We are moving to Knoxville and know NOTHING about it! Help?

[beac]

My husband just accepted a 1-year position with UT. We will be moving to Knoxville in August, but don't really know anything about the city. (Interview was by phone, so we've never even visited!)

I started looking on Craigslist, etc. for houses to rent, but am bewildered by the dozens of areas/neighborhoods. A lot of the ads seem to mention "crime" which is freaking me out a bit!

We would prefer an older house with some character and away from student-heavy areas. We don't want to live downtown (we have a dog), but don't want to be way out in a suburb either.

Any Knoxvillians out there who might be able to recommend (and/or steer me away from) specific neighborhoods?

Thank you in advance for any help you can give this Virginia "country mouse" in making the transition to the "big city." :)

[Old Coot]

1. I wish I could help, but I haven't lived in Knoxville since 1983.

In general, the safest parts of town will be what used to be suburbs back in the 1950's or 1960's. They have since been annexed. I would avoid East Knoxville, as it used to have a high crime rate.

I had hoped that someone who currently lives there would have helped you out.

My sister lives in Halls, which is outside of the city limits and it has little crime. It north of Knoxville. We used to live in West Knoxville, which also had low crime rates. My in-laws are currently living in West Knoxville.

Maybe someone will respond to this thread to help you.

I wish you the best of luck.

[beac]

2. Thanks, Old Coot!

:)

[Kalyke]

3. Move to Old North Knoxville or Fountain City

For a couple of reasons... they're near UT AND they're the most liberal areas of the city. I know because I live in Fountain City. We have two Democratic county commissioners, a Democratic state House member, a Democratic city councilman and a Democratic school board member (the last two don't run partisan, but we know their political afflictions).

Keep in mind, however, that Knoxville doesn't have much public transportation. The buses run a very abbreviated schedule - but they do run from Old North Knoxville and Fountain City. We're really NOT a "big city," either - we just have big city traffic because our roads are always under construction. :)

If you'll IM me, I'll be happy to put you in touch with my realtor who probably can find you a place to rent - or point you in the right direction. She primarily works in the North end of town.

[beac]

4. Thanks so much your advice!

Amazingly, our whole situation has done a 180 in the last week and we'll be staying in VA after all. I'm still dealing with the emotional whiplash, but am happy to have had the opportunity to learn a little more about TN thanks to the lively DU-TN forum.

Who knows-- maybe we'll be there next year!

Thanks again!

-beac