One of the first questions Robin and I hear from people moving to East Tennessee is: What are the best areas to live in Knoxville TN? Knowing the best areas to live in Knoxville TN can significantly impact your moving experience.
“Bo, what part of Knoxville should we live in?”
My answer is usually another question:
“Tell me how you want to live.”
Because there really isn’t one “best” place to live in Knoxville or East Tennessee.
Someone who wants to walk to restaurants and a University of Tennessee football game probably isn’t looking for the same lifestyle as someone dreaming about golf, boating and Tellico Lake.
In fact, learning about the best areas to live in Knoxville TN can make a world of difference in your new life.
Someone who wants newer construction in West Knoxville may have completely different priorities from someone who wants a little more room and a quieter setting.
That’s why, when we’re helping someone relocate, we don’t start by telling them where they should live.
Thus, understanding the best areas to live in Knoxville TN is crucial when relocating.
Exploring the Best Areas to Live in Knoxville TN
When considering the best areas to live in Knoxville TN, it’s essential to find a place that matches your lifestyle and preferences.
We start by learning how they want to live.
Here are seven areas I’d have on my radar if I were moving to East Tennessee today.
For many, the best areas to live in Knoxville TN are those that offer a vibrant community and accessible amenities.
For anyone considering relocating, understanding the best areas to live in Knoxville TN can enhance your experience.
1. Downtown Knoxville — For the Urban Lifestyle
Finding the best areas to live in Knoxville TN should also align with your personal priorities.
If you want restaurants, entertainment, sporting events and activity close to home, Downtown Knoxville deserves a look.
Market Square, Gay Street, the Old City and the surrounding downtown area offer a completely different lifestyle from suburban Knoxville.
Depending on exactly where you live, you may be able to walk to dinner, entertainment, festivals or a Tennessee sporting event.
Housing is different, too. You’re more likely to encounter condos, lofts and urban properties than the traditional suburban home on a large lot.
Good fit for: Buyers who value walkability, entertainment and an urban lifestyle.
Think twice if: A large yard, quiet cul-de-sac or traditional suburban neighborhood is high on your wish list.
2. Farragut — For the West Knoxville Suburban Lifestyle
Many people are drawn to the best areas to live in Knoxville TN because of the community vibe.
Ultimately, your choice will reflect what you consider the best areas to live in Knoxville TN.
Thus, determining which are the best areas to live in Knoxville TN requires a deep understanding of your lifestyle needs.
Farragut is one of the names relocation buyers bring up with us constantly.
Located west of Knoxville, Farragut provides convenient access to shopping, restaurants, medical services and the Turkey Creek commercial area.
You’ll find established neighborhoods alongside newer construction and higher-end homes.
One important distinction for relocation buyers: Farragut is an incorporated town with its own municipal government, while many nearby areas people casually call “Farragut” may actually have a Knoxville address.
That distinction can matter when you’re searching for homes.
Good fit for: Buyers looking for a suburban West Knoxville lifestyle with lots of conveniences nearby.
It’s important to visit different neighborhoods to gauge what the best areas to live in Knoxville TN feel like.
Think twice if: You’re hoping for a rural East Tennessee setting or want to be close to Downtown Knoxville.
In conclusion, the best areas to live in Knoxville TN can provide both peace and excitement, depending on your preferences.
3. Hardin Valley — For Newer Homes and Growth
Hardin Valley has experienced tremendous residential and commercial development.
If you’re moving from another state and looking for newer construction, newer subdivisions and convenient access to West Knoxville, this is an area you’re likely to encounter during your search.
You’ll see everything from townhomes to larger single-family homes.
The tradeoff?
Growth brings traffic and continued development.
That’s something I always want relocation buyers to understand before deciding that newer automatically means better.
Good fit for: Buyers attracted to newer construction and growing suburban areas.
Think twice if: You want mature neighborhoods, larger established trees or less development around you.
Consider how much you value the best areas to live in Knoxville TN when making your decision.
4. Karns — For Location and Value
Karns doesn’t always get the national attention that Farragut does, but it deserves to be part of the conversation.
Its location provides access toward West Knoxville, Oak Ridge and Downtown Knoxville, depending on where in Karns you live.
