In getting to know Knoxville one route is to explore the city in broad segments divided into North, East, South, West and Downtown. Knoxville is historically a diverse city with many different communities, interesting architecture, food and shopping. I think you will find each of these areas has something unique to offer!
Technically speaking west Knoxville lies to the west of the downtown area; however, in recent years as the city has grown “West Knoxville” can be divided further into two subareas, “near” west and “far” west. The “near” west section begins at the historic nabe, Sequoyah Hills and extends to the West Hills area. From West Hills to the Knoxville-Farragut city border, would be considered the “far” west section. Unlike the other areas of town, West Knoxville runs primarily down one major road east to west, Kingston Pike (US-70/US-11), and includes other thoroughfares that branch off the Kingston Pike such as Middlebrook Pike, Northshore, and Cedar Bluff.
West Knoxville developed in the 1950′s and 1960′s as a suburb of downtown Knoxville. Primarily the larger nabes in the “near” west area are Sequoyah Hills, Bearden, Forest Heights, Rocky Hill, and West Hills. And while Sequoyah Hills boasts some very beautiful historic architecture from the early part of the century, you will also find some notable buildings in the other nabes as well. West Hills is dotted with brick ranchers designed by the notable Bruce McCarty and Rocky Hill features ranchers as well as the split foyer design homes. Although, there is some new construction in the “near” West Knoxville, the larger majority of new construction occurs in the “far” west section of Knoxville.
Of course there is plenty of shopping spots in other parts of town, but West Knoxville claims the largest retail corridor in the city. It is here you will find a large majority of well known national retailers, but mixed in between are some of the local business legends like McKays, Runner’s Market, Markman’s Jewlers, and Planet Xchange. After you finish all that shopping you will have plenty of restaurant choices from Dead End BBQ to gourmet Southern fare at Rouxbarb. If you want to visit the West Knoxville hot spot for a brunch with upscale taste and a casual atmosphere then head over to the Gourmet’s Market and grab some hard to find specialty groceries when you are done!
Looking for your dream home in these neighborhoods? Take a minute to learn more about schools, shopping, and homes for sale in West Knoxville below. Contact me today for more information!
Written by, Shannon Foster-Boline
Forest Heights
Forest Heights is one of Knoxville’s charming hidden jems. Tucked away off of the north west end of Sutherland Avenue, Forest Heights neighborhood dates back to the 1920′s. The area is very reminiscent of Lindbergh Forest in South Knoxville, and similarly developed as an “automobile suburb”. Beautiful stone Tudor Revival homes dot the small winding [...]
Sequoyah Hills
In my opinion, Sequoyah Hills is one of the beautiful historic gems of Knoxville. The neighborhood, which runs alongside the Tennessee river, is home to some of Knoxville’s most beautiful architecture. This neighborhood is slightly west of Downtown Knoxville, off of Kingston Pike, and situated in a beautiful park like surrounding. Named after Sequoyah, the [...]
West Hills
The quaint nabe of West Hills was developed post WWII. It’s origins which stemmed from multiple parcels of farmland can still be seen today in the lush greenery that still abounds in the neighborhood. The houses in the area are primarily brick ranch style homes while several have significant architectural heritage. The first [...]
