Coming to Knoxville to Scout it out for a possible move June 11-13th (HOA fees, condo)

[hiknapster]

Originally Posted by mattbward

Now when you say South Knoxville and North Knoxville, to a person not from the area that could mean anywhere geographically north or south of the downtown area. However, I have heard certain parts in North Knoxville are kinda shady.

North of the outerbelt? How far south of the river? etc...

Thanks!

Well, I'm in Fountain City and that is north of the belt, or I-640. I will let the other people in those neighborhoods answer for themselves. I do know that a regular on here, that is an UT professor, lives in north Knoxville and loves it.

What's shady to you?

I mean that in the kindest way. Your "shady" might mean "boring" to someone else. Or the other way around.

[mattbward]

Shady means high crime. The kinda place you would not walk at night, etc... I have read some other posts about places around Knoxville U. Near East Side of Downtown, etc...

[hiknapster]

Originally Posted by mattbward

Shady means high crime. The kinda place you would not walk at night, etc... I have read some other posts about places around Knoxville U. Near East Side of Downtown, etc...

That's not what we mean when we say north Knoxville. If you look on a map, there's an area just north of downtown called Fourth and Gill that is quite lovely and there are other areas just north of that, that are nice. Unfortunately, Fourth and Gill is probably out of your price range.

To get a place that you can safely walk around and pay $100,000 and under, you will definitely want to check out Fountain City. The zip codes are 37918 and some of 37912.

I bought a 1,600 square foot 1955 ranch, three bedroom, two-fireplace with field-stone patio, double carport with attached workshop and small office and about .5 acre for $119,900. I'm in a lovely area of homes, right next to a highly-rated elementary school and about 10 minutes to downtown.

Hope that gives you an idea.

[mattbward]

That's what I am talking about Hiknapster.

Might even consider living between Knoxville and Sevierville.

[JMT]

I believe I'm the one hik was referring to who lives in North Knoxville, and I am delighted to chime in.

I love love love living in North Knoxville! It's super convenient to downtown/U.T. (less than 10 minutes), the homes around here are modest but clean, I have wonderful neighbors of every color, there are a ton of good, mom-and-pop restaurants in the area, and depending on where in North Knoxville you are, you can be within walking distance of shopping, parks, the library, and eating out. Otherwise it's a very short 5-10 minutes to Target, Kohl's, Bed Bath & Beyond, Home Depot, Lowe's, Sam's Club, movie theaters, and Wal-Mart.

And before someone asks about crime, let me say this: I was out of the country for a month last year and inadvertently left my front door wide open. Nothing was touched while I was gone. Kids play in the streets, parents walk their babies, and neighbors invite each other over for cookouts.

For mountain views, the drive along Buffatt Mill Road offers absolutely stunning (and I mean stunning) vistas of the Great Smoky Mountains off in the distance.

Here are some homes for sale in my ZIP code which should give you an idea of what kind of area it is:

Listing #640206

Listing #645405

Listing #655368

Listing #658477

Listing #661979

Listing #632358

Listing #665840

Listing #658885

[creeksitter]

I was thinking about whether my old neighborhood (hills south of downtown) would be considered safe, and I was remembering how I felt comfortable dog walking in the evening (up til 9-10 pm), but wouldn't have walked alone in the wee hours. I was a F in her mid 30's. I would be very comfortable walking with a guy at most any hour and borderline comfortable walking with another woman.

I guess what I'm saying is the answer to the question "The kinda place you would not walk at night, etc..." isn't as easy as it first appears.

[mattbward]

Thanks to all for the input.

A few more Questions:

1.) What is something we MUST see upon visiting Knoxville?
2.) What is your favorite thing about living in Knoxville?
3.) Is there any stand-up comedy venues besides Side Splitters? (even places that just occasionally do stand-up) I am a comedian is why I ask

[itsjustme64]

1. Clingman's Dome, Smoky Mountains (ok, an hour and a half outside of Knoxville)
2. So close to anything and everything, but still a nice neighborhood feel
3. I know Jay Leno came to one of the theaters downtown, and Seinfeld will be playing at the Civic Auditorium, but otherwise I don't know about other comedy clubs.

[knoxgarden]

On Friday afternoon, visit the Farmers Market in the Laurel Church of Christ Parking lot. It's just west of downtown on Kingston Pike at Cherokee Blvd. It's open from 3-6:30 p.m.
I can't think of a better intro to Knoxville. It's in a pretty area and it's a fun experience.
Before that, visit the UT Gardens at the University of Tennessee. UT Gardens | Visitor Information
A wonderful place for a stroll, right across from the river. If you're lucky, the UT rowing crews will be out on the river.
You can lunch at Calhoun's down there if you like or one of the many places on Market Square downton.
Market Square downtown should definitely be on your must-see list.
If you like Jazz, catch a live performance somewhere in town. UT has an incredible jazz department and the instructors, including the incomparable Donald Brown, often play at clubs around town. Check Metropulse, the free weekly, to see who is playing where.

[VolDude]

Originally Posted by mattbward

3.) Is there any stand-up comedy venues besides Side Splitters? (even places that just occasionally do stand-up) I am a comedian is why I ask

Einstein Simplified - Comedy Improv in Knoxville, TN

Regardless if you're into improv, you should maybe try and contact someone from this group. One could probably direct you somewhere. I've seen them once and they were hilarious.