Neighborhood of the Week: Covered Bridge

This week Neighborhood of the Week is headed back out west, this time to Hardin Valley and a new neighborhood that a lot of people keep asking me about: Covered Bridge.

It's no secret that Hardin Valley is a hot area right now, what with a brand new high school opening for students there this fall and lots of new commercial development. There are many new neighborhoods in the area, but Covered Bridge is definitely one of the more up-scale of the bunch. According to what appears to be the official website:

Covered Bridge is one of Knoxville's most pristine environments for comfortable and convenient living. The natural unspoiled beauty of the land surrounding the site is part of its unique charm. Nearly 40 acres of land are dedicated to outdoor leisure including an activities field.

With quality of life as the overriding goal, the amenities at Covered Bridge were developed with the highest quality materials. We paid significant attention to detail in every selection we made, from the street lights and sidewalks to the activities field and clubhouse. The community surrounding Covered Bridge is designed to be outstanding in every way.

Amenities include a clubhouse, pool, activities field, and yes, an actual covered bridge.

And although there appear to be several different builders with homes for sale in Covered Bridge, the neighborhood has covenants and restrictions, as well architectural guidelines, in place to ensure a certain amount of uniformity.

If you're looking for new construction in a country like setting with easy access to both Hardin Valley Elementary, Hardin Valley High School, and the Pellissippi Parkway, Covered Bridge might just what you're looking for.


Image from http://www.hardinvalley.com


Note: while there are "villas" (read: condos) in Covered Bridge, I will only be looking at single family homes in the stats. But don't despair - you can always drop me a line if you'd like the numbers for the villas.

Here's Covered Bridge by the numbers -

Covered Bridge*

Current On-Market Listings - 18
Average Asking Price: $595,239
Median Asking Price: $594,900
Most Expensive: $847,500 (5 BR, 4 full bath, 2 half bath, 5200+ sq ft)
Least Expensive: $469,000 (4 BR, 3 BA, 2500+ sq ft ranch with bonus room)
Middle of the Road: $829,900 (4 BR, 2 1/2 BA, Frank Betz plan)

Current Pending Sales -1
Average Asking Price: $671,900
Median Asking Price: NA

Closed Sales - Jan 2008 - present- 2
Average Asking Price - $674,950
Average Sales Price - $668,700
Median Sales Price - NA
Average Days on Market - 112

*Data taken from KAARMLS on 6/30/08 does not include adjacent subdivisions, condos, PUDS, or multi-family units.

As always, if you want any more information about any of these properties, or if you'd like to check one of them out in person, just give me a shout.

If you would like to receive a full list of properties for sale in this neighborhood, or if you would like to be notified of new listings, send me an email with either "Current Covered Bridge Listings" or "New Covered Bridge Listings" in the subject line and I'll take care of the rest. No spam or sales pitches, I pretty promise.

This week's neighborhood of the week was suggested by a loyal AAKT reader. Is there a neighborhood you'd like to see featured here in the coming weeks? Tell me all about it in the comments and I'll do my best to make it happen.

Neighborhood of the Week: Colonial Village

We're going back down to the south side of K-Town and across the Henley Street bridge for this week's Neighborhood of the Week, Colonial Village.

Colonial Village is a Dogwood Trail community located just off Chapman Highway, and just across the way from Lake Forest. The Colonial Village Neighborhood Association's website details the history of the area:

The area of the 6000 block of Chapman Highway, was a part of the original 200 acre farm of Samuel A McCall (1856-1934). The new highway, went through the middle of his property. This proved to be disastrous for Mr. McCall. On October 28, 1934, while attempting to cross the new road to get to his barn to feed his livestock, he was struck by an automobile and died later that evening at Ft. Sanders Hospital...

...The rural area did not stay vacant for long. Progress came and commercial development was flourishing along this main route. The residential development became fast growing into a beautiful little neighborhood and eventually with four churches, (Meridian Baptist Church, Colonial Heights Methodist Church, South Knoxville Church of God and Moorland Heights Baptist Church) one elementary school (Mooreland Heights School) and one city park. The park, named for the former Knoxville city councilman for our district, is the Gary Underwood Park and Greenway and is located on Moore Road. At this same park is the Ras P. Neal Soccer Field and the South Knoxville Optimist Club Building, which serves as the voting precinct for the 27th Ward. However, just on the edge of our district is a second park, and that is the 26 acre Charter Doyle Park, that in 1984, was donated to the city and county by former long-time Superintendent of Knox County Schools, Mildred Doyle. This parcel of land was part of a land grant issued for his service to his country, to Pvt. John Doyle, Mildred's Revolutionary War patriot ancestor. He is buried in a family cemetery on the hill in a fenced area of the park.

The popular Butterfly Lake, our area fishing hole, was the result of a series of sink holes that are along the south side of Colonial Road. In the early days, is referred to as McCall's Pond, but today is frequently called the Duck Pond...

