Knoxville Art & Culture Attracts Creative Retirees

URBAN LIVING

Knoxville, Tennessee is the home of Country Music star, Kenny Chesney. It’s where Dolly Parton got her big break. While the Knoxville music draws thousands to the Marble City, Knoxville’s visual art scene is wiggling in to share more of that spotlight. 

Thanks to a growing number of artists, patrons, and gallery owners, Knoxville has been positioning itself to become a sought after destination for art lovers, too.  Retirees who love and appreciate art and are considering relocating to Knoxville TN, will find Gay Street in the city’s downtown one of the ideal places to live. Some of the most interesting hand painted murals are found on the buildings of downtown Knoxville.

Gay Street, referred to many as the Arts District, is home to several art galleries and studios. It is also where many historic Knoxville music venues like the Bijou Theatre and the Tennessee Theatre are housed. 

Gay Street became a cultural scene in the late 1800s following the construction of the Staub’s Theatre. The neighborhood has evolved since those humble beginnings. The Art Market Gallery, ZSP, and Gallery 1010 are a few additions, located in the 100-block of Gay Street, that are working to expose residents and visitors to Knoxville’s growing art scene.

The Emporium Center, also built during the late 1800s, is considered Knoxville’s first arts center. Step inside the renovated 28,000 square feet facility to experience exhibits by local and regional artists. 

Modern art enthusiasts will probably enjoy visiting UT Downtown Gallery. Its current exhibit features editorial cartoons.

Visitors can stroll down the one-hundred block of Gay Street to check out the action up close. When you’re visiting Knoxville in the near future, check out the city’s event calendar. There are Knoxville art exhibits in and around the city, in addition to other entertainment activities. The galleries also list events on their websites far in advance, which is helpful for planning purposes. 

Cultural districts like Gay Street continue to gain popularity as retirees desire to live closer to urban cities so they can walk to everything. Connoisseurs of artistic expressions, such as music and art find these urban communities ideal places to live because they are inspiring and do not deal with traffic and parking. These areas are also known to attract diverse restaurants, shops and live entertainment. Now is be a good time to consider relocating to Knoxville TN to get ahead of this shift.

And if this movement continues to gain momentum, the Knoxville music is going to have to make room because the city’s artists are poised to share the limelight. 

If a culturally thriving community will fits your lifestyle, let us help you decide whether relocating to Knoxville TN is the right move. It’s our pleasure to help! Just reach out and say hello.