Getting an overview of Knoxville (Farragut: best neighborhoods, apartments, lofts)

[JGrathwol]

I have a job interview in Knoxville coming up. As I've never been there and could possibly relocate, I'd like to get suggestions on the best way to see the city as a whole in a few hours since I'll be there anyway. Best neighborhoods, downtown area, where people shop, etc.
If I do relocate, I'd love to live in a hip, safe neighborhood with nearby restaurants, etc that a social young single enjoys. Early 30's, no kids. (I assume this is downtown). Assuming those rents are very high, I'm open to other neighborhoods further out but with the same characteristics.
Any suggestions? I can always look at maps but wanted to get opinions from people already living there.

[viridian_vixen]

Downtown is a great place to shop and eat. Lots of bars and nightlife in the area! Our favorites are Sapphire and Downtown Grill and Brewery. Latitude 35 is good also. If you want more like dance club then Old City is where you need to go, and while you are there check out Crown and Goose. They just opened a speakeasy pub that has a raw bar if you like oysters.
Downtown apartments and lofts will be your best bet for hip neighborhoods but the price is pretty steep. Some of the more historic areas may be worth a look, but not sure.
Shopping: Farragut has a lot of shopping as well as the Bearden area, Market Square is always popular, but more so on weekends, but right now with the Christmas activities going on there will be stuff going on most every night.

Good luck with your interview!

[hiknapster]

You can always hop the free trolley for a quick lay of the land. Here's the bus schedule for more information or if anyone else is interested.

A good place to visit is the aptly-named Knoxville Visitor Center | The Official Site of Knoxville.

Market Square is great area to visit as well as Gay Street and the Old City. All of the above are very small areas but have quality offerings. Remember, many of these places were not open or refurbished 10 years ago, some not five. We are well on our way but a small city that is still a work in progress.

Here is a list of residential properties - among others - in the downtown core.

This is a great resource for those wanting to live, work or play downtown.

Want some info on neighborhoods, you say? Well, here is an invaluable list. If I could swing it - and I can't - I would move downtown in a heartbeat. I have an 11-year-old that's a city girl at heart and we would do it in a minute. Other favorites are Fourth and Gill, Old North Knoxville, North Hills and Parkridge. Those are mostly urban areas - less so for North Hills - that are mostly gentrified or working on it.

Any more questions? Just ask.