...By the late 1950's, the Chapman Highway Dogwood Trail was etched into the neighborhood by the city traffic engineers. The problem of folks being able to take the scenic tour without a guide, was solved with an ingenuous plan of painting the street with white markings on the pavement. The only change in that plan is what it is now painted pink.

The website has an interesting old photo showing the area before it was completely developed. There are also several present day photos highlighting the lovely scenery that earned the neighborhood a spot on Knoxville's Dogwood Trail.

If you're looking for an affordable, community-minded neighborhood with gorgeous scenery that is convenient to UT and downtown, you might consider giving Colonial Village a closer look.


















Here's Colonial Village by the numbers -

Colonial Village*

Current On-Market Listings - 9
Average Asking Price: $125,822
Median Asking Price: $114,900
Most Expensive: $190,00 (4 BR, 2 1/2 BA, 3100+ sq ft basement ranch)
Least Expensive: $99,900 (2 BR, 1 BA, 900+ sq ft ranch)
Middle of the Road: $119,900 (3 BR, 1 1/2 BA, 1700+ sq ft ranch)

Current Pending Sales -0
Average Asking Price: NA
Median Asking Price: NA

Closed Sales - Q1 2007 - 4
Average Asking Price - $127,450
Average Sales Price - $123.113
Median Sales Price - $106,350
Average Days on Market - 93

Closed Sales - Q1 2008 - 1
Average Asking Price - $99,900
Average Sales Price - $98,500
Median Sales Price - NA
Average Days on Market - 96

*Data taken from KAARMLS on 6/23/08 does not include adjacent subdivisions, condos, PUDS, or multi-family units.

As always, if you want any more information about any of these properties, or if you'd like to check one of them out in person, just give me a shout.

If you would like to receive a full list of properties for sale in this neighborhood, or if you would like to be notified of new listings, send me an email with either "Current Colonial Village Listings" or "New Colonial Village Listings" in the subject line and I'll take care of the rest. No spam or sales pitches, scout's honor.

Thanks to those of you who have given me great ideas for upcoming Neighborhoods of the Week. Want to join in on the fun? Make your suggestions in the comments.

Neighborhood of the Week: Fox Den

This week Neighborhood of the Week makes the trek back out west to one of the most swingin' golf communities in Knox County - Fox Den.

Located in Farragut, Fox Den is more or less the 70s version of Gettysvue - an upscale golf and country club community that was considered by some back in the day to be the most prestigious neighborhood in west Knox County. It's still pretty swank, and many folks are still willing to pay for the privilege of calling Fox Den home.

Other than age and location, Fox Den differs from Gettyvue in three key ways: lot sizes (bigger), architectural styles (groovier) and prices (lower). Most of the homes were built in the 70s and 80s, and although some still sport custom features like sunken wet bars and sunken avocado green jacuzzi tubs, most have since been updated to 21st century standards. These remodeled homes go for top dollar, while fixer uppers usually go for much less, making comps a tough thing in Fox Den.

So if golf is your game, but you find the Gettysvue price tags a little hard to swallow, Fox Den might be a great choice for you.

Here's Fox Den by the numbers -

Fox Den*

Current On-Market Listings - 18
Average Asking Price: $636,756
Median Asking Price: $586,500
Most Expensive: $1,189,900 (5 BR, 4 1/2 BA, 7000+ sq ft on estate sized lot)
Least Expensive: $317,000 (3 BR, 2 1/2 BA, 2100+ sq ft on Fairway #6)
Middle of the Road: $574,000 (3 BR, 3 1/2 BA, 3400+ sq ft completely remodeled)

Current Pending Sales -0
Average Asking Price: NA
Median Asking Price: NA

Closed Sales - Q1 2007 - 1
Average Asking Price - $529,900
Average Sales Price - $435,000
Median Sales Price - NA
Average Days on Market - 83

Closed Sales - Q1 2008 - 2
Average Asking Price - $362,450
Average Sales Price - $308,070
Median Sales Price - NA
Average Days on Market - 176

*Data taken from KAARMLS on 6/016/08 does not include adjacent subdivisions, condos, PUDS, or multi-family units.

As always, if you want any more information about any of these properties just give me a shout.

If you would like to receive a full list of properties for sale in this neighborhood, or if you would like to be notified of new listings, send me an email with either "Current Fox Den Listings" or "New Fox Den Listings" in the subject line and I'll take care of the rest. No spam or sales pitches, never, ever, ever.

Know of a great community that would make an equally great NOTW? Let our voice be heard in the comments.

Neighborhood of the Week: Old North Knoxville

This week Neighborhood of the Week heads to the north side of town and steps back in time by way of Old North Knoxville.

