Teacher thinking of relocating to Knoxville (Oak Ridge, Maryville: job, houses, crime)

[WhoDeyFan]

Hi! I am a recent college grad. looking to relocate to Knoxville. I have done some research on Knoxville & Knox county schools; however, there are still many questions that I have about Knoxville. Any help would be appreciated! On the Knox county website, I can't figure out which schools are urban, suburban or rural. I am certified in K-3, so any tips on where to appply or where not to would be awesome as well. I will be moving with my kids & husband, so we would need to know an area that is family friendly, safe, with good schools. We would like an area that is the suburbs. My husband works for Scott's Lawn Service & would transfer to the Knoxville location, which I am not even sure where it is- do you? He has an hour commute now, so anything less than that would be best. We don't want to be around tourist type stuff, just a regular neighborhood. How is the crime in Knoxville & surrounding areas? I have heard conflicting information. It has to be better than Cincinnati! Downtown is bad here- I think; we are hoping to move where it is nice. Any ideas, links or information would be super! Thanks

[hiknapster]

Doing a google search, I found that Scott's Lawn Service is on Middlebrook Pike. You may want to ask your husband, though. That would be the western suburbs.

Looking at the stats on City-Data, Knoxville has less crime.

[SmokyMtnGal]

As far as teaching, Oak Ridge and Maryville pay teachers a higher rate than Knox County. There was just something this past year on teacher's salaries in the news so there may be something historical you can search for on the tv stations or newspaper websites. They had a pretty comprehensive list of the areas teachers salaries for lots of communities.

Best of luck to you.

[TNWOMN]

If your husband's employment would be on Middlebrook Pike- you might want to check out the West Knoxville neighborhoods. Homes in Forest Heights, Westwood, Lonas Road, and Deane Hill are just a few of the subdivisions nearby. Nice houses available from below $100,000 up to very expensive--all are good, safe communities. Steer clear of Western Heights area. Lots of crime there.
Its true- Knoxville City and County do not pay as well as nearby city of Maryville. Maryville is only a 20 minute drive from West Knoxville. Maybe find a location halfway between your husband's employment and Maryville schools- that would be the Louisville, TN area- along Alcoa Highway. That's the airport road. Lots of nice homes there- some on the lake. Good luck.

[Mytown]

Here are some web sites you might find helpful:

Knox County Schools: Knox County Schools

Blount County Schools (this is Maryville): Blount County Schools

TN Department of Education: TN Department of Education:K-12

In Knox County there is a nice new elementary school called Hardin Valley that teachers are very excited about. The schools North and West of town are the most desiarble for parents that I talk to. And as others have said here Maryville and Oak Ridge are great schools too.

Hope this helps.

[WhoDeyFan]

Thank you all so very much for your help! I have a place to start with job hunting in those districts & homes as well. You all have just helped me tons- thanks!!!