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I disagree that Knoxville has the better economy. In the last year (Oct '17-Oct '18) the Tennessee Department of Labor stats show that Chattanooga added 4,070 jobs (1.6% growth) while the Knoxville MSA lost 1,100 jobs (0.3% loss). Other than U.T. sports, there's not much you can do in Knoxville that you can't also do in Chattanooga, and in fact Chattanooga does have a few things that Knoxville doesn't have such as an aquarium, a fabulous children's museum, minor league baseball, and minor league soccer. Knoxville's minor league team is in Sevierville which isn't even in Knoxville's MSA, and the nearest aquarium is an hour away in Gatlinburg. Knoxville doesn't have a children's museum nor does it have minor league soccer. And I'm curious what's better about shopping in Knoxville? I spent 12 years in Knoxville and still have a home there, but I would much rather live in Chattanooga.
I think you misread what I stated. I stated Knoxville has the stronger economy. This is due to it being less tourism based, not better economy. It has more research and government jobs with UT and Oakridge being there. Shoppingwise, Chattanooga has less options and no answer for Turkey Creek or nice open air facilities. West Town Mall also has an Apple Store, Cheesecake Factory with more coming soon. There is also no Pigeon Forge or Tanger Outlets like Knoxville has in its CSA (and I am aware of Calhoun). I like both cities, but I feel like Knoxville is better all around and underrated in some aspects.
Scott, I strongly suggest you visit both. You may have preferences you don't even think about: Knoxville has the "urban canyon" of Gay St vs. the broad boulevards in Chattanooga. Smaller mountains up close vs larger mountains in the distance. It could be any one of a number of things that contribute to a city's "vibe". A non physical thing is that Chattanooga has a strong gung-ho booster mentality, Knoxville is more laid back and comfortable in its own skin - the bumper sticker is Keep Knoxville Scruffy.
What I like about Knoxville is the older historic buildings downtown and the density of the commercial offerings. Love Market square. I love the library and the whole library system. I like the wide variety of historic neighborhoods and that most of them are convenient to downtown. I like Ijams nature center and the trail system known as the Urban wilderness. I very much like the long range vistas of the Smokies on a clear day, but then again I wish the Smokies were 30 minutes closer.
Last edited by creeksitter; 12-29-2018 at 06:50 AM..
Greenville websites boast more than 120 downtown restaurants. Not sure of the exact count, but there are tons of them with changes all the time.
distortedlogic, do you know what are the boundaries that contain the 120 restaurants in Greenville? I just didn't see that many within my definition of the CBD, though admittedly my visit was 2 years ago. What are your favorite restaurants?
The numbers for Knoxville is just the CBD, a little over a square mile bordered by the river, Henley street, the RR tracks and James White parkway. It doesn't include the University area, "downtown north" or anything across the river.
distortedlogic, do you know what are the boundaries that contain the 120 restaurants in Greenville? I just didn't see that many within my definition of the CBD, though admittedly my visit was 2 years ago. What are your favorite restaurants?
The numbers for Knoxville is just the CBD, a little over a square mile bordered by the river, Henley street, the RR tracks and James White parkway. It doesn't include the University area, "downtown north" or anything across the river.
I am honestly not sure about that, though I think that includes everything that is generally considered downtown. Keep in mind that Greenville's downtown is very small in area compared to many peers. For example, downtown Columbia is much larger in area and accomodates state grounds and the USC campus. My guess is (though not very familiar with Kville) that Downtown Knoxille would be closer in size to Columbia's, especially given there is a major university located there. With that being the case, there is probably a better defined parameter for different nodes of DT, including what is considered it's CBD. Greenville has such designations, but they are really blended for the most part, due to their close proximity. I think Gville's CBD is usually designated as the blocks from where the Landmark building is to the Peace Center (someone correct me if that is not accurate). The West End would be from the Peace Center to the baseball stadium, the North End would be from Landmark to Stone Ave, and Heritage Green would be the area West of North Main.
Shopping and Dining
Downtown is also a shopper’s paradise, with 100 retailers, including a variety of art galleries and specialty stores. You’ll also find everything from local designer boutiques to national favorites such as Anthropologie, Orvis and Brooks Brothers.
With more than 120 independent restaurants in a 10-block stretch, downtown’s lively dining scene has sparked Greenville’s emerging reputation as a foodie’s paradise. Most are locally owned one-of-a-kind eateries, with cuisine for every taste and price range.
I'm not precisely sure which ten block stretch they are referencing, but I would guess the heart of Main St, and that would include the CBD, and West End , but I don't know if they are including places blocks off of Main St, or North End or what. Here is a link to a map that might help some.
Just to give some scale, from NMain/ Stone to S Main/Pendleton is 2 miles walking or driving, but the stretch most see is probably about 1.5 miles or less, and includes the blocks between Academy (on the West) and Church (on the East). That sounds about the same size as Kville's CBD.
As for my favorite restaurants; I'm probably not the best person to ask. I don't get DT as much as I used to and there are so many new ones it's hard to keep up. Plus, I don't do a lot of fine dining; the more expensive = the smaller the portions ! Having said that, Greenville is really becoming known as a foodie destination. You can get just about anything; Italian, Mexican, German, Asian, Indian, Thai, Seafood, Deli, Pizzaria, Dinner and Entertainment, even some chain; all downtown. There are restuarants and eateries tucked everywhere, with local and chain. On the Rooftop, at the top of the Embassy Suites is very good, there's also a great Mexican restaurant just a few steps up Falls Park Drive from the park itself. Spill the Beans and Coffee Underground are nice for hot drinks. Many people ove the Soby restaurants, Lazy Goat, and Nantuckett Seafood Grill. Maybe others who do more dining than me can recommend some great ones, but there's a ton. Not to mention, there will be a lot more on the way as some of the current developments get completed along with Unity Park and the new County Square development.
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! Having said that, Greenville is really becoming known as a foodie destination. You can get just about anything; Italian, Mexican, German, Asian, Indian, Thai, Seafood, Deli, Pizzaria, Dinner and Entertainment, even some chain; all downtown. There are restuarants and eateries tucked everywhere, with local and chain. On the Rooftop, at the top of the Embassy Suites is very good, there's also a great Mexican restaurant just a few steps up Falls Park Drive from the park itself. Spill the Beans and Coffee Underground are nice for hot drinks. Many people ove the Soby restaurants, Lazy Goat, and Nantuckett Seafood Grill. Maybe others who do more dining than me can recommend some great ones, but there's a ton. Not to mention, there will be a lot more on the way as some of the current developments get completed along with Unity Park and the new County Square development.
