Middle-class areas that are not too rural and are affordable?

[Chas863]

Overall, I think that you'll find that the biggest differences between Knoxville and Clarksville are cultural differences. While these differences aren't huge, I think you'll find that Knoxville residents (as a whole) are a little older, a little more conservative, a little whiter, and a little more "Appalachian" in their culture than Clarksville residents.

Of course, your perception can and will vary drastically depending on what part of town you live in or spend most of your time in. If you're around the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, then you'll see younger, more liberal, more active people than in Knoxville as a whole.

And, of course, in Clarksville there's the unmistakable influence of the Fort Campbell Military Installation just 5 miles or so northwest of town. There's also Austin Peay University and other smaller colleges in Clarksville.

So it kind of depends on what part of town you're in and what your likes/preferences are. You'll find some of both the old and the new in both towns, but Clarksville has had more population growth in the past 30 years than Knoxville. OTOH, Knoxville has had a lot of growth in the towns/communities just outside of town.

You probably just need to visit and see which one appeals to you more. Good luck in your search. I think that either would be a good choice.

[crltn19]

They are similar in size only if you consider the population within the city limits. The area defined as within Knoxville city limits is actually quite small; a few minutes drive from downtown will take you out of the city into the county. Knox County has over 470K residents and over 60% of them live outside the city limits (i.e., in unincorporated areas), although the vast majority of locations in the county use "Knoxville" in their address. And the previous poster was right about the fact over the years it has been the county (outside the city) and to a lesser extent, parts of a few adjacent counties that led the bulk of the population growth. Long story short, at the county and metro level, the Knoxville area is a lot bigger and more spread out than Clarksville, unless of course if you consider Clarksville as part of the Nashville CSA due to its proximity.

[mattec]

The Knoxville MSA is 868K, whereas the Clarksville MSA is only 307K. So, as others have stated, Knoxville is a lot larger. Also, Knoxville has been a mid-sized urban area and economic center of East Tennessee for the last 150 years. Clarksville prior to the last 20-30 years was only a small city on the periphery of Nashville's influence.

Because of the size difference and the difference in historical regional standing, Knoxville's downtown and urban areas are miles ahead of what Clarksville can offer. Knoxville also has better shopping and more cultural amenities. However, Clarksville is only about 45-60 mins from Nashville, which could make up for that discrepancy if you're willing to drive.

[TravelerUSA45]

I think I'm going to give Knoxville a second look -- it sounds like it is more my speed. I will visit both though and see what my impressions are. Thanks everyone for the input!

[hiknapster]

I showed up in Knoxville in 2005 as a liberal and left in 2018 as a right-leaning Trump supporter. I now consider myself a Republican and doubt I will ever vote for anyone with a D behind their name. I hung out with a lot of older, Democrats in Knoxville and was appalled to find that they were actually socialists. Some of them actually belong to that party.

The point of my comment is to look beyond the stereotypes. The place may not be teaming with socialists, but the city has had two leftist mayors in the past 12 years. They aren't taking over a city block and naming it Chaz, but you'd be surprised at how many radicals and Dems are in Knoxville.