Welcome to South Knoxville
South Knoxville lies on the south side of the Tennessee River. It joins the rest of the city, specifically downtown Knoxville, via four bridges. These include the J. E. “Buck” Karnes Bridge and the Gay Street Bridge, in addition to the James C. Ford Memorial Bridge and the Henley Bridge. Residents of the area enjoy beautiful views of the river, almost like an island home, but still have easy access to downtown.
South Knoxville is a fun and lively area. It is a unique and dynamic city with the Urban Wilderness,1,000 acres of land ideal for biking, rock climbing, hiking, kayaking, and paddleboarding, nearby. It was considered to have 18,516 residents when the 2000 census was calculated, although it has likely increased since then. Recent years have seen improvements on the waterfront, leading to more commercial and recreational uses and better accessibility and aesthetics.
What We Love
- Strong sense of community
- Unique culture and atmosphere
- Easy access to the river and downtown
Local Lifestyle
Offering single-family homes, condominiums and townhouses, South Knoxville is an up-and-coming part of the city with a young, hipster vibe. The city finds its roots in the charm and hospitality of the south. It is a welcoming, open place with a friendly community and one-of-a-kind culture. There are many things to do, from fun shopping adventures to exciting local activities and events.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
So Kno Taco Cantina is a locally owned South Knox favorite. Centering their menu on SoCal street tacos, fantastic sides and a variety of beers and house margaritas on tap, they are a favorite place to stop when near Ijams Nature Center and AMBC biking trails.
Redbud Kitchen serves fresh, delicious and colorful menu items. They focus on fresh American cuisine and boast an extensive cocktail & beer menu as well. Located adjacent to Hi-Wire Brewing, they complement one another as you can pick-up food from Redbud and eat it at the brewery. Hi-Wire is family-friendly and pet-friendly and has a variety of Interactive Games (soccer pool, table tennis, foosball, & shuffleboard). The taproom features 360° of vibrant indoor murals and outdoor decks with views of downtown Knoxville from the rooftop.
Honeybee Coffee is a local coffee roaster & coffee shop. Sourcing their coffee from small farms around the world, they roast their beans in house & have become a Knoxville staple. Their coffeeshop is designed as a gathering space, fostering a strong sense of community. They serve a variety of drinks, from coffee to beer, & food items and have created a warm and relaxing atmosphere perfect for meeting friends or finding a quiet place to work.
Things to Do
Ijams Nature Center covers over 300 acres of rock formations and wetlands. With over ten miles of hiking trails and canoe, paddleboard, and kayaking opportunities, there is much to do in the urban park. Visitors can learn about the local animals and how to find them in the center. The Knoxville Botanical Gardens & Arboretum was officially founded in 2001, though the 47-acre property can be traced back to 1786. It boasts eight beautiful gardens, walking paths, a butterfly meadow, and unique stone walls.
A place to learn about regional history, the East Tennessee Historical Society and Museum has over 13,000 artifacts, including art, quilts, Civil War relics, and much more. The museum uses technology, artifacts, and pictures to explore three centuries of local life, focusing on the area’s connections to national historical events. It also displays many temporary exhibits.
Schools