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Amherst

Amherst

$390,357 Average Value
$215 Average Price per Sq Ft
3 Homes For Sale

Amherst is divided by train tracks and conveniently close to downtown

On the west side of Knoxville, Amherst is a residential area divided by a railroad. The neighborhood used to be anchored by Amherst Grocery, which was a favorite spot for train engineers to grab a bologna sandwich on their way out of town. Although the grocery closed in 2012, the Amherst-Helmbolt Community Association still honors its memory by hosting events around the empty building. Today, freight trains rush by without stopping for bologna sandwiches, and the area is turning into a desirable suburb. According to Tammie Taylor, a Realtor with D. R. Horton and resident of Knoxville for over 2 years, there’s not much in the area except neighborhoods, but buyers are drawn to the nearby amenities. “Mostly, it's the location to downtown and to the conveniences of getting down to the mall,” she says.

Well-kept lawns and leafy trees surround traditional-style homes in Amherst’s suburbs.
Well-kept lawns and leafy trees surround traditional-style homes in Amherst’s suburbs.
Amherst’s suburban landscape features wooded areas and nearby rail lines.
Amherst’s suburban landscape features wooded areas and nearby rail lines.
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Midcentury ranch homes and newer suburban styles

The wooded streets of Amherst are not very busy, passing by large yards shaded by mature trees. Most homes were built during the mid-to-late 1900s in ranch-style designs. The Amherst Woods subdivision was added in the late 1990s and offers larger Colonial Revival and New Traditional homes with a more tight-knit feel. Few home sales have occurred in the past few years. Prices in the neighborhood have ranged from $340,000 to $430,000, and a plot of land recently sold for $100,000. "It’s harder to get land over there because they've already built older homes," Taylor says. "So they don’t have as much opportunity for new construction." Some areas around the train tracks and Francis Road have a slight risk of flooding.

Lush greenery often envelops ranch homes in Amherst, creating a secluded woodland atmosphere.
Lush greenery often envelops ranch homes in Amherst, creating a secluded woodland atmosphere.
Quaint cottages and ranch-style homes dot the landscape in Amherst, blending charm with natural surroundings.
Quaint cottages and ranch-style homes dot the landscape in Amherst, blending charm with natural surroundings.
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Just 3 miles from all of the shopping options along Kingston Pike

A quick 3-mile drive south leads to the West Town Mall, which anchors the largest retail corridor in Knoxville. Remodeled in 2018, the mall has over 140 stores and many more in the surrounding area. Big brands include Trader Joe's, Food City, Target, and Sam's Club, there are several specialty grocery stores with products from Latin America, India, Asia, and more. A wide variety of restaurants range from upscale steakhouses to quick takeout.

The area around the mall can get congested during rush hour or on weekends, so for a calmer outing, locals can head 2 miles north to the Western Avenue Walmart. Or, a mile away, the Dollar General on Amherst Road was freshly remodeled in 2024.

West Town Mall in Amherst offers a mix of retail stores, dining spots, and local favorites.
West Town Mall in Amherst offers a mix of retail stores, dining spots, and local favorites.
Big Kahuna Wings near West Town Mall in Amherst is a local favorite for chicken wings.
Big Kahuna Wings near West Town Mall in Amherst is a local favorite for chicken wings.
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Local parks are a short drive away

Although no parks are within walking distance, Amherst isn't far from some of the city's popular recreation hubs. Victor Ashe Park, known for its disc golf course, is 4 miles north. West Hills and Bynon Park are just over 2 miles south, with a walking trail, tennis courts and a YMCA with an outdoor pool.

In place of a neighborhood park, the Amherst Helmbolt Community Association hosts a fall festival and spring fling at the old Amherst Grocery. Though the store is no longer open, its outdoor lawn is big enough to hold tents, chairs and a fire pit.

