Quick answer
Knoxville has 5 notable neighborhoods. Median 1BR rent is $1,200/mo citywide. Top picks: Downtown, Old North Knoxville, Bearden.
Neighborhood Guide · 2026
Best Neighborhoods in Knoxville
5 areas ranked by vibe, walkability, and affordability. Median 1BR rent: $1,200/mo. State income tax: None.
All 5 Neighborhoods
Downtown
Historic buildings, Market Square (farmers market, restaurants), walkable loft living. 1BR $1,250-$1,500; 2BR $1,500-$1,800.
Old North Knoxville
Gentrifying Victorian homes, locally-owned cafes, young professional vibe. 1BR $1,150-$1,350; 2BR $1,400-$1,650.
Bearden
Upscale suburban, newer homes, shopping, close to UT. 1BR $1,100-$1,300; 2BR $1,350-$1,600.
Fourth & Gill
Hip neighborhood with small businesses, coffee shops, mixed-age residents. 1BR $1,200-$1,400; 2BR $1,450-$1,700.
South Knoxville
Affordable, mixed commercial-residential, car-dependent. 1BR $1,050-$1,200; 2BR $1,300-$1,450.
Knoxville at a Glance
Median 1BR
$1,200
Median home
$280K
Walk score
34/100
State tax
None
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best neighborhoods in Knoxville?
Knoxville's top neighborhoods include Downtown, Old North Knoxville, Bearden. Historic buildings, Market Square (farmers market, restaurants), walkable loft living. 1BR $1,250-$1,500; 2BR $1,500-$1,800.
What is the safest neighborhood in Knoxville?
Knoxville safety varies by area. For up-to-date crime data by neighborhood, check the Knoxville police department's public crime map. Generally, established residential areas with lower vacancy rates tend to have lower crime rates.
How much does it cost to rent in Knoxville?
City-wide median 1BR rent in Knoxville is $1,200/mo, 2BR is $1,450/mo. Prices vary by neighborhood — central and trendy areas run above the median, outer residential areas below.