Check Out the 12 Best Knoxville Neighborhoods and Suburbs

If you’ve been on the “Gateway to The Great Smoky Mountains,” Knoxville is one of Tennessee’s best cities and full of natural beauty. The city is also home to many parks and greenways, which offer peaceful retreats away from the hustle and bustle of other areas.

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Q: Why are so many people moving to Knoxville, Tennessee? 
A: The University of Tennessee is a huge draw for students, professors, and faculty to move to Knoxville for work or school. But that's not all Knox has to offer. With a vibrant arts and culture scene that offers a variety of galleries, museums, and festivals, Knoxville doesn't shirk on quality of life beyond campus. It also has quite the affordable cost of living at almost 15% lower than the national average. Fantastic job opportunities are spread all throughout the city, in industries that include healthcare, education, and technology. 

The average home value in Knoxville is $334,700 compared to the national average of $348,850. The average rent in Knoxville is $1,600, not too far off from the national average of $1,700. 

Q: What is the richest part of Knoxville?
A: With an average home price of close to $650,000, the neighborhood of Sequoyah Hills is considered one of the richest parts of Knoxville.

Best Neighborhoods in Knoxville

Due to Knoxville’s overall affordability, high quality of living, and many other living perks, it’s so easy for residents to instantly fall in love with the city’s suburban feel, which is full of fun things to do. From students, to young professionals, to families, and retirees, there are plenty of great neighborhoods and suburbs to choose from. 

No matter if you’re looking for apartments, townhomes, single-family homes, or luxury homes, there is a neighborhood in Knoxville that has got you covered. Surrounded by some of the most appealing amenities that Knoxville has to offer, check out some of the best Knoxville neighborhoods and suburbs on the market today!

1. Parkridge

Parkridge is a diverse community located off Magnolia Avenue, just east of Downtown Knoxville. It was originally developed as a suburb during the 1890s for working professionals. More specifically, Parkridge acted as a streetcar-served community for professionals who worked in the downtown area.

Parkridge is home to many single-family homes that feature Victorian-style architecture. Many of these were designed by George Barber, who was a prominent architect during the late 19th century.

Parkridge is regarded as a family-friendly community, featuring various parks and open green spaces that are great for children and adults to enjoy.

2. Old City 

The area around the northeast corner of downtown Knoxville is known as Old City. This neighborhood is full of creative individuals and is regarded as an independent cultural center.

Old City has a lot of historical significance, with restored 19th century buildings that provide both an interesting and lively atmosphere. It also has trendy shops and galleries, as well as regional artists' studios. The Emporium Center and the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum are some hotspots in the area which feature art galleries, beautiful gardens, and much more pretty sights. 

3. Marble City 

Located in the heart of Knoxville's historic district, Marble City is a great place to live. It has an eclectic dining scene with several global-inspired establishments, including Emma’s Southern Kitchen and Gosh Ethiopian Restaurant. Beautiful 19th-century homes are also in the area, with miles of trails that are ideal for cycling, walking, and running.

The Marble City Market is a 15,000 square foot facility that's located in the Regas Square, which is a great place for visitors and residents alike to try new dishes. Popular vendors include Seoul Brothers, Boo Jack Chick-N-Shack, and Algo Deli.

4. Mechanicsville 

Situated near Downtown Knoxville, Mechanicsville is regarded as one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city. It was first established in the 1860s as a place where skilled mechanics and laborers could work, and even provided housing to Welsh iron specialists and other laborers working in local factories. 

Although it may seem like a small community, Mechanicsville has become a beloved neighborhood due to its single-family homes and many local small businesses. One of the oldest fire stations in the city can be found in Mechanicsville, and you can also find the Old Mechanicsville Park located just across the street.

5. Downtown Knoxville 

Known as the central business district of the city, Downtown Knoxville is full of life and excitement. It is home to a variety of stores and restaurants, as well as bars and lounges. It's also situated just minutes away from the University of Tennessee, a public land-grant research university.

This area is considered to be one of the most walkable communities in Knoxville due to its proximity to the area's various attractions, which include the Knoxville Museum of Art and the Haunted Knoxville Ghost Tours which are about all things paranormal investigation! Residents can easily get around downtown without using a car, since each of the distinct areas are less than less than one square mile away from each other. 

Ideally situated for young professionals, couples, and students looking to live near their workplace, Downtown Knoxville is East Tennessee's heart and soul, full of life and excitement!

Q: Is it safe to walk around downtown Knoxville?
A: Your chance of being a victim to property or violent crime is around 1 in 20,  which means that safety is not something Knoxville always prides itself on. 

6. North Knoxville 

Located in the heart of the city, North Knoxville is a growing community that features a variety of parks, such as Adair Park, which includes 39 acres of playgrounds and more! 
North Knoxville is known for its combination of modern conveniences and historic charm. It is also a designated national historic district, since it was a main center of marble distribution in the 1900s.  and most of the area is protected by H1 zoning.

North Knoxville is characterized by its large estates and renovated single-family homes, making it a great Knoxville neighborhood for retirees. It also has a variety of asymmetrical and unique architectural styles, such as Queen Anne and Craftsman.

7. Fountain City 

Before it was annexed into Knoxville in 1962, the community of Fountain City was an unincorporated area that always had a different feel to the rest of Knoxville. Now, it's a flourishing community that's just past North Knoxville.

Due to its low-key nature and quiet residential area, Fountain City is a great place for people looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of city life. Fun outdoor activities and music venues are prevalent in the area, along with some highly regarded places to eat including Sam and Andy's Fountain City, which is the ultimate burger hub in Knoxville The Vol is a must try and of course, a Knoxville classic!

8. East Knoxville 

East Knoxville is a vibrant section of the city of Knoxville that is east of the downtown area. It is bordered by First Creek on the east, James White Parkway on the south, and Neyland Drive on the west. Some of its major popular attractions include the Beck Cultural Exchange Center, a museum of African American culture and history since approximately 1975.

9. Sequoyah Hills

Situated behind tall trees is a massive neighborhood that includes churches like Sequoyah Hills Presbyterian  and a plethora of exquisite homes. The historic Sequoyah Hills neighborhood is easy to miss, but it is also a hidden gem in the city of Knoxville.

The area has plenty of inclines and turns, along with full and mature dogwood and cherry blossom trees.Residents can always be found walking and running along the trails and pathways at Cherokee Park.

10. Oakwood 

Located in north Knoxville, the historic district of Oakwood is around 2.5 miles from downtown. This area is great for people looking for an urban setting without having to live in a central district.

Many of the area's parks are located in this neighborhood, such as Oakwood Heritage Park and Caswell Park which are great places to walk and explore some of Knoxville’s outdoor beauty. Although it's mainly residential, some of the community’s best restaurants and bars can be found here. There are also several good schools within the area, making this a great place for families to settle down.

This area has plenty of homes with distinctive architectural styles. Many of these were constructed during the 1920s to the 1950s, which feature various types of housing such as condominiums and townhomes.