If living an independent lifestyle is important to you, but you don’t want the stress of caring for a home, consider moving to an independent living community in Knoxville, TN. Independent living communities offer the chance to experience what the third-largest city in Tennessee has to offer every day surrounded by a community of other seniors.
A Place for Mom has three Knoxville-based independent living community partners. Each is within a 10-mile radius of Knoxville’s bustling downtown area, and if you widen the search to a 25-mile radius of Knoxville, there are three additional assisted living facilities to choose from. And every partner community offers a wealth of amenities and options — maybe you’re looking for pet-friendliness, meal services, laundry service, or additional activity options such as billiards or swimming. To help you decide which one is best suited for your needs, we’ve included rankings.
This is your guide to looking for your next home in Knoxville. In it, we will cover available options, costs, ways to pay, and specific information on how to get around Knoxville to enjoy all it has to offer.
10 Best Independent Living Communities in Knoxville, TN
If living an independent lifestyle is important to you, but you don’t want the stress of caring for a home, consider moving to an independent living community in Knoxville, TN. Independent living communities offer the chance to experience what the third-largest city in Tennessee has to offer every day surrounded by a community of other seniors.Read more
A Place for Mom has three Knoxville-based independent living community partners. Each is within a 10-mile radius of Knoxville’s bustling downtown area, and if you widen the search to a 25-mile radius of Knoxville, there are three additional assisted living facilities to choose from. And every partner community offers a wealth of amenities and options — maybe you’re looking for pet-friendliness, meal services, laundry service, or additional activity options such as billiards or swimming. To help you decide which one is best suited for your needs, we’ve included rankings.
This is your guide to looking for your next home in Knoxville. In it, we will cover available options, costs, ways to pay, and specific information on how to get around Knoxville to enjoy all it has to offer.
Knoxville Independent Living Facilities | 783 Reviews
What I like about Renaissance Terrace is it's relatively small, so the residents get a lot of individualized attention. It's also a non-profit, so they're driven by their mission statement as opposed to a...
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Our mom has lived at Shannondale Assisted Living for about 4 years. While her mind and body have declined during her 90 years, we find peace in the fact that she is so happy everyday. The staff at...
The community is very neat and clean. They go above and beyond to help the residence when they can. The staff is friendly and caring and they have lots of activities going on. I would recommend this...
Beautiful facility with a band new exquisite wing adding 20 suites. Staff is wonderful, caring & attentive. I’ve had experience with other properties who look great in appearance and talk it up in the tour,...
We've had a very good experience with Autumn Care, overall! The facility itself looks very nice, they do a great job of keeping it clean, and there's usually some sort of activity going on for the residents....
- What families are saying about independent living in Knoxville
- Costs of independent living in the Knoxville, TN, area
- How people pay for independent living in Knoxville, TN
- Understand Tennessee laws and regulations for independent living communities
- Get to know independent living in Knoxville, TN
- Types of independent living in Knoxville, TN
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Knoxville, TN? Here are the highlights for seniors.
What families are saying about independent living in Knoxville
Recent reviews for independent living in Knoxville
The Groves at Oak Ridge
The Pinnacle On Schaeffer in Knoxville, TN
Rain Forest Landings in Knoxville, TN
Costs of independent living in the Knoxville, TN, area
On average, seniors pay $2,649 per month to live in independent living communities within A Place for Mom’s network of communities in Knoxville, TN. {{citation 6}} This figure is based on A Place for Mom’s proprietary data and includes all associated fees as well as service fee add-ons. The costs account for variations dependent on floor plans, amenities, locations, or additional services.
Since Knoxville’s cost of living is 15% less than the national average, seniors can expect to pay less for independent community housing than they would if they lived elsewhere.[01] Although the fees may be lower, residents won’t miss out on any amenities. All of the independent living communities geared for seniors in Knoxville, TN include raised garden beds, pet-friendly policies, complimentary transportation, on-site libraries, indoor and outdoor common areas, an included cable package and easy access to music, such as a piano or an organ.
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Knoxville, TN vs. nearby cities
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Knoxville, TN vs. the state and national average
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Knoxville vs. other types of senior living
Median monthly costs of Independent Living in Knoxville, TN by room type
Average cost of Independent Living in Knoxville over time
How people pay for independent living in Knoxville, TN
Independent living costs are generally not covered by Medicaid, Medicare, or long-term healthcare insurance. This means that most, if not all, costs must be paid by the resident entering the independent living community.
