TYS Tower (Knoxville, TN)

📍 About TYS & Knoxville

McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) serves Knoxville and the East Tennessee region. Situated near the Great Smoky Mountains, Knoxville offers a mix of scenic beauty, historic charm, a strong college-town vibe, and low cost of living. The area is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, families, and anyone seeking a slower pace without sacrificing city amenities.

🏡 Where to Live

Popular Areas

• Maryville – Just south of the airport, quiet suburbs, top-rated schools.
• Farragut – Affluent community with parks and great schools.
• West Knoxville – Popular with young professionals, easy access to shopping and dining.
• Alcoa – Closest to the airport with affordable housing.

🚗 Commute Times to TYS

• 5–10 min: Alcoa, Maryville
• 15–20 min: West Knoxville, Farragut
• 25–35 min: Downtown Knoxville

🎓 Local School Options

• Knox County Schools – Covers most of the metro area including West Knoxville and Farragut.
• Blount County Schools – Serving Maryville and Alcoa.
• Maryville City Schools – Among the highest-rated in the state.

🧳 Things to Do – Outdoors & Recreation

• Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Just 45 minutes away for hiking, camping, and waterfalls.
• Ijams Nature Center: An urban wilderness close to downtown Knoxville.
• Volunteer Landing: Beautiful riverfront greenway with walking and biking paths.
• UT Sports: University of Tennessee football and basketball are huge community events.

✈️ Nearby Airports

• McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS): Medium-sized airport with service from American, Delta, United, and others.
• Nashville International Airport (BNA): About 3 hours away with expanded domestic and international service.

🧭 Helpful Resources

• City of Knoxville
• Visit Knoxville
• Tennessee DMV
• Blount County Chamber of Commerce

💰 Cost of Living

• Housing: Median home price in Knoxville is around $310,000. Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is typically $1,000–$1,300/month.
• Utilities: Expect to pay $150–$200/month for electric, water, gas, and trash.
• Groceries: Knoxville has multiple national grocery chains and regional options like Food City and Ingles.
• Gas: Averages $3.20–$3.50/gallon.
• Taxes: Tennessee has no state income tax. Sales tax is 9.25% in Knox County.

🌆 Neighborhood Highlights

• Farragut: Upscale, family-friendly, with highly rated schools and larger homes.
• Maryville: Quiet suburbs with affordable housing and a short commute.
• South Knoxville: Trendy with quick access to urban wilderness and downtown.
• Sequoyah Hills: Historic, walkable, and close to the University of Tennessee.

☀️ Seasonal Weather

• Winter: Mild with occasional snow and freezing rain. Highs in the 40s°F.
• Spring: Warm and green, with frequent rain. Highs in the 60s–70s°F.
• Summer: Hot and humid. Highs often in the 80s–90s°F with afternoon thunderstorms.
• Fall: Crisp and beautiful foliage. Highs in the 60s–70s°F.

🚇 Public Transportation & Traffic

• Transit: Knoxville Area Transit (KAT) serves the city but is limited near TYS.
• Driving: Most residents rely on personal vehicles. Commutes are short but rush hour traffic can back up on I-40/I-140.
• Parking: Easy and free at most homes, parks, and businesses. Airport-area parking is abundant.

🏥 Healthcare & Urgent Care

• UT Medical Center: Major teaching hospital and trauma center close to downtown.
• Blount Memorial Hospital: Near Maryville and Alcoa, convenient for airport-adjacent neighborhoods.
• Numerous walk-in clinics: Available throughout the metro area.

🫂 Social Life & Community

• Events: Knoxville hosts regular festivals like Dogwood Arts, Boomsday, and local concerts on Market Square.
• Outdoor community: Hiking, biking, paddling, and climbing are part of everyday life here.
• Sports: Vols football and basketball are local obsessions.

🍽️ Dining & Food Scene

• Southern comfort food: Try Sweet P’s BBQ or The Plaid Apron.
• Downtown Knoxville: Offers modern cuisine, gastropubs, and rooftop patios.
• Coffee culture: K Brew, Honeybee Coffee, and Mahalo Coffee are local favorites.
• Farmers markets: Market Square Farmers’ Market and others run weekly spring–fall.

🛫 ATC-Specific Tips

• Facility: McGhee Tyson Tower handles regional commercial traffic, ANG (Air National Guard), and GA flights.
• Traffic mix: FedEx, Allegiant, Delta, United, GA, and military ops are routine.
• Runway layout: Two intersecting runways (5L/23R and 5R/23L).
• Weather: Be ready for low visibility, fog, and summer thunderstorm diversions.
• Schedule: Shifts rotate; living close by is convenient during early-morning reports.

📦 Moving Tips

• Best time to move: Spring or early fall for milder weather.
• Internet providers: Xfinity, AT&T Fiber, and TDS Telecom are popular.
• Utilities: KUB (electric/gas/water) for most of Knoxville. Alcoa and Maryville have separate providers.
• Storage: Secure storage available near airport and suburbs.

❓ FAQs

• Is Knoxville safe?
  Yes — especially in the suburbs like Farragut and Maryville.
• Do I need 4WD in the winter?
  Not usually. Occasional icy roads may cause closures.
• What is the work vibe at TYS?
  Professional, steady-paced, and welcoming to newcomers.
• Is there a strong ATC community?
  Yes — many controllers live nearby and socialize outside of work.