City Guide

Apartments for rent in Knoxville, Tennessee

Picturing a move to a riverfront city where the Smokies sit on the horizon and a vibrant downtown is yours to explore?
Knoxville, Tennessee, USA downtown at World's Fair Park.

Volunteer to live in a Greystar apartment in the Knoxville, TN metro area, and embrace life in the Queen City of the Mountains. Our communities place you near Knoxville’s most popular shopping, dining and entertainment venues all while keeping you close to nature.

Whether you’re seeking the state’s finest ribs at Rocky’s Jamaica Sunrise or something more along the lines of farm-fresh cuisine in the family friendly atmosphere at Backwoods Bistro, the city has something to please every palate. From big-name chains to those unique holes-in-the-wall that everybody loves, Knoxville brings it to the table when it comes to Tennessee flavor.

Knoxville dwellers are lucky enough to have Eastern Tennessee’s premier mall experience right on their doorstep: The West Town Mall. Home to fashion-forward names like Ann Taylor, Cache and Coach, West Town Mall is the one-stop-shop for everything fashionable. It’s not just big-name brands in The Marble City, though. Elle Boutique gives guests the chance to browse through an eclectic selection of unique clothes and special jewelry pieces, as well as a selection of interesting wines.

Cheer on the immensely popular Tennessee Volunteers as they battle opposing teams in all the major college sporting events, from basketball to football. The Vols hail from the University of Tennessee, which is near many of our apartments for rent in Knoxville.

Residents can ride the elevator to the top of the iconic Knoxville Sunsphere for a birds-eye view of the city and surrounding areas through downward-facing windows, all while feasting on delicious American fare at The Icon. At night, this popular attraction transforms into a happening hotspot for local nightlife.

Outdoors enthusiasts simply won’t find a better place to live than Knoxville, as the city is conveniently near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Known as the gateway to this mountain playground, which is the most visited national park in the country, Knoxville is inextricably tied to Tennessee’s endless forests and rambling hiking trails. The Great Smoky Mountains aren’t the only opportunity for exploring the wilderness, however. Residents are also within driving distances of the Davy Crockett National Forest and numerous hiking and biking opportunities.

The Knoxville Zoo, Knoxville Museum of Art and Bijou Theatre are among other venues residents will find themselves visiting on a regular basis.

Heed the call and elect to live in one of our Knoxville apartments. Send us a message, and find out how to turn your dream of living in a Greystar community into a reality.

Living local

Life in Knoxville unfolds along the bend of the Tennessee River, and each part of the city carries its own character. Downtown is the energetic heart of it all, where you can browse the open-air shops and patios of Market Square, catch a show on historic Gay Street, or wander the festival lawns and Sunsphere views at World's Fair Park. Just north, the Old City pairs brick warehouses with live-music venues, coffee roasters, and late-night eateries. To the west, Bearden offers a relaxed strip of art galleries, antique shops, and neighborhood restaurants, while the area around the University of Tennessee and the Cumberland Avenue Strip buzzes with students, game-day energy, and casual dining. Across the river in South Knoxville, you are minutes from the trails, lakes, and quarries of Knoxville's Urban Wilderness. Wherever you settle, you are close to the rest of Tennessee and the natural wonders of East Tennessee.

FAQs about apartments in Knoxville, TN

Your cost depends on size, amenities, and which part of the metro you choose. Studios and one-bedrooms tend to sit below that mark, while larger two- and three-bedroom apartments run higher, and apartments for rent in Knoxville near downtown or the University of Tennessee can price differently than those in outlying areas. Overall, the cost of living in Knoxville runs below the national average, with housing and utilities among the bigger savings. You can compare neighborhood rents and everyday expenses using the RentCafe cost of living calculator for Knoxville. Setting a monthly budget before you tour helps you focus on apartments in Knoxville TN that truly fit your life.

You can get around parts of Knoxville without a car, especially downtown and near the University of Tennessee, thanks to public transit run by Knoxville Area Transit, or KAT. KAT operates more than 20 fixed bus routes plus free trolley service downtown, including the Orange line that connects downtown with the UT campus and a fare-free Downtown Connector. Check current routes, fares, and schedules on the Knoxville Area Transit website. That said, the wider metro spreads across rivers and ridges, so many residents in apartments in Knoxville TN keep a car for commuting and weekend trips to the mountains. If car-free living matters to you, look for apartments for rent in Knoxville near downtown corridors and frequent bus lines.

Outdoor options around Knoxville range from city greenways and trail systems to one of the country's most visited national parks. Right in town, Knoxville's Urban Wilderness packs more than 60 miles of trails, lakes, and dramatic quarries into a 1,500-acre area for hiking, biking, climbing, and paddling. Nearby, Ijams Nature Center offers wooded trails, a swimming quarry, and live animal exhibits along the river. The City of Knoxville also maintains more than 125 miles of paved greenways you can explore through Knoxville greenways and trails. And about an hour away, Great Smoky Mountains National Park puts misty peaks, waterfalls, and hundreds of miles of trails within easy reach of apartments in Knoxville TN.