Old North Knoxville is a historic neighborhood just north of downtown and 4th & Gill. Built from the 1880s to the 1940s, the neighborhood is roughly bounded by Central Street and Woodland Avenue to the west of Broadway, and Cecil Avenue, Sixth Avenue, and Glenwood Avenue to the east of Broadway.

























Like 4th & Gill and Island Home, Old North Knoxville was originally one of Knoxville's streetcar suburbs. From the Old North Knoxville, Inc. website:

Old North Knoxville was developed as a streetcar suburb between the 1880's and the 1940's. Streetcar suburbs had a strong pedestrian orientation. Most people walked to their homes from the street car stop. The automobile did not have a major influence on Knoxville until the 1920's, so there are few driveways or garages in the neighborhood. Some carriage houses remain behind the oldest houses, but most people did not own a horse and carriage. They depended on the streetcars for transportation and used the neighborhood sidewalks to reach the streetcar lines.

North Knoxville was incorporated on January 16, 1889. Larger than the current Old North Knoxville neighborhood (several original subdivisions make up the current Old North Knoxville Historic District), it was a desirable residential area and grew rapidly. North Knoxville provided a water supply, improved streets, fire protection, a city hall, and a school for approximately 100 students. Electric lights were installed in 1899 and a city sewer system was planned but not built due to annexation in 1897.

Architecturally, Old North Knoxville is very diverse:

Late 19th century styles found in the neighborhood include: Queen Anne, Queen Anne Cottage, Eastlake, Shotgun, and Folk Victorian. Early 20th century architecture include: Craftsman and Bungalow, Colonial Revival, Tudor Revival, Dutch Colonial Revival, Neoclassical, American Four Square, Minimal Traditional, and French Eclectic.

The neighborhood was made a historic district in 1922 and restoration and renovations have been ongoing since that time. Old North Knoxville, Inc. and Knox Heritage have both worked to save homes in the district which would otherwise have been demolished.

Geographically, Old North Knoxville is very convenient to downtown and UT and is easily accessible via I-40, I-275, and I-640.

If you want a home in a historic neighborhood with lots of sidewalks and trees, a strong sense of community and a commitment to preservation, Old North Knoxville might be just what you're looking for.


Here's Old North Knoxville by the numbers -

Old North Knoxville*

Current On-Market Listings - 13
Average Asking Price: $191,346
Median Asking Price: $184,900
Most Expensive: $285,000 (3 BR, 3 BA, 2700+ sq ft Southern Colonial Revival home)
Least Expensive: $84,900 (3BR, 1 BA, 1000+ sq ft Craftsman)

Current Pending Sales -4
Average Asking Price: $105,425
Median Asking Price: $114,950

Closed Sales - Q1 2007 - 9
Average Asking Price - $120,422
Average Sales Price - $118,733
Median Sales Price - $95,000
Average Days on Market - 47

Closed Sales - Q1 2008 - 9
Average Asking Price - $124,600
Average Sales Price - $115,500
Median Sales Price - $112,50
Average Days on Market - 77

*Data taken from KAARMLS on 6/09/08 does not include adjacent subdivisions, condos, PUDS, or multi-family units.

As always, if you want any more information about any of these properties just give me a shout.

If you would like to receive a full list of properties for sale in this neighborhood, or if you would like to be notified of new listings, send me an email with either "Current Old North Knoxville Listings" or "New North Knoxville Listings" in the subject line and I'll take care of the rest. No spam or sales pitches, I super pinkie-swear promise.

I'm always on the lookout for places to highlight in Neighborhood of the Week, so let me know if there's a community you'd like to see featured here sometime soon.

Neighborhood of the Week: Whittington Creek

This week Neighborhood of the Week heads back into Knoxville to a little 300 acre community off of Northshore Drive called Whittington Creek.

Much like Gettysvue, Whittington Creek is as much a lifestyle choice as it is a place to live. Billed by the developers as an "upscale living community," the subdivision itself consists of eight separate neighborhoods, each with its own name and private entrance.

The community as a whole prides itself on being very walkable, and all of the neighborhood's recreational amenties, including Olympic size pool, tennis courts, volleyball courts, playground and clubhouse, are easily accessible via Whittington Creek's numerous sidewalks.

The first homes were built in the 1990s, but construction has been steadily continuous since then, and there are still lots available for building.

If you're looking for an upscale neighborhood with lots of amenities that is convenient to the Pellissippi Parkway in West Knoxville, Whittington Creek might be a good place to call home.

















