Southeast
Americans flock to these mid-size cities due to their affordability amid high cost of urban living
Knoxville, Tennessee is one of the fastest growing mid-size cities in America, attracting thousands of new residents a year, according to recent data.
More Americans are moving from large metropolitan areas to mid-size cities and Knoxville was among the top destinations with 70% of moves inbound in 2023, behind only Wilmington, North Carolina, and Santa Fe, New Mexico, according to a new study released by Mayflower Transit. Knox County, which includes Knoxville, expects to have about 557,000 residents by 2040, which is a 16% increase from 2020, the Knoxville News Sentinel reported.
Mayflower surveyed thousands of individuals across the U.S. over the course of the last two years to determine the factors that drove them to choose a particular city and 91% of movers said cost of living was one of the key factors when deciding where to buy a home. According to data collected by RentCafe.com, the cost of living in Knoxville is 4% lower than the state average and 14% lower than the national average, with housing costs 28% below the national average.
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Boats in the Vol Navy on the Tennessee River outside Neyland Stadium with the Knoxville skyline in the background prior to a game between the Indiana State Sycamores and Tennessee Volunteers on September 9, 2017, at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, TN. (Getty Images)
“Knoxville offers a compelling blend of low living costs, quality education anchored by the University of Tennessee, and a strong sense of community,” real estate, business and finance expert Jarrod Randolph told Fox News Digital. “Its appeal is further enhanced by its proximity to outdoor activities as a gateway to the Smoky Mountains, vibrant downtown, and cultural richness, making it an attractive destination for diverse demographics.”
Nearly half of movers said proximity to arts and cultural venues played a role in where they moved, about two thirds said the weather was a leading factor, while over 60% said proximity to parks, green spaces and nature trails was important, according to Mayflower data.
“While larger cities have traditionally been associated with higher expenses, mid-size cities offer a more affordable lifestyle without compromising on amenities and opportunities,” Mayflower’s Vice President of Corporate Communications Eily Cummings said in a press release. “Our customers are sharing incredible stories of the importance of living near an abundance of outdoor space, where they have access to arts and cultural venues, some nightlife and less traffic. As the benefits of living in mid-size cities become more apparent, it is expected that this trend will continue to shape the future of urban living across the country.”
In addition, 32% of people said they decided to make the move to a mid-sized city to be closer to family, 28% pointed to financial considerations, 19% said it was because they had accepted a new job and 61% of movers said higher pay was a determining factor in their decision to relocate.
Mid-sized cities also often offer a strong sense of community and a slower pace of life when compared to urban areas, according to Mayflower. Residents of mid-sized cities reported feeling more connected to their neighbors and experiencing a greater sense of belonging.
“Knoxville isn’t a small town, but it’s not big like Los Angeles,” Ron Wollard, who recently moved from California to Knoxville, Tennessee, to be closer to family, told Mayflower. “There is lots to do, Smoky Mountain National Park is right here so there are recreational opportunities and a thriving economy. It is a nice blend, and it is not a problem getting from one place to another.”
The Tennessee Theater in downtown Knoxville, Tennessee, U.S., on Friday, May 1, 2020. Photographer: Luke Sharrett/Bloomberg via Getty Images (Luke Sharrett/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
The U-Haul growth index, which looks at one-way customer moves during the past year, included Knoxville as its 17th destination among the top 25 U.S. growth cities of 2023.
“Knoxville has a great sense of community and is naturally beautiful. It’s no surprise that people want to move here,” U-Haul Company of Knoxville president Clay McQuade said in a press release. “I think we are continuing to see the trend of people moving from large metro areas into small and mid-size cities.”
Randolph said a main reason why mid-sized cities are growing in popularity when compared to large metropolitan areas is largely as a result of shifting preferences among millennials.
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“A key demographic in this migration are millennials, who are increasingly prioritizing work-life balance, affordability, and quality of living,” he said. “Their movement towards mid-size cities reflects a shift in lifestyle preferences, away from the high costs and density of large urban centers.”
“The city’s diverse economy, encompassing sectors like automotive, aerospace, energy, healthcare, and high-tech, contributes to its appeal,” he added. “Knoxville’s job market is robust, with a notable presence of high-tech industries and significant growth in tech-related GDP.”
Randolph serves as CEO and Managing Partner of real estate investment company, Vestre Partners, and said this trend aligns with studies they’ve conducted.