Medical costs, however, may be covered by Medicaid, Medicare, or private insurance. For instance, medically necessary in-home health care services performed at the resident’s independent living home may be entirely or partially covered. Nevertheless, most independent living community expenses will be paid for via private pay methods.
Seniors who move to independent living accommodations in Knoxville, TN, may use one or more of the following private pay methods to cover their relocation and housing costs.
- Social Security benefits: Monthly Social Security payments can help offset some or all of the cost to live independently.
- Savings accounts: A savings account can help seniors make the move easily into a Knoxville independent living community.
- Pensions and retirement income: Seniors who receive regular pensions or other retirement income may put them toward housing.
- Investment returns: Residents who earn returns from stocks, bonds, and other portfolio investments can leverage those returns to cover the cost of independent living. Or any of the following:
Some seniors are military veterans. This status means that they may qualify for special Veterans Administration (VA) benefits and assistance in Knoxville, TN. While the VA doesn’t give compensation for independent living specifically, benefits can help alleviate financial hardships.
For instance, veterans who are aged 65+ may qualify to receive VA pensions. Such pensions can be used to cover both housing and health care needs. As a result, veterans who move to independent living communities in Knoxville may find themselves paying less out of pocket for their monthly rent.
Another VA benefit is the Aid and Attendance benefit. The Aid and Attendance benefit can cover senior living expenses, including the costs of living in independent living communities. To learn about available and untapped VA benefits, contact local, county-wide, or state VA benefit assistance offices. Those offices will have veteran services officers (VSOs) as well as veteran’s benefits advocates. Senior veterans can also find support through their local American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) organizations.
Number of veterans who live in Knoxville, TN
Percentage of Knoxville, TN veterans that are 65+, according the US Census Bureau
Resources for Knoxville, TN, veterans
Knox County Veterans Services Office
Knox Central Building
1000 N. Central St.
Knoxville, TN 37917
Phone: 865-215-5645
Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
American Legion
5700 Old Rutledge Pike
Knoxville, TN 37924
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
734 N Fourth Ave
Knoxville, TN 37917-6727
Phone: 865-523-7347
Meetings: 1:00 PM, 4th Sunday of the Month
Medicaid operates as both a state and federal public pay program intended for seniors who have no more private savings. The idea behind the Medicaid system is that people living at 133% or below the poverty line can use assistance to improve their quality of life and well-being. While Medicaid will not pay directly for independent living, it can cover some or all of an individual’s medical needs.
In Tennessee, Medicaid is called TennCare Medicaid and can help seniors pay for in-home care services. With a Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver, seniors can avoid the need to move to long-term care facilities and remain in independent living communities longer.
To be eligible for TennCare Medicaid, seniors must be at least 65 years old and meet certain limitations and disability requirements. These requirements include being a resident of the state who would be considered low-income or very low-income. Applications for TennCare Medicaid can be made anytime. The application process can take several months to complete.
If you have questions about long-term care, contact your local ombudsman. The ombudsman is trained to help seniors with questions about quality of care, resident rights, long-term care facilities, Medicare, and Medicaid.
Tennessee resident Medicaid resources
Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability
State Long-Term Care Ombudsman
502 Deaderick St., 9th Floor
Nashville, TN 37243-0860
Phone: 615-925-1552, 877-236-0013
TDD: 615-532-3893
TennCare Medicaid
310 Great Circle Road
Nashville, TN 37243
Phone: 1-800-342-3145
Knoxville-Knox County Community Action Committee Office of Aging
2247 Western Ave.
Knoxville, TN 37921
Phone: 865-524-2786
Medicare is a federally based health insurance program designed for individuals who are at least 65 years old. Like Medicaid, Medicare doesn’t cover independent living rent. It can, however, provide assistance to cover the cost of some seniors’ medical costs while they’re living in independent living communities. You can sign up for Medicare here through the Social Security Administration’s website where you can complete an application online or via a phone call.
A good resource to help understand how Medicare works for statewide residents is the Tennessee State Health Insurance Assistance Program (TN SHIP). TN SHIP provides unbiased, honest, and confidential counseling to all seniors. Another organization that can help seniors with limited incomes better understand if they can qualify for additional health cost savings is the Tennessee Medicare Savings Program. Additionally, those already taking pharmaceutical medications may find help in the form of Tennessee CoverRX Pharmaceutical Coverage. Run by the Behavioral Health Safety Net of Tennessee (BHSN of TN), the Tennessee CoverRX Pharmaceutical Coverage makes lifesaving medications more affordable.
Tennessee also offers the Tennessee Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). This program provides a wide variety of services to the elderly including adult day care, dental, emergency, and home care services.
