African American Family Relocating to Knoxville area

[hiknapster]

I also want to point out that I live in what would be considered West Fountain City. It's north of Cedar Lane and although in the city limits it has a very burb/country feel. Anyway, my neighborhood is very respectable, 50s-60s homes with nice lots, heavily wooded. It's lovely. If I were to guess, my neighborhood is probably 30 percent AA. I didn't know that when I bought but was thrilled when I found out. I wasn't looking for a particular demographic, just a great house at a good price, with a good school nearby and centrally located. I don't care that the people next to me are purple. I like quiet with neat yards - although mine looks like a bomb hit it, thank you ex-husband - and I got that.

Around here, we don't care what you look like. I've found much more prejudice up north and in Florida.

[bored&lazy]

I must admit that on my trips down here people have been really friendly. Thanks for the responses. The relocation process will start soon, so I will be checking out these neighborhoods.

[saricher]

Fountain City is nice. My youngest goes to school (St. Joseph) nearby there. Fountain City Diner has slap-yo-face BLTs with nice, thick bacon!

[Mr. GE]

I am Black and I grew up in the Bearden area.

I would never raise my own family in Knoxville as I feel it is not diverse enough as a whole... Having said that, if you must go to Knoxville the best option is going to be the Bearden area for the type of home, safety, and diversity you are looking for.

The percentages of AA's in the Bearden area are in line with the country. Which again isn't saying a lot... but you all wont be the only AA's around. The high school percentage is 16% which usually mirrors the community. You will not experience any "blatant" racism... but you will certainly experience some "subtle" racism. But I think that would be anywhere you go in the south as someone mentioned before.

[bored&lazy]

Originally Posted by Mr. GE

I am Black and I grew up in the Bearden area.

I would never raise my own family in Knoxville as I feel it is not diverse enough as a whole... Having said that, if you must go to Knoxville the best option is going to be the Bearden area for the type of home, safety, and diversity you are looking for.

The percentages of AA's in the Bearden area are in line with the country. Which again isn't saying a lot... but you all wont be the only AA's around. The high school percentage is 16% which usually mirrors the community. You will not experience any "blatant" racism... but you will certainly experience some "subtle" racism. But I think that would be anywhere you go in the south as someone mentioned before.

Thanks for the feedback.

[hiknapster]

I think Knoxville has come along way over the years. It also doesn't have the history of some other parts of the South, especially the Deep South, and that may make the issues far less. But I've seen more racism in the Midwest, parts of Boston and some transplant-heavy areas of Florida (as well as some stuck in the 50s and before areas!). But if you've moved away to Atlanta, yeah, I guess you could say that is preferable to Knoxville....But the OP is simply looking for a place that is safe and welcoming. Not Atlanta. Knoxville fits the bill.

[Bizzar1]

Having lived here for just a few short 3 months we love our neighborhood. So much we are purchasing a house across the street from our rental home. In fact, we rent from an African American family. Super nice people. 3 of our neighbor homes are also AA and all very nice. We feel very safe and our kids play outside and ride their bikes all over the neighborhood. We live in an older subdivision of crestwood hills. There are a few nice homes for sale well below your budget. We live off farne island blvd if that helps. It is zoned for cedar bluff elem/middle and west valley high. Imho, bearden as well as faragut is far over-rated. We much prefer the cedar bluff area but there are some "shady" areas as with all neighborhoods. Check out crestwood hills and crestwood forest. Plenty of diverse friendly families around. In 3 months I have met more of our neighbors than 9 years back at our Florida neighborhood.

[RichRollin]

I would look West in the Hardin Valley are or Bearden. Another place I've not seen anyone mention is Oak Ridge. It's not a huge city but has quite a few AA. Also has a fascinating history, and is just a few minutes outside of Knoxville.