“At Vestre Partners, we’re closely monitoring these trends to identify promising real estate development opportunities,” he said. “Our focus is on cities like Knoxville, which align with the emerging housing and lifestyle preferences of today’s homebuyers, especially those seeking a balance of urban amenities and community living.”
Knoxville is home to the University of Tennessee. (Eakin Howard/Getty Images)
“Recently, we’ve observed a significant trend: late-stage millennials are actively seeking housing that aligns with these evolving preferences,” he added. “Knoxville, in particular, has emerged as an outstanding city in this regard. It’s been a key focus of ours for the past 18 months, standing out as a prime example of the kind of vibrant, opportunity-rich environment we target.”
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Randolph also explained that the reasons behind urban migration are multifaceted, citing the political climate, lifestyle changes post-COVID and the evolution of work culture, including the rise of remote work as an influential factor impacting people’s decisions to relocate.
He explained that the “suffocating density of big cities” and the “soaring cost of living” are huge factors for why millennials, who are in constant “pursuit of a harmonious work-life balance,” as well as affordability, a dynamic job market, spacious living and pleasant climate, are moving to mid-size cities.
“The shift towards remote work has significantly impacted where people choose to live,” he said. “It’s no longer just about job location but also about quality of life, family needs, and personal preferences. This trend is particularly evident among late-stage millennials.”
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Southeast
Louisiana manhunt continues as dangerous inmate charged with attempted murder remains on the run
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Louisiana authorities are continuing to search for the last of three inmates who broke through a deteriorating wall on Wednesday and escaped a jail about 130 miles northwest of New Orleans.
The three inmates, identified as Keith Eli, 24, of Opelousas; Johnathan Jevon Joseph, 24, of Opelousas; and Joseph Allen Harrington, 26, of Melville, allegedly used sheets and other items to scale an outer wall, drop onto the roof of the first floor and lower themselves to the ground, according to a statement from the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Harrington killed himself with a hunting rifle Thursday after a standoff with police at a home in Port Barre, The Associated Press reported.
Prior to his escape, St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office records show, he was charged with nine felonies, including home invasion and aggravated assault with a firearm.
Keith Eli, left; Johnathan Jevon Joseph, center; and Joseph Allen Harrington, inmates who escaped from a Louisiana prison. (St. Landry Parish Sheriff via Facebook)
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Police nabbed the second escapee, Joseph, the next day after a foot chase.
Sheriff’s officials said a tip led deputies to a home where he was hiding out, according to the report. He surrendered after fleeing to a nearby storage shed.
Joseph, also a convicted felon, was previously charged with principal first-degree rape, along with drug and gun offenses.
The inmates escaped St. Landry Parish Jail Wednesday in Louisiana. (Google Maps)
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The third missing inmate, Eli, remains missing and was charged with attempted second-degree murder.
“We would prefer that he surrender himself peaceably, but we will not rest until he is captured,” St. Landry Parish Sheriff Bobby J. Guidroz wrote in a statement obtained by the AP.
In May, 10 prisoners escaped a minimum-custody New Orleans jail after removing a toilet from a wall inside a cell and crawling through it.
Video cameras in the prison captured the brazen escape, with footage showing the group scaling a fence, using blankets to protect themselves from barbed wire and running across an interstate to a nearby neighborhood where they changed clothes.
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Inmates wrote messages, including, “To Easy LOL” and “WE INNOCENT,” among others, near the hole they used to flee the jail.
The last remaining fugitive, a four-time convicted killer, was arrested five months after the escape after a standoff with authorities in Atlanta.
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Three jail employees have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation, Fox News Digital previously reported.
An internal investigation has been initiated, and the jail supervisory staff will be providing a comprehensive report, according to Guidroz.
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Southeast
Disgraced teacher accused of using Google Docs to groom underage student before alleged sex crimes
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A Palm Beach County, Florida, science teacher is behind bars after investigators say he used a shared Google Doc to secretly communicate with a student before engaging in sexual acts with her at school and inside his apartment, according to an arrest affidavit.
Elias Gordon Farley, 26, a former teacher at Donna Klein Jewish Academy in Boca Raton, was arrested after the student reported the alleged abuse on Nov. 18.
The teen told detectives the interactions began as casual conversations during the previous school year, but over the summer, Farley allegedly created a shared Google Doc in which the two wrote messages back and forth.
Investigators said the file later contained explicit entries describing sexual activity and planning when they would meet privately.
