3 Reasons Knoxville is a Great Place to Live

Money magazine is getting ready to put together a "best places to live" list and they're asking people to tell them what exactly is it that makes a city a good place to hang your hat. Is it the schools? The weather? The cultural attractions?

This got me thinking about why it is that I call Knoxville home. You see, I am not a native Knoxvillian. I am originally from the Music City, a fact I don't loudly declare around these parts too often. Not being born here means I chose Knoxville as my home. My husband also chose this city as his home before we met and we both agreed before getting married that this is where we will stay.

So what are my reasons for adopting Knoxville as my hometown? There are many others (King Tut's, Fellini Kroger, Disco Kroger, West Town Target, Matt Hinkin's hair, McKay's, & Taste of Thai, just to name a few), but the three big ones are:

1. It's got good folks.

For me, one of the things that I love about Knoxville is the people. Knoxvillians are some of the friendliest people I've ever come across, and I often hear the same thing from people relocating to this area. And I'm not talking about that fake Southern niceness, either. This is a geniune kindness that you're not going to find as readily in the 615 or 901 area codes.

2. It's real pretty.

In fact, I would go so far as to say it's downright beautiful. A few years back I had to move to Memphis for a while and I couldn't take it. No hills, no big leafy trees, no mountain views. Living in Knoxville for an extended period of time will ruin anywhere else for you scenery wise.

3. It's cheap.

The cost of living in Knoxville is incredibly low, even compared to other cities in Tennessee (namely Nashville). Home prices, especially, are very affordable. And as much as native Knoxvillians may not think so, our property taxes, relative to other areas, are also pretty reasonable.

We all call Knoxville home for a reason, either big or small. What are your reasons for choosing Knoxville? What do you think makes KTown a great place to live?