apartments for rent? (Oak Ridge, Maryville: crime, home, to buy)

[amandak]

It seems most people are looking to buy a home once they relocate. My family is most likely going to rent. We have received apt guides by mail and notice they are split in to N,E,S,W, as expected. Just wondering if any one "side" of town is better than another. They also list apartments in Oak RIdge and Maryville, which I know are suburbs, but seem less expensive. We are coming next week, and don't want to waste our time on anything run-down or trashy. Just looking for some suggestions as to apt complexes that may be a good place to see while we are there, whether in the city or outside of it.
Even if it's a horror story, I'd be interested in what NOT to see!
Thanks in advance!

[hiknapster]

Oak Ridge and Maryville are completely different towns and not even in Knox County.

Anything east of downtown is bad. South of downtown is mostly college kids. Of course the farther out it gets the better, but that is strictly my opinion.

[Beretta]

Amanda,

Each part of this area has its' own "flavor" if you will. There are certain areas in east Knox that are ok, but generally that is an area I personally would avoid. North and West are two areas I would consider and South, for apartments, will mostly be your college students or downtown hospital workers, etc. Personally, I would not consider Oak Ridge unless I was going to work there and wanted to be very close to work. My husband works in OR and commutes from Maryville. Maryville is great for schools and blues clubs, etc. However, if you aren't looking for a small town atmosphere then it won't be right for you. Oh, and M'ville has a strong and growing motorcycle enthusiasts presence. It really is up to your personality and life-style as to what would be best. Papermill and Cedar Bluff areas seem to be very popular for apartments.

Best of luck to you.

[Pam& Bill]

When we lived in East Knox(East Town) we lived in Washington Ridge apartments on Washington Pike. The complex is well maintained, has a pool,and a gym on premises.
As a previous poster stated there are areas in East Knox to stay away from, like Broadway or Coker Ave. area.
But East Knox has some nice areas also.

[hiknapster]

The two young people that were raped, tortured and killed were abducted from the Washington Ridge apartments parking lot. I think the crime is spreading.