Friendsville - what's it like? (Knoxville, Maryville: homes, neighborhoods, private schools)

[World Citizens]

Hello everyone! What can you tell me about Friendsville? Schools, town, proximity to other places, shopping, etc. Thanks!

[lochmoigh]

It's roughly between Maryville and Lenoir City. To Knoxville it's around half an hour, I don't know much about the schools, I kow a couple there who have two kids that have been or are going through the school system there, they haven't complained that I know of. It is a small community, very near the lake a nice little area.

[William Sold]

Friendsville is a small community, as Loch said, just North of Maryville and just south of Fort Loudon Lake. It is basically parallel to the western border of Farragut, just across the water. While close "as the crow flies," is does take about 30 mintutes to west Knoxville via Pellissippi Parkway, and 35-40 minutes or so to downtown via Alcoa Highway. Maryville is close via Lamar Alexander Parkway, or variouos side roads pending location, so shopping and dining would be better served here for sure, and there are a good amount of choices.

It looks like you have high school aged children I believe from your previous posts, so William Blount Highschool is probably where you would be zoned I'm fairly sure. Friendsville is a quiet place, with affordable housing for all price ranges. The biggest advantage I feel for Friendsville, is the average lot sizes. As opposed to West Knox, where lots have been diminished, lots in Friendsville range from .5 acres to 2-3. You're not paying for location inflation, so land is more affordable and easier to find. There has been relatively little clear cutting, so mature trees and private ssettings can be sought out easily. Depending on what you want to be close to, Friendsville can be a good option. Also, Louisville is located just east, which offers some similar attributes, though easier access to some traveling, as it is closer to Pellissippi and Alcoa. Lake lots, lake views, and some mountain views are available here at a more modest pricetag.

[Whataride]

Depending on where you are in Friendsville will determine the schools. We looked at property there several yrs ago and would have been zoned for Loudon County schools, where as the people on the next street were zoned for William Blount...just depends on where you are looking.

[World Citizens]

Based on the MLS listings I've seen, it seems you do get more for your money in the Friendsville/Louisville area - particularly as we're looking for a 1 acre lakefront property. But some of the other threads on Friendsville say that it is quite rural. Is that to say that it's isolated and there is not much of a community feel? As much as I'm looking for privacy with a nice big yard and mature trees on a lake, I would also like my children to find some neighborhood kids to play with and not have to cart them all over town in traffic. Any thoughts?

[William Sold]

Well, the best of both worlds exist, but price tags for 1 acre lakefront homes in kid friendly neighborhoods can run up rather quickly. Friendsville is more rural, but I like to think of it as more private living. The modern ammenities of Maryville are so close by, it's hard to classify as truly rural. Or isolated. But, many of the lakefront homes are located on some finger style peninsulas, which can take an extra 10 mintues or so of slightly curvy driving to get to. But those who have lived on the water will tell you, waking up to a sunset on the water is well worth it. Tennessee neighbors are relatively known for being friendly, and I'm sure that finding a home with children nearby is possible, but a neighborhood full of kids to play with may be tough, given the demographics on the area, as most lakefront homes aren't in true developments. Best bet is to tour homes you have an interest in, and get a feel for the area, possibly meet a neighbor or two and inquire about the area. Most neighbors are more than glad try and help bring a good family to their area, as good neigbors are always a plus, and selling homes help their property value comps.

[World Citizens]

Thanks much William! Your comments put me at ease. We'll be visiting in January and look forward to meeting the friendly Tennesseans I've read so much about and with whom I've corresponded.

Here's another question for you: say you live in Friendsville but don't want to attend the local high school and you can't get into Maryville because you're out of the zone. What are the private school options? Sounds like the private schools in Knox county are too far.

[Kitties of Domination]

I have been meaning to recommend the Friendsville/Louisville for a while now to posters who have been looking for more affordable lakefront living. Have a friend who bought a surprisingly affordable bungalow on the lake. Louisville seems to be seeing the development, Friendsville is still fairly untouched (for the time being). Originally founded by Quakers, Friendsville was an important stop on the Underground Railroad.

[leonard]

Originally Posted by William Sold

. But those who have lived on the water will tell you, waking up to a sunset on the water is well worth it.

Waking up to a "sunset"???

Work the night shift?

[William Sold]

I was reading through this post again, and it had already taken my "edit" button away...I was wondering if someone was gonna pick up on that lenoard...