Downtown

Full of excitement, fun, and adventure

Welcome to Downtown

Downtown Knoxville is best known for its independent nature and historic properties. Composed of multiple individual areas within one square mile, it is easy to walk and bike but despite its small size, there is a lot to see and do. It is the central business district of the city, including municipal offices, residential properties, and Knoxville’s convention center.

The vibrant downtown area boasts an ever-shifting landscape of festivals, concerts, and more. Considered the center and heart of eastern Tennessee, it is a unique place. With over 90 restaurants, more than 40 boutiques, and many entertainment options, such as theaters, parks, museums, and festivals, downtown is an eclectic combination of cultural activities, natural beauty, and indoor and outdoor excitement. 
 

What We Love

  • Many things to do
  • Community atmosphere
  • Easily walkable

Local Lifestyle

This waterfront area is a bustling, urban area populated with a unique community, mixing families, students, young professionals, and empty nesters. Its small size leads to a tight-knit community, and the neighbors know each other. Downtown Knoxville has an exciting, vibrant, fun-loving atmosphere with many places to explore, from Market Square to Gay Street. There is much to enjoy, such as the river views, waterfront areas, and the Old City.
 

Dining, Entertainment & Shopping

Market Square is one of the area’s most popular destinations and has been since the 1860s. It is a place where downtown residents can shop, play, eat, and work. It also showcases many movies and outdoor concerts like Shakespeare on the Square. Two water fountains are available for playing, and it is near Krutch Park and Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness.

S Gay Street is considered by the American Planning Association to be one of the greatest streets in the United States. As the center of downtown, it has a busy nightlife and lots to do during the day as well. From beautiful architecture to lively culture, it is a great street to explore, shop, and eat. With two historic theaters, visitors can enjoy various shows and performances.

With a foundation of high quality service, J.C. Holdway is a high-end venue serving regional meals. The restaurant boasts a full bar with an array of seasonal signature drinks. Inspired by rural Appalachia’s cooking and traditional southern fare, the restaurant crafts exquisite flavors using wood-fire methods.

Bistro by the Tracks provides a casually elegant setting for New American cuisine. The upscale restaurant also serves gluten-free and vegetarian meals, and all dishes are consistent and delicious. The long and varied wine list includes wine from the best wineries in the world.

Exotic and innovative, the Lonesome Dove Knoxville brings a creative flair to American cuisine. Designed to be rustic-chic yet upscale, the restaurant serves traditional and modern flavors inspired by Knoxville and the west. From wood-fire cooking to wild game, it is unique and enjoyable. It also provides an outdoor bar and live music.

Kefi, a name coming from the Greek language and meaning ‘profound passion,’ serves Mediterranean and Greek food. Celebrating these cultures, the dishes are healthy, small, and full of flavor and color. 

Not far away, the University of Tennessee campus can be found. Opened in 1794, the historic university is known for its research and its sports program. It has a fun atmosphere, full of energy and tradition. 
 

Things to Do

Built in 1928, the Tennessee Theater is an official historic place and considered one of the South’s beautiful theaters! Classical music, dance, broadway shows, vintage films, and other performances can be seen here. It can also be rented for special occasions, such as weddings and private parties.

Knoxville Museum of Art features traveling shows, concerts, classes, and regional art exhibits. The four-story building focuses on the area's eclectic, vibrant visual culture while also exploring the wider art world. The facility opened in 1990, covers 53,200 square feet, and is visited by over 70,000 people annually. 

World’s Fair Park sits on the former grounds of the 1982 World's Fair hosted in Knoxville, full of beautiful lawns, cheerful water features, and walkways, covering an area larger than two football fields. The park features an amphitheater, an observation deck on the sun sphere tower, and a performance lawn. It is the home of many events, including concerts, parties, and festivals. The Dogwood arts festival happens at World’s Fair Park each spring. Visitors enjoy more than 100 art vendors, live music, food and drink vendors, and entertainment.

Concerts on the Square are fun, community events taking place all summer. Full of food, community, and live music, every Tuesday provides Jazz music, while every third Thursday showcases various music styles. Meanwhile, First Friday Artwalk happens each month on the first Friday. Art collections, galleries, and studios showcase their art along the streets of downtown. In addition to the visual beauty, visitors can enjoy live music and other performance art.

Big Ears Weekend is an internationally-beloved festival. It includes author talks, pop-up events, concerts, and a Saturday afternoon street party and parade. Residents and visitors come to enjoy the music shows, demonstrations, and art exhibitions, from local creators and businesses, throughout the weekend. It is an exciting, energy-filled time.

Located just east of downtown, Zoo Knoxville has a foundation of education and inspiration, covering many acres of animal habitats. It is a participant in the world’s biggest conservation movement. The zoo works to maintain animals in a healthy environment to avoid extinction, leading to becoming the first zoo to have the endangered northern spider tortoises born there. It is the home of many remarkable endangered animals.
 

Schools

  • L&N Stem Academy
  • Green Magnet Academy

Overview for Downtown, TN

1,891 people live in Downtown, 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

Demographics and Employment Data for Downtown, TN

Downtown 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 Downtown do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 1,891 people call Downtown 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 Downtown, TN

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Middle Schools ()
High Schools ()
Mixed Schools ()
The following schools are within or nearby Downtown. 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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