Where should I buy a home? (Knoxville: work, house, crime)

[dragon61]

I'm a middle aged Rhode Islander planning to move the the knoxville area or surrounding within 45 minutes of Knoxville in about 1 year. I was hoping someone could help me out with some information. I'm looking to pay cash for a fixer upper in the 100k price range or less. I'm very handy. NOT looking for acreage, just a small place with 2 bedrooms to call home. I live outside of Providence RI so I'm used to some crime and have what we Rhode Islanders call "street smarts". My question is.... are there any areas of town that I really should avoid? I'm am not interested in good school systems (no kids) just out of control crime and other pitfalls. I'm not finding much info on the threads here, and probably can't afford West Knox. I'm very open minded and get along with others. Can anyone help me out?
Planning on visiting the area this July 2008.
Thanks

[tomandpam]

Dear Dragon61, If someone responds to your question please pass it on to me. My husband and I are also looking to move near the Knoxville area (can't wait to get out of Michigan) and would love to find out what the people of Knoxville or surrounding areas think! If my husband and I happen to get any good info. I would be more than happy to pass it along to you! I wish you the best of luck on your move!

[Kitties of Domination]

Dragon61, if you want a fixer-upper in the city, I would recommend North Hills, 4th and Gill, and Island Homes areas. Many of these are Victorian homes; these areas have recently become very popular and have a lot of character. At one time (not sure now), one could buy a house in those areas in "rougher condition" for next to nothing and turn it around into a beautiful home with 3 to 4x the value. The areas are also diverse, with professors, musicians, artists, and local politicians.

[Barking Spider]

I don't think you will find anything in 4th & Gill or North Hills for 100K.
Within 45 minutes of Knoxville? That could be 50+ miles away.

100K or less is pretty slim pickins for much of anything that doesn't need LOTS of work.

The best thing for you to do is spend some time when you are here and drive around the area. Island home area may be a good place to look and south Knox. Of course, if you head away from Knoxville, you will get more for your money (out in the sticks so to speak).

Good luck with your search

[creeksitter]

100K for a fixxer, you'll have lots of choices. Not likely Island home, it's too trendy but outside the "gates" for sure. South Knoxville is pleasant and you won't have to exercise your street smarts on 90% of the streets.

If you are street smart you can handle East knoxville. Parkridge is an up and coming neighborhood with older homes & strong community group. Very close to downtown. Look between Magnolia and I-40, west of Cherry street. For a more leafy location look between Skyline & McDonald or the river, east of Andes. You might get something small in Holston Hills which is beautiful. In any of these places it is important to talk to the neighbors and scope out the vibe, it will vary from block to block. Crime stats are available from the city in the basement of the safety building.

Unless you fall in love with Holston hills or snag a small house in Island home you might not spend more than 60K (south) or 40K (east) for a fixxer. PM me if you need more detailed info on South Knoxville.

[creeksitter]

Kitties " at one time" was 20+ years ago for 4th & Gill. Island home and North hills have always had strong markets, it just looks like nothing by today's prices.