Need some advice with my move (Knoxville: for sale, real estate, apartment)

[bruinmd]

I'm a single professional about to move to Knoxville in September. I've already done a fair amount of research regarding places I want to live but could still use help from those of you who actually live there and are well-versed on the pros and cons of each place.

It's like this: My job will require me to work out of St Mary's downtown, St. Mary's North, and ParkWest hospital (on different days of the week).
I've already toured downtown with a real estate agent who was very nice and showed me the various 'lofts' that have now become very popular (albeit a bit overpriced for the area IMHO). The problem is that these are mostly properties for sale (with a few exceptions) rather than rentals.

I thought it would be best to rent in the downtown area at least initially in order to make sure that's the area/lifestyle I really want and that my job goes well before I commit to buying a place out there. I've also seen Sequoyah Hills, and perhaps after living in downtown for a year or so, I may decide to move there instead. I just don't know yet.
What I do know is that I don't want to live out in the suburbs with all my neighbors being families with small children (at least not yet anyway and I don't want to live around a bunch of college kids.
What appeals to me about downtown/old city is that other professionals all seem to be attracted to the same things it has to offer: cool restaurants, wine bars, coffee houses, etc, all within walking distance.

So, with all of that in mind, is moving downtown to rent (and therefore having to spend a great deal more money to do so) a good idea or should I live outside the downtown area while renting and if so, where else would be a good area? I've heard 4th and Gill is a good area to look at as is Old North Knox, but these areas seem to have more crime and are a more run-down.
What about Fairmont?

I don't mind spending a bit more money, but it's hard to actually find a good rental downtown.

Thanks

[knoxgarden]

Are you looking in Metropulse? You'll find the most downtown rentals there. It's the alternate weekly and champion of all things "downtown."
You can check it online:
Metro Pulse Online
Downtown is heading up in prices. Check the News Sentinel for Condo rentals as well as apartment rentals downtown.
knoxnews.com : Knoxville, Tennessee, News, Business, Homes, Jobs, Cars & Information
Fairmont is nice. There's is a lovely old Apartment building on Broadway near there that's been restored. Metropulse classifieds has a listing for properties owned by Kristopher & Co. Call them, they own it, or they used to. Very close to Old St. Mary's (St. Mary's downtown).

[john t]

The downtown loft prices are very inflated, they will come down in price given time. 4th & Gill has nice old Victorian homes but there is crime. Fairmont is slightly better than 4th & Gill as far as crime goes, but not by much. Sequoyah Hills is the best pick if you have the money and want to stay for awhile. North Hills is a good choice also, nice homes, lower crime, and fair prices.

I would rent for a year and then decide what works best for you. The market is just starting to decline now so within a year or two you'll be able to get more for your money and in an area that fits you.

[Mytown]

When I first moved back here 17 years ago I rented one of the Pembroke condos downtown. I suggest if you are thinking about a loft some day then renting downtown first might be the way to go. For me, I decided the downtown scene wasn't my thing... but I had two small children at the time. Also, I like being able to step outside onto green grass and watch the birds and bees. But my husband loved it and I think he would move down there in a minute.

[JMT]

Originally Posted by john t

The downtown loft prices are very inflated, they will come down in price given time. 4th & Gill has nice old Victorian homes but there is crime. Fairmont is slightly better than 4th & Gill as far as crime goes, but not by much. Sequoyah Hills is the best pick if you have the money and want to stay for awhile. North Hills is a good choice also, nice homes, lower crime, and fair prices.

I would rent for a year and then decide what works best for you. The market is just starting to decline now so within a year or two you'll be able to get more for your money and in an area that fits you.

I agree that renting for a year is the thing to do. In my case, I rented for 6 months before buying my first house in Knoxville.

But I do want to say that the Fairmont Blvd area has MUCH less crime than the 4th & Gill neighborhood, at least that's been my experience. I live in the Fairmont Blvd / Whittle Springs area. Earlier this summer I left town for a month and inadvertently left my front door wide open. Not a thing in my house was touched. If I were in the 4th & Gill area, I seriously doubt I would've been so fortunate.

However, the Fairmont Blvd neighborhood is a little more blue-collar than the Yuppified loft districts downtown. I happen to like it. Even though I teach college, I generally don't like being around other college professors. I don't know what that says about me. I'd rather hang out at Harby's Pizza with Joe Six Pack than at a wine bar with Professor Goatee.

[hiknapster]

Originally Posted by JMT

I'd rather hang out at Harby's Pizza with Joe Six Pack than at a wine bar with Professor Goatee.

It means that you are a down-to-earth Southern boy!

I have to check out Harby's. It sounds great. My co-worker says that there is a great local restaurant on Old Broadway. Would you know the name of it?

[john t]

JMT,

I think you're pretty lucky leaving the door open. My friends in North Hills have had many things stolen and Fairmont/Whittle area is usually considered to have more crime.

hiknapster,
Harby's is good. The Harb's are a nice family and they aim to please. The recent news about them was very sad. Your co-worker may be talking about Louis Original Drive In Restaurant? Have you tried the Tomato Head? Fabulous!

[hiknapster]

That was it, john t! He said Louis'!

That's the family that got shot by the son-in-law? I thought they were in the carpet business. That is so sad! What street is Harby's on?

No. I haven't tried Tomato Head. Is it vegetarian?

[john t]

The Tomato Head is vegitarian or vegan if you prefer.

The Harb family is quite large and own several businesses' in town. Harby's Pizza is on Walker Blvd. just off Broadway and two blocks from Fairmont. Vic & Bills Deli is another local favorite in that area, but I prefered their other location in The Fort.