For additional assistance, the Office on Aging has a directory of resources available. You can also contact your local ombudsman for information about long-term care.
Knoxville, TN, resident Medicare resources
Social Security Administration
9031 Cross Park Drive,
Knoxville, TN 37923
Phone: (800) 772-1213
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
District Long-Term Care Ombudsman
East Tennessee Human Resource Agency9111 Cross Park Drive, Suite D100
Knoxville, TN 37923
Phone: 865-691-2551
Office on Aging
2247 Western Ave.
Knoxville, TN 37921
Phone: 865-524-2786
Email: knoxooa@knoxseniors.org
Tennessee Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)
Social Security Administration – Knoxville, TN
9031 Cross Park Drive
Knoxville, TN 37923
Phone: (800) 772-1213
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Understand Tennessee laws and regulations for independent living communities
In Knoxville and throughout the state of Tennessee, independent living communities typically do not need to be inspected or licensed routinely, because these communities do not provide personal care or medical services, per se. Independent living communities may be subject to governing health and safety standard regulations if they have assisted living services also on the premises. Facilities that offer a combination of services also allow for continuity of care. If a senior begins in independent living but requires additional care later on, the resident can continue care with the same facility easily.
Some independent living facilities choose to receive accreditations and certifications from entities like the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) or the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO). In that case, those independent living accommodations and facilities would need to be inspected.
When looking at independent living facilities, here are a few regulations to keep in mind:
- Fair Housing Act (FHA) compliance: Under the FHA, discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability is strictly prohibited. Independent living facilities must comply with these regulations, including providing reasonable accommodations for tenants with disabilities.
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance: The ADA requires reasonable accommodations be made for individuals with disabilities whether in public or provide housing. This includes, but is not limited to, modifications such as wheelchair ramps or grab bars in the bathroom.
- Local service/emotional support/therapy animal laws: All of the Knoxville independent living facilities in A Place For Mom’s network are pet-friendly, and in Tennessee, landlords are required to allow service animals and emotional support animals.
To understand the full range of licensing and inspection requirements of any independent living facility in Knoxville, always ask the facility’s administrative team. Or, contact Knoxville-specific or state-based agencies governing senior housing such as the Tennessee Department of Health or the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance.
Additional requirements for residing in independent living communities in Tennessee
Like other states, Tennessee sets an age minimum and other requirements for residents. Many facilities have a minimum age requirement of 55 years old. A Place For Mom can help find the best facility that fits your needs and your age.
Tennessee Department of Health contact information
TN Department of Health
710 James Robertson Parkway
Nashville, TN 37243
Phone: 615-741-3111
COVID-19 regulations for Knoxville, TN, independent living communities
While every independent living community can make its own decisions regarding COVID-19 regulations, there are no local and state mandates that the community is expected to follow.
Some COVID-19 considerations based primarily on Tennessee Department of Health mandates and expectations may include:
Vaccinations. Residents don’t have to be vaccinated to live at independent living communities in the state.
Masking. Masks are not mandated at independent living communities, although they may be required by some facilities as put of their own community rules for residents and staff.
Social distancing and quarantining. Social distancing and quarantining is not generally regulated across Tennessee or within Knoxville. Independent living communities may have their own expectations and regulations, though.
CDC guidelines. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released guidelines governing COVID-19 protocols for independent living communities. These guidelines are not binding but do provide some direction on hygiene and screening methodologies and frequencies .
Get to know independent living in Knoxville, TN
Types of independent living in Knoxville, TN
Independent living means something a little different to each person. Fortunately, Knoxville, TN, independent living facilities offer variety. This makes it simpler to find the right independent living community to fit any senior’s preferred housing arrangements and lifestyle.
Services and amenities
Some of the major amenities found throughout the stress-free independent care living accommodations available in Knoxville can include:
- Onsite laundry and housekeeping services
- Nutritious meals and snacks
- All-inclusive home maintenance and access to outside repair personnel
- Social activities including regular outings
- Patios and other private outdoor spaces
- Roomy and luxurious apartments, homes, and townhouse-style arrangements
What you know you can expect from all facilities in A Place for Mom’s network is pet-friendly services, on-site activities at the facility, and community amenities. If you’re looking for an on-site physician, 33% of the facilities in A Place For Mom’s network offer a physician on site for resident care.
More than anything else, independent living communities give residents freedom.
Location of facilities
Though some may be located near other assisted living or nursing care facilities, independent living communities are meant to give residents peace of mind in a peaceful setting. Within a 10-mile radius of Knoxville, there are three standalone independent living facilities, but within a 25-mile radius of Knoxville, there is one standalone independent living facility and two combination independent living and assisted living facilities.
