Top 50 College Towns You'll Want To Live In From Sea To Shining Sea

Lisette Marie

February 18, 2026

29. Knoxville, Tennessee: Volunteer Spirit near Nashville

A view of downtown with the Sunsphere under cloudy skies, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA. Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons @David Ratledge

Knoxville, anchored by the University of Tennessee, combines Southern charm with a burgeoning downtown revitalization. Its historic Old City, vibrant arts scene, and proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains offer a diverse living experience. Just under two hours away lies Nashville, the "Music City," a rapidly growing economic and cultural powerhouse. This pairing provides UT students and residents access to a booming music industry, major corporate headquarters, sophisticated dining, and a national entertainment hub, creating a compelling balance between a spirited college town and a dynamic, influential metropolis.

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Exploring the Top 8 Ways Rwanda's Conservation and Fiji's Sustainability Shape Our Planet's Future

February 26, 2026

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</div>

Top 50 College Towns You'll Want To Live In From Sea To Shining Sea

29. Knoxville, Tennessee: Volunteer Spirit near Nashville

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