Here's Whittington Creek by the numbers -

Whittington Creek*

Current On-Market Listings - 28
Average Asking Price: $866,464
Median Asking Price: $799,700
Most Expensive: $1,575,000 (6 BR, 5 1/2 BA, 7800+ sq ft on a 2 acre lot)
Least Expensive: $519,000 (4 BR, 3 1/2 BA, approx 3300 sq ft)

Current Pending Sales -2
Average Asking Price: $581,725
Median Asking Price: NA

Closed Sales - Q1 2007 - 8
Average Asking Price - $710,127
Average Sales Price - $696,827
Median Sales Price - $632,500
Average Days on Market - 109

Closed Sales - Q1 2008 - 6
Average Asking Price - $682,550
Average Sales Price - $670,000
Median Sales Price - $640,000
Average Days on Market - 144

*Data taken from KAARMLS on 6/02/08 does not include adjacent subdivisions, condos, PUDS, or multi-family units.

As always, if you want any more information about any of these properties just give me a shout.

Neighborhood of the Week takes requests, so let me know what part of K-Town you'd like to see here next week and I'll try my best to make it happen.

Neighborhood of the Week: Concord Hills

So far, Neighborhood of the Week has been all around K-Town, from the north to the south and the east to the west. But there's one place NOTW hasn't yet stepped foot in: Farragut. This week it's time to remedy that by taking a look at Concord Hills.

Concord Hills is a large, established community located just off of Concord Road in Farragut and is very convenient to I-40 at either Lovell Road or Campbell Station. One of the best features of the neighborhood, besides the great homes, large lots, well manicured lawns, and numerous trees, is the community recreation association. This association includes a newly remodeled pool and tennis courts, as well as community swim and tennis teams. Concord Hills also has a very active homeowners association, and their website lists numerous neighborhood activities that take place in the community throughout the year.

If you're looking to live in a very well-kept, conveniently located, established neighborhood with a strong sense of community in Farragut, Concord Hills might just be right up your alley.

Here's Concord Hills by the numbers -

Concord Hills*

Current On-Market Listings - 15
Average Asking Price: $445,447
Median Asking Price: $424,900
Most Expensive: $874,900 (5 BR, 6 1/2 BA, 7000+ sq ft)
Least Expensive: $274,900 (4 BR, 4 BA, 3700+ sq ft)

Current Pending Sales -2
Average Asking Price: $279,900
Median Asking Price: NA

Closed Sales - Q1 2007 - 2
Average Asking Price - $349,900
Average Sales Price - $342,900
Median Sales Price - NA
Average Days on Market - 87

Closed Sales - Q1 2008 - 1
Average Asking Price - $419,900
Average Sales Price - $415,000
Median Sales Price - NA
Average Days on Market - 97

*Data taken from KAARMLS on 5/26/08 does not include adjacent subdivisions, condos, PUDS, or multi-family units.

As always, if you want any more information about any of these properties just give me a shout.

Is there a neighborhood you'd like to see here next week? Make a wish for it in the comments, and it might just come true.

Neighborhood of the Week: Lake Forest

This week we're going down South across the Henley Street bridge to a lovely little neighborhood called Lake Forest.

Lake Forest is a pretty well-kept secret as far as established Knoxville neighborhoods go and chances are you've driven right by it on your way down Chapman Highway and didn't even know it. Located just northeast of Chapman Highway, the neighborhood is bounded by May Apple to the north, Red Bud Road the the west, and Lindy Road to the east. In other words, if you've passed Kay's Ice Cream, you've gone too far.

Much of Lake Forest is included in the Chapman Highway Dogwood Trail (see map below). Add reasonable home prices, convenience to downtown and campus, and picture perfect views to that selling point, and you see why Lake Forest a very desirable place to call home.

Online information regarding the history of this neighborhood is scarce, so I would appreciate anything anybody can add in the comments. Thanks!



[original map from dogwoodarts.com]

Here's Lake Forest by the numbers -

Lake Forest*

Current On-Market Listings - 7
Average Asking Price: $142,871
Median Asking Price: $134,900
Most Expensive: $204,000 (4 BR, 2 BA, approx 2200 sq ft basement ranch)
Least Expensive: $107,900 (4 BR, 1 1/2 BA, 1400+ sq ft foreclosure)

Current Pending Sales -3
Average Asking Price: $141,600
Median Asking Price: $129,900

Closed Sales - Q1 2007 - 0
Average Asking Price - NA
Average Sales Price - NA
Median Sales Price - NA
Average Days on Market - NA

Closed Sales - Q1 2008 - 1
Average Asking Price - $144,900
Average Sales Price - $144,704
Median Sales Price - NA
Average Days on Market - 171

*Data taken from KAARMLS on 5/19/08 does not include adjacent subdivisions, condos, PUDS, or multi-family units.

As always, if you want any more information about any of these properties just give me a shout.

Know of a neighborhood you think is especially NOTW worthy? Don't keep it to yourself - let me know about it in the comments.

Neighborhood of the Week: Gettysvue

So far Neighborhood of the Week has only focused on older, historic Knoxville neighborhoods, but it's time to see how the other half lives. This week, I'm going to do a 180 and look at a community of newer, bigger, and more expensive, homes: Gettysvue. I think it would be fair to say that Gettysvue is more than a residential community - it's a lifestyle.

