bedroom, Seymour is the kind of place where you can afford an apartment and still have enough left over for groceries. Maybe even name-brand groceries. It’s a great spot for nature lovers, with Ijams Nature Center offering trails, rock climbing, and a quarry that looks straight out of Travel Magazine. Baker Creek Preserve is a paradise for mountain bikers, hikers, and anyone who enjoys pretending they have an outdoorsy lifestyle. Housing options here range from apartments, townhomes, and plenty of single-family houses at prices that make Knoxville renters straight up jealous.
2. Louisville
A lakeside town where you can rent a place, buy a fishing pole, and still have enough left over for a decent grill.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $655
- Distance from Knoxville: 18 miles southwest
- Drive time to Knoxville: About 25 minutes
With an average 1-bedroom rent of $655, Louisville (pronounced Lewis-ville, for those who don’t want to get side-eyed by locals) offers lakefront living without the lakefront price tag. Fort Loudoun Lake is a major attraction, drawing boaters, kayakers, and people who like to stand by the water and contemplate their life choices. For something completely unexpected, Boyd’s Jig and Reel celebrates the town’s Scottish and Irish population through music, proving that Louisville has a little more personality than your average small town.
3. Clinton
A suburb where history, nature, and low rent come together like the perfect Tennessee trifecta.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $820
- Distance from Knoxville: 18 miles northwest
- Drive time to Knoxville: About 25 minutes
At $820 per month for a 1-bedroom, Clinton is a great option for those who want history, nature, and a cost of living that doesn’t require a second job. The Museum of Appalachia is a must-see, providing a rare glimpse into what life was like when people had to churn their own butter and wrestle bears for food (probably). If you prefer to spend your weekends on the water, Norris Lake is right around the corner, great for boating, fishing, and pretending your life is more relaxing than it actually is. Housing here is a mix of historic homes, modern apartments, and suburban neighborhoods with a strong sense of community. Needless to say, there’s something for everyone in Clinton.
4. Pigeon Forge
Where rent is cheap, the entertainment is endless, and you can casually drop, “Yeah, I live near Dollywood” in conversations.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $834
- Distance from Knoxville: 35 miles southeast
- Drive time to Knoxville: About 45 minutes
With an average 1-bedroom rent of $834, Pigeon Forge is the place to live if you like theme parks, neon lights, and country music that somehow makes you emotional even though you don’t own a cowboy hat. Dollywood, owned by the one and only Dolly Parton, is the main attraction, featuring roller coasters, live music, and cinnamon bread that might actually change your life. The Titanic Museum Attraction lets you walk through a replica of the doomed ship, perfect for anyone who thought, “I liked the Titanic movie, but I wish I could be inside the tragedy.” Housing options range from affordable apartments to cabins in the Smoky Mountains, ideal for anyone who wants their morning coffee with silence and a scenic view.
5. Maryville
A town that’s close enough to Knoxville to be convenient but far enough to actually hear yourself think.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $990
- Distance from Knoxville: 20 miles south
- Drive time to Knoxville: About 25 minutes
At $990 per month for a 1-bedroom apartment, Maryville is where you go when you want to be near Knoxville but also enjoy some peace and quiet. Cades Cove is one of the most beautiful spots in the Smoky Mountains, ideal for scenic drives, historic structures, and soaking up the sun. If you’ve ever wanted to see where Tennessee’s first schoolteacher did his thing, the Sam Houston Historic Schoolhouse is still standing. Housing here is a healthy mix of townhouses, ranch-style homes, and apartments with mountain views that make waking up a little easier.
6. Oak Ridge
A once-secret city that’s now just a great place to live—unless you’re looking for a spy thriller, in which case, you’re about 80 years late.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,060
- Distance from Knoxville: 25 miles west
- Drive time to Knoxville: About 31 minutes
At $1,060 on average for a 1-bedroom, Oak Ridge is the most expensive suburb on this list, but it comes with a fascinating past. Originally built as part of the Manhattan Project, Oak Ridge was a secret city during World War II. Today, it’s known for the American Museum of Science and Energy, which offers interactive exhibits on nuclear power and the history of the city’s secret operations. Art lovers can visit the Oak Ridge Art Center, which showcases work from local and regional artists.
Find your place in an affordable Knoxville suburb
Finding affordable Knoxville suburbs isn’t impossible—you just need to know where to look. No matter what your budget is, there’s an affordable Knoxville where you can find affordable rent, a little extra space, and—if you’re lucky—a scenic mountain view. The hardest part? Deciding which one to call home.Affordability is based on whether a suburb’s one-bedroom rent was less than Knoxville’s average rent and under 40 miles from downtown Knoxville. Average rental data from Knoxville rental market trends in February, 2025. Population data sourced from the United States Census Bureau.
