Not only is Knoxville one of the most affordable cities to live in the U.S., but it’s also a great place to raise a family! If you’re searching for an area with budget-friendly housing, excellent Southern food, and close proximity to outdoor recreation, these five family-friendly neighborhoods in Knoxville are perfect for raising your kids.
Farragut
- Home Price: $370,900 median purchase price; $1,245 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 66% of Tennessee cities
Located 17 miles west of Downtown Knoxville, you’ll find Farragut. This residential Knoxville suburb is tucked along Fort Loudoun Lake and is filled with outdoor recreation opportunities, shopping, food, and plenty of other fun things to do. Those looking to settle down can find plenty of waterfront estates, brick ranches, and newly-constructed homes with spacious yards. High-quality education isn’t far away either, as families can send their kids to nearby Farragut Middle School and Farragut High School. Plus, Farragut residents can take part in a variety of family-friendly events—like the Bob Watt Youth Fishing Rodeo at Anchor Park, the Bluegrass Summer Solstice Concert at Founders Park, and Fun with the Fleet at Mayor Bob Leonard Park.
Things to Do in Farragut
Spend the day shopping and dining with dozens of restaurants and big retailers like Marshalls, Belk, and Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop at Turkey Creek. Enjoy fishing, kayaking, and canoeing on the lake, play a game of sand volleyball, or explore the trails with your pet companion at The Cove at Concord Park. Practice your swing on the 18-hole golf course, go for a dip in the Olympic-sized swimming pool, and play a friendly pickleball match when you become a member of Fox Den Country Club. Zoom go-karts around the track, test your mini golf skills, or play paintball at Sir Goony’s Family Fun Center. Pick up some Jam-Filled Paczkis, Cinnamon Rolls, and assorted doughnuts from Status Dough. Smother your wings in specialty sauces like the Savory Maple, Sweet Chili Lime, and Smoky Chipotle at Big Kahuna Wings. Order Short Rib Gnocchi, Braised Lamb Shank, and French Onion Soup at Elkmont Station. Or sample sweet and savory crepes like the Smoked Salmon, Grilled Cheese & Tomato, and Blueberries & Lemon Curd at The French Market Creperie.
Oakwood
- Home Price: $148,800 median purchase price; $937 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 59% of Tennessee cities
Home to the city’s new $70 million municipal court, fire, and police department headquarters, the historic neighborhood of Oakwood is one of the safest and most affordable Knoxville neighborhoods to settle down in! Families looking to rent or purchase a home can find plenty of spacious, beautifully renovated 19th-century Craftsmen homes, bungalows, and ranches in the area. Kids can easily walk to nearby schools like Christenberry Elementary School, Fulton High School, and Beaumont Magnet Academy. Additionally, those looking to live a more active lifestyle have close proximity to Sharps Ridge Veterans Memorial Park—which is located just outside the neighborhood’s northern border!
Things to Do in Oakwood
Enroll your children in acting classes, and watch them perform in classic and original plays like Little Women and Fantastic Mr. Fox at the Knoxville Children’s Theatre. Practice your dance routine in the large dance studio, play a game of table tennis, or master a martial art with Taekwondo classes at the Christenberry Community Center. Knock down some pins at Strike & Spare Fountain Lanes. Take a walk on the paved trails or play a friendly singles or doubles match of tennis at Edgewood Park. Try specialty wood-fired pizzas like the Bonecrusher, The Rocky Top, and Le Boxeur at Hard Knox Pizza Central. If you’re looking for a taste of Southern soul food, order the Knox Hot Chicken or Catfish Sandwich with a side of Mama’s Mac & Cheese at Jackie’s Dream. Get a taste of authentic Mexican cuisine like the Al Pastor Street Tacos, Enchiladas Verdes, and Fajitas Chipotle at La Pinata Mexican Bar & Grill. Or try signature sandwiches like the Chipotle Turkey Club, Chicken Bacon Ranch, and Italiano at Steamboat Sandwiches.
Park City
- Home Price: $97,950 median purchase price; $933 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 39% of Tennessee cities
Known for its tree-lined streets, architectural character, and as one of Knoxville’s original streetcar suburbs, Park City is one of the best neighborhoods in Knoxville for families. Those looking to settle down in this Knoxville neighborhood can choose from plenty of housing styles—including historical Queen Annes and Colonials, Craftsman bungalows, Cape Cods, Tudor Revivals, and ranch-style homes! Residents will enjoy being surrounded by plenty of family-centered activities, thanks to nearby parks, museums, and close proximity to Downtown Knoxville. Additionally, teenagers can attend Austin-East High School, while those looking to continue their education can attend the University of Tennessee, located only ten minutes away.
