Late 30s, child-free, progressive couple moving to Knoxville. Neighborhoods? (Farragut: renting, lofts)

[cruseppi]

Hello, all, and thanks so much for taking the time to read my post.

My partner and I are moving to Knoxville this summer. I will be doing graduate work and teaching at UTK, while also running a small business from home. Partner will be working entirely from home.

We are late 30s, no kids, lovers of live music, independent film, etc. We love eating out, hanging at coffee shops and cocktail bars. We also love walking in parks and woods, hiking, generally being outdoors, but are not serious outdoors people.

Budget of ~200-325k, hoping to spend nearer the lower end if we can get what we want. We want a small home, 2-3 bedrooms, 1-2 baths.

We imagine ourselves in one of two types of neighborhood.

1. Somewhere near campus, where the more urban/collegiate folks tend to buy . . . artier, more progressive--friendly to implants, artists, intellectuals, etc. This would also be close to coffee shops, local businesses and restaurants, hopefully. As safe as can be expected given proximity to urban setting

2. Somewhere as close to campus as possible, but with larger lots in a slightly rural setting. It's almost certainly asking too much, but an area with some natural interest and space, yet still with some presence of progressive types would be great.

I've done some research here, and am amazed at folks' generosity in helping strangers relocate. Here are some areas that come up often, yet I'm not sure how they align with our particular hopes, as most data seems catered more to traditional families with children.

West Knoxville . . . but are there more specific neighborhoods within? Sequoyah, Bearden, Farragut, West Hills?

Perhaps something near Old City, where exciting new things are happening, yet safe enough to feel at ease walking in the evening?

It seems like South of Knoxville has some natural beauty and rustic charm, without getting too far from the city?

Also, areas we should clearly avoid are helpful to know about.

[BirdieBelle]

What is your price range?

[cruseppi]

Originally Posted by BirdieBelle

What is your price range?

I'd say $2-325k, based on the little data I've encountered on realtor sites so far.

[Barking Spider]

Have you visited Knoxville to get an idea of the area? If not I suggest you plan a visit, and just drive around and explore. I would also suggest renting first.
You don't really want to live near The Old City, unless you are thinking about the Downtown lofts, but that does not meet your criteria for property, and probably out of your price range as well.
Keep in mind that Knoxville is a pretty spread out City/County, but you can get from one end to the other in a fairly short amount of time (its all relative, but if you're from a major city like Atlanta, Seattle, Los Angeles you will laugh at the traffic here).
Keep in mind if you are within the city limits (pretty strange configuration) the taxes are just about double than if you are in the County. Of course, if you are in the County, you have to pay for trash pickup and fire protection, so its not exactly double.

[cruseppi]

Thanks for your response!

Yes, I've been to Knoxville several times, but only for quick day trips. I'm currently living 1.5 hours away near Waynesville, NC--was in downtown Atlanta before that.

We're heading to Knoxville tonight for the whole weekend. Hoping to see as many areas as possible, while also checking out nearby hiking/walking/nature centers, restaurants/theaters/venues/bars of note, as well as campus. Because we want to jam so much in, I'm hoping to have some ideas before we go.

The urban loft thing is not out of the question, though we favor detached buildings generally.

Originally Posted by Barking Spider

Have you visited Knoxville to get an idea of the area? If not I suggest you plan a visit, and just drive around and explore. I would also suggest renting first.
You don't really want to live near The Old City, unless you are thinking about the Downtown lofts, but that does not meet your criteria for property, and probably out of your price range as well.
Keep in mind that Knoxville is a pretty spread out City/County, but you can get from one end to the other in a fairly short amount of time (its all relative, but if you're from a major city like Atlanta, Seattle, Los Angeles you will laugh at the traffic here).
Keep in mind if you are within the city limits (pretty strange configuration) the taxes are just about double than if you are in the County. Of course, if you are in the County, you have to pay for trash pickup and fire protection, so its not exactly double.

[DaveC20853]

One weekend is not enough to check out everything you listed. I spent 5 days checking out areas before I settled on the area I wanted to be in. The great thing about Knoxville is no matter where you live, the mountains are within 1 hour (or less) and social activities are wthin 30 minutes (and many closer). I personally chose the Cedar Bluff area. Good luck in your search.

[cruseppi]

Originally Posted by DaveC20853

One weekend is not enough to check out everything you listed. I spent 5 days checking out areas before I settled on the area I wanted to be in. The great thing about Knoxville is no matter where you live, the mountains are within 1 hour (or less) and social activities are wthin 30 minutes (and many closer). I personally chose the Cedar Bluff area. Good luck in your search.

I'm sure you're right regarding a single weekend. I was hoping that, w/ a few suggestions of areas that clearly do/do not meet our needs, we could at least get a start, and avoid wasting time.

Anyway, driving through West Knoxville this morning.

[ElDiabloJoe]

Originally Posted by cruseppi

. . . artier, more progressive--friendly to implants, artists, intellectuals, etc....

I should hope you are not perpetuating the "Trump supporters is all dumb" myth. Intellectualism does not exclude Republicans. My semi-rural West Knoxville area is largely very conservative and is chock full of retired engineers, lawyers, doctors, etc. Dumb rednecks is a class bias myth perpetuated by the "progressive and artistic." Maybe you'd be happier somewhere less diverse and only full of people who think one way?

[Barking Spider]

Originally Posted by ElDiabloJoe

I should hope you are not perpetuating the "Trump supporters is all dumb" myth. Intellectualism does not exclude Republicans. My semi-rural West Knoxville area is largely very conservative and is chock full of retired engineers, lawyers, doctors, etc. Dumb rednecks is a class bias myth perpetuated by the "progressive and artistic." Maybe you'd be happier somewhere less diverse and only full of people who think one way?

I've lived in Karns area for over 25 years, and I have little idea of where my neighbors lean politically, not do I care. Outside of a few bumper stickers, I can only guess how people vote. I'm pretty sure not one of my neighbors, or the people at the local businesses have any idea how I vote, or who I support. As it should be.

In a group setting, if the conversation starts toward a political slant, I excuse myself and walk away for a while. I make it a point not to discuss politics or religion in a group setting. By the way, not all retired (or working) engineers, lawyers, doctors are conservative leaning. Apparently, you think that everyone in your West Knoxville area are superior conservatives, that can't tolerate anyone with a differing opinion.

I'm not going to say where I stand, but I will tell you that I respect my neighbors views and opinions, and their right to have them.

[creeksitter]

For scenario 1) I'll suggest the near north neighborhoods. Only caveat is you might want to take an uber or lyft home from the old city if it's late at night. Or the trunk bus lines run until midnight.

Scenario 2) says South Knoxville.

West Knoxville will be more pricey for the same house because of better schools.

A hidden gem is Holston Hills. Leafy older neighborhood with big lots and some academics. It doesn't have the neighborhood commercial, though.

Don't mind Joe, he's got a chip on his shoulder. You'll find Knoxville is very politically integrated and tolerant. But the strongest party by far is the Apathy party.

I understand the desire to be among kindred spirits from time to time like I was this morning. It's nice to find kindred spirits who are also inclusionary...

https://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/...es/4892450002/