AI-Scored Rankings • Updated 2026-04-03

Best Apartments in Knoxville, TN — Scored by AI

ListWise scores every Knoxville neighborhood on safety, walkability, schools, commute time, and rental value. See which areas actually match your lifestyle — not just what's cheapest.

$1,250/mo
Median Rent
190,740
Population
8
Neighborhoods Scored
University of Tennessee
Top Employer
Local Insights

Why Knoxville? What Renters Need to Know

Knoxville averages $1,250 per month for a one-bedroom apartment, making it one of the most affordable cities in Tennessee. Sequoyah Hills commands the highest rents around $2,200, while South Knoxville and North Hills offer budget-friendly options starting around $1,100.

Quick Facts

Population 190,740
Median Rent $1,250/mo
Top Employer University of Tennessee
Neighborhoods 8 scored by AI
Rent vs. National$1,250 vs $1,500 national median

Rent Comparison

Knoxville median rent is $250 below the national median of $1,500/mo — an affordable market.

Largest Employer

The largest employer in Knoxville is University of Tennessee, making the Downtown Knoxville area and nearby neighborhoods popular for commuters looking to minimize travel time.

Top Neighborhoods

Top Neighborhoods in Knoxville

Ranked by ListWise's composite AI score. Top 3 shown free — unlock all 8 for the full picture.

#1

Downtown Knoxville

Score: 84/100
Safety B+
Walk Score 80
Avg Rent $1,700
Schools 6/10
#2

Old North Knox

Score: 82/100
Safety B
Walk Score 68
Avg Rent $1,500
Schools 6/10
#3

Fort Sanders

Score: 78/100
Safety B-
Walk Score 75
Avg Rent $1,300
Schools 5/10

Ready to find your perfect neighborhood?

Get Your Full Report — $19
#4

Sequoyah Hills

Score: 90/100
Safety A
Walk Score 52
Avg Rent $2,200
Schools 9/10
Unlock full rankings
#5

Bearden

Score: 85/100
Safety A-
Walk Score 58
Avg Rent $1,600
Schools 7/10
Unlock full rankings
#6

North Hills

Score: 76/100
Safety B-
Walk Score 42
Avg Rent $1,200
Schools 5/10
Unlock full rankings
#7

Holston Hills

Score: 80/100
Safety B
Walk Score 35
Avg Rent $1,350
Schools 6/10
Unlock full rankings
#8

South Knoxville

Score: 72/100
Safety C+
Walk Score 48
Avg Rent $1,100
Schools 4/10
Unlock full rankings

See All 8 Knoxville Neighborhoods Ranked

Get the full report with detailed scores, rent comparisons, commute maps, and personalized recommendations.

How It Works

How ListWise Scores Knoxville Apartments

1

Tell Us Your Priorities

Rank what matters: safety, schools, walkability, commute, budget, nightlife. Every Knoxville renter is different.

2

AI Scores Every Listing

We pull real-time data from MLS, crime stats, school ratings, transit APIs, and walk score databases for Knoxville.

3

Get Your Ranked List

Receive a PDF + Excel report with Knoxville properties ranked by YOUR priorities. Delivered within 24 hours.

FAQ

Frequently Asked About Knoxville

What is the average rent in Knoxville?

Knoxville averages $1,250 per month for a one-bedroom apartment, making it one of the most affordable cities in Tennessee. Sequoyah Hills commands the highest rents around $2,200, while South Knoxville and North Hills offer budget-friendly options starting around $1,100.

Is Knoxville a good place to live?

Knoxville offers an exceptional quality of life at a low cost, combining a vibrant university-town culture from UT, gateway access to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and a growing food and arts scene in its downtown Market Square area. Tennessee's lack of state income tax adds further financial appeal.

How is outdoor recreation in Knoxville?

Knoxville sits at the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains, the nation's most visited national park. The Urban Wilderness trail system offers 50+ miles of trails within city limits, and Norris Lake provides boating and fishing. Outdoor recreation is a major draw for Knoxville residents.

What are the best neighborhoods in Knoxville?

Sequoyah Hills is Knoxville's most prestigious neighborhood, with stately homes along the Tennessee River and top-rated schools. Bearden offers excellent amenities and safety, while Downtown and Old North Knox appeal to those seeking walkability and nightlife near Market Square.

What is the job market like in Knoxville?

Knoxville's economy is anchored by the University of Tennessee, TVA (Tennessee Valley Authority), and Oak Ridge National Laboratory nearby. Healthcare through Covenant Health and University of Tennessee Medical Center is a major employer, and manufacturing and logistics round out the local economy.

Ready to Find Your Knoxville Apartment?

Stop scrolling 47 Zillow tabs. Tell us what matters and get a ranked list of Knoxville apartments that actually fit your life.

Data is for informational purposes only. Verify all information independently before making housing decisions.