Living in Downtown Knoxville: Neighborhoods, Condos & City Life

Over the last 15 years, Downtown Knoxville has experienced a dramatic revival. What was once a quiet government corridor is now a thriving cultural and residential hub filled with shopping, restaurants, events, and a strong sense of community. From repurposed historic buildings to brand-new condos, downtown is now one of Knoxville's most desirable places to live, work, and play.

Location & Districts

Downtown Knoxville encompasses a collection of neighborhoods and districts, including:

  • Old City

  • Gay Street and Market Square

  • Emory Place Historic District

  • Fort Sanders & University of Tennessee area

  • Downtown North and parts of Morningside

Together, they form a walkable, dynamic urban core with rich architectural history and modern amenities.

Condos, Lofts & Urban Living

Downtown offers a diverse mix of housing options—from renovated historic buildings to sleek new developments. Popular buildings include:

  • The Holston: A former bank tower turned into luxury condos with skyline views

  • Sterchi Lofts: Spacious, industrial-style lofts in a classic high-rise

  • The Burwell: Elegant residences above the historic Tennessee Theatre

  • The Emporium Lofts and Southeastern Glass: Artistic, light-filled lofts in converted warehouse spaces

  • Lerner Lofts and The Mews: Boutique-style living steps from the action

  • Regas Square: A modern, full-amenity condo development near the Old City

Whether you want character-rich historic charm or modern convenience, downtown has something for every condo buyer.

Dining & Drinks

Downtown Knoxville's culinary scene has exploded in recent years, with several restaurants led by award-winning chefs (some formerly of Blackberry Farm). Local favorites include:

  • Chivo Taqueria: Creative tacos and craft cocktails

  • Vida: Upscale Pan-Latin cuisine in a stunning setting

  • The French Market Crêperie: Authentic sweet and savory French crêpes

  • J.C. Holdway: Modern Appalachian cuisine from a James Beard Award-winning chef

  • The Oliver Royale, Kefi, Knox Mason, Emilia, and Bistro at the Bijou: Beloved by locals and visitors alike

  • Osteria Stella & Brother Wolf: Italian fine dining and aperitivo cocktails in the Old City

  • The Vault: A speakeasy-style bar tucked inside an old bank vault

Shopping, Arts & Culture

Downtown is home to a variety of unique boutiques, locally owned shops, and cultural institutions:

  • OP Jenkins, Bliss, Mast General Store, Fizz, and Union Ave Books for retail therapy

  • Market Square Farmers' Market (May to November) offers fresh produce, handmade goods, and live music

  • First Friday ArtWalk: A monthly celebration of local art, food, and music in downtown galleries and shops

  • Bijou Theatre & Tennessee Theatre: Historic venues hosting Broadway shows, concerts, and performances year-round

Parks, Events & Entertainment

  • World's Fair Park & Volunteer Landing: Greenspaces, fountains, concerts, and riverfront access

  • Covenant Health Park: Opened in 2025, this downtown stadium will host the Knoxville Smokies baseball team and One Knoxville SC soccer, with year-round events. See our full article here.

  • UT Sports, Ice Bears Hockey, and ongoing festivals make downtown lively year-round

Healthcare & Schools

Downtown is well-served by healthcare, with top institutions including:

  • Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center

  • East Tennessee Children’s Hospital

  • UT Medical Center

Families downtown also have access to respected schools such as:

  • L&N STEM Academy: A public magnet high school focused on science, technology, engineering, and math, located in the historic L&N Station

Is Downtown Knoxville Right for You?

If you value walkability, architecture, culture, and a sense of energy, Downtown Knoxville might be the perfect fit. It combines the conveniences of city living with the warmth of a tight-knit community. Whether you're downsizing into a loft, buying your first condo, or seeking a vibrant new lifestyle, downtown offers unmatched access to the best of Knoxville.

Ready to Explore Living in Downtown Knoxville?

Browse available condos and lofts or schedule a consultation. You can also dive deeper into the area with our full Downtown Knoxville Neighborhood Guide or explore nearby Emory Place.

Overview for Living in Downtown Knoxville: Neighborhoods, Condos & City Life, TN

1,891 people live in Living in Downtown Knoxville: Neighborhoods, Condos & City Life, where the median age is 34 and the average individual income is $48,137. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

1,891

Total Population

34 years

Median Age

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

$48,137

Average individual Income

Around Living in Downtown Knoxville: Neighborhoods, Condos & City Life, TN

There's plenty to do around Living in Downtown Knoxville: Neighborhoods, Condos & City Life, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.

87
Very Walkable
Walking Score
65
Bikeable
Bike Score
60
Good Transit
Transit Score

Points of Interest

Explore popular things to do in the area, including The Village Mercantile, CAYE - Yelp Knoxville Takes Over Saw Works Brewing Company, and Sweet Smuckers Doughnuts.

Name Category Distance Reviews
Ratings by Yelp
Dining 3.64 miles 5 reviews 5/5 stars
Dining 0.9 miles 8 reviews 5/5 stars
Dining 0.21 miles 8 reviews 5/5 stars
Dining 4.79 miles 5 reviews 5/5 stars
Shopping 0.88 miles 5 reviews 5/5 stars
Active 3.14 miles 7 reviews 5/5 stars

Demographics and Employment Data for Living in Downtown Knoxville: Neighborhoods, Condos & City Life, TN

Living in Downtown Knoxville: Neighborhoods, Condos & City Life has 1,136 households, with an average household size of 2. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Living in Downtown Knoxville: Neighborhoods, Condos & City Life do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 1,891 people call Living in Downtown Knoxville: Neighborhoods, Condos & City Life home. The population density is 10,946.085 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

1,891

Total Population

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

34

Median Age

61.4 / 38.6%

Men vs Women

Population by Age Group

0-9:

0-9 Years

10-17:

10-17 Years

18-24:

18-24 Years

25-64:

25-64 Years

65-74:

65-74 Years

75+:

75+ Years

Education Level

  • Less Than 9th Grade
  • High School Degree
  • Associate Degree
  • Bachelor Degree
  • Graduate Degree
1,136

Total Households

2

Average Household Size

$48,137

Average individual Income

Households with Children

With Children:

Without Children:

Marital Status

Married
Single
Divorced
Separated

Blue vs White Collar Workers

Blue Collar:

White Collar:

Commute Time

0 to 14 Minutes
15 to 29 Minutes
30 to 59 Minutes
60+ Minutes

Schools in Living in Downtown Knoxville: Neighborhoods, Condos & City Life, TN

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Primary Schools ()
Middle Schools ()
High Schools ()
Mixed Schools ()
The following schools are within or nearby Living in Downtown Knoxville: Neighborhoods, Condos & City Life. The rating and statistics can serve as a starting point to make baseline comparisons on the right schools for your family. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Type
Name
Category
Grades
School rating

Property Listings

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