Standalone independent living facilities are often designed to look like beautiful apartment buildings with common areas inside and outside. They offer more energetic activities that can take even residents around the town for fun events. Standalone independent living facilities do not offer care, so if a resident needs care for the short or longer-term, the senior or their family would need to hire a caretaker from outside of the facility to assist. Facilities that offer independent living and assisted living cover the gap between independent and assisted living needs. If a resident in independent living needs short-term or long-term care, the facility can step in and offer additional care services or help with the transition into assisted living if the resident will need long-term care with daily activities and/or monitoring. If you’re looking for the possibility of continuity of care for yourself or your loved one, a facility that offers a combination of care services could be the right fit.
Common areas to relax
If you’re looking to relax on your own, with friends, or guests, all of A Place For Mom’s in-network facilities offer indoor and outdoor commons rooms, libraries, and outside patios. Enjoy the beautiful weather outside or stay warm and cozy inside in common areas just for residents and their guests.
Pets welcomed with open arms
For residents who are already pet parents or are thinking about bringing a dog or cat into their lives, pet friendliness matters. When deciding between independent living centers in Knoxville, TN, individuals and their families can know that all independent living centers within A Place For Mom’s network allow pets. In general, Knoxville is a dog-friendly city with many walking trails and even some eateries where furry friends are received with smiles.
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Unfamiliar with Knoxville, TN? Here are the highlights for seniors.
Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Knoxville
Percentage of seniors 65 and older within the Knoxville population
Health care for seniors in Knoxville, TN
Staying on top of medical care and having access to top healthcare facilities is important for all people, and especially those in their senior years. Knoxville has a number of world-class hospitals and other facilities to choose from.
Parkwest Medical Center
Regionally ranked as the first best regional hospital in Knoxville and the fourth best regional hospital in Eastern Tennessee by U.S. News & World Report, Parkwest Medical Center offers a variety of clinical care services including senior behavioral health, cardiac services, cancer services, stroke services, and sleep studies . The hospital also provides regular educational events for patients of all ages and their family members.
University of Tennessee Medical Center
As Knoxville’s regional academic medical center, the University of Tennessee Medical Center has received U.S. News & World Reports’ highest ranking as a Knoxville best regional hospital and fourth rank as a best regional hospital in Eastern Tennessee . Known for its leading edge medical care, the University of Tennessee Medical Center features a brain and spine institute, a cancer institute, a heart lung institute, an orthopedic institute, and an emergency center.
Transportation for seniors in Knoxville, TN
Knoxville has fewer public transportation resources than some other cities. Nonetheless, It’s important to remember that approximately 93% of all the independent living accommodations that are affiliated with A Place for Mom offered some type of schedule-based transportation [06]. This may be an important trait to consider when choosing between different options.
Getting around Knoxville, TN, doesn’t require a car, although having access to a private vehicle is preferred by most residents. However, there are other ways that seniors living in Knoxville, TN, get from place to place.
For instance, walking may be an option depending on where an individual lives and wants to go. The walkability score for Knoxville is 31 out of 100 [05]. This means it’s less walkable than many other cities but can certainly be walkable for some destinations that are more local. Downtown, the University of Tennessee, and Fort Sanders are the most walkable neighborhoods.
The biking score, which is also out of 100, is set at 30. Again, this puts Knoxville in the lower category of bike-ability because it has a smattering of bike lanes. Nevertheless, experienced cyclists may find it easier than recreational cyclists to bike from location to location.
Public transportation in Knoxville receives a transit score of 27 out of 100. This score comes from comparing Knoxville’s public transit with the public transit offered in other cities of similar size. The public transportation offered in Knoxville is:
- Knoxville Area Transit (KAT): The KAT features 20+ bus lines. Each line operates daily including on weekends. Plus, the KAT provides free trolley rides in select neighborhoods as well as a LIFT reservation-only service for those unable to use the regular route schedule. Residents must apply for LIFT certification.
In addition to KAT, the state of Tennessee makes transit possible for seniors in several ways.
- Knox County Customized Transit: The Knoxville-Knox County Community Action Committee Office on Aging has a robust office serving the seniors living within Knox County. Seniors can contact the Office on Aging to find out if they qualify for alternative Knox County transportation outside of KAT or LIFT. This may include volunteer assisted transportation (VAT).
- TennCare Transportation: TennCare Transportation offers what it calls a Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Benefit (NEMT) to its TennCare Members without transportation. All NEMT rides are by prior schedule only.
