Nashville vs Knoxville topography

[creeksitter]

I think Nashville might have a slight advantage when it comes to opportunities close to town

Being nitpicky here: since you lived in Knoxville there's a trail system called Urban wilderness with trails that start within a mile of downtown. Guess it depends what you define as close to town.

But as you know, most people prefer Nashville for economic or cultural reasons and that may be the case for the OP.

[widespreadfan]

Originally Posted by creeksitter

Being nitpicky here: since you lived in Knoxville there's a trail system called Urban wilderness with trails that start within a mile of downtown. Guess it depends what you define as close to town.

But as you know, most people prefer Nashville for economic or cultural reasons and that may be the case for the OP.

Knoxville has South Knoxville, which when I was in college was an area of blight. In the last 15 years several Knoxville Mayors have tried to clean it up. It could have been beautiful, but no one controlled the development. Chapman Highway and Alcoa Highway take away from the beauty of the area. Don't even get me started on the 407 exit off I-40 route to the Smokies. The Urban Wilderness attractions are nice though.

Nashville has controlled its development better to preserve nature. For instance, Radnor Lake and the Warner Parks.

[JMT]

Originally Posted by creeksitter

Being nitpicky here: since you lived in Knoxville there's a trail system called Urban wilderness with trails that start within a mile of downtown. Guess it depends what you define as close to town.

But as you know, most people prefer Nashville for economic or cultural reasons and that may be the case for the OP.

Nashville has over 300 miles of greenways that begin downtown including 23 miles encircling downtown. Shelby Bottoms Natural Area is 1200 acres of hilly wilderness just 2 miles from downtown.

https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2...reenway-01.jpg

https://img-aws.ehowcdn.com/700x/cdn..._k-700x525.jpg

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/i...3cPKE&usqp=CAU

https://www.tclf.org/sites/default/f...07_sig_001.jpg

[TBruno23]

Originally Posted by widespreadfan

Knoxville has South Knoxville, which when I was in college was an area of blight. In the last 15 years several Knoxville Mayors have tried to clean it up. It could have been beautiful, but no one controlled the development. Chapman Highway and Alcoa Highway take away from the beauty of the area. Don't even get me started on the 407 exit off I-40 route to the Smokies. The Urban Wilderness attractions are nice though.

Nashville has controlled its development better to preserve nature. For instance, Radnor Lake and the Warner Parks.

Along with the incredible depth provided by nashvols and others, this is helpful feedback. To dig a layer deeper, does anyone have a recommendation for newer, desirable areas to live in Knoxville within 10 minutes or so of good hiking opportunities?

I currently live in Bellevue and easily access the Warner parks multiple times a week. As I scout Knoxville for possible relocation, I'm looking to narrow the focus a bit. I'm a remote employee with no kids and have done some independent research on other factors of importance beyond topography and the outdoors.

[creeksitter]

newer, desirable areas to live in Knoxville within 10 minutes or so of good hiking opportunities?

You will find new houses and upscale shopping in the vicinity of Concord Park. Modest topography and walking trails but nice lake views and mountain vistas.

[widespreadfan]

Since schools are not a concern or commute times you might look at say Lenoir City or Maryville. Both have plenty of shopping, but they are going to offer more bang for your buck in terms of real estate purchasing power. Lenoir City would also put you with some wonderful day hiking trips of places in the Cumberland Plateau in addition to the Blue Ridge Mountains.