Knoxville's dining and nightlife center on downtown's Market Square, Gay Street, and the Old City, with more spots scattered across Bearden and the Cumberland Avenue Strip. Market Square anchors the scene with open-air patios, coffee shops, and acclaimed restaurants, and you can plan an outing using the Downtown Knoxville Gay Street guide. A short stroll away, the Old City packs brick-lined blocks with craft cocktail bars, breweries, and live-music venues that keep the night going. Near the University of Tennessee, the Cumberland Avenue Strip serves up casual eateries and game-day energy, while Bearden adds relaxed neighborhood bistros. Living in apartments for rent in Knoxville puts you within a short drive of award-worthy kitchens and laid-back local favorites alike.

Yes, Knoxville is welcoming to pets, with many pet-friendly apartments and plenty of outdoor space to share with your dog. The trails and open areas of Knoxville's Urban Wilderness and the wooded paths at Ijams Nature Center give dogs and their people room to roam, and the city's paved greenways are great for daily walks. When you tour apartments in Knoxville TN, ask each community about breed and weight policies, pet fees, and on-site amenities like dog parks or pet washing stations. Always confirm current leash rules and trail policies before you head out, since requirements can vary by park. With so many green spaces close by, your dog can enjoy East Tennessee right alongside you.

Everyday shopping in Knoxville is easy, with major grocery chains, big-box stores, shopping centers, and farmers markets spread across the metro. West Knoxville's retail corridors along Kingston Pike and the shops around Turkey Creek cover everything from essentials to specialty finds, while Bearden and downtown add boutique grocers and local makers. For fresh local produce in season, the Market Square Farmers' Market brings growers, bakers, and artisans to the heart of downtown. Each part of the area, from West Knoxville to South Knoxville, has its own grocery anchors and retail hubs, so daily errands stay close to home. When comparing apartments for rent in Knoxville, note how near each community sits to the stores and services you use most.

Knoxville is known for its lively arts calendar, anchored each spring by the Dogwood Arts Festival. The free festival fills World's Fair Park with juried artists, live music, and activities for all ages, and you can browse the lineup at Dogwood Arts. Beyond Dogwood Arts, the city hosts outdoor concerts, food festivals, and seasonal markets, and a day at Zoo Knoxville is a local favorite, celebrated as the red panda capital of the world. The University of Tennessee adds game-day excitement and cultural programming throughout the year. Choosing apartments in Knoxville TN means you are never far from a festival weekend, a live show, or a museum afternoon downtown.

Knoxville blends a friendly, down-to-earth feel with the energy of a growing river city and a major university town. Each area has its own gathering spots, from the patios and public stage of Market Square to the galleries of Bearden and the trailheads of South Knoxville. Public libraries, city parks, and seasonal markets give residents easy ways to connect, and you can find programs and branches through the Knox County Public Library. Whether you enjoy festivals, recreation leagues, riverfront strolls, or a quiet morning with coffee downtown, apartments for rent in Knoxville put you near a welcoming mix of people and places to call your own.

Knoxville residents have easy access to extensive parks, libraries, and community spaces. The Knox County Public Library operates branches across the county with books, technology, and free programs for every age. For recreation, the City of Knoxville maintains more than 125 miles of paved greenways and trails, while downtown's World's Fair Park offers splash pads, festival lawns, and the iconic Sunsphere. Many apartments in Knoxville TN add their own amenities like pools, fitness centers, and gathering lounges. When you tour, picture how these nearby public spaces and on-site features fit your weekly routine.

Most residents renting in Knoxville are served by Knox County Schools, one of the largest public school districts in Tennessee. The district operates dozens of elementary, middle, and high schools along with magnet and specialty programs, and you can look up zoning, enrollment, and individual schools through Knox County Schools. Knoxville is also a college town anchored by the University of Tennessee, which brings cultural events, libraries, and continuing-education options to the area. When you compare apartments for rent in Knoxville, it helps to confirm the assigned schools for a specific address, since attendance zones vary across the metro and can change from year to year.

Knoxville is served by McGhee Tyson Airport, located about 12 miles south of downtown in Alcoa, roughly a 20-to-30-minute drive depending on traffic. The airport offers nonstop flights to more than 30 destinations through several major airlines, and you can check terminals, parking, and flight information at McGhee Tyson Airport. Its location south of the city via Alcoa Highway makes it convenient to most of the metro, including apartments in Knoxville TN in West and South Knoxville. If frequent travel is part of your routine, factor your drive time to the airport into where you choose to live, and remember that the Great Smoky Mountains are an easy trip in the opposite direction for weekend getaways.

Knoxville has a mild, humid subtropical climate with warm summers, cool winters, and long, comfortable spring and fall seasons. Spring brings blooming dogwoods and festival season, capped by the Dogwood Arts Festival, while summer is ideal for paddling and biking in Knoxville's Urban Wilderness. Fall is a favorite season here, when cooler days and brilliant foliage draw residents toward Great Smoky Mountains National Park for scenic drives and hikes. Winters are generally mild with occasional cold snaps, leaving plenty of days for downtown strolls and museum visits. Because the climate stays pleasant much of the year, residents in apartments for rent in Knoxville can enjoy the outdoors across nearly every season.