Fort Sanders
Ranked 4th best neighborhood in Knoxville
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Great for
- Nightlife
- Public Transport
- Eating Out
- Internet Access
- Medical Facilities
Not great for
- Childcare
- Neighborly Spirit
- Peace & Quiet
- Lack of Traffic
Who lives here?
- Singles
- Professionals
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Reviews
Fort Sanders
"College Student Central"
The Fort Sanders area, referred to by many as simply “the fort,” is the most highly-populated college student area in the city.
A plethora of houses and apartment complexes scatter throughout the (roughly) 12-block by 6-block grid. The homes are older, dating back 40+ years, whereas many new apartment complexes pop up on a regular basis as a result of the college crowd.
Although non-college students live in the Fort Sanders area, the entire region is generally one big college student party. Loud noises pour through the streets all hours of the night. There are parties thrown for any given reason (and sometimes for no reason) all over the fort, with students wandering back and forth for most of the evening.
This type of behavior is generally accepted in the area, and although it’s heavily patrolled by the UTPD and the KPD, it’s rare that anyone requests that this raucous behavior come to an end. The other college students generally accept this.
There are apartment complexes that have been around for decades and ones that pop up or change administration every year or two. It’s most common that houses are rented by 3-4 (or more) college students.
Since the houses are older, it’s typical that utilities bills are much higher than the city average because they suffer from poor insulation as well as other small problems.
The area is certainly not for families, even though a small percentage of the neighborhood is populated by young families.
A plethora of houses and apartment complexes scatter throughout the (roughly) 12-block by 6-block grid. The homes are older, dating back 40+ years, whereas many new apartment complexes pop up on a regular basis as a result of the college crowd.
Although non-college students live in the Fort Sanders area, the entire region is generally one big college student party. Loud noises pour through the streets all hours of the night. There are parties thrown for any given reason (and sometimes for no reason) all over the fort, with students wandering back and forth for most of the evening.
This type of behavior is generally accepted in the area, and although it’s heavily patrolled by the UTPD and the KPD, it’s rare that anyone requests that this raucous behavior come to an end. The other college students generally accept this.
There are apartment complexes that have been around for decades and ones that pop up or change administration every year or two. It’s most common that houses are rented by 3-4 (or more) college students.
Since the houses are older, it’s typical that utilities bills are much higher than the city average because they suffer from poor insulation as well as other small problems.
The area is certainly not for families, even though a small percentage of the neighborhood is populated by young families.
Recommended for
- Singles
Fort Sanders
rating details
2yrs+
- Neighborly Spirit
- Safe & Sound
- Clean & Green
- Pest Free
- Peace & Quiet
- Eating Out
- Nightlife
- Parks & Recreation
- Shopping Options
- Gym & Fitness
- Internet Access
- Lack of Traffic
- Cost of Living
- Resale or Rental Value
- Public Transport
- Medical Facilities
- Schools
- Childcare
"Fort Sanders: A Party Haven For Students"
The Fort Sanders neighborhood is located west of the Downtown area and north of the University of Tennessee campus. In 1888, this neighborhood was originally incorporated as the separate city of West Knoxville, but area was annexed by Knoxville in 1897. Since that time, it has been renamed for the nearby Civil War era fort that played a prominent role in the 1863 Knoxville Campaign. The neighborhood's architecture is a mixture of 19th century Victorian houses, apartment complexes, and a few university related buildings. The majority of the larger homes in the neighborhood have been split into numerous apartments to serve the University as well as the high population density of the area.
To residents here this area is known as the “The Fort,” who are mostly in their twenties and many go home during the summer term leaving “The Fort” virtually empty compared to its very active, and sometimes belligerent, feel during the school year. Due to the area's younger population and proximity to a large university, The Fort is a hotbed for house parties and bars alike. The neighborhood is infamous for its party atmosphere and residents have been known throw multi-street block parties that attract thousands.
During the fall football season at the University of Tennessee, the Fort Sanders neighborhood is used as headquarters, along with the actual campus itself, for Tennessee Vols fan's tailgating and pre-game activities. The Fort Sanders neighborhood is patrolled jointly by the Knoxville Police Department as well as the The University of Tennessee's Police Department. UT operates a fully armed and operational police force that protects students both on campus and in “The Fort” due to its proximity to Downtown and the surrounding lower income area's to the East and South. Unfortunately, this neighborhood is plagued by many break-ins, robberies, and other violent crimes including numerous shootings and stabbings.
