Burlington

Ten years ago I use to attend Knoxville Catholic High School, at the time it was located right off of Magnolia, near this neighborhood. The school moved location in 2001 and this neighborhood has degenerated significantly. There is nothing worse than the waste of human potential. This neighborhood offers one of the highest crime rates in Knoxville. The crimes can get violent at times, but mostly consist of public intoxication, drug trafficking and prostitution. This happens mostly on the two main streets running through the neighborhood.

The neighborhood itself could be a gorgeous area of older homes but nobody cares. The school system in the area is not the highest ranked in Knoxville and the neighborhood seems to not care about maintenance. Most people, myself included, avoid the area at all costs. The only shopping in the area is illegal, most of the shops and restaurants have bars across the doors and windows. At one time this neighborhood was a splendid area and a popular area to live in. The degeneration of the spirit in the neighborhood has perpetuated the crimes and mentality. I can't suggest this area to anyone, nobody should be subject to this.

The Burlington neighborhood use to be the most popular place to live in Knoxville and consists of some historical homes built from 1939 and earlier as well as many well established older homes that were built form 1940 to 1969. However, this neighborhood has really gone down hill in recent years and as a result so many of these older homes that still hold some architectural characteristics, but really need some renovating.

The biggest problems that has contributed to the demise of the fabulous neighborhood is the increasing high crime rate, prostitution, and drug trafficking. As you drive through the streets of this neighborhood it is not unusual to see Knoxville's finest blue and white out in full force. Magnolia Avenue and Martin Luther King Boulevard are the two main streets within this neighborhood and it is here that the most action occurs.

Many individuals who live in the surrounding area do not even feel comfortable driving through this area and will avoid it at all cost. Oftentimes, individuals are taunted as they drive through by residents here with foul language and other obscene gestures, which is sad because there are a few great places here to visit close by such as the Knoxville Zoological Gardens.

The streets here have to be carefully driven due to the unattended children and adults who use them as walkways for socializing and distribution centers for their illegal substances. It is not unusual to find unattended cars parked in the street either, which can be a hazard. This neighborhood is not meant for anyone with children or families, but is much better suited for single males.

The Burlington neighborhood is located near Interstate 40 and downtown Knoxville. There are some shady clubs within the area, but that is about it as far as the neighborhood itself. The majority of restaurants and shops close up with bars on their windows and doors due to crime rate, which is sad since this area use to be such a thriving and beautiful area.

Burlington is mostly older homes that need some attention and could be beautiful. One thing preventing a revitalization of the area is the high crime rate. The police can often be seen in the area breaking up fights, responding to domestic disturbances, vandalism, and break-ins. Dogs that are breeds known to be vicious can sometimes be seen roaming loose, and other dogs are in yards either tied up or behind poorly maintained fences. Dogs can also be a noise problem barking all the time. Children are often unattended on the roads and people of all ages are often in the streets socializing, dancing, and playing music. Sometimes they taunt people driving through, using foul language and obscene hand gestures. Not an area I am comfortable being in. Cars typically are parked in the street instead of in driveways, which is a pain since the roads are not really wide enough for street parking. I have not seen anything in the neighborhood for families or children. There are no parks, basketball courts, or greenspace for playing. The neighborhood is close to the highway and downtown, close to the zoo and shopping, but there's not much going on in the actual neighborhood. I think it is sad that an area, that anyone can see, used to be a beautiful neighborhood fall to such waste. I wish there was some neighborhood pride and that the city would take an interest in the area and help the residents get a headstart. It's hard for people to have pride in their neighborhood when they feel the city they live in doesn't care.