Nashville to Knoxville: Something to consider? (apartment, to rent, low crime)

[TBruno23]

I’m beginning to put out feelers, hoping to get a sense of whether Knoxville would be a good fit for possible October relocation. My interest has piqued based on the outdoor opportunities, smaller size and the tighter-knit sense of community, affordability, and variety of entertainment options.

About me – 40yo single professional guy, no kiddos. Politically moderate and generally non-religious. Very outdoorsy and not big on the nightlife/bar scene. Work from home so I’ll definitely be looking to get out and build community through activities, volunteering, and dating opportunities (any chance I’ll meet my future wife?!).

What I love about Nashville – Lots… friendly people, rolling hills and tree canopy, city parks and greenways, lakes and rivers for kayaking, great food scene, endless activites/entertainment/live music/sports

What I don’t love about Nashville – Traffic, housing prices, insane growth, crime, distance to the mountains, tourists, and overall transient nature

What I’m looking for – Housing budget is $350k max, but ideally I’d stay well under $300k for 2 bed/bath, under 2000 sq ft. New construction of connected villas or courtyard cottages is preferred for easy upkeep. Interesting topography (i.e. tree covered hills or foothills) is another bonus.

Ordering of priorities would be:

1) Close proximity to beautiful nature/greenways. For those familiar with Nashville, I’m in the Bellevue area and visit the Warner parks multiple times a week for hiking or biking. Ideally, I’d be an easy 5-10 minutes from something similar (Urban Wilderness perhaps?).

2) Safe, low crime area. I’m okay with sleepy and boring, but would prefer a place where a single 40yo isn’t completely out of place.

3) Easy access to grocery/shopping and restaurants. Walkable outdoor shopping centers are even better.

4) Entertainment and activities, although I don’t mind driving 20 minutes or so for those things.

Based on all the above, would Knoxville be a good fit for a transplant like me? What areas of town best match my criteria? Any comments and recommendations would be appreciated. I’m basically just looking for my Mayberry, that’s all

[NJDevil]

Yeah, I think Knoxville's a good fit for you. Maybe south Knoxville (hilly). You probably won't like visiting the Smokies during tourist season (April - December, worst months July & October), but there's other options and PLENTY of greenways. Bearden is a nice part of town (just west of downtown) but south & north of downtown are cheaper.

[creeksitter]

Knoxville doesn't have nearly the boisterous social life you'll find in Nashville but otherwise it is a good fit. South Knoxville has the topography but the Inskip area of Fountain city has the newer attached developments you like.

My advice is to rent for a year while you decide. There are some new apartment developments in South Knoxville that could be a good fit.