Down to earth musician types looking for a cool Knox neighborhood (Knoxville: rent, cheap home)

[shamity]

Hi, I was wondering if there were any neighborhoods in or around Knoxville that would lend themselves to our lifestyle... we are in our early thirties, about to have our first kid, pretty much blue collar/working class, traditional in some ways and progressive in others, musician types (my husband would LOVE to get back in a band). We would love an area that is big into music and art without being pretentious or too hipster. We like easy living, breathing room, low traffic, nice manners, and a relaxed environment.

We are on a tight budget but safety is important. Are there certain areas of Knoxville (up to about 20, 30 miles out of town) that might work for us?

Thanks in advance!!

[oldmanbob]

Hey Shamity, safety is always a concern, and plenty of places will handle your desires. Sounds like you need a large or private home, maybe on a acre plus lot, to not worry about your music and band ideas. Let the forum know what type of home, and price range, and many will help with lots of great posts. Good luck and welcome.

[Kitties of Domination]

Lincoln Park, North Hills, Whittle Springs. Basically anything going north on Broadway from downtown to Fountain City. There are plenty of affordable bungalows in this stretch. Downtown, 4th and Gill, and Old North are going to be more hipster and less blue collar. Fountain City is more on the middle class end. Bearden is another option, but your home prices definitely start going up there.

[VolDude]

Originally Posted by Kitties of Domination

Lincoln Park, North Hills, Whittle Springs. Basically anything going north on Broadway from downtown to Fountain City. There are plenty of affordable bungalows in this stretch. Downtown, 4th and Gill, and Old North are going to be more hipster and less blue collar. Fountain City is more on the middle class end. Bearden is another option, but your home prices definitely start going up there.

Well said. I would also look at South Knoxville. You can rent or buy a cheap home there and still be very close to downtown, actually closer than Fountain City and many parts of North Knoxville. Lots of students and blue collar/working class neighborhoods, although Island Home is more upper class.

[creeksitter]

I've told them they need to look in South Knoxville. There is Old timey music played every Friday morning from 9-11 at the south neighborhood center. It's on hiatus right now but for a while there was first friday music at the Candoro marble company. Google Vestival for a taste of that community's flavor.

Unpretentious is South Knoxville's middle name. Not many hipsters, though there are a few old hippies and second generation hippies scattered about. Especially of the musical variety, it seems.

Plus you are close to downtown and can enjoy the "blue plate special" presented by WDVX any noon you're free.

[shamity]

Thanks so much everyone... sounds like it might be a toss up between Fountain City and South Knoxville. We are coming down to look around sometime in June probably, so we'll start with those two.