Neighborhoods near a library (Knoxville: houses, subdivisions, to live in)

[LittleDolphin]

Curious as to what Knoxville neighborhoods (that are affordable) are close to a nifty library and within walking distance of other amenities.

Would like to live mostly car-free if possible. But love to walk and bicycle...

Thanks!! Please tell me about your "hood."

[Barking Spider]

You could live downtown and be near the main library. I live in Karns, and the area around the library is not exactly walking friendly to other amenities. However, if you lived in one of the subdivisions close, you could walk to grocery store, Walgreens, etc.

[hiknapster]

The area around this library is more affordable than downtown and charming.

North Knoxville Branch Library | Knox County Public Library

[creeksitter]

My friend who is an enthusiastic walker used to live in the Fairmont/Emoriland neighborhood near the north Knox library. Not all the streets have sidewalks but the back street to the library is very lightly travelled. There is also a back way to a shopping complex with K mart, Office depot and a grocery store. there are a few independent restaurants and lots of fast food chains on Broadway nearby.

The houses are very quaint and all price ranges. Very little of the shopping is the quaint variety - perhaps that is good because usually quaint shopping brings a premium price tag. You can meet most of your practical needs without a car.

My favorite street is Claiborne place. It seems that one block has just about every style of house from its era, and it dead ends into the library parking.

[JMT]

Definitely the North Knoxville branch library. I used to live in that neighborhood and still own a home there. While that library isn't huge, it's my mother's favorite. She lives closer to the Fountain City library but goes to the North Knoxville library because, she says, the employees all know her, they're super nice, and she just likes the neighborhood. When my parents were in better health they walked all over the place in that neighborhood: to the library, Walgreens, the post office, Harby's pizzaria. They'd actually park their car on a side street and walk the rest of the way, just because. They particularly liked walking on Fairmont and Emoriland boulevards.

It's almost too bad the Fountain City library moved from its location in Fountain City Park, otherwise I would've recommended Fountain City, too.

[LittleDolphin]

Thanks so much for your kind tips and observations. Being near a friendly, vibrant library is my number one priority. I think they're the heart of a neighborhood.