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Knoxville, Tennessee | City Guide for Travel Healthcare Pros
- noordinarypath
- Jul 25
- 3 min read
Welcome to Knoxville, TN
Nestled at the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Knoxville is a lively college town with a welcoming Southern vibe, a booming healthcare scene, and tons of outdoor adventure. Whether you’re strolling through Market Square or hiking in nearby national parks, Knoxville offers travel nurses a perfect balance of work and play.
💼 Jobs
Knoxville is home to several major hospitals that frequently hire travel nurses, including:
University of Tennessee Medical Center – Level I trauma and academic facility
Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center (Covenant Health) – Large acute care hospital
Parkwest Medical Center – Known for cardiac and neuro care
In-demand specialties include ICU, ER, MedSurg, Tele, OR, and PCU.
💰 Cost of Living
Cost of Living Index: Around 86, making Knoxville affordable for a city with major medical centers and urban amenities.
Average Rent: ~$1,100–$1,500/month for a one-bedroom apartment
Utilities: ~$140/month, with moderate climate year-round
🌤️ Weather by Month
Knoxville has a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons—hot, humid summers and mild winters. Spring and fall are especially beautiful, with vibrant colors and ideal temps.
Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Description |
January | 47°F | 29°F | ❄️ Mild winter, rare snow |
February | 52°F | 32°F | 🌤 Cool and breezy |
March | 61°F | 39°F | 🌷 Early blooms, light rain |
April | 71°F | 47°F | 🌼 Spring in full swing |
May | 78°F | 56°F | ☀️ Warm and sunny |
June | 85°F | 64°F | 🌞 Start of humid summer |
July | 88°F | 68°F | 🔥 Hot and humid |
August | 87°F | 67°F | 🌤 Storms possible, still steamy |
September | 81°F | 60°F | 🍂 Cooler nights, golden days |
October | 70°F | 48°F | 🎃 Peak fall colors |
November | 58°F | 38°F | 🌬 Cool and crisp |
December | 49°F | 31°F | ❄️ Festive and mild |
🛏️ Furnished Housing Options
🛋 1-Bedroom Options
Downtown Loft Near UT Medical Center – Walkable, modern, all utilities included
Furnished Apartment in Historic North Knoxville – Quiet, pet-friendly, close to dining
🛏 2-Bedroom Options
Fully Furnished 2BR in Bearden – Great for roommates or small families, close to hospitals
Zillow Rentals – Filter for furnished options across downtown, Sequoyah Hills, and more
🏨 Extended Stay Hotels
Candlewood Suites Knoxville Airport-Alcoa – Full kitchens, budget-friendly
Residence Inn by Marriott Knoxville Downtown – Upscale, with breakfast and kitchens
Extended Stay America – Knoxville West Hills – Affordable and well-located
🚐 RV Parks
Riverside RV Park & Resort (Sevierville, ~40 min) – Scenic, full hookups, close to the Smokies
Southlake RV Park (South Knoxville) – Peaceful, full-service, long-term stays welcome
Volunteer Park Family Campground (Heiskell, ~20 min) – Traveler-friendly and budget-friendly
🎉 Fun Things to Do in Knoxville
Market Square – Outdoor dining, boutiques, and frequent live music
Ijams Nature Center – Trails, climbing, paddleboarding, and wildlife
World’s Fair Park – Iconic Sunsphere, fountains, and city views
Old City District – Breweries, coffee shops, and local art
Knoxville Museum of Art – Free admission, regional artists and modern exhibits
🧳 Nearby Weekend Trips
Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge (~1 hr): Gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Chattanooga (~1.5 hrs): Riverfront fun, aquarium, and outdoor adventures
Asheville, NC (~2 hrs): Artsy mountain town with food, music, and breweries
Nashville (~3 hrs): Live music capital with big-city vibes
Summary
Knoxville offers the best of Tennessee living—top hospitals, affordable housing, and quick access to the Smokies. With its Southern charm, vibrant downtown, and endless outdoor escapes, it’s a favorite among travel nurses seeking work-life balance.
✅ Several strong hospital systems with traveler demand
✅ Low cost of living for a metro area
✅ Urban amenities + mountain escapes
✅ Great for hiking, kayaking, and live music lovers
Ready for a contract with fresh air and fun? Knoxville’s calling. 🏔️🎶🩺
Disclosure: The information provided in this guide is what I use to send my travelers and is obtained through ChatGPT, utilizing prompts I frequently use as a travel nurse recruiter. The content is designed to help travelers make informed decisions about potential destinations.
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