A Local Experts' Guide to Top Affordable Neighborhoods to Rent in Knoxville, TN

Knoxville is considered to be a jewel of the south. It is the largest city in the eastern half of Tennessee and home to the main campus of the University of Tennessee. I-75 runs north and south through the center of the city, making it a popular stop for travelers. With the Great Smoky Mountains National Park sitting right outside the city, you can spend quality time exploring nature whenever you like.

South Knoxville

South Knoxville is located southeast of downtown. The Tennessee River separates South Knoxville from the main part of the city. It's a quiet, laid-back neighborhood well known for its sense of community and commitment to hometown values. Griffin Elementary School, South Dixie Middle School, and Mead Montessori School are all close by and provide quality educational programs. If you want your kids to enjoy the great outdoors, this is the neighborhood for you! There are green spaces everywhere! Give them the chance to explore! South Knoxville has something for everyone. Bargain Hunters Antique & Flea Market is a short distance away. Henley Street and James White Parkway run through the neighborhood and connect you to the rest of the city. For a small community, there is an abundance of restaurants and coffee shops where you can sit down and enjoy yourself.

Fountain City

Fountain City is one of Knoxville's hidden gems. Located on the far north side of the city, it gives you the best of both worlds. You are close enough to the big city to experience everything Knoxville has to offer, yet far enough away to enjoy the quiet environment of a smaller neighborhood. Gresham Middle School and Central High School provide quality programs to local children. There are several parks close by where your kids can run, play, and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. There are more residential homes than apartments, but still something for anyone looking for a nice, affordable place to live. North Broadway Street connects you to Knoxville proper. I640 runs east to west along the southern edge of the neighborhood. There are several nice restaurants and shopping centers in the area offering everything you need without having to drive all the way into the city.

Beaumont

Beaumont is one of the smaller residential neighborhoods northwest of downtown. Beaumont sits right next to Western Heights with both sharing the same quiet environment. Although there are few parks in the two neighborhoods, there are several in the neighboring communities. Longsdale Elementary School and Beaumont Magnet Academy are top schools in the area and well known for academic excellence. Western Heights Head-start is also located within a few blocks and provides resources for parents and children.I375 borders both communities to the north, and Western Avenue runs along the southern edge. They provide easy access to downtown Knoxville or, if you head north, you can explore the beauty of the Tennessee countryside.

Downtown Knoxville

Downtown Knoxville is the heart of the city. If you want to find something fun to do, you can find it downtown. This is the perfect spot for apartment living. There are few residential homes in the area due to all the commercial properties. When you want to find something to do, explore downtown. The Knoxville Civic Auditorium and Amphitheater, the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame, and the Knoxville Museum of Art are all situated within a short distance of downtown. The Tennessee River runs along the south, while all the major highways meet just to the north. I-40 and I-375 connect at the interchange just north of the downtown area. Highway 158 also runs north and south through downtown.

Mechanicsville

Mechanicsville is located northwest of downtown Knoxville. This residential neighborhood is as close to downtown as you can get without all the commercial activities. All the major highways meet at the southeast corner of the neighborhood, creating a boundary between Mechanicsville and downtown.

Marcia's Learning Center, Emerald Academy, and Knoxville College are located in Mechanicsville. There are a few green spaces in the community where families can enjoy the sunshine and fresh air. This is a tight-knit community where education is a top priority.

Because Mechanicsville is surrounded by all the major highways in the area, residents can find their way to anywhere in Knoxville in just a few minutes. You have immediate access to shopping, restaurants, and almost any type of activity you might enjoy.

Island Home Park

Island Home Park is located to the east of downtown on the outskirts of Knoxville. It sits on the south bank of the Tennessee River and has lots of parks and green spaces for the kids to play and explore. The area is primarily residential with close-knit neighbors and a strong sense of community.

Otter Island is nearby and allows visitors to get away from the hustle and bustle of the big city. Knoxville Downtown Island is also close by and is the home of the Knoxville Flyers. Mead Montessori School and Griffen Elementary can be found in the southernmost portion of the neighborhood.

With the Tennessee River to the north and east and the James White Parkway on the west and south sides, the neighborhood is separated from the busy activity of the city. If you want a quiet community, Island Home Park is worth looking into.

Fort Sanders

Fort Sanders is another residential community that is as close to downtown as you can get. The neighborhood is completely surrounded by all the major highways that intersect near downtown Knoxville. The area offers lots of activity, but it also has a laid-back feel.

Knoxville Museum of Art is a key attraction. The community is popular with the students of the University of Tennessee which is only a short distance away. There are several parks where families can enjoy some quality time in the sun.

Because the Fort Sanders neighborhood is surrounded by major highways and downtown avenues, residents can enjoy a quick getaway or head downtown for a live music and good food with friends and family.

Oakwood

Oakwood is north of downtown and nestled among other active and thriving communities. There is a healthy mix of apartment complexes and residential homes, making it the perfect choice for a new family that is just starting out. It's far enough from downtown to offer a relaxed atmosphere, but close enough commercially to offer everything you need.

Fulton High School is located here along with many green spaces scattered throughout the neighborhood. You are only a short drive from town on Highway 441 giving you access to all of the activities taking place in downtown Knoxville.

Oakwood is surrounded by major highways and busy streets that will quickly connect you to any part of the city. You are also just a few minutes from the University of Tennessee and several popular museums.

Windsor Park in West Knoxville

Windsor Park in the West Knoxville area of downtown has everything that makes Knoxville a great place to call home. The area has a good mix of apartments and residential homes to choose from and is very family-oriented. It's a great place to start out!

West Haven Elementary School and Tennessee School of Beauty can be found here. Victor Ashe Park and the Northwest Skate Park are also nearby and offer plenty of family-friendly activities. The area has a lot of wide open space, giving residents plenty of space.

I-640 and Highway 62 are the major roadways in the area and give you easy access to all areas of Knoxville. You are close enough to downtown to be involved in all the fun and far enough away to enjoy the quiet life.

Five Points

Five Points is one of the most popular areas of Knoxville. Located northeast of downtown, the area has numerous parks and green spaces, including Williams Creek Golf Course. The area is mostly residential and offers many apartment complexes to choose from.

Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum, Holston River Park, and Morningside Park can all be found here. Caswell Park in Edgewood is also just a short distance away. You can also find many streams and small ponds in the area.

Highways 11 and 158 and I-40 are the closest connecting highways, allowing you to travel in any direction within just a few minutes. Hop in the car and go for a drive. Adventure is always nearby!