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Elias Gordon Farley, a former teacher at the Donna Klein Jewish Academy in Boca Raton, is facing felony charges after police say he engaged in a months-long sexual relationship with a student. (Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office)
According to the affidavit, the student said the relationship became physical in mid-September inside Farley’s office, where he touched her beneath her clothing. She told detectives the encounters continued for weeks in both his office and a classroom.
By late September and into October, she said the pair were engaging in sexual acts, including oral sex and, at one point, intercourse inside a classroom on campus.
The student also described visiting Farley’s apartment twice in early November after recognizing details he had mentioned about its location and layout. She told deputies that several sexual encounters occurred during those visits.
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A teacher was accused of using Google Docs to talk to an underage student before sexual encounters. (Google Maps)
Detectives later executed a search warrant and said they found bedding, condom wrappers and furniture matching her description. Farley’s roommate confirmed he had not been home on the dates the teen said she visited.
School surveillance video reviewed by deputies also appeared to support her account, showing Farley and the student entering his office together on Nov. 7 and later entering a classroom for about an hour.
The situation came to light after the student confided in an art teacher on Nov. 14 and showed her bruises and bite marks she said came from Farley. Administrators were informed the next day, suspended Farley immediately and reported the matter to child welfare authorities.
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A former science teacher at Donna Klein Jewish Academy in Palm Beach County was arrested after allegations of an inappropriate sexual relationship with a student, according to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office. (iStock)
Farley refused to speak with detectives after being read his Miranda rights, according to the affidavit.
Farley was booked into the Palm Beach County Main Detention Center Dec. 4 and is being held on $500,000 bond, jail records show. He faces charges of unlawful sexual activity with a minor and offense against a student by an authority figure.
In a statement provided to Fox News Digital, Donna Klein Jewish Academy said it is cooperating fully with the investigation and called the situation “a difficult time for all of us at Donna Klein.”
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“We are approaching this serious situation with the utmost care, keeping the well-being of our students, faculty and families at the forefront,” a spokesperson said.
The school said it is working closely with families, teachers and staff to ensure they have the support they need, adding that its priority is maintaining “a safe, compassionate and educational environment for all.”
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The spokesperson said no additional details would be released “out of respect for the privacy of our community” but that Farley is no longer employed at the school.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office at 561-688-3000.
Stepheny Price covers crime, including missing persons, homicides and migrant crime. Send story tips to stepheny.price@fox.com.
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Two teen boys in Florida are accused of fatally shooting a 14-year-old girl and setting her on fire along a wooded walking trail last week in what authorities are calling a “horrific” killing.
Santa Rosa County Sheriff Bob Johnson told reporters Thursday that the body has been identified as Danika Troy. He said Danika’s mother reported her as a runaway on Monday.
“Unbeknownst to the mother, Danika was murdered the previous night,” Johnson said.
A passerby discovered Danika’s body along a wooded area off Kimberly Road in Pace, a town about 16 miles northeast of Pensacola, and called 911, Johnson said.
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Santa Rosa County Sheriff Bob Johnson told reporters that the suspects were supposedly friends with the victim from school. He said investigators were still working to determine a motive. (Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office)
Investigators quickly identified the suspects as 14-year-old Kimahri Blevins and 16-year-old Gabriel Williams and took them into custody.
“This is where it gets really horrific,” Johnson said.
Kimahri Blevins, 14, is facing premeditated first-degree murder charges. Authorities are seeking to charge him as an adult. (Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office)
Williams allegedly stole his mother’s handgun and shot Danika.
“It’s bad enough you kill a 14-year-old. You’re 14. You’re 16,” Johnson said. “Shoot her multiple times, and then they set her on fire.”
Gabriel Williams, 16, is facing premeditated first-degree murder charges. Authorities are seeking to charge him as an adult. (Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office)
Johnson said investigators are still working to determine a motive.
“They have been interviewed, but the motive that they’re giving doesn’t fit the forensics or any facts of the case, so we don’t have a legit motive,” he told reporters.
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Blevins and Williams supposedly knew the victim from school, according to Johnson. He believed the two teens have had previous “run-ins” with law enforcement, though he could not immediately say if they had earlier arrests.
Blevins and Williams are being held at the Department of Juvenile Justice on premeditated first-degree murder charges.
“You don’t want to go out and see a burnt child with bullet holes,” Johnson said. “That’s not something you sign up for.”
Johnson said no parents have been charged at this time, though investigators are “looking into it.”
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The sheriff’s office is working with the State Attorney to charge both teens as adults.
“If you do an adult crime, you gotta do adult time,” Johnson said.
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