A country club community, Gettysvue includes an 18 hole golf course; polo facilities; two swimming pools and it's own swim team; tennis courts complete with tennis pro; a clubhouse with fitness center and restaurant; various children's camps; and numerous social events throughout the year.

A lot or home purchase in Gettysvue gets you an automatic social country club membership, but golf memberships, though varied, are extra. You can learn more about country club amenities and memberships at the Gettysvue Country Club website.

And while there are condos in Gettysvue, I'm only going to be looking at the houses, and then only on the Polo and Golf side, not the Racquet Club side. With that said, here's Gettysvue by the numbers-


Gettysvue*

Current On-Market Listings - 16
Average Asking Price: $1,346,225
Median Asking Price: $1,294,500
Most Expensive: $2,295,000 (5 BR, 6 1/2 BA, 10,000+ sq ft custom built home with 8 fireplaces)
Least Expensive: $748,500 (4 BR, 4 BA, approx 3700 sq ft, overlooking 11th green)

Current Pending Sales -1
Average Asking Price: $987,500
Median Asking Price: NA

Closed Sales - Q1 2007 - 3
Average Asking Price - $1,004,933
Average Sales Price - $947,700
Median Sales Price - $890,000
Average Days on Market - 142

Closed Sales - Q1 2008 - 3
Average Asking Price - $1,015,667
Average Sales Price - $930,333
Median Sales Price - $1,055,000
Average Days on Market - 150

*Data taken from KAARMLS on 5/12/08 does not include adjacent subdivisions, condos, PUDS, or multi-family units.

As always, if you want any more information about any of these properties just give me a shout.

Think your neck of the woods is Neighborhood of the Week material? Let me know and you might just see it here next week.

Neighborhood of the Week: Fourth & Gill

This week we're going just north of downtown to historic Fourth & Gill, a neighborhood steeped in history and rich in architecture. From the Fourth & Gill neighborhood website:

Historic Fourth & Gill is an excellent example of the neighborhoods that flourished in Knoxville during the last quarter of the 19th Century...

The Fourth and Gill area evolved into a tree lined streetcar suburb, made up of a series of separate subdivisions. These subdivisions were designed in a grid pattern with either narrow lots for greater density, or larger tracts more befitting the desires of the city's middle and upper classes. As the subdivision streets met each other, sometimes at odd angles, they formed an almost medieval street pattern. Although the size of the houses was fairly consistent within each area, the lot shapes often were not.

The architectural styles present in the Fourth and Gill Historic Overlay District are a good representation of the residential architecture popular in America between the 1880's and the 1940's...The Fourth and Gill Historic Overlay District features over 280 residential structures, including single family houses, duplexes, and apartment buildings. The district also contains one school and three churches. The houses are primarily of frame construction, with large porches and complex rooflines. Most of the masonry veneer and load bearing construction occurred in the 20th Century. Although a number of different styles exist in the Fourth and Gill Historic Overlay District, the majority are Queen Anne and Craftsmen styles.

Many of the houses were designed by some of Knoxville's most notable architects, including George F. Barber and Joseph Bauman...Historically the area was made up of a varied group of people. Professionals and laborers, families and transients, blacks and whites all lived in close proximity to one another. The neighborhood was home to merchants, mayors and a governor, Robert L. Taylor.

Knoxville annexed the City of North Knoxville in 1897, around the time the automobile was invented. With the decline of the American economy, and Knoxville’s economy, in the late 1920'sd and 1930’s, many of the larger single family residences were converted to duplexes to supplement the income of the property's owners. The real decline of the neighborhood began in force after World War II, when returning soldiers and their families sought new lifestyles in the brand new auto-oriented suburbs. More single family residences were converted into multiple units or small apartments, in part to meet the demands of the growing student body of the University of Tennessee.

Within the last two decades the neighborhood has begun to reclaim much of its former glory. The district's name reflects this effort, being derived from the location of a converted house that serves as the neighborhood center. Owners who could foresee the positive social value of cooperative inner city living have attractively restored many distressed properties to comfortable, modern standards. The Historic Fourth and Gill Neighborhood has a proud past and an equally illustrious future.

Fourth & Gill is just a hop, skip and a jump from downtown and the UT campus and is (normally) easily accessible by I-40 or Broadway. For veggies and organic foodies, the Three Rivers Market is located just across the way on Broadway.

Here's Fourth & Gill by the numbers-

Historic Fourth & Gill*

Current On-Market Listings - 2
Average Asking Price: $262,400
Median Asking Price: NA
Most Expensive: $279,900 (4 BR, 3 1/2 BA, approx 2700 sq ft, 80% renovated)
Least Expensive: $244,900 (3 BR, 2 BA, approx 2100 sq ft renovated Victorian)

Current Pending Sales -1
Average Asking Price: $299,900
Median Asking Price: NA

Closed Sales - Q1 2007 - 5
Average Sales Price - $176,180
Median Sales Price - $155,000
Average Days on Market - 38

Closed Sales - Q1 2008 - 2
Average Sales Price - $220,625
Median Sales Price - NA
Average Days on Market - 39

*Data taken from KAARMLS on 5/05/08 does not include adjacent subdivisions, condos, PUDS, or multi-family units.

