Island Home Knoxville Neighborhood Guide to Historic Living

Island Home at a Glance

Even though it is called Island Home, this historic neighborhood is not located on an island. Rather, Island Home sits on the south side of the Tennessee River in Knoxville and is one of the city’s most distinctive historic residential areas.

Like many of Knoxville’s early suburbs, Island Home began as farmland and was later developed as a “streetcar suburb” in the early 1900s, similar to neighborhoods such as Fourth & Gill and Parkridge. Today, Island Home features the highest concentration of Craftsman and Bungalow-style homes in the city, along with a traditional boulevard lined with mature hardwood trees. The neighborhood retains much of its original character while offering close proximity to Downtown Knoxville and the University of Tennessee via the Gay Street and Henley Street bridges.

Architecture & Historic Significance

Island Home Boulevard, along with Spence Place and Fisher Place, contains many of the neighborhood’s oldest homes, representing a range of architectural styles including Craftsman, Tudor Revival, and Colonial Revival. In recognition of its architectural and historical importance, several dozen properties in the neighborhood were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1994 as part of the Island Home Park Historic District.

This historic designation has helped preserve the neighborhood’s character and contributes to its long-term residential appeal.

Location & Surroundings

Many residents are drawn to Island Home for its proximity to downtown Knoxville, local dining and shopping, and easy access to the broader South Knoxville area. The neighborhood is also located near Ijams Nature Center, Island Home Park, and other green spaces that support an active, outdoor-oriented lifestyle while remaining close to the city’s core.

Adjacent to Island Home are several notable South Knoxville landmarks, including the Tennessee School for the Deaf, established in 1845, and the Downtown Island Home Airport, a private airfield. Nearby, the Candoro Marble Building—built in 1923 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places—has been thoughtfully restored and now serves as a cultural and creative hub. Access to nearby green spaces such as Mead’s Quarry Park adds to the neighborhood’s appeal, offering opportunities for cycling, swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

Community & Schools

Island Home has a long-standing and active neighborhood association, the Island Home Park Area Association, which supports neighborhood parks and community involvement.

The neighborhood is zoned for Dogwood Elementary School, South Doyle Middle School, and South Doyle High School, all part of the Knox County School District.

Island Home Within South Knoxville

Island Home is part of the broader South Knoxville area, which includes several established neighborhoods known for historic character, central location, and long-term livability just minutes from downtown.

If you’d like to learn more about Island Home or compare it with other South Knoxville neighborhoods, I’m happy to help you explore the options.