Knoxville is known for its sprint car racing, housing and lake access
While nonlocals might confuse Knoxville, Iowa, with the well-known city in Tennessee, this rural community has still found ways to make a name for itself. Knoxville's major employers, quick highway access and varied home prices make it an attractive option for people relocating from surrounding communities — like Pella , Pleasantville and Des Moines — or from other states. "We have affordable housing, and I think our cost of living is lower," says Sara Roberts, Realtor at Sundance Realty and co-founder of The Knox Collective, a group dedicated to creating connections and building the community. "Local Iowans may not notice it as much, but out-of-staters do." And while the community prides itself on its small-town atmosphere, it is also home to several attractions, from Lake Red Rock to the Knoxville Raceway. This historic racetrack earned Knoxville its title of Sprint Car Capital of the World, and the venue's largest annual event attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year.
Ranch styles dominate, but Veterans District is bringing new housing
Ranch-style houses dominate the city's residential landscape. Craftsman-style two-story homes, bi-level houses and bungalows are also around. Older properties from the early to mid-1900s often feature historical architecture, such as Dutch Colonial roofs and Cape Cod dormer windows. Most homes sit on shady, city-grid streets. New housing is slowly coming to the Veterans District, a former hospital site-turned-152-acre development opportunity. Roberts says 34 lots have already sold or are pending sale as of October 2025. Move-in-ready homes typically cost between $100,000 and $270,000. New construction and properties with higher square footage or larger lots tend to sell between $280,000 and $520,000.
Knoxville Raceway and Lake Red Rock draw locals and visitors outdoors
The community is most well-known for the Knoxville Raceway, one of the state's largest outdoor entertainment venues. The arena attracts over 25,000 people annually for the Knoxville Nationals, a four-day sprint car racing event. Campsites at the Knoxville Raceway Campgrounds and Marion County Park accommodate many attendees in town for the races. The National Sprint Car Hall of Fame & Museum gives a look at the city's racing history. Local recreation areas include Veterans and Auld parks, which offer playgrounds, a splash pad and a dog park. Residents are also within 6 miles of Lake Red Rock and Elk Rock State Park, where people can boat, fish, hike, camp and horseback ride. First Street states that the city has a moderate risk of flooding and wildfire. Knoxville is also part of Tornado Alley, making it prone to tornadoes. "I've grown up in Iowa my whole life, so it's just one of those things," Roberts says.
Coffee, cocktails and Chinese food in the city’s downtown square
Knoxville's downtown square is a hub for shopping and dining. Old-timey brick buildings housing a variety of boutiques, eateries, businesses and private organizations surround a central green space and the historic Marion County Courthouse. The Coffee Connection serves freshly brewed coffee, while Atlantic & Pacific Pub specializes in cocktail concoctions. Deng's Garden offers classic Chinese-American dishes. The Grand Theater is known for its preserved vintage interior and $5 movie tickets. From May to October, the Knoxville Farmers Market opens in the central square every Saturday morning. State Route 14 is another commercial corridor, offering more casual restaurants, a Walmart Supercenter and two supermarkets.
Students attend assigned Knoxville schools despite open enrollment
Knoxville Community School District participates in Iowa's open enrollment program, but Roberts says most students attend their assigned schools inside the city. Kids start at West Elementary and Northstar Elementary for prekindergarten through fifth grade. The schools have B-minus and C ratings from Niche, respectively. Knoxville Middle also earns a B-minus, while Knoxville High has a C-plus. Knoxville High has over a dozen sports teams as well as clubs for everything from mock trial to esports.
Local jobs in manufacturing and health care keep workers near home
Most residents drive, relying on state routes 5, 92 and 14 as the city's major thoroughfares. While some locals may commute, many people living in Knoxville work for manufacturers like Weiler, 3M and Hormel Foods. The industrial railroad passes through the city, regularly diverting to 3M to pick up cargo. Knoxville Hospital & Clinics is also a major employer. For commercial flights, locals make the 36-mile drive to Des Moines International Airport.
Christmas rivals racing season for biggest local events
Christmas is one of the busiest times of the year, second only to the Knoxville Nationals. On the Thursday before Thanksgiving, crowds gather downtown to explore Living Windows, which includes a tree lighting, carriage rides, business giveaways and a snowball drop. "Santa and Mrs. Claus throw out wiffle balls, and if you catch one, you bring it to the chamber, and there's a table full of prizes that have been donated," says Megan Bennett, executive director for the Knoxville Chamber of Commerce. Winter also brings Marion County Christmas, a drive-through lights tour. New city events include a fall festival, which Bennett expects to become an annual celebration.