As always, if you want any more information about any of these properties just give me a shout.

Think your neighborhood should be a AAKT Neighborhood of the Week? Tell me all about it in the comments.

Neighborhood of the Week: West Hills

We're still in West Knoxville this week looking at a neighborhood that I look at a lot, seeing as how it's located right across Kingston Pike from my office: West Hills.

West Hills is a lovely mid-century community which is bounded by Kingston Pike to the South, Middlebrook Pike to the North, and spreads roughly from just east of Gallaher View to just west of Papermill.

The West Hills Community Association has been alive and kickin' for over 30 years and has a very strong history of neighborhood activism. From The West Hills Community Association's website:

In 1964 a fledgling organization came to an agreement with Morgan Shubert to prevent construction of apartments in West Hills. In June of that year,1964 a founding meeting was held to re-establish an enduring organization. The meeting was attended by 34 families, which agreed to the creation of the new organization, and charged Dr. Richard Briley to draft a letter soliciting members.

The original officers (J.E. Brown, President, Ken Monty, Jamie Kinsey, and Richard Briley, as VP, secretary, and treasurer respectively) immediately opposed plans for a trailer park, south of Kingston Pike, in an area zoned commercial and adjacent to what would become West Town Mall...

...By the end of 1964, 136 families were dues paying members, and issues for action abounded. It was obvious that the high school was inadequate, and the group threw its vigorous support behind a school-bond construction plan for a new Bearden High. Members stepped forward to pitch in on different concerns. B.Ray Thompson chaired a steering committe to establish a schedule of "Aims and Devices:. Lynn Craig met with KUB regarding lights and water, Paul Haas initiated a study to create a park for the new community; Brown and Monty tackled the problems of school sidewalks, traffic, and the fact that bus service from downtown did not extend all the West to West Hills.

Its hard to believe now that, the city mentally did not exist beyond Northshore Drive and Kingston Pike.

Just across from West Town Mall and only moments from I-40, West Hills is very conveniently located for shopping and commuting. Throw in the West Hills YMCA and West Hills Park and you start to understand why this neighborhood is such a desirable place to call home.

Here's West Hills by the numbers-

West Hills*

Current On-Market Listings - 13
Average Asking Price: $226,015
Median Asking Price: $210,000
Most Expensive: $459,900 (5 BR, 3 1/2 BA, approx 6500 sq ft)
Least Expensive: $149,900 (3 BR, 1 1/2 BA, approx 1300 sq ft)

Current Pending Sales -6
Average Asking Price: $181,600
Median Asking Price: $171,200

Closed Sales - Q1 2007 - 9
Average Sales Price - $188,778
Median Sales Price - $189,000
Average Days on Market - 77

Closed Sales - Q1 2008 - 5
Average Sales Price - $187,060
Median Sales Price - $199,900
Average Days on Market - 75

*Data taken from KAARMLS on 4/28/08 for West Hills proper and does not include adjacent subdivisions, condos or PUDS.

If you want any more information about any of these properties, just give me a shout.

Thanks to Casey Peters for the inspiration for this week's NOTW! Want to aspire to inspire me for next week's neighborhood? Do so in the comments.

Neighborhood of the Week: Forest Heights

This week we're heading back out to West Knoxville to a little neighborhood just off of Sutherland Avenue called Forest Heights. Forest Heights is actually comprised of four individual subdivisions: Forest Hills, Forest Heights, Highland Hills and Highland Hills Addition.

The Forest Heights Neighborhood Homeowner's Association Website gives a brief overview of the history of the area:

The heavily wooded, hilly neighborhood now called Forest Heights has been a stable, attractive, and desirable residential area for over seventy years...

...Although the earliest homes of the area are from the 1920s and 1930s, most of the building is of the post World War II period. The residents of this neighborhood were and are a diverse group of people who have found the location, the natural beauty and the friendliness of their neighbors an enticement to move here, to raise their families, and often to remain and welcome their grown children back as new homeowners in the neighborhood.

As Knoxville grew, especially towards the west, and as the Interstate 40/75 was completed, Forest Heights had to adjust to the new conditions. The quiet neighborhood was bisected by still narrow Forest Heights Drive which had to bear almost constant heavy traffic to and from the Interstate overpass. To preserve the neighborhood the Forest Heights Neighborhood Association was formed in 1973. With dogged and determined courage the FHNHA successfully fought to keep the overpass down when it was demolished to allow the expansion of the Interstate in April 2001.

