$233,500Average Value$217Average Price per Sq Ft4Homes For Sale
A community on the rise in Knoxville
Before Vestal was a south Knoxville neighborhood, it was a small community of settlers cut off from the city proper by the Tennessee River. It wasn’t until after the American Civil War that a bridge finally made it possible for residents on this side of the water to head into the city conveniently. This bridge enabled the Vestal Lumber Company to set up shop in the community, and that name serves as the legacy of the neighborhood. The neighborhood reached its heyday in the early 1900s, when the Candoro Marble Company sent Tennessee pink marble nationwide out of the Vestal quarries. The thriving community found itself in decline by the 1960s, however, as large employers closed, and residents began to leave. Today, Vestal is still feeling the sting of that decline. Homes here require renovations, and new construction is few and far between. But the neighborhood’s proximity to downtown and a budding arts community has spurred a reversal of Vestal's fortune.
Renovations south of the river
Vestal’s streets are lined with midcentury Craftsman bungalows and periodic ranch-style houses. “Typically, there are a lot of older homes in Vestal,” says Chris Morton, principal broker with Crye-Leike Realtors and Knoxville native. “They have smaller lots. Everything in town was sort of built out from there.” Prices for bungalows range from $175,000 to $350,000 depending on lot size and number of bedrooms, while ranch-style homes can cost anywhere from $200,000 to $400,000 depending on the inclusion of basements. The neighborhood is a popular spot for first-time buyers looking to start small, with plenty of fixer-uppers to invest in. “It’s trying to hold on to its identity,” Morton continues.
Commuting along Maryville Pike
Vestal is served by Knoxville Area Transit buses running on Route 45. The number 45 line meanders through the neighborhood streets and runs along Maryville Pike, with transfers to lines on Chapman Highway heading 3 miles into downtown Knoxville. Maryville Pike is also the community’s connection to McGhee Tyson Airport 10 miles away.
Creativity in Vestal’s education
Students in Vestal are zoned for Dogwood Elementary School, which Niche rates a B-minus. Dogwood students are sorted into houses, a la Harry Potter, and students are awarded “House Hero” titles for significant achievements. South-Doyle Middle School ranks a B and is home to a competitive basketball program for boys and girls. South Doyle High School, rated C-plus, has a rugby team that has won five state championships.
Down Highway 71 or downtown in Marble City
A Kroger and the United Grocery Outlet are both located along Highway 71. The nearest Walmart is 5 miles southeast down this same highway. Just steps outside the neighborhood, locals can find South Press, a coffee shop with an artsy aesthetic. The Knoxville Billiard Club, just under 2 miles out of Vestal, is a popular hangout reminiscent of ‘70s-era nightlife. And, of course, Vestal is a short 3-mile drive from all downtown Knoxville has to offer.
Green space in Vestal
Mary Vestal Park is a sizeable green space designed around Goose Creek, with a playground, picnic tables and a baseball/softball field. A short greenway tracks the creek through the park. The South Knoxville Community Center is located in Mary Vestal Park, and it is a hub of life in the neighborhood featuring an indoor pool, a gymnasium and meeting rooms that host frequent community events. Joe Foster Park is tucked between two houses on Drive D and sits on land that Vestal resident Joe Foster donated to the city specifically to make sure there was a park in his neighborhood. His namesake is a small parcel with a playground, picnic tables, swings and a basketball court. A paved walkway runs around the perimeter of the park.
The new life of the Candoro Marble Building
Part of Vestal’s rich history is preserved at the Candoro Arts and Heritage Center, a classic Italian-style building that originally housed the Candoro Marble Company headquarters. Today, the building is on the National Register of Historic Places, and the annual Vestival to celebrate Vestal’s heritage is held on the grounds each year. “We organize arts events, host receptions and keep a registry of local artists across Tennessee,” says Wes Roden, gallery attendant at Tri-Star Arts. “We also host studios for local artists to exhibit work. There’s a real art scene starting up around here.”
The coming rise of Vestal
While the community has begun its steps toward revitalization, the pulse in Vestal remains faint. “It’s still under the radar, I think,” Morton says. The art scene has brought budding life to the neighborhood and continues to grow at a steady pace, drawing foot traffic from the nearby University of Tennessee and spurring the interest of developers. “There’s a new baseball stadium and a footbridge across the river being put in down there, so Vestal is going to start seeing some of that life again,” Morton adds. “I would expect it to grow and continue to develop in the coming years.”
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.
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Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Mary Kidwell,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
High Ground Park
Trails
Nature Center
Hiking
Sam A Duff Memorial Park
Mary Vestal Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Picnic Area
Community Unity Greenway
Bike Trails
Trails
Hiking
Joe B Foster Park
Baseball/Softball
Picnic Area
Trails
Vestal Gateway Park
Picnic Area
Trails
Multi-Purpose Field
Transit
Airport
McGhee Tyson
26 min drive
Bus
Ogle Sb & Coffey
Bus
Young High Pk Eb Before Chapman HWY
Bus
Avenue A Wb & Ellen St
Bus
Maryville Pike Sb & Eddington Road
Bus
Martin Mill Pk Nb & Young High Pk
Bus
Avenue A Wb & Sims Rd
Bus
Avenue A Wb & Cleage St
Vestal Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Vestal, Knoxville sell after 89 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Vestal, Knoxville over the last 12 months is $460,000, up 112% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
A beautifully renovated 3-bedroom, 2-bath home nestled in a private, wooded setting just minutes from Downtown Knoxville! Step inside to discover a stunning kitchen featuring custom Sage green shaker cabinets, granite countertops, white subway tile backsplash, and top-of-the-line black stainless appliances. The open living space is accented by refinished original hardwood floors that flow
Welcome to your south Knoxville dream home at 810 Spring Drive! This stunning new construction offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, featuring three bedrooms and two bathrooms all on a single level. The open-concept main living area is filled with an abundance of natural light, creating a spacious and airy feel perfect for family gatherings and entertaining guests.Enjoy relaxing evenings
This rare South Knoxville find offers two separate homes on one lot—just 10 minutes from downtown and full of possibilities. The front property is 1,334 sq ft with 2 bedrooms and 1 bath—offering generous living space, vintage charm, and flexibility for a spacious owner's suite or creative studio. The second home is a 908 sq ft unit with 1 bedroom and 1 bath, ideal as a long-term rental, guest
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Mary Kidwell,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
2,344
Median Age
34
Population Density
5 ppl/acre
Population under 18
25.4%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
13.6%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$41,291
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$47,124
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
82.6%
College Graduates
11.2%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
5.7%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
66.2%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
52''
Average Winter Low Temperature
31°F
Average Summer High Temperature
88°F
Annual Snowfall
12''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
33/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
48/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
30/ 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.
