Knoxville vs. Raleigh (living, best, cost, state)

[bjferg21]

I know this seems like an odd comparison but what are your thoughts on Knoxville vs Raleigh? I am a Chicagoan who has interviews in both cities and will likely be moving from the windy city here soon. What I would like to know is what are some comparisons between Raleigh and Knoxville? I am a single, male, who's a recent college grad working in the sports industry. First, what's Knoxville like as a whole? I've only driven through and was impressed by the scenery in and around the city. How does it compare to Raleigh? I've never been to the Triangle before in North Carolina. Anything will help here as I'm trying to narrow down pros and cons of moving to one of these cities if it should happen. I lived in Charlotte, NC for a year and loved it. I know it's quite a bit larger than both those cities but I did enjoy my time in the south.

[MetropolitanTN]

I've never been to Raleigh so I can only speak for Knoxville. What exactly would you like to know about it only? Any specific things you like or want in a city?

Raleigh is a larger city, but that may not matter depending on what your interests are or what you're looking for.

[JMT]

Raleigh and Knoxville used to be fairly comparable, but in the last 30 years Raleigh has zoomed past Knoxville to become a much more affluent, larger, and prosperous city. It's also part of a larger metropolitan area that includes three of the nation's best universities: NC State in Raleigh, UNC in Chapel Hill, and Duke in Durham. This growth and affluency means Raleigh has more high-end shopping (like Saks) and dining options than Knoxville. Raleigh also has a much larger airport with better connections and cheaper fares than Knoxville's little (but nice) airport. Being the state capital of a fast-growing state doesn't hurt Raleigh, either.

However, all of that prosperity comes with a price. Raleigh is quite a bit more expensive than Knoxville, and Raleigh has a heck of a lot more traffic problems than Knoxville. Also, I like the countryside around Knoxville much better.

I really do like both places, but I prefer Knoxville's more laid back lifestyle. I wish Knoxville had some of Raleigh's prosperity, particularly when it comes to our shopping and dining options, but all in all I like Knoxville better.

[bjferg21]

Well, both interviews are with UT and NC State so I'd be around the college campuses at either place. I guess what I'd like to know is what kinds of outdoor things are there to do? I'm a big disc golfer, I also play golf, and am getting into biking. I would love to live in the downtown area of either city just because I've pretty much lived in the suburbs my whole life (here in Chicago, and out in Charlotte as well). I'd like to experience the city life a bit more as a whole, even if the downtowns aren't as big.

[Tall Traveler]

I lived in Raleigh when I was younger and spent a fair amount of time in Knoxville through business. Both are exceptionally nice cities. Raleigh has surpassed Knoxville economically and technically through the Research Triangle and universities. I think you could live comfortably in downtown Knoxville. I think the same for Raleigh but it's been awhile since I was there and I would expect it to be more expensive. If the salaries are comparable, you will be better off in Knoxville due to no state income tax in Tennessee and lower cost of living in Knoxville.

I wouldn't hesitate moving to either city but I would want a little more $$ to move to Raleigh. Raleigh is closer to the beach than Knox and is a bit warmer in the winter.

[creeksitter]

It's not so strange to compare the cities. They are both mid size cities in the upper south just on different ends of the mid-size spectrum.

Raliegh has a lot going for it economically but I think Knoxville is best for you and here's why: Knoxville has a lot of lofts downtown and downtown is right next to the university. I don't know Ralieigh's downtown but Knoxville's is hopping. There is a disc golf course less than a mile east of downtown. South Knoxville is developing a huge network of mountain bike trails (look up Urban wilderness) starting just across the river from downtown. There are paved greenways as well. There are plenty of golf courses including a municipal course (whittle springs) about 4 miles from downtown.

I realize you aren't one of the many car-free posters we see here but it is interesting that you could easily pursue your particular hobbies without a car - just renting one on occasional weekends for trips to the Smokies.