Forest Heights is a very picturesque area and definitely worth checking out if you like older homes and the convenience of a close-in West location but aren't crazy about Sequoyah Hills.

Here's Forest Heights by the numbers-

Forest Heights*

Current On-Market Listings - 3
Average Asking Price: $542,933
Median Asking Price: $599,900
Most Expensive: $689,900 (completely renovated 4 BR, 3 1/2 BA, approx 3800 sq ft)
Least Expensive: $339,900 (4 BR, 3 1/2 BA, approx 3000 sq ft)

Current Pending Sales -1
Asking Price - $275,000
Details: 4 BR, 2 BA, approx 1900 sq ft

Closed Sales - Q1 2007 - 4
Average Sales Price - $198,750
Median Sales Price - $182,500
Average Days on Market - 91

Closed Sales - Q1 2008 - 2
Average Sales Price - $191,500
Median Sales Price - NA
Average Days on Market - 110

*Data taken from KAARMLS on 4/21/08 for Forest Heights, Forest Hills, Highland Hills & Highland Hills Addition, and does not include adjacent subdivisions, condos or PUDS.

If you want any more information about any of these properties, just give me a shout.

Is there a neighborhood you'd like to see here next week? Let me know in the comments.

Neighborhood of the Week: Island Home

We're back in south Knoxville this week in one of my favorite Knoxville neighborhoods, Island Home Park. Island Home began life as a "streetcar suburb" sometime around 1910. In fact, the median that divides the modern day Island Home Boulevard was once where the streetcar tracks ran that served the neighborhood.

The Island Home Park Neighborhood Association Website has a fascinating history of the neighborhood that was excerpted from the National Register of Historic Places Registration Form for Island Home Park, written by Ann Bennett of the Knox County Metropolitan Planning Commission. It includes great information about Perez Dickinson, the owner of the original "Island Home" summer cottage that is now part of the Tennessee School for the Deaf, as well as details about the varied architectural styles found in the neighborhood, including, most significantly, the Craftsman and Bungalow styles.

The full history on the IHPNA site is definitely worth checking out when you have the time.

Island Home is a low turnover neighborhood and choice homes often sell by word of mouth before they ever hit the market. With that said, here is Island Home Park by the numbers..

Island Home*

Current On-Market Listings - 2
Average Asking Price: $154,450
Median Asking Price: NA
Average Square Footage: 1537
Most Expensive Listing: $159,900 (2 BR, 1 BA, approx 1600 sq ft)
Least Expensive Listing: $149,900 (3 BR, 1 BA, aprox 1660 sq ft)

Current Pending Sales -0
Average Asking Price - NA
Median Asking Price - NA

Closed Sales - March 2007 - 1
Average Sales Price - $249,900 (4 BR, 2 BA, approx 2550 sq ft)
Median Sales Price - NA
Average Days on Market - 71

Closed Sales - February 2008 - 0
Average Sales Price - NA
Median Sales Price - NA
Average Days on Market - NA

*Data taken from KAARMLS on 4/14/08 for Island Home proper, and does not include adjacent subdivisions, condos or PUDS.

If you want any more information about any of these properties, just give me a shout.

Any neighborhood you're dying to see featured here next week? Let me know in the comments.

Neighborhood of the Week: North Hills

So far in NOTW, we've looked at Hills in the south, east, and west of Knoxville. That leaves North Knoxville's North Hills. North Hills is a historic community bordered by Cecil Avenue to the south, Whittle Springs Road to the west, Washington Pike to the north and Prosser Road to the east. According to the North Hills Area Association:

North Hills is one of the post World War I and pre-World War II subdivisions that sprouted in Knoxville. Brothers George, Hugh and Carl Fielden started developing North Hills in the spring of 1927. By 1928, forty-three homes had been built with some of Knoxville's most prominent families living in the area. Covering 185 acres, it was one of the largest subdivisions in Knoxville for its time. It was an upscale neighborhood that had its own private bus service to downtown Knoxville.

In addition, many famous Knoxvillians once called North Hills home, including Cas Walker and Patricia Neal.

North Hills*

Current On-Market Listings - 9
Average Asking Price: $150,733
Median Asking Price: $119,900
Average Square Footage: 1539
Most Expensive Listing: $279,900 (3 BR, 3 BA, approx 2600 sq ft)
Least Expensive Listing: $98,900 (2 BR, 1 BA, approx 1000 sq ft)

Current Pending Sales -3
Average Asking Price - $154,233
Median Asking Price - $142,900

Closed Sales - February 2007 - 2
Average Sales Price - $87,000
Median Sales Price - NA
Average Days on Market - 48

Closed Sales - February 2008 - 3
Average Sales Price - $139,967
Median Sales Price - $153,000
Average Days on Market - 128

*Data taken from KAARMLS on 4/07/08 for North Hills proper, and does not include adjacent subdivisions, condos or PUDS. I took February closings, as there were none for March '07 or '08.