Things to Do in Park City
Experience animal encounters or interact with some of Earth’s rarest creatures on a behind-the-scenes tour at Zoo Knoxville—the “Red Panda Capital of the World.” Enjoy live music in the outdoor amphitheater, or attend expos like the Knoxville Flea Market and the Annual NSRA Street Rod Nationals South inside the Jacob Building at the 80-acre Chilhowee Park & Exposition Center. Let your children explore hands-on exhibits like The U.S.S. Muse, Tech Play, and the Augmented Reality Sandbox at Muse Knoxville. Stroll through the Bamboo Forest, view native plants of East Tennessee in the Pollinator Garden, and take classes in yoga, plant pressing, and more at the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum. Begin your day with fresh, home-baked goodies like the Cranberry Bread Pudding, Blackberry Lavender Cornbread, and Incredibite at Perk City. If you’re craving Chinese food in Knoxville, get made-to-order dishes like Mongolian Beef, Hunan Chicken, and Szechuan Shrimp at Wok N Roll. Savor unique wing flavors like Creole Parmesan, Mango Habanero, or Jalapeno Cheddar at King’s Wings. Or start with an order of the Famous Hand-Breaded Onion Rings followed by the Famous Spaghetti with Secret Recipe Meat Sauce at Pizza Palace, a Knoxville staple since 1961.
Parkridge
- Home Price: $94,000 median purchase price; $741 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 0% of Tennessee cities
If you’re looking for a diverse and family-friendly Knoxville neighborhood, consider Parkridge! This centrally-located Knoxville neighborhood is notable for its architecture, offering families the largest concentration of George F. Barber-designed houses in the country, as well as historical Craftsman bungalows, Queen Annes, and Victorian-style homes. Those living in Parkridge will also appreciate the multitude of neighborhood events, like the annual Parkridge Home Tour, the Summer Social, and the Christmas Tree Lighting! Residents can easily walk to nearby coffee shops and restaurants located along Magnolia Avenue or explore recreational fun at green spaces like Caswell Park and the neighborhood namesake Parkridge Park.
Things to Do in Parkridge
Learn about ecology and preservation in exhibits like What Is it Like To Be A Bat? and How The World Eats Itself, or take a foraged basketry workshop at the Museum of Infinite Outcomes. Shop for unique gifts, stock up on yarn and knitting needles, or learn how to crochet at The Bees Knits. Attend the spring yard sale, take art classes, or shop for all things scrapbooking and paper crafting at Scrappin’ In the City. Challenge yourself to the climbing wall, hit the roller skating rink as the DJ spins some tunes, and play arcade games at The Change Center. Start your morning with a Danish or Cinnamon Raisin Bagel and a Cappuccino at Likewise Coffee. Try the Signature Sandwich or Tandoori Chicken Sandwich with a side of Coleslaw and Cheese Fries at Hot Birds. Sink your teeth into pizza slices like Parkridge Pep, Italian Stallion, and Saint George at Baker Boy Pizza Company. Or order the Pulled Pork Nachos, Knox Cubano, and Sausage Po’boy while listening to local live music on the weekends at Last Days of Autumn Brewing.
South Knoxville
- Home Price: $111,238 median purchase price; $902 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 63% of Tennessee cities
Located along the Tennessee River and known by locals as “SoKno,” South Knoxville is the perfect place for families seeking a residential feel near the heart of the city. Those looking to purchase a piece of Knoxville real estate can find plenty of quaint and affordable cottages, traditional ranches, and Craftsman-style homes to settle down in. Families looking to live an active outdoor lifestyle will appreciate the endless recreational activities available in Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness, including 60+ miles of vast trails, parks, and a 600-acre wildlife preserve. On top of that, SoKno residents also have convenient access to Downtown Knoxville attractions, nearby coffee shops, restaurants, and more!
Things to Do in South Knoxville
Zipline through the forest and cross the wooden bridge as you climb your way through the treetop adventure course at Navitat Knoxville. Have a fun-filled day outside by swimming, hiking, and rock climbing at Ijams Nature Center. Grab your bike and make your way down the extensive urban wilderness trails—featuring ramps and wall rides—at Baker Creek Preserve. Explore the historic Civil War sites while taking in beautiful views of the quarry from the overlook at Fort Dickerson Park. Plan a weekend brunch in Knoxville with dishes like Elephants Gerald, the Philly Omelette, and Shrimp & Grits at Aretha Frankensteins. For Mexican food in Knoxville, try the Flat Iron Burrito or the Carne Asada Tacos with a side of Fiesta Rice at SoKno Taco Cantina. Order the Grilled Meatloaf Panini, Loco Chicken Bowl, and Hillbilly Heap at Redbud Kitchen. Or if you’re looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, pick up a Chocolate Monster Ice Cream Cake, Pumpkin Custard Pie, or Raspberry Cream Cheesecake at The Sugar Queen Creamery.
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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes