$358,905Average Value$200Average Price per Sq Ft86Homes For Sale
Tennessee's secret Manhattan Project site is a thriving civilian town today
Oak Ridge was one of the nation’s best-kept secrets at its founding in 1942, and it still enjoys this reputation today. Known as the Secret City, Oak Ridge was a restricted military compound during WWII as the U.S. government worked to assemble a functioning atomic bomb. In just two and a half years, the population boomed from mostly farming families to more than 75,000 residents working to support the mission to enrich uranium. As WWII ended, Oak Ridge shifted from military to civilian control and became a self-governing town. Today, it's a proud community of 31,400 residents blending suburban calm, historical significance and a thriving outdoor culture. Oak Ridge's scientific heritage still influences its top-rated STEM schools, high-tech, high-wage jobs, and innovative new technology, notably the soon-to-be-built Hermes reactor, aimed at demonstrating affordable, clean nuclear heat production. U.S. Department of Energy facilities cover 62 of the town's 92 square miles. The remainder of Oak Ridge includes quiet residential areas near shopping and parks. This town continues to evolve while retaining its charm as Tennessee’s Secret City, situated 22 miles west of Knoxville. “We’ve got a deep history here,” says Katy Watt, president of Explore Oak Ridge and area resident for almost 20 years.
Oak Ridge was the site of the Manhattan Project, which participated in making the Atomic Bomb.
Oak Ridge is a tight knit community that is seeing lots of retail development.
The Department of Energy is a major employer in Oak Ridge.
The remains of the K-25 site where uranium was enriched is now a National Park.
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Remodeled WWII-era alphabet homes
Oak Ridge has experienced its fair share of expansion. “At the beginning, houses were being built so fast,” Watt says. “Kids would go to school and get lost on their way home because they couldn’t recognize the streets for all the construction that had gone up.” These streets are lined with an eclectic mix of WWII-era homes and contemporary single-family houses built in more recent years. The town is known for its alphabet housing, with smaller homes assigned to earlier letters in the alphabet and larger homes assigned to later letters. These include flat-top homes and Cemesto homes — built with cement and asbestos — many of which have been remodeled to modern standards. There are well-established neighborhoods with a mix of midcentury basement ranch-style homes, split levels and New Traditional homes built in the 1990s and early 2000s. There are also new subdivisions of Colonial-inspired contemporary houses being developed. “We can’t build them fast enough for people moving in,” Watt says. Oak Ridge's median single-family price of $365,590 is lower than the national median price of $416,700.
You can find Simple Traditional homes that were built during WWII in Oak Ridge.
You can find new Colonial Revivals being built in areas of Oak Ridge.
Townhomes are beginning to pop up in Oak Ridge.
You can find new Colonial Revivals being built new Oak Ridge National Lab.
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Oak Ridge schools carry on a tradition of STEM excellence
Highly rated schools play a part in this town's appeal. Niche ranks the Oak Ridge School District number four in Tennessee and gives it an overall A grade. The district oversees nine pre-K-12 schools and emphasizes a challenging STEM curriculum, carrying on the tradition of its founders. “There’s an atmosphere of academic excellence that’s been around since the beginning,” Watt says. “The scientists demanded the best schools for their children, and that’s just sort of carried on to today.” That excellence also extends to the district's teachers, over 75% of whom hold master's degrees. Oak Ridge High School, where most Oak Ridge teens tend to graduate, earns an A. There, students can gain hands-on experience with cybersecurity concepts through the CyberPatriot program, launched by the Air Force Association. Participants compete in the National Youth Cyber Defense Competition each year.
Welcome to Linden Elementary School in Oak Ridge.
Welcome to Robertsville Middle School in Oak Ridge.
Oak Ridge High School has a stand-out front entrance.
Students in Oak Ridge have easy access to STEM learning at AMSE.
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Thousands of rowers flock to Melton Lake
Life here is centered around the great outdoors, with 16 community parks, 12 greenways and 173 miles of shoreline along Melton Hill Lake. Each park was placed strategically throughout the city to allow easy access from each residential area. These spaces allow for golf, swimming, boating, fishing, tennis, soccer, hiking, biking, disc golf, basketball and softball. Rowing is one of the most popular activities here for both beginners and masters of the sport. The Oak Ridge Rowing Association offers youth competitive rowing, adult masters competitive rowing and learn-to-row classes. Thousands of rowers flock to Oak Ridge each year to train and compete on Melton Lake's seven-lane race course. In the southeasternmost corner of Oak Ridge, Haw Ridge Park is a 780-acre wooded expanse with 30 miles of single-track and dirt trails to explore by foot, bike or horse. Oak Ridge is also home to the University of Tennessee Arboretum, where 7 miles of trails wind through the 2,500 exhibited native plant specimens.
Centennial Golf Course is a public golf course near Melton Hill Lake in Oak Ridge.
Grab your pole and go fishing down on Melton Hill Lake.
Melton Hill Lake is a tranquil spot to enjoy via boat or on the shore.
Haw Ridge Park is the perfect place to run, ride your bike, or walk your dog.
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Big box stores and Big Ed’s Pizza
Oak Ridge is a retail destination for the five surrounding East Tennessee counties, with a Walmart, JCPenney, Dick's Sporting Goods and many more retailers. Several of these are concentrated near the center of town in the Main Street area, which also has a Cinemark with cushioned reclining seats. Oak Ridge Turnpike is another commercial strip where Food City, Kroger and Dollar General sell pantry staples. Jackson Square is the spot for more unique shopping options such as antique stores, boutiques and galleries. Recent efforts have brought national chains to town, but Oak Ridge residents still value the long-time community staples. Big Ed’s Pizza is a family-run business that's been in Oak Ridge for over 50 years. "They don’t do salads, they don’t do anything extra. It’s just pizza, and it’s the best," Watt says. Reader’s Digest in 2023 named Big Ed’s the best pizza in all of Tennessee.
The locals love Big Ed's Pizza, which was named as a Top 51 Pizza Parlor by USA Today.
Oak Ridge residents frequent Food City for groceries.
Dean's Restaurant and Bakery is a local favorite and serves up southern hospitality.
Get your guitar serviced at String Workshop in Oak Ridge.
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The Lavender Festival and midcentury pastimes
Oak Ridge festivals draw larger and larger crowds each year. Originating in 1999, The Lavender Festival is an annual gathering in Jackson Square that celebrates the lavender plant with dozens of vendors and family activities. “We had 25,000 people in town for the 2023 Lavender Festival,” Watt says. “It was absolutely crazy.” In addition, many of the entertainment institutions established during WWII still exist today. The Oak Ridge Playhouse remains an active community theater, and the Oak Ridge Symphony Orchestra continues to hold concerts, even as development on a downtown district gets underway. The American Museum of Science and Energy looks at the day-to-day stories of the people who worked here in secret, and the technology that's developed since then.
The Oak Ridge Playhouse features 13 rows of seats for live performances of plays and musicals.
Residents and visitors alike can explore the American Museum of Science and Energy.
Step back in time at the K-25 History Center in Oak Ridge.
The American Museum of Science and Energy tells the story of advances in science in Oak Ridge.
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The fast lanes to Secret City
Oak Ridge’s origins as a government secret mean it is several miles from interstate highways. However, state highways cut right through town and connect it to nearby areas. State Route 62 leads south toward Knoxville. Public bus routes do not run in or out of Oak Ridge, but Oak Ridge Transit does provide a door-to-door service by request. Methodist Medical Center has a centrally located emergency room in town and various other medical services. McGhee Tyson Airport is 26 miles southeast, with nonstop flights to 33 destinations in the U.S.
Nuclear cleanup is ongoing
Oak Ridge's past nuclear activity still impacts the town today. The Department of Energy property, covering 35,000 acres, contains a Superfund site. The United States Environmental Protection Agency determined that "leakage from buried wastes, stored wastes, and operational activities from these facilities has resulted in hundreds of contaminated areas across the site." Most of the contamination is contained within the DOE grounds, but impact areas extend beyond the grounds, including surface water and sediment. Cleanup has been ongoing since the 1980s.
Oak Ridge's crime rates are on par with the national average. According to FBI data from 2022 and 2023, violent crimes in Oak Ridge were reported at a yearly rate of 1,323 per 100,00 people, about equal to the nation's average of 1,358 and lower than the state's 2,049. Over the same period, property crime in the city was reported at a yearly rate of 1,654 per 100,000 people, lower than the national and state rates, 1,979 and 2,365, respectively.
The city has a humid subtropical climate known for hot summers and mild winters. Temperatures rarely exceed 94 F or go below 17 F.
Written By
Liz Coughlin
Photography Contributed By
Andrew Byrum
Video By
Christian Gortler
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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an experienced agent in this area.
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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On average, homes in Oak Ridge, TN sell after 32 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Oak Ridge, TN over the last 12 months is $374,900, up 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Charming 4-Bed / 3-Bath Home in Prime Oak Ridge Location. Welcome to 213 Ibis Loop, a spacious and inviting single-family home nestled in a quiet, friendly Oak Ridge neighborhood. With 2,804 sq. ft. of living space, this property offers the perfect blend of comfort, functionality, and neighborhood charm. Ample space ideal for everyone, guests, or a home office. Generous living space, plenty of
NEW CONSTRUCTION with plenty of high end upgrades! Home built by River Oak Development, LLC in the Groves Park subdivision. The Willow floor plan is a stunning two-story walkout home offering a perfect blend of modern elegance and functional living. This home features a main floor master suite and designer touches throughout. As you step into the grand foyer, you'll be immediately captivated by
Welcome to this spacious Harbour Cove home offering just over 2,600 thoughtfully laid-out square feet, 5 bedrooms, and 3.5 bathrooms--designed for flexibility, comfort, and the way people actually live. The standout feature (and a major draw in East Tennessee) is the primary suite on the main level with its own private en suite bathroom--a layout that remains highly sought after because of its
Welcome to this beautifully renovated home, thoughtfully designed with numerous custom features throughout. The well appointed kitchen is a true showpiece, featuring cherry cabinets, quartz countertops, a professional Thermador Stove, and stainless steel appliances. The large center island offers storage on both sides plus a built in bookcase, while the breakfast bar and spacious dining area make
As you enter this mountain retreat in the city you are greeted in the living room by a vaulted ceiling and a stone fireplace. Do you want to relax and warm up beside a fire; wood burning or gas; you choose, you have two to choose from. This home has additions, renovations, and updates masterfully done with modern and rustic themes. From the main level ascend to the upper level where you discover
Charming 4-Bed / 3-Bath Home in Prime Oak Ridge Location. Welcome to 213 Ibis Loop, a spacious and inviting single-family home nestled in a quiet, friendly Oak Ridge neighborhood. With 2,804 sq. ft. of living space, this property offers the perfect blend of comfort, functionality, and neighborhood charm. Ample space ideal for everyone, guests, or a home office. Generous living space, plenty of
Charming Opportunity at 112 Nasson Lane, Oak Ridge Discover the possibilities in this cozy 4-bedroom, 2-bath home in Oak Ridge. With classic bones and a welcoming layout, this property offers a canvas for your creative touch. Whether you're a first-time buyer, investor, or renovation enthusiast, you'll appreciate the potential to restore and personalize this space. • Spacious rooms with natural
Perfectly situated near the ORNL lab entrance, shopping, and restaurants, this beautifully maintained residence offers the ideal blend of convenience and comfort. With only one previous owner, this inviting Basement Rancher boasts open living spaces, four spacious bedrooms, and 2.5 bathrooms. Enjoy generous walk-in closets, stunning maple hardwood floors, a sun-filled family room, vaulted
Welcome to 155 Ibis Loop in the highly sought-after Harbour Cove community of Oak Ridge, TN. Ideally positioned on the edge of Oak Ridge and West Knoxville, this home offers convenient access to ORNL, Y-12, Methodist Medical Center, Pellissippi Parkway, and is approximately 20-25 minutes to Downtown Knoxville, the University of Tennessee, and McGhee Tyson Airport.Harbour Cove is known for its
The Clinch River is just beyond your back yard. Magnificent water, river gorge and vista mountain views from this site in desirable The Preserve at Clinch River. Only minutes to Oak Ridge, ORNL, Y-12, I-40 & West Knoxville. Cleared building site with roads & utilities in. Well thought out community has amenities that rival those of a posh resort - marina, boat slips, gas, fitness center, indoor
Cul-de-sac location • Huge fenced backyard • Minutes to Y-12, ORNL & Oak Ridge schools --Tucked away on a quiet cul-de-sac in an established Oak Ridge neighborhood, 101 Hooper Ct offers a well-designed home with a warm, inviting layout and the outdoor living space buyers are looking for--just minutes from Melton Lake, Aspire, parks, and top-rated Oak Ridge schools. This inviting home welcomes you
Forest Creek Village has Oak Ridge's newest homesites and is neighboring the popular Oak Ridge Country Club. This is a great building lot in this up-and-coming development. All utilities including fiber optics will be at the lot line. Across the road is the North Boundary Greenway with 16 miles of trails for hiking, cycling, running, and nature wildlife walks. Easy access to Horizon Center,
Welcome home to this beautifully renovated property, perfectly situated in an established neighborhood and ready for its next owner. This inviting home offers 4 bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms with a thoughtfully designed layout ideal for both everyday living and entertaining. The renovated kitchen is the heart of the home, now open to the living room and designed for gathering. It features white
The Clinch River is just beyond your back yard. Magnificent water, river gorge and vista mountain views from this site in desirable The Preserve at Clinch River. Only minutes to Oak Ridge, ORNL, Y-12, I-40 & West Knoxville. Cleared building site with roads & utilities in. Well thought out community has amenities that rival those of a posh resort - marina, boat slips, gas, fitness center, indoor
Enlarged B house wit vinyl siding, vinyl insulated windows, central heat & air gas pack, 200 amp breaker box, hardwood flooring under carpeting in Living Rm/Dining Rm, bedrooms and hallway. Enclosed porch serves as office/playroom or 3rd bedroom - no closet. Newer vinyl storage shed. Located across from Cedar Hill Park. Wonderful location!