You’ll find a mixture of established neighborhoods, newer subdivisions and properties with more land.
For some buyers, Karns can provide a nice balance between suburban convenience and getting a little farther away from the busiest parts of West Knoxville.
Good fit for: Buyers who want suburban living while keeping multiple parts of the Knoxville area accessible.
Think twice if: Being immediately adjacent to Turkey Creek or Downtown is your highest priority.
5. Powell — For Community Feel and North Knoxville Access
Powell is another area I think relocation buyers should understand.
It’s north of Knoxville and offers a combination of established neighborhoods, newer developments and properties with more space.
Powell has retained a recognizable community identity even as the Knoxville metro has grown around it.
It’s also convenient to I-75, which can be important depending on where you work or how often you travel.
Good fit for: Buyers who like a community-oriented suburban setting north of Knoxville.
Think twice if: Most of your daily life will revolve around Farragut, Turkey Creek or far West Knoxville.
6. Maryville — For Mountain Access and a Different Pace
Now we’re technically leaving Knoxville—and that’s intentional.
One mistake relocation buyers sometimes make is limiting their search to a Knoxville mailing address.
Maryville is in Blount County south of Knoxville and deserves serious consideration.
You have convenient access toward the Great Smoky Mountains, Townsend and McGhee Tyson Airport while still being within reach of Knoxville.
Maryville also has its own downtown, restaurants and community identity.
For the right buyer, it can provide a completely different East Tennessee experience.
Good fit for: Buyers who want proximity to the mountains and like the idea of living outside Knoxville proper.
Think twice if: You need to commute into certain parts of Knoxville every day. Drive the commute at rush hour before making a decision.
7. Tellico Village — For Lake, Golf and an Active Lifestyle
Tellico Village is unlike anything else on this list.
Located along Tellico Lake, the community attracts buyers from across the country who are specifically looking for an active lifestyle.
Golf.
Boating.
Clubs.
Recreation.
Community activities.
And, of course, lake living.
But here’s something important:
Tellico Village isn’t automatically right for everyone simply because you’re retired or approaching retirement.
Some people absolutely love the lifestyle.
Others discover they want to be closer to Knoxville’s restaurants, shopping, family or entertainment.
That’s why I encourage clients to experience Tellico Village rather than simply reading about it online.
Good fit for: Buyers specifically seeking an active, lake-and-golf-oriented community.
Think twice if: You want an urban environment or need to be in Knoxville frequently.
So…Where Should YOU Live?
Here’s the mistake I’d avoid when relocating to Knoxville:
Don’t choose the area first.
Choose the lifestyle first.
Ask yourself:
Do I want to walk places?
Do I want a newer home?
Do I want land?
How important is my commute?
Do I want mountains nearby?
Do I want lake access?
How often will I go downtown?
Do I want restaurants and shopping five minutes away—or would I rather have peace and quiet?
Those answers will narrow your search faster than almost anything else.
Our Advice After Relocating Here Ourselves
Robin and I understand this from both sides of the transaction because we relocated to Knoxville ourselves.
We had to learn the communities, traffic patterns and differences between areas just like our relocation clients do today.
And one thing I’ve learned since becoming a Realtor here is that a map doesn’t tell you how an area feels.
That’s why I encourage relocation buyers to spend some time exploring before making a decision.
Drive the neighborhoods.
Revisit the question of what are the best areas to live in Knoxville TN as you explore your options.
Ultimately, knowing the best areas to live in Knoxville TN will set the foundation for your new chapter.
Make the commute.
Go to the grocery store.
Have dinner nearby.
Drive it at 8:00 in the morning and again at 5:00 in the afternoon.
Then ask yourself:
“Can I picture my everyday life here?”
That’s a much better question than:
“What’s the best neighborhood in Knoxville?”
Moving to Knoxville or East Tennessee?
The Kriegner Group helps buyers and sellers throughout Knoxville and East Tennessee, with a particular focus on helping families relocating into the area.
Whether you’re considering Knoxville, Farragut, Hardin Valley, Karns, Powell, Maryville, Tellico Village—or somewhere completely different—we’d be happy to help you figure out which communities fit the way you want to live.
Walking by faith, serving others.
Bo & Robin Kriegner
The Kriegner Group at Realty Executives Associates
