Alcoa versus Maryville or neighboring towns. (Knoxville, Farragut: crime, houses, safe area)

[jpbklb]

Anyone got any opinions or where would a better place be. Im 34, single father with a 13 year old son.

[shinestx]

Why those two towns? My wife is from Knoxville, and I've been through there many times (the airport is there). My impression is that Alcoa is more industrial, but a bit closer to Knoxville. Maryville is a college town and the county seat of Blount County. I tend to think of Maryville as "my gateway to the Smokies". It's very pretty. You may also be interested in Farragut, which is in Knox County... and spills over into Loudon.

[Beretta]

Moved from Tennessee to Knoxville forum.

[Kitties of Domination]

Why not Knoxville itself?

[JMT]

Originally Posted by shinestx

Why those two towns? My wife is from Knoxville, and I've been through there many times (the airport is there). My impression is that Alcoa is more industrial, but a bit closer to Knoxville. Maryville is a college town and the county seat of Blount County. I tend to think of Maryville as "my gateway to the Smokies". It's very pretty. You may also be interested in Farragut, which is in Knox County... and spills over into Loudon.

I agree that Alcoa seems more industrial. I guess since it was originally a factory town for the sprawling ALCOA factory it's to be expected.

However, I wouldn't consider Maryville to be a college town. It does have a college, but Maryville College is smaller than most high schools, certainly smaller than Maryville High School. Nevertheless, I like Maryville and think it's one of the nicest towns in all of East Tennessee.

[Pam& Bill]

Originally Posted by Kitties of Domination

Why not Knoxville itself?

I'm in Northeast Knoxville, I agree with Kitties. You might want to seriously consider Knoxville.
Pam

[Beretta]

If you're gonna be a cop in Blount County you would be ill advised to live in Knox County. You're a cop, you understand, right? 'Nuff said. Either Alcoa or Maryville or surrounding will be fine for you. For the best schools go to either Maryville City or Alcoa city. When you're here you will understand better how we are in and out of both cities all day everyday. Lines are virtually transparent in many ways here and both cities do a great job of working together and residing in either place you will feel a sense that you are a part of the greater community.

[BRH]

I've always liked the Springbrook Park neighborhood in Alcoa. The park is wonderful, and if you love older houses like I do, it is a great place to find them. I like it because the older houses you see there are different than in most places in East TN. It almost looks more like the style and type of older neighborhood you see up North. I'm guessing it was a planned neighborhood built by Alcoa Aluminum and that is the reason. Anyway, I've always loved the look of the neighborhood.

My only concern has always been safety. I don't know about Springbrook in particular, but I'd always heard that Alcoa had more crime than Maryville. Does anyone know if that's the case, or if Springbrook is a safe area?

[Beretta]

Originally Posted by BRH

I've always liked the Springbrook Park neighborhood in Alcoa. The park is wonderful, and if you love older houses like I do, it is a great place to find them. I like it because the older houses you see there are different than in most places in East TN. It almost looks more like the style and type of older neighborhood you see up North. I'm guessing it was a planned neighborhood built by Alcoa Aluminum and that is the reason. Anyway, I've always loved the look of the neighborhood.

My only concern has always been safety. I don't know about Springbrook in particular, but I'd always heard that Alcoa had more crime than Maryville. Does anyone know if that's the case, or if Springbrook is a safe area?

You are correct about Alcoa having more crime. Springbrook is relatively safe. The Eagleton area (zone 3) in Maryville is considered the least safe of the city (but compared to other places it still isn't bad). There is more police activity in Alcoa than Maryville. We are seeing more gang activity in this area, meth related crimes in the area coupled with the poor economy; it is a concern everywhere.

[kf4pch]

I personally like Alcoa better, i've lived in both cities. Theres just a sense of pride living in Alcoa.
Alcoa is much smaller than Maryville so it would be hard to compare the two. Alcoa city was formed after the Alcoa Alum co of America but to say it's industral Denso in Maryville is much larger than Alcoa Alum co.
Alcoa has some great schools they are on top of their game well above the county schools. Last year Alcoa Middle school scored the top educational school in the state. I serve on the Alcoa High schools Technical advisory committee and and what those kids learn is well above the education i got way back then when i went to high school. I have two kids in the Alcoa school system and they love it.
Springbrook park is an older neighborhood the houses are beautiful that's one things that makes the Springbrook park area pretty. Is it safe? I would yes, although with a carry permit you can not carry your weapon in the park (that i don't like). But it's not like you'll need it anyway.
Crime, I can't speak for Maryville you may be able to look on their website for that info or better yet call the MPD and ask. I'm sure they will give you that info.
Crime in Alcoa, like i've said before Alcoa is very small our police department is sharp and only seconds away. if you'd like some info on crime in certain areas then you should call Apd and ask for Officer Hatcher and she will be happy to share with you crime data in specfic areas and neighborhoods.
There's a lot of growth coming our way in Alcoa. First we've got the R&D park there at the end of Pellissippi Parkway that development is underway and will bring in lots of new businesses and create jobs. Second, the "new downtown" project which is going to be somewhere between Hunt road and Hall Road will also bring in new businesses and create jobs. Hamilton Crossing is just about to start yet another phase to that new development yup more jobs more revenue. The last one i'll mentions and it's one of my favorites. Is the Cal Ripken Jr baseball complex which will be in Alcoa, I believe they've started grading the land how for it. I may drive out that way tomorrow and take a look for myself. But this is great also for the city it should bring the Smoky Mountain Classic softball tournment to Alcoa, create jobs and revenue. So there's alot going on in Alcoa a lot to be excited about.
If you couldn't tell i'm partical to Alcoa.
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Best wishes!