West Knox County
Farragut
Farragut is one of the most sought-after communities in the Knoxville area — and for good reason. The town consistently ranks among the best places to live in Tennessee, thanks to its top-rated schools (Farragut High School is a perennial standout), low crime rates, and a strong sense of community.
Top Schools
Farragut High
Highlights: Turkey Creek shopping, Farragut Museum, Admiral Farragut Park, extensive greenway trail system, strong HOA communities with amenities.
West Knox County
Hardin Valley
Hardin Valley is one of the fastest-growing areas in the Knoxville metro. New construction is booming, the schools are excellent, and the area offers a suburban feel with easy access to I-40 for commuters heading to downtown or West Knoxville.
Top Schools
Hardin Valley Acad.
Highlights: New construction communities, Hardin Valley Academy, proximity to I-40, growing retail and dining, greenway access.
Knoxville
West Knoxville
West Knoxville is the established, convenient heart of the metro area. You'll find mature neighborhoods with big trees and character homes alongside newer developments. The area is anchored by major shopping corridors and easy access to UT campus and downtown.
Highlights: West Town Mall, Beaver Creek, established tree-lined streets, proximity to University of Tennessee, diverse dining scene.
Blount County
Maryville
Maryville is the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains and one of the most charming small towns in Tennessee. With its own school system (consistently ranked among the state's best), a revitalized downtown, and stunning mountain views.
Top Schools
Maryville High
Highlights: Gateway to Great Smoky Mountains, Maryville College, Foothills Mall, charming downtown, top-rated Blount County schools.
Loudon County
Lenoir City
Lenoir City is a growing riverfront community offering some of the most affordable housing in the Knoxville metro. Located along the Tennessee River and Fort Loudoun Lake, it's a paradise for boating and outdoor enthusiasts.
Top Schools
Lenoir City High
Best For
Budget-Conscious
Highlights: Tennessee River access, Fort Loudoun Lake, revitalizing downtown, weekly farmer's market, I-75 corridor access.
Knoxville
Downtown Knoxville
Downtown Knoxville is the vibrant, walkable core of the city. From the shops and restaurants of Market Square to the trails along the Tennessee River waterfront, this is where Knoxville's culture lives.
Median Price
$300K–$600K+
Highlights: Market Square, Tennessee Theatre, World's Fair Park, Knoxville Greenway, Regal Cinemas, Tennessee Riverwalk.
Anderson County
Oak Ridge
Oak Ridge has a fascinating history as one of the original Manhattan Project sites, and today it's a thriving community with excellent schools, a unique scientific heritage, and a tight-knit feel.
Top Schools
Oak Ridge High
Highlights: Manhattan Project heritage, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Melton Hill Lake, historic downtown, strong public schools.
Knoxville
South Knoxville
South Knoxville is the city's nature lover's paradise — home to Ijams Nature Center, the Knoxville Urban Wilderness, and the Tennessee River waterfront. This area is experiencing a renaissance with new restaurants and a growing arts scene.
Highlights: Ijams Nature Center, Knoxville Urban Wilderness, Tennessee River waterfront, growing restaurant and arts scene.
Knox County
Powell
Powell is a growing community just north of downtown Knoxville with a small-town feel and convenient access to the city. Known for affordable housing and strong public schools.
Highlights: Revitalizing downtown, Powell Antique Market, affordable housing, strong public schools, convenient access to I-75.
Knoxville
Sequoyah Hills
Sequoyah Hills is one of Knoxville's most prestigious neighborhoods. Known for tree-lined streets, historic homes, and beautiful river views — where neighbors wave from porches and kids ride bikes on shaded streets.
Median Price
$500K–$800K+
Highlights: Tennessee River access, Sequoyah Park, historic homes, tree-lined streets, walkable, close to downtown.