thinking of retiring to knoxville -great areas to live in? (Oak Ridge: condo, house)

[countrykaren]

We are considering moving to the Knoxville area in 1-2 yrs (depends on when we can sell our house). What areas should we concentrate on? I heard that Fountain city and West Knox is nice. Any other suggestions? We are in our 60's. We want a safe area, clean area. We want to be near shopping and restaurants. Greenways and things to see and do. We can't live smack in the mid of Knoxville because we have 6 dogs and we don't want a condo. But a nice suburban area with maybe 1/2- 1 ac lots so we can have a garden. I would like to be able to walk everywhere but I know that may not be possible unless we live in a condo smack in the middle of the city. Anything out there that sounds good for us? thanks.

[piedmont]

I don't know your budget, but there are actually parts of Oak Ridge that are close to your wish list.

In Knoxville, you might look at listings in the West Hills and Bearden areas and see if that looks interesting to you. It's not entirely walkable, but it is more walkable than much of Knoxville. Fountain City is also worth exploring.

If you are interested in more rural living, 5-10 minutes outside of downtown Maryville might be interesting for properties with a bit more space But it is not walkable!

[creeksitter]

I would like to be able to walk everywhere but I know that may not be possible unless we live in a condo smack in the middle of the city

Have you ever even visited Knoxville? Do you recall who gave you this idea? Was it a realtor trying to sell you a high priced downtown condo?

Now the 6 dogs may be an issue, you should research whether there is a 4 pet limit within the city.

[DaveC20853]

I believe the dog limit is 5 in Knox county. Enforcement would be the issue I would think. If neighbors don't complain how would they know?

[countrykaren]

I would like to stay under $150K for a house but can go higher for the "perfect" house. We are aware the dogs may be a problem. We have some old ones- 10 to 14 yrs (and large breeds). Not wishing them dead but by the time we are ready to move...who knows.

We are hoping for a road trip around Christmas/ New Years to look around (that is when we can get our house sitters).

I would like to be as walkable as possible, but not necessary. We like in the middle of nowhere now. About 25 miles round trip now to go grocery shopping, a little farther for a walmart. But would now like a little more activity than we have now.

thanks for your answers.

[creeksitter]

West hills and Crestwood hills fit your requirements except for price. But they are of an age where an original owner has passed on and you might find one that needs a lot of updating. The question is how you'd go about getting to those before the flippers, especially from afar.

[countrykaren]

Thanks all.