Nash to Knox? Need advice regarding neighborhoods (Knoxville, Forest Hills: house, subsidized)

[janelovesmusic]

My husband and I currently live just outside Nashville. I'm considering getting my law degree at UT. We are hoping to find a home in the under 220k price range because my husband is a teacher and I will not be contributing to the family income for a few more years...we are pretty hip, progressive folks and are not afraid of a fixer upper. We love the charm of older homes (pre 1970's) but are open to pretty much anything as long as it's a good neighborhood with some character (i.e. not character as in a bunch of bums walking around) Any thoughts?

[creeksitter]

North Hills, Holston Hills, North knoxville from Downtown to Fountain city - although you will find "characters" close to downtown. South Knoxville: Lake Forest, Colonial village, Island Home, and my favorite - Lindbergh Forest. For those reading along who want hip and progessive neighbors and can tolerate a more up&coming area - Parkridge & Mechanicsville.

[weisgarber1]

Originally Posted by creeksitter

North Hills, Holston Hills, North knoxville from Downtown to Fountain city - although you will find "characters" close to downtown. South Knoxville: Lake Forest, Colonial village, Island Home, and my favorite - Lindbergh Forest. For those reading along who want hip and progessive neighbors and can tolerate a more up&coming area - Parkridge & Mechanicsville.

As for Mechanicsville, a couple of days ago, the local tv news reported that the area had a homocide rate three times the national average. Stats can be taken many ways and comparisons are often deceptive, but take it fwiw.

[creeksitter]

If that figure includes the subsidized housing, it doesn't surprise me. I'd like to think the figures are different if you separated out the historic area. I'd recommend contacting residents for more info.

Home Page | Old Mechanicsville

[weisgarber1]

Originally Posted by creeksitter

If that figure includes the subsidized housing, it doesn't surprise me. I'd like to think the figures are different if you separated out the historic area. I'd recommend contacting residents for more info.

Home Page | Old Mechanicsville

Yes, I would think it does include that because that stat is way out of proportion if it doesn't.

[Knoxville Native]

I live in the Whittle Springs area and used to come home at crazy hours due to work. I used to see people walking around late at night close to Broadway but a couple miles out I never saw anyone. My husband is from Nashville and North Hills always reminds him of home. The big difference is that we can afford North Hills without selling our kidneys.

[PN from TN]

I ama long time resident of Knoxville. I grew up here . I currently live in Colonial Village ( South Knoxville) . There are is very nice. We have alot of walker in the afternoon and evening. The homes in the area are very nice . They are smaller homes but the neighborhood is very established. This area is 5 miles south of downtown Knoxville and easy to get to UT. We also have Lake Forest area across Chapman Hwy from us. This area has a wide selection of homes.

What I like about where we are ,is there is a straight shot to town or to the Smokeys. Chapman Hwy, is a main drag.

I grw up in West Knoxville, Old Bearden area. This area has grown is the last couple of years. Forest Hills is in the historical overlay. My family home was in Forest Hills. I would have stayed after my Mother passed ,but we had alrady established ourselves in South Knoxville.
Breaden is another area that would be good. You are 5 miles out from downtown and UT. You have 2 ways to get there as far as roads go.

I would recommend these areas. Will be gald to talk with you more on this subject.

[hiknapster]

I back everything written in this thread. I wish we could make it a sticky! This is probably the first time that we might have listed them all! I especially like your list, creeksitter.

[creeksitter]

I shoulda added Bearden but think you get more house for your money in other areas.

[oldmanbob]

Good advise by all, but market will show you can find great deals all over, even in Bearden. Best advise is to drive and get a good feel and again bargains to be had in about any area you choose. Good luck and happy hunting.