- MyRide Tennessee: This transportation service is run by volunteers and is especially useful for seniors in need of rides to healthcare appointments.
Knoxville has fewer public transportation resources than some other cities. Nonetheless, It’s important to remember that approximately 93% of all the independent living accommodations that are affiliated with A Place for Mom offered some type of schedule-based transportation [06]. This may be an important trait to consider when choosing between different options.
Walk Score
Transit Score
Bike Score
Senior activities in Knoxville, TN
Knoxville, TN, is a vibrant city offering many opportunities for seniors to engage in recreational, educational, and entertaining indoor and outdoor activities. Throughout the year, plenty of events take place throughout Knoxville that are available to the public.
Culture and dining
When it comes to culture and dining, Knoxville stands out. Music is especially important here, as evidenced by the well-regarded Knoxville Symphony Orchestra. Month after month, the symphony presents concerts, choirs, concertos, and more. For more music as well as the opportunity to see touring stars and groups, a trip to The Tennessee Theater is certainly recommended.
Knoxville’s cuisine is just as exciting as its cultural opportunities. From upscale restaurants and craft breweries to pet-friendly pizzerias and themed bistros, almost all types of food are represented here. Two standouts as reviewed by locals and visitors include the five-star rated Five Thirty Lounge with its sweeping views of the city and Nick & J’s Cafe, which serves diner fare for breakfast and lunch.
Museums and more
History buffs, art lovers, and museum enthusiasts come to Knoxville for a reason: It’s easy to find many types of museums to tour. The Knoxville Museum of Art is the first up with its collection of East Tennessee 19th century art, contemporary art, and traveling exhibitions. For a more focused look at Tennessee’s specific history, The East TN History Center run by the East Tennessee Historical Society presents a well-researched, thoughtful, and insightful look at what makes this part of the nation distinct.
For a different kind of museum-like experience, the Knoxville Botanical Gardens sit on 57 acres of cultivated land. Featuring walking trails, historic outbuildings, and horticultural specimens indigenous to the region, the Knoxville Botanical Gardens grounds are a pleasant respite for all visitors. For a deeper dive into nature and society, the McClung Museum of Natural History & Culture is a must-experience destination.
Family fun and destinations
In Knoxville, it’s not uncommon to be able to enjoy events on the weekend throughout the four seasons. Some of the big-name festivals include the springtime Dogwood Arts Festival, the summertime KARM Dragon Boat Festival, fall’s downtown Latin-American themed Hola Festival. And it’s hard to beat the yearly Cabin Fever: Rod Run Car Show held just as the leaves are beginning to turn..
For family fun any time, Dollywood is without a doubt one of the most well-known attractions across Tennessee. With its rides, food, and entertainment, Dollywood is a place to spend the day with friends and loved ones. It’s not just geared for the younger set. Guests of all ages can find something to love about this amusement park.
Follow up a day or two at Dolly Parton’s park with a visit to The Sunsphere and its Observation Deck at the site of Knoxville’s World’s Fair Park. Then, round out the family-friendly adventures at the acclaimed Zoo Knoxville with its wildlife from all parts of the world.
Health and wellness experiences for seniors
Staying fit is easy in Knoxville. Pickleball players can find both indoor and outdoor pickleball courts and leagues throughout the city. With its more than 112 miles of paved greenways, Knoxville provides a welcome home for those who like walking, running, biking, and strolling.
To find senior-focused activities, check out the South Knoxville Community Center, Larry Cox Senior Center, or John T. O’Connor Senior Citizens Center. Each Center concentrates on scheduling events aimed at individuals in their retirement years. Many events have a health component, such as open gym times and walking clubs. Some events are perfect for exploring beloved and new hobbies such as crafting and sewing. All the centers in Knoxville have been designed to accommodate visitors who use assisted devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
StoryPoint Knoxville West, Dominion Senior Living of Sevierville and The Pointe at Lifespring are the top-rated Independent Living facilities near Knoxville, TN. These Independent Living facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Independent Living in Knoxville is $3,366 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
Cost of Living in Knoxville, Tennessee. (n.d.) Payscale. https://www.payscale.com/cost-of-living-calculator/Tennessee-Knoxville
CDC. (2020). Community, Work, and School. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Data set.
U.S. News and World Report. (2022). Parkwest Medical Center. Report.
U.S. News and World Report. (2022). University of Tennessee Medical Center. Report.
Find Apartments for Rent and Rentals. (2023). Living in Knoxville. Quick facts.
A Place for Mom. (2022). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Population estimates (V2021): Knoxville [Data set]. Quick Facts.
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