Early 20's, need tips for moving to Knoxville in the Fall. (real estate, apartment complex) - Tennessee (TN) - City-Data Forum

sweetiepiesami88 · 03-10-2011, 10:43 AM

Hi everyone. I've been browsing this site for a few days, and it seems like you all have great advice and a willingness to help newcomers, so I thought I'd ask a few questions.

I'm going to be attending UT in the Fall for grad school, and my boyfriend and I plan to move down at the beginning of August. Neither one of us has ever been to Knoxville before, so we'll be making at least one or two trips down before August to scope out the area & look for a place to live.

We're looking to rent a house in a safe neighborhood. Our only real requirements are something no more than about $700 a month for a 1-2 bedroom home, pet friendly, with a fenced in backyard. Doesn't need to be too big of a home, and age of the home doesn't matter to us. I'd prefer a nice neighborhood that I'd feel safe walking the dogs in by myself. (I'm a 22 year old female, so safety is a big concern for us). Do any neighborhoods come to mind that would fit that criteria? We'd like to have some areas narrowed down for when we come to visit this summer. Something close to UT would be nice, but I'd be willing to drive 20-25 mins if that meant we could find a cheaper,nicer house to rent. We'd prefer a neighborhood that wasn't too rural, or at least had shopping/grocery stores/restaurants within a 5 min drive or so.

Also, any other tips on relocating would be awesome. Since we'd be relocating primarily for school...would we still need to switch drivers licenses and car titles over? How is the cost of living? What are some fun things we should check out while were there? Are there any dog parks in the area? Tennessee is beautiful, and were really looking forward to moving there in the fall! Just a little anxious about getting everything settled first. Thanks in advance for any advice

creeksitter · 03-10-2011, 05:21 PM

South Knoxville is a good choice. North Knoxville also. West is a bit pricey, east has some crime issues, but these are all broad generalizations. You'll find safe areas east, a few cheap areas west, South & North are mostly good but have pockets of crime, also pockets of high rent.

Your best bet is to ask our opinions of a specific street or 2.

sweetiepiesami88 · 03-10-2011, 09:05 PM

Thanks. I may check out South Knoxville. I'd prefer South or West since it appears to be closest to UT, so if South's a bit cheaper I may start my search there.

nashvols · 03-11-2011, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweetiepiesami88

Thanks. I may check out South Knoxville. I'd prefer South or West since it appears to be closest to UT, so if South's a bit cheaper I may start my search there.

I agree with creeksitter about looking in South and North Knox. West Knox is mostly nice, but looking for under $700/month will likely be hard to find...and if you do find it, it's probably not going to be as nice.

South Knox may be a little bit of a nuisance as they work on the Henley Street Bridge (the detour through downtown isn't far, but could be annoying. Anything in North Knoxville will be a straight shot down I-275 and can put you on campus in a few minutes.

I know a few people that lived in Steeplechase while I was in school in Knoxville. They seemed to like it alright. Not sure about pets, though.

It is something in your price range to consider...

Steeplechase Apartments

sweetiepiesami88 · 03-11-2011, 06:35 PM

Thanks for the recommendation. Those look pretty nice, I bookmarked em on my computer so we can keep them in mind when we check things out

We live in an apartment complex now, and I think were more interested in a house vs a complex, just because we have some not so pleasant to live underneath neighbors, and would like to try to avoid that situation

nashvols · 03-11-2011, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweetiepiesami88

Thanks for the recommendation. Those look pretty nice, I bookmarked em on my computer so we can keep them in mind when we check things out

We live in an apartment complex now, and I think were more interested in a house vs a complex, just because we have some not so pleasant to live underneath neighbors, and would like to try to avoid that situation

I totally understand that. Unfortunately, I don't have a good handle on the going rate for home rentals.

Also, is it hilly where you live? You're going to have to get used to going up and down hills at UT.

hiknapster · 03-12-2011, 05:19 AM

It is going to be very, very difficult to fulfill all your wishes with that price. I just looked at the local classifieds and even though they are under "single family" they aren't and/or they don't accept pets. And you have dogs, as in plural and not singular?

Anyway, I'll leave the link. Rentals in Knoxville - Knoxville News Sentinel - Real Estate

creeksitter · 03-12-2011, 10:01 AM

I feel quite confident they could find something in that range in South Knox. Heck I have a 1 br that meets their needs for $550. Don't know if it will be coming available. Here's a hint though - you'll have a much better selection if you come anytime but August. That is the prime time for UT students and the competition can be fierce.

sweetiepiesami88 · 03-24-2011, 09:51 AM

Thanks for all of the advice everyone. Were planning on coming down in the next month or two to look at different areas. Our hope is to find a place to rent sometime this summer, possibly even paying for an extra month or two before we are there (just to be sure we have a place we really like).

I have some questions on income levels though. As a grad student, I won't be able to work too much I am sure. I haven't heard yet from UT about any work study programs for my degree, but I'm not getting my hopes up too much. I've been a waitress all though undergrad though and if nothing else plan to pick up a part time waitress job for somewhat of an income. My boyfriend who is moving with me also plans to continue school online and work as well. I read that TN doesn't have a minimum wage, so my question is...what is the "average wage" for someone who just has an "average" job. Meaning someone who doesn't have a degree, and is just working at a random store, as a cook in a restaurant, or something else of the sort. Also, what are the tipping habits of people in TN when they go out to eat? (I know it depends on check amount, the type of restaurant, etc)

DubbleT · 03-24-2011, 03:14 PM

TN defaults to the fed min wage of 7.25 and that is what a lot of places will pay for the type of work you are talking about, especially fast food. DS is a UT student and made somewhat above minimum at a grocery store. He's looking into waiting tables as several of his friends do that and make better take home for fewer hours, but he is having trouble finding places hiring (although it might be because he has no previous experience)