If you want any more information about any of these properties, just give me a shout.

Does anybody know any other interesting historical background on North Hills?

Neighborhood of the Week: Holston Hills

So far, NOTW has showcased Sequoyah Hills and Lakemoor Hills. In keeping with the "Hills" theme (no connection to Heidi or Spencer, I promise), this week's neighborhood of the week is the east side "Hills" neighborhood, Holston Hills.

The Knox Heritage website has some nice info on the history of Holston Hills:

One of the best-kept secrets in Knoxville, Holston Hills is named for the river that borders the neighborhood on the south and east . . . Holston Hills dates from the mid-1920s, when part of the neighborhood was developed in connection with the establishment of the Holston Hills Country Club. A group of Knoxville area businessmen who wanted Knoxville to have a top-caliber golf course formed a corporation called Holston Hills, Inc. in 1926 and purchased the 180-acre McDonald farm along the Holston River. The Country Club was built and memberships to the club cost $1,000, including a free home site. The club house was designed by Knoxville architect Charles Barber of Barber & McMurry in 1927 and the golf course was designed and laid out by Donald Ross in 1928. Ross is regarded as among the finest golf course architects in the world.

Many opulent homes were built during the 1920s, but following the stock market crash of 1929 smaller cottage-style homes were built, many of stone and brick. The depression and World War II stopped further housing development, but in the post-war housing boom a number of ranch-style homes were built around the traditional 2-story stone and brick homes of the original development. Holston Hills was included in a major annexation into the city of Knoxville in 1962, which took 12,871 residents.

Take a look at the Knox Heritage website, which includes the full brochure from the '05 Trolley Tour of Holston Hills, from which the above information was taken. The brochure has more detailed information on individual homes in Holston Hills, and could easily be used to recreate that tour in your own vehicle one fine spring afternoon.

Holston Hills*

Current On-Market Listings - 16
Average Asking Price: $201,600
Median Asking Price: $182,400
Average Square Footage: 2333
Most Expensive Listing: $359,900 (3 BR, 3 BA, approx 3300 sq ft)
Least Expensive Listing: $109,900 (3 BR, 1 BA, approx 1900 sq ft)

Current Pending Sales -2
Average Asking Price - $173,500
Median Asking Price - NA

Closed Sales - March 2007 - 5
Average Sales Price - $198,300
Median Sales Price - $161,500
Average Days on Market - 95

Closed Sales - February 2008 - 4
Average Sales Price - $135,425
Median Sales Price - $134,400
Average Days on Market - 105

*Data taken from KAARMLS on 3/31/08 for Holston Hills proper, and does not include adjacent subdivisions, condos or PUDS.

I will update the closings for '08 if any more latecomers get entered in this evening or tomorrow.

If you want any more information about any of these properties, just give me a shout.

I'm almost out of "Hills." What neighborhood would you like to see here next week?

Neighborhood of the Week: Lakemoor Hills

Since last week's NOTW was Sequoyah Hills, I thought Lakemoor Hills would be interesting to look at this week. Also known as the "poor man's Sequoyah" or "Sequoyah South" due to its location across the river from Sequoyah Hills, Lakemoor Hills is a beautiful, established community just off of Alcoa Highway at Maloney Rd. But don't let the nicknames fool you - with over 250 homes, many with lake frontage, lake views, or ample acreage, Lakemoor Hills is by no means a second class neighborhood.

Lakemoor Hills*

Current On-Market Listings - 6
Average Asking Price: $474,943
Median Asking Price: $369,900
Average Square Footage: 3437
Most Expensive Listing: $995,000 (5 BR, 5 1/2 BA, over 6500 sq ft on over 4 acres)
Least Expensive Listing: $229,900 (3 BR, 2 BA, approx 1833 sq ft)

Current Pending Sales -0
Average Asking Price - NA
Median Asking Price - NA

Closed Sales - February 2007 - 1
Average Sales Price - $495,000
Median Sales Price - NA
Average Days on Market - 160

Closed Sales - February 2008 - 0
Average Sales Price - NA
Median Sales Price - NA
Average Days on Market - NA

*Data taken from KAARMLS on 3/24/08 for Lakemoor Hills proper, and does not include adjacent subdivisions, condos or PUDS.

What neighborhoods would you like to see featured in the future? Any other stats that you're itching to have?

Neighborhood of the Week: Sequoyah Hills

Sequoyah Hills*

Current On-Market Listings - 36
Average Asking Price: $737,722
Median Asking Price: $556,950
Most Expensive Listing: $2,250,000 (4 BR, 5 1/2 BA, over 5000 sq ft, lake front)
Least Expensive Listing: $274,900 (2BR, 1 BA, approx 1800 sq ft on Southgate)

Current Pending Sales -5