Known for its rich history and southern charm, Knoxville offers a unique blend of urban and natural beauty. For renters who prefer to navigate their city on foot, certain neighborhoods stand out for their walkability. Rentals are fairly expensive, though, with the average one-bedroom apartment costing $1,330.
In this ApartmentGuide article, we’ll explore the most walkable neighborhoods in Knoxville, from the lively streets of Downtown to the historic charm of Old North Knoxville. So, get ready to discover the pedestrian-friendly side of this enchanting city.
All data sourced March 2024.
1. Downtown
Walk Score: 83
Downtown is the most walkable neighborhood in Knoxville, with a Walk Score of 83. Known for its bustling city life, residents and visitors alike can explore the area and take advantage of its walkable layout. Notable attractions include the Tennessee Theatre, World’s Fair Park, and Market Square.
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2. University of Tennessee
Walk Score: 82
University of Tennessee has a Walk Score of 82, making it the second most walkable neighborhood in Knoxville. There’s a lot to love about the area, from the lively campus life to the historic Ayres Hall. While you’re walking around the neighborhood, check out the McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture.
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3. Fort Sanders
Walk Score: 80
Fort Sanders is the third most walkable neighborhood in the city. There are numerous walkable areas and attractions throughout Fort Sanders, like the Fort Sanders Historic District and the Clarence Brown Theatre. And if you’re in the mood for an adventure, you’re not far from the Knoxville Botanical Garden.
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4. Old North Knoxville
Walk Score: 70
Old North Knoxville has plenty of amenities a resident might need within walking distance. From the Old Gray Cemetery to the Happy Holler Historic District, you’re sure to find something to love. A notable amenity is the Old North Knoxville Park, which is a great spot for locals and visitors alike.
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5. Fourth and Gill
Walk Score: 66
As the fifth most walkable neighborhood in the city, Fourth and Gill is known for its historic homes. Consider exploring the Fourth and Gill Park or getting a bite to eat at the Three Rivers Market with friends. There are plenty of other amenities in this charming community as well, like the Central Street Arts District.
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6. Belle Morris
Walk Score: 58
Belle Morris has a Walk Score of 58, making it the sixth most walkable neighborhood in Knoxville. Known for its quiet streets, residents and visitors can choose from walkable amenities such as Edgewood Park and the Knoxville Zoological Gardens. While you’re out, check out the Sharp’s Ridge Veterans Memorial Park.
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7. Oakwood
Walk Score: 57
Oakwood is the seventh most walkable neighborhood in Knoxville. This peaceful community has quite a few hotspots for residents to visit on foot, including First Creek Park and the Knoxville Museum of Art. While you’re walking, take a moment to smell the flowers at the Knoxville Botanical Garden.
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8. Vestal
Walk Score: 50
Vestal has a Walk Score of 50, making it the eighth most walkable neighborhood in the city. There’s a lot to love about the area, from grabbing a bite to eat at Cancun Mexian, to taking a walk at the River Bluff Wildlife Area. If you’re up for a longer outing, nearby Ijams Nature Center is popular among locals.
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9. Parkridge
Walk Score: 48
The ninth most walkable neighborhood in Knoxville is Parkridge. Pedestrians can enjoy the variety of restaurants, cafes, and shops, like the Wild Love Bakehouse, Likewise Coffee, and The Bees Knits. It’s also easy to walk over to Caswell Park for a great day out.
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10. Mechanicsville
Walk Score: 45
Mechanicsville is the tenth most walkable neighborhood in the city. Local attractions here include Malcolm Martin Park and the Beardsley Community Farm, providing residents a spot to get together and enjoy their community.
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Check out more walkable cities in Tennessee.
Methodology: Walk Score, a Redfin company, helps people find walkable, bikeable, and transit-friendly places to live, rating areas on a scale from 0-100. To calculate a Walk Score for a given point, Walk Score analyzes thousands of walking routes to nearby amenities, population density, and metrics such as block length and intersection density. Points are awarded based on the distance to amenities in each category.
