$339,491Average Value$240Average Price per Sq Ft0Homes 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. "The main draw is the location — it's really easy to get downtown and convenient to the mall," says Tammie Taylor, a Realtor with D. R. Horton and resident of Knoxville for over 2 years. "But there's not much right in that area except for neighborhoods."
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 hard to get land over there because there are already older homes and not as much opportunity for new construction," Taylor says. Some areas around the train tracks and Francis Road have a slight risk of flooding.
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.
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.
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.
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. "It depends on the time of day, but it's a pretty straight shot to downtown," Taylor says. "You can usually take Middlebrook Pike instead of the Interstate to get there without traffic." 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.
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.
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
Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood?
Reach out to
Bill Leith,
an experienced agent in this area.
Transit
Airport
McGhee Tyson
33 min drive
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Amherst
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
6
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
3
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Amherst Demographics and Home Trends
Housing Trends
Median List Price
$322,000
Median Sale Price
$322,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$322,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
1
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-30%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$240
Neighborhood Facts
Number of Homes in Neighborhood
142
Number of Homes for Sale
0
Median Year Built
1969
Months of Supply
0.00
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,456
Significantly below the national average
1,924
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
20,908
Distribution of Home Values
Source: Public Records
Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood?
Reach out to
Bill Leith,
an experienced agent in this area.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
398
Median Age
36
Population under 18
24.4%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
16.3%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$65,735
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$78,961
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
94.1%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
36.2%
Advanced Degrees
12.2%
% Population in Labor Force
69.8%
On par with the national average
65.1%
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.
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.
