6.2 out of 10

Old North Knoxville

35.987574921962 -83.9226741287682
Great for
  • Internet Access
  • Cost of Living
  • Neighborly Spirit
  • Public Transport
  • Clean & Green
Not great for
  • No ratings yet
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Who lives here?
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
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Reviews

3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 2/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Pest Free 2/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Cost of Living 5/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 2/5
  • Childcare 2/5
2yrs+

"Unique, but still run down"

The Old North Knoxville area, frequently known as Historic Old North Knoxville (or “HONK”), has more character than many of the Knoxville neighborhoods.
The area consists significantly of older, Victorian-style homes which have been converted into apartments. These apartments appear to be large, multi-story homes from the street with large back yards. Generally, these have been remodeled into one-bedroom apartments, or to studio apartments, with the back yard area serving as a parking lot.
But there are still plenty of houses, usually smaller and one-story. The area is heavily populated by the 20-30 year-old crowd. As a result, renting is popular in this area, and typically speaking the rates of the area are reasonable or even cheap.
HONK sits next to Broadway Avenue, which serves as the area’s main shopping area with grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations.
But generally speaking, much of the Old North Knoxville area seems run down, including the shops on Broadway Avenue. It’s an older area of town and it seems it hasn’t been kept up very well.
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 2/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 5/5
  • Medical Facilities 5/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
2yrs+

"Old North Knoxville: An Architecture Lover's Dream"

The Old North Knoxville neighborhood is the sister neighborhood to the Fourth & Gill neighborhood. This neighborhood is characterized by older historic homes with its residents who have a pedestrian friendly nature in this close knit community. The Old North Knoxville neighborhood is located right off Broadway and north of Downtown Knoxville and 4th & Gill. It is boarded by Central Avenue Pike and Woodland Avenue to the west and Cecil Avenue, Sixth Avenue, and Glenwood Avenue to the east. This neighborhood is conveniently located to St. Mary's Regional Hospital, Downtown, and the University of Tennessee.

This neighborhood is one of Knoxville’s oldest historic neighborhood and dates back to the 1880s when it was a streetcar suburb. The neighborhood was made a historic district in 1922 and since that time restoration and renovations have been ongoing. Old North Knoxville, Inc. and Knox Heritage have both worked earnestly to save homes in the neighborhood, which would have been demolished otherwise.

This area is an architecture lover’s dream come true as it has been built over the course of several decades. It features several late 19th century and early 20th century home styles, including Queen Anne, Folk Victorian, Craftsman, Colonial Revival, Tudor Revival, Neoclassical, and French Eclectic. Sidewalks align almost every street and is a great neighborhood of those looking for a walkable lifestyle.
Recommended for
  • Families with kids
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 4/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 5/5
  • Public Transport 5/5
  • Medical Facilities 5/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 4/5
2yrs+

"Another Historic Area Making a Comeback"

Old North Neighborhood is very close to downtown so you can at times have a traffic and noise overflow. This is a beautiful neighborhood that is on the National Resister of Historic Places. driving through the neighborhood you notice that there aren't many driveways or garages, there is mostly on street parking. There are sidewalks throughout the neighborhood and some beautiful trees. of course, like I said before, you do get some traffic and noise from the downtown area. In this historic neighborhood you have Three Rivers Market, a locally owned and operated market offering local, organic, naturally grown food. You also have the Old Grey Cemetery, which is almost park like with it's huge trees among the Victorian era monuments, and even some blank, unnamed markers. There is always the Upper and Lower First Creek Greenways also. Great for walking, biking, skating, and leashed dogs are allowed. Connected to the Lower First Creek Greenway is Caswell Park and there is a YMCA right outside of the park. Houses that are not renovated are fairly affordable, not as low as some other Victorian houses in need of renovation in other historic areas, but after renovations, these homes go for quite a sum. Buying a house that has already been fixed up can be quite pricey. So, a great area for making a profit, although you do have to follow the design rules set forth by the neighborhood association. A nice neighborhood!
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 4/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 2/5
  • Childcare 3/5
2yrs+

"An oldie but goodie"

Old North Knoxville has several older homes, but just like several of the other areas in Knoxville is going through extensive renovations. One thing to consider in this area is that several homes are considered historic and can complicate some processes about renovations. This should not deter anyone from looking and purchasing a home in the area. Several of the homes have already been renovated. These may cost a bit more upfront but already have the benefits. The area itself is wonderful, an influx of new homeowners makes this area very friendly. It offers good access to downtown Knoxville, and I 40, which means all areas of Knoxville are just moments away.

Some things to consider about moving into the area is the school system. The school system is not commonly regarded as the best in Knoxville. Parents may want to consider this as a choice, the schools are improving as funding is made available, but it is an ongoing process. Being close to downtown, the noise and traffic can sometimes be noisy and congested. These factors should not deter anyone from scouting the area. Some of the houses are absolutely beautiful. These homes would make great starter homes for couples looking to own their first house. The area is great, good cost of living, and all the benefits of being close to downtown.
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles

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