Modern Living in the Heart of Oak Ridge - Fully Remodeled! Welcome home to this stunning, top-to-bottom renovation! This 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom duplex offers the perfect blend of modern style and cozy comfort in a highly desirable Oak Ridge location. No detail was spared in this refresh--from the ceilings to the floors, everything is brand new and ready for you to move in. Designer Kitchen: Cook
Main Street Lofts, a premier rental community offering Studios, 1, 2 and 3 Bedroom Apartment Homes. Located on S. Tulane Avenue near S. Illinois Avenue in Oak Ridge, TN, Main Street Lofts offers residents stellar on-site amenities including two beautifully decorated clubhouses & two fitness centers with strength, cardio and and HIIT Training, salt water swimming pool, pet park and pet spa, an
Lovely, freshly painted 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home located in the Emory Heights community of Oak Ridge. Conveniently located near schools and everyday amenities, this home offers beautiful hardwood flooring throughout. The main level features a bright living room and dining room combination, along with a spacious kitchen that includes Corian countertops, a pantry, tile backsplash, and a gas stove.
1 MONTH FREE!Welcome to Poplar Creek, Oak Ridge’s newest townhome community featuring two spacious floor plans with 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. Each home is thoughtfully designed with open-concept layouts filled with natural light, stylish kitchens with sleek cabinetry and stainless steel appliances, and spacious master suites complete with walk-in closets, private baths, and a balcony
For Rent | The Preserves Welcome home to this beautifully built 3-bedroom, 2-bath single-family residence located in the highly sought-after Preserves community. This new construction offers an open and functional layout designed for both comfort and style. The main living area features a gas fireplace and flows seamlessly into the kitchen and dining spaces, perfect for everyday living and
Discover our premier townhome rental community, Summit Place, in Oak Ridge, TN, near Knoxville. This brand-new community is nestled away in a serene location just minutes from the city, providing an exclusive retreat with easy urban access. All of our townhomes are pet-friendly and boast modern amenities and contemporary designs.Discover more when you come for a visit call today!
Well-maintained 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home just over 3 years old, located in a convenient Oak Ridge area. Close to the Children's Museum, shopping, dining, and more. The home offers a comfortable layout, modern finishes, and easy access to everyday amenities, making it a great rental option.
Natalie GibsonGORMAN REALTY
$949 - $1,255 per month
The Flats at Jackson Square Discover Our Studio, 1, & 2-Bedroom Flats and Lofts in Oak Ridge, TN
Nestled not far from rolling green hills and Melton Hill Lake, you'll find The Flats at Jackson Square apartments in Oak Ridge, Tennessee! Our traditional flat and loft-style homes are within easy walking distance of Historic Jackson Square and convenient to the best features of Oak Ridge. Only 25 minutes from exciting Knoxville, The Flats at Jackson Square offers four thoughtfully designed floor
Welcome to The Bunkers at Oak Ridge, a refuge from the everyday, nestled in the heart of Oak Ridge, TN. Enjoy our spacious apartments and townhomes, newly renovated, all in close proximity to West Knoxville, The Oak Ridge National Labs and the Y-12 National Security Complex.•Schools are some of the top schools in the state •Shopping is a mile away (Old Navy, Dicks, Ulta, Maurice’s, TJ
Centennial Village Apartments is a luxury lakefront community located just ten minutes from Oak Ridge and twenty minutes from downtown Knoxville. Our gated community has a stunning salt water pool, outdoor gas and charcoal grills, fitness center, movie room, business center, sand volleyball court, billiard room, a car wash and pet grooming station. Our apartment homes feature full size washer and
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