Knoxville is a beautiful city located about three hours east of the Tennessee state capital, Nashville. The relatively small city has a population of approximately 190,740, of which 13.9% are seniors (65+). A cost of living below the state and national average and 204 days of sunshine each year makes Knoxville an attractive spot for retirees.
Assisted living facilities are designed to support seniors who cannot remain in their homes but want to maintain some level of independence. Assisted living communities provide a safe space where seniors can live comfortably while accessing help with daily tasks like housekeeping and transportation to medical appointments. These facilities do not provide the same level of care as a nursing home but allow for more assistance than home care. Seniors in Knoxville, TN pay a median cost of $3,823 per month for assisted living, which is $282 less per month than the state average of $4,105.
This guide provides information about the cost of assisted living in Knoxville, Tennessee and the quality of life seniors can expect from this city. Find out more about ways to pay for assisted living in Knoxville and the available resources for seniors.
Hundreds of thousands of American seniors utilize assisted living, a figure that is only growing. For these seniors, assisted living combines residential housing,assistance in daily activities, and some healthcare. These communities also strive to provide an atmosphere that is comfortable and engaging for their residents… Read More >
COVID-19 restrictions and rules for Assisted Living Facilities are typically set by the state – to see the rules in your state, you can read our guide to Assisted Living in Tennessee. Keep in mind that there may be other policies that communities put in place to protect their residents, so you should contact your local community for more information. Additionally, you can contact your local Area Agency on Aging to learn more – find contact information here.
The cost of assisted living in Knoxville is $3,823 per month. This fee can vary depending on the location and the amenities and services the assisted living facility offers.
Assisted living care in Knoxville is below the national median and the state median cost per month.
Assisted living costs in Tennessee vary slightly depending on what city you’re looking to retire in. Knoxville is one of the most affordable cities in the state for assisted living facilities. At $3,823 per month, it’s $277 less than the capital city of Nashville. It’s also cheaper than Chattanooga by $397 per month, Morristown by $286 per month and Memphis by $377 per month. Across the state border in Kentucky, it’s possible to find assisted living care for slightly less than in Knoxville. In Bowling Green, KY, the monthly cost of assisted living is $323 less than the median cost in Knoxville.
Since not everyone can afford to pay for assisted living out-of-pocket, it’s important to find alternative methods to help make assisted living more affordable. Some of these options include:
For more information about your options for making assisted living more affordable, visit our guide to Assisted Living in Tennessee.
Resource |
Contact |
Service |
East Tennessee Area Agency on Aging and Disability in Knoxville, TN |
(865) 691-2551 |
The local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) offers seniors in the Knoxville area of East Tennessee support. This comes in the form of supplemental services, counseling, caregiver training, mobility assistance programs, meal plans and help gaining access to other local services. These free programs are available to seniors in East Tennessee who are 60+ or people of any age who have a disability. One of the primary goals of this AAA branch is to protect the dignity and rights of seniors in Tennessee. |
(865) 523-1135 |
This senior center in East Knoxville offers free services to citizens age 55+ to improve community engagement and offer support to the aging population. The center is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm and provides services like blood pressure checks along with activities like billiards and basket weaving. There is no annual membership fee required for seniors to take advantage of these programs. | |
(865) 673-5001 |
The MyRide TN program consists of a network of volunteers who offer rides to seniors 60+ in the region. Knox County is the only area of Tennessee with wheelchair-friendly transportation through this program. All drivers are screened to ensure they have a clean record, valid license and proof of insurance. Rides cost $3.00 one way within Knox County and $6.00 roundtrip (with multiple stops allowed). Any out-of-county fares will vary depending on the driving distance. | |
(877) 801-0044 |
The TN SHIP initiative is a federally funded program that offers seniors unbiased assistance when dealing with their medical insurance. Those who are eligible for Medicare, their families and caregivers can benefit from the confidential and free counseling available through SHIP. Volunteers for SHIP offer advice and can answer questions about Medicare. Whether you need help paying for a prescription through Medicare, choosing a plan or understanding your medical bills, the counselors are ready to help via phone or email. | |
(865) 258-5988 |
The Knoxville Outreach Music for Seniors program seeks to improve the quality of life for elderly adults in recreational and care settings. The program brings in musicians to perform a one-hour immersive music program in settings like senior centers, churches retirement communities and assisted living facilities. The program brings in soloists, duos, trios and even groups to entertain and engage with seniors. This music program brings joy and enriches the lives of elderly adults in Knoxville and surrounding areas. |
Assisted Living Facilities in the Knoxville area are required to follow a set of rules and regulations that are determined at the state level. For an overview of those rules and regulations, see the information below. For more specific information, talk with your local community or Area Agency on Aging.