7.2 out of 10

Oakwood

Ranked 1st best neighborhood in Knoxville
35.992189902049 -83.9304894077957
Great for
  • Internet Access
  • Neighborly Spirit
  • Cost of Living
  • Medical Facilities
  • Public Transport
Not great for
  • Gym & Fitness
  • Nightlife
  • Peace & Quiet
  •  
  •  
Who lives here?
  • Singles
  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • LGBT+

Reviews

4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 5/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
2yrs+

"Better than expected"

Do you like mature trees and sidewalks? Ecclectic housing styles? Neighbors who actually talk to you? Being close to downtown but can't afford the higher real estate prices? Come to Oakwood.

I work downtown and my commute is an easy 5 minutes. I can stop by Old City Java for a capuchino on the way in and push that commute to 15 minutes. Especially if I chit-chat with the barrista.

I've read complaints about the schools that the Oakwood area are zoned to and I have to disagree... Christenberry Elementary School (http://christenberryes.knoxschools.org/) is a great little school with around 550 students. Yes, a large number qualify for free/reduced lunch, but the test scores have improved significantly over the past few years. Under the amazing leadership of Dr Jill Hobby, Whittle Springs Middle School has been brought up from one of the worst schools in town to one of the best in the state, and Fulton High School has many excellent programs. Cultural diversity in the area helps make it a great place to live.

If you prefer something a little more challenging educationally, Beaumont Elementary Magnet Arts & Honors Academy is just the other side of I-275, Vine Middle Magnet Performing Arts & Sciences Academy and The STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Academy (for grades 9-12) are less than 2 miles away, with busing available.

The development of the Happy Holler entertainment district (Time Warp Tea Room, Raven Records, Club XYZ, Central Taps & Flats, etc.) in the adjacent North Knoxville neighbohood and relocation of the Three Rivers Market to the corner of Baxter and Central Aves. make it easy to keep to our neighborhood.

And finally, the repurposing of the old Oakwood School eyesore into a seniors residential facility is doubly welcome.

I love that we were able to find a fully-restored 113 year-old Arts & Crafts style house (complete with 10' ceilings, hardwood floors, transom windows and a giant porch) for a fraction of what we would have paid in the Fourth & Gill neighborhood. Did I mention that I have great neighbors? Because I do.
Pros
  • quiet streets
  • if you love 100+ year-old fixer-uppers, this is YOUR neighborhood
Cons
  • some of the gorgeous old houses could really use some TLC
  • most places have street parking only
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 3/5
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 2/5
  • Nightlife 1/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 2/5
  • Gym & Fitness 2/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 1/5
  • Schools 1/5
  • Childcare 2/5
2yrs+

"Sticks out in North Knox, but not all that special"

The Oakwood region of North Knoxville does have several appealing aspects, but overall it's nothing special.

First of all, the area features mostly historic homes which are over 100 years old, which is extremely common throughout all of North Knoxville. However, these houses specifically are smaller, more compact, and have small front and back yards. They're extremely popular among the 20-something crowd, as are all the other areas of North Knoxville.

There is a great deal of home rental in Oakwood, like the surrounding areas, but people of all ages and backgrounds also own homes in the area. For the most part, this neighborhood has remained the same for years, with no growth and generally no adjustment whatsoever.

One of the most appealing parts of the neighborhood is that most of the houses have decent-sized front porches. In many cases, these porches as well as the small front lawns are often decorated, making it stand out a bit more than the neighboring areas.

It's clear that this neighborhood hasn't changed much in decades, considering it still has the friendly front porch vibe.

It's adjacent to Broadway Ave. which provides the necessary stops, like Kroger, restaurants, and gas stations, and it's only a 5-10 minute drive to the downtown area. It's close to the interstate, but getting there is somewhat of a chore given the poorly-laid-out roads of the area.
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 5/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 4/5
2yrs+

"Old World Charm"

With some of the oldest homes in Knoxville, Oakwood has some beautiful architecture and detail that you just don't see in homes built today. Oakwood has been known in the past for being run down and wasn't a very desirable neighborhood to live in. With the recent popularity of renovating older homes, this area has seen an improvement in it's appeal and charm. The schools aren't the best in Knoxville, although they are trying to improve and meet the Federal," No Child Left Behind" guidelines and standards. Close to Interstates 275, 640 and 40, residents can easily get to anypart of the city or elsewhere rather easily. Also close to downtown and all it has to offer, residents are in a great position being so close, yet away from a lot of noise and traffic. Right in the center of Oakwood is Christianberry Park, which would be good for families with children, but of course, there aren't many of htose in the neighborhood because of the lacking school system. Hopefully with the influx of renovators, the city will take more of an interest in this particular school system thus bringing in more families. Still, the neighborhood does have a lot to offer so it is great for single folks and retirees. St. Marys Medical Center is another great asset to the neighborhood with great service and care for patients. So, if you are looking for a good neighborhood for your first home, or a home to retire in, Oakwood may be for you.
Recommended for
  • Singles
  • Retirees
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 5/5
  • Medical Facilities 5/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
2yrs+

"Oakwood: Front Porch Aesthetic With The Aura Of The 20s - 50s"

The Oakwood neighborhood is just minutes from downtown Knoxville and has a casual front porch aura that many neighborhoods in the south still hold dear to their hearts. The majority of the homes here were built between the 1920s and the 1950s. From block to block the ethnicity and politics between neighbors in this neighborhood can vary, which gives Oakwood a nice diversity that other neighborhoods lack.

In 1903, Oakwood began as a residential development. Many of the early residents in this neighborhood were employed by the Southern Railroad. By 1913, Oakwood had grown one block east and several blocks southward toward Woodland Avenue, which was the northern boundary of the City of Knoxville. At this time, the citizens petitioned the Tennessee Legislature for a municipal charter.

The first, and only, election was held in December. It had its own school system and built the first part of the Oakwood School building in 1914. Oakwood was annexed into the City of Knoxville in 1917, along with several other small cities on the fringe of Knoxville. In the 1930’s, Oakwood was expanded eastward to Broadway.

The willingness of neighborhood residents to become involved in the activities within this area have helped keep their community beautiful and helped kept its solidarity.
Recommended for
  • Families with kids
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • 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 3/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 2/5
  • Childcare 3/5
2yrs+

"Renovations for a brighter future"

Oakwood is in the center of north Knoxville nestled between I 275, I 40 and I 640. This area has some of the oldest homes in Knoxville. For several years, it has been regarded as a poor, run down area. However, recently a surge of renovations and new owners have flooded the area and shown vast improvements. The main body of the neighborhoods is between North Broadway and N Central St. This location gives access to any shopping or restaurants in the area. The neighborhood is also in close proximity to St. Marys Hospital, one of the better hospitals in Knoxville.

One of the main problems with this area is the school system. It is commonly regarded as not being one of the better ones in Knoxville. However, even that is changing. Due to the influx of a new population it can be a little crowded at times. For the most part, the renewal of this neighborhood brings about a great neighbors, good spirit, and a better atmosphere. Oakwood is a lovely neighborhood for singles and couples making it out on their own for the first time. With the improvement in the school system it is also an ideal for couples starting out their own families.
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids

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