To residents here this area is known as the “The Fort,” who are mostly in their twenties and many go home during the summer term leaving “The Fort” virtually empty compared to its very active, and sometimes belligerent, feel during the school year. Due to the area's younger population and proximity to a large university, The Fort is a hotbed for house parties and bars alike. The neighborhood is infamous for its party atmosphere and residents have been known throw multi-street block parties that attract thousands.
During the fall football season at the University of Tennessee, the Fort Sanders neighborhood is used as headquarters, along with the actual campus itself, for Tennessee Vols fan's tailgating and pre-game activities. The Fort Sanders neighborhood is patrolled jointly by the Knoxville Police Department as well as the The University of Tennessee's Police Department. UT operates a fully armed and operational police force that protects students both on campus and in “The Fort” due to its proximity to Downtown and the surrounding lower income area's to the East and South. Unfortunately, this neighborhood is plagued by many break-ins, robberies, and other violent crimes including numerous shootings and stabbings.
Recommended for
- Singles
Fort Sanders
rating details
2yrs+
- Neighborly Spirit
- Safe & Sound
- Clean & Green
- Pest Free
- Peace & Quiet
- Eating Out
- Nightlife
- Parks & Recreation
- Shopping Options
- Gym & Fitness
- Internet Access
- Lack of Traffic
- Cost of Living
- Resale or Rental Value
- Public Transport
- Medical Facilities
- Schools
- Childcare
"Welcome to UTK"
Cumberland Ave is commonly referred to as the Strip. Fort Sanders area is for college students. The housing in the area is mostly condos, apartments and older Victorian houses that are being rented. The strip offers just about anything a college student could possibly need. It has book stores, coffee shops and access to UT campus for those heavy nights of studying. Knowing how college life really is, there is also several nightclubs, bars and any other activity you could want to enjoy in college.
Unfortunately, being the heart of a college campus, this place may not be the best to raise kids. With the influx of students in the fall and spring, traffic can become quite an issue. Fortunately, most students walk or bike to class. One other downfall to the area is the noise. Don't expect some areas to be quiet until after three when the bar closes. This area is definitely aimed at college students earning their way through school. It offers access to the strip and downtown Knoxville for specialty shops and restaurants. All in all, if you are going to college, you will feel at home.
Unfortunately, being the heart of a college campus, this place may not be the best to raise kids. With the influx of students in the fall and spring, traffic can become quite an issue. Fortunately, most students walk or bike to class. One other downfall to the area is the noise. Don't expect some areas to be quiet until after three when the bar closes. This area is definitely aimed at college students earning their way through school. It offers access to the strip and downtown Knoxville for specialty shops and restaurants. All in all, if you are going to college, you will feel at home.
Recommended for
- Singles
Fort Sanders
rating details
2yrs+
- Neighborly Spirit
- Safe & Sound
- Clean & Green
- Pest Free
- Peace & Quiet
- Eating Out
- Nightlife
- Parks & Recreation
- Shopping Options
- Gym & Fitness
- Internet Access
- Lack of Traffic
- Cost of Living
- Resale or Rental Value
- Public Transport
- Medical Facilities
- Schools
- Childcare
"College life!"
Mostly condos, apartments, rentals, and multifamily units and quite a few college students. Several older, Victorian homes that could be very beautiful. They have mostly been converted to duplexes or are being rented by the room. Convenient and close to U.T., Fort Sanders Medical Center, the Knoxville Convention Center, downtown, shopping, and restaurants, this is a very busy area, especially before, during, and after University of Tennessee football and even basketball game times. Parking is usually reserved in the apartment complex lots, but if you rent or live in a multi or single family home, parking can be a real challenge. On street parking is available, but not guaranteed and is quite often taken by other residents guests, or patrons of the shops and restaurants. Areas where no parking is allowed can sometimes be hard to detect and vehicles are often towed, ticketed, or booted. For the most part, residents are friendly and respectful, but as this area is heavily populated by students, there can be a noise problem with parties going on, and parties can lead to problems with litter. Beer bottles, paper products, flyers and other debris are commonly blowing around streets and parking lots. Noise can be especially problematic at night with students out and about, coming and going at all hours of the night;it definitely gets busier! With the hospital being so close, there is noise from ambulances also. Lots of one way streets to contend with and those can be a hassle, especially for those who do not know their way around. Overall, a fun place to be if you are the typical college student, not so much for families adn those non-partiers.
Recommended for
- Professionals
- Singles
