Knoxville is no longer playing second fiddle to nearby Chattanooga or Asheville. K-town is its own one-city band, delivering great eating (#57), shopping (#33) and sights (#45)—plus the country’s 19th-most affordable housing. And investment is pouring in. Marriot, Hilton and Moxy hotels are all under development, with openings into 2026. They’ll go to good use as visitors flock to walkable downtown Knoxville, rich with museums, murals and, of course, local music. Covenant Health Park, the publicly owned, $114-million multi-use stadium housing the local Smokies minor league ball club, opened in April, bringing the game back to Marble City. But pocket urbanism isn’t Knoxville’s only strength. The city features more than 125 miles of trails and greenways, all within a quick bike or drive. Or, in the case of the 1,000-acre Urban Wilderness park, right within city limits. It all makes for an easy #26 Green Space ranking. What’s next for Knoxville? Restaurants are springing up left and right, unemployment is low (#15) and 400 new business licenses were issued in January 2025. Pet genomics firm BioPet Laboratories has its new headquarters in West Knoxville, and the Tennessee Theatre is expanding into the historic 612 Building. Knoxville is at center stage.