West Hills & Bynon Park has walking trails that meander through the trees for a perfect stroll in Amherst.
West Hills & Bynon Park has walking trails that meander through the trees for a perfect stroll in Amherst.
Outdoor lovers can get exercise swimming at the Pilot Family YMCA.
Outdoor lovers can get exercise swimming at the Pilot Family YMCA.
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Karns High has pathways in business, technology and health

Local students are part of Knox County Schools, but the school zoning in Amherst can vary based on home location. Many kids attend Amherst Elementary School, which gets a B rating from Niche. Then it's on to Northwest Middle, rated C-plus, and Karns High School, rated B-minus. All high schools in Knox County offer specialized career and college-prep academies. Karns High School's academy options include Business, Technical Innovation and Health Science.

Amherst Elementary School, located on Schaad Road, is a landmark of Amherst’s northside.
Amherst Elementary School, located on Schaad Road, is a landmark of Amherst’s northside.
Karns High School in Amherst holds a B- grade from Niche’s national school ranking system.
Karns High School in Amherst holds a B- grade from Niche’s national school ranking system.
Northwest Middle School in Amherst earns a C+ rating from Niche for overall performance.
Northwest Middle School in Amherst earns a C+ rating from Niche for overall performance.
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Fifteen minutes to drive into downtown Knoxville

Amherst is 7 miles away from downtown Knoxville, about a 15-minute trip. Interstate 40 is the fastest way into town, but it often has rush-hour traffic. “If you take Middlebrook Pike, you can get there pretty easily with a lot less traffic," Taylor says. "But if you go on the interstate, you never know how the traffic is going to be.” The closest bus line runs on Middlebrook Pike, and it takes 25 minutes to get downtown. The regional McGhee Tyson Airport is 17 miles away. The nearest hospital is Parkwest Medical Center, 8 miles away.

Knox Area Transit, or KAT, runs several bus lines for commuters around Amherst.
Knox Area Transit, or KAT, runs several bus lines for commuters around Amherst.
The Sunsphere welcomes people to Knoxville, TN.
The Sunsphere welcomes people to Knoxville, TN.
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Noise from the Amherst Road railroad crossing

Residents who live close to the train tracks will experience some noise. The rail line is used for freight trains, which typically pass by a few times per day. The train uses an underpass to cross Amherst Road, so it does not hold up traffic.

Catherine Lashley
Written By
Catherine Lashley
Andrew Byrum
Photography Contributed By
Andrew Byrum
Luke Mancari
Video By
Luke Mancari

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Transit

Airport

McGhee Tyson

33 min drive

Bus

Middlebrook Pk Wb & Bearden Middle Sch

Bus

Dowell Springs

Bus

Middlebrook Pk Wb & Old Weisgarber

Bus

Middlebrook Pk Wb & Amherst Rd Out

Bus

Middlebrook Pk Wb & Lake Brook Blv Out

Bus

Old Weisgarber Sb Before Lonas Spring Dr.

Bus

Middlebrook Pk Wb & Weisgarber Rd Out

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Amherst US
Homicide 4 4
Sexual Assault 8 4
Assault with Weapon 5 4
Robbery 4 4
Burglary 5 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 4 4
Larceny 5 4
Crime Score 5 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Amherst Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$379,900
Median Sale Price
$372,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$427,500
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$225,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
3%
Last 12 months Home Sales
24
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-2%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$215

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
504
Number of Homes for Sale
3
Median Year Built
1996
Months of Supply
1.50
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,816
Below the national average
1,924
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,448
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
12,414

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
2,904
Median Age
35
Population under 18
24.4%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
16.4%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$52,850
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$78,603

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
88.9%
College Graduates
37.4%
On par with the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
18.3%
On par with the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
67.2%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
52''
Average Winter Low Temperature
31°F
Average Summer High Temperature
88°F
Annual Snowfall
9''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

27 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

7 / 100

Minimal Transit

Transit Score®

14 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Amherst
John Permaul
Partners Realty Group
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