Knoxville,TN Neighborhood Guides
Neighborhoods in Knoxville, TN – Data, Lifestyle & Local Insights
Neighborhood Map
Discovering Knoxville: A Guide to the Best Neighborhoods in Knoxville
Knoxville, TN, is a vibrant city filled with charming neighborhoods that offer something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for historic charm, bustling urban life, or peaceful suburban vibes, Knoxville neighborhoods have it all. From the tree-lined streets of Sequoyah Hills to the lively Market Square district downtown, the city’s diverse communities provide a perfect blend of Southern hospitality and modern amenities. Exploring a Knoxville neighborhoods map will reveal just how accessible and varied these areas truly are.
Housing, Affordability & Market Conditions
The housing market in Knoxville is known for its affordability compared to other cities, making it attractive for both first-time homebuyers and long-term residents. Neighborhoods like Fountain City and North Knoxville offer a mix of historic bungalows and newer developments at reasonable prices. In contrast, areas such as Bearden and West Hills feature more upscale homes with plenty of green space, appealing to families and professionals. The overall market is stable, with a steady demand reflecting Knoxville’s growing appeal, and many of the best neighborhoods in Knoxville provide excellent value for their amenities and location.
Crime, Safety & Neighborhood Stability
When it comes to safety, Knoxville neighborhoods vary, but many areas maintain a strong sense of community and security. Suburbs like Cedar Bluff and Farragut are well-regarded for their low crime rates and active neighborhood associations. Downtown Knoxville has seen a resurgence and revitalization, improving safety while maintaining its vibrant urban feel. It’s always a good idea to consult a Knoxville neighborhoods map and local crime statistics when choosing a place to live to ensure you find a neighborhood that aligns with your comfort level and lifestyle.
The Structure, Culture & Personality of the City’s Neighborhoods
Knoxville’s neighborhoods each have their own unique personality. For example, Old North Knoxville boasts beautifully preserved Victorian homes and a tight-knit community that celebrates local art and history. Meanwhile, the South Waterfront district offers a modern, urban atmosphere with waterfront parks and trendy restaurants. The University of Tennessee campus area pulses with youthful energy and college-town charm, creating a lively cultural mix. These neighborhoods collectively paint a picture of a city that values both its heritage and forward-thinking spirit.
Getting Around: Transit Information and Accessibility
Getting around Knoxville is relatively easy, with several transportation options serving its neighborhoods. The Knoxville Area Transit (KAT) provides bus services that connect many residential areas to downtown and major shopping districts. For those living in neighborhoods like West Knoxville or near the University of Tennessee, biking and walking are popular due to accessible trails and sidewalks. Additionally, the city’s ongoing investments in infrastructure improvements continue to enhance accessibility, making it easier to explore the best neighborhoods in Knoxville without a car.
Things to Do: What Are Some Popular Attractions and Things to Do
Each Knoxville neighborhood offers exciting attractions and activities. Market Square is a favorite for dining, live music, and festivals, with hotspots like Tupelo Honey and Tomato Head serving up delicious eats. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy Ijams Nature Center near South Knoxville, a beautiful area for hiking and kayaking. For history buffs, the historic district of Fourth and Gill provides charming streets to explore along with local boutiques and cafes. Whether you’re into arts, outdoor adventures, or culinary experiences, Knoxville neighborhoods provide endless opportunities to enjoy the city.
Colleges & Universities: What Neighborhoods Are the Colleges/Universities Located In?
The University of Tennessee’s main campus is nestled in the Fort Sanders neighborhood, just west of downtown Knoxville. This area is popular among students and faculty, featuring a mix of rental housing and local businesses catering to campus life. Nearby, neighborhoods like Cumberland Avenue offer vibrant nightlife and dining options that appeal to the university crowd. Pellissippi State Community College is located in West Knoxville, close to neighborhoods like Bearden, providing easy access for students residing in those parts of the city. These educational hubs add a youthful and dynamic feel to their surrounding communities.
What Are Some Things People Might Not Know About These Neighborhoods?
Many people might not realize that Knoxville’s neighborhoods are rich with hidden gems. For example, the Old City district, once an industrial area, has transformed into a trendy spot filled with breweries, live music venues like the Bijou Theatre, and unique shops. Also, Sequoyah Hills is home to some of the oldest and most beautiful homes in the city, along with scenic views of the Tennessee River that are perfect for sunset watching. Exploring a detailed Knoxville neighborhoods map can uncover these lesser-known treasures, making your experience of the city even more special.
Knoxville Demographics
Best Neighborhoods
| Hood | Med. Age | Have Kids | Home Price | Med. Income | Affordability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Sanders | 21.3 | 7.3% | $127,000 | $20,381 | 2.7 |
| Belle Morris | 38.2 | 22.9% | $193,314 | $61,675 | 3.1 |
| College Hills | 29.8 | 37.8% | $84,900 | $29,948 | 3.2 |
| Beaumont | 31.9 | 31.5% | $132,971 | $35,582 | 3.3 |
| Parkridge | 36.4 | 17.5% | $168,200 | $48,255 | 3.5 |
| Oakwood | 41 | 17.1% | $200,690 | $57,693 | 3.6 |
| Edgewood | 33.3 | 25.4% | $313,800 | $85,096 | 3.7 |
| Park City | 36.1 | 24.7% | $131,057 | $34,029 | 4.0 |
| Old North Knoxville | 39.8 | 19.2% | $249,343 | $61,534 | 4.1 |
| Fourth and Gill | 43.3 | 13.6% | $282,700 | $61,801 | 4.7 |
Knoxville neighborhoods bring their own blend of lifestyle, affordability, and long-term appeal, and the data in the table above helps highlight what makes each area stand out. By comparing home prices, median income, average age, families with kids, and housing affordability ratios, you can quickly uncover the best neighborhoods in Knoxville—those that balance cost, character, and overall livability. For budget-minded buyers, the table also makes it easy to identify the most affordable neighborhoods in Knoxville, where lower home prices combined with local income levels create meaningful value. Families can use the children-per-household data to pinpoint the best neighborhoods for families, revealing which areas offer strong community connections and a family-friendly atmosphere. Meanwhile, adults looking for quieter, age-friendly surroundings can turn to neighborhoods with higher median ages to find the best neighborhoods for retirees, where comfort, stability, and an easy pace of living tend to define the local experience. This data-driven overview offers a clear starting point for understanding how each neighborhood aligns with the lifestyle you want.
Crime in Knoxville
| Crime |
Reported |
Knoxville /100k |
TN /100k |
National /100k |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Murder | 22 | 11.0 | 7.9 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 130 | 64.9 | 37.4 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 164 | 81.8 | 58.4 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 1,168 | 582.7 | 488.6 | 256.1 |
| Total Violent Crime | 1,484 | 740 | 592 | 359 |
| Burglary | 659 | 328.7 | 251.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 4,037 | 2,013.9 | 1,443.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle Theft | 759 | 378.6 | 336.7 | 258.8 |
| Total Property Crime | 5,455 | 2,721 | 2,032 | 1,760 |
| TOTAL CRIME | 6,939 | 3,462 | 2,624 | 2,119 |