$415,486Average Value$253Average Price per Sq Ft7Homes For Sale
An older and rural Knoxville neighborhood
The East Tennessee neighborhood of Karns slopes into Melton Hill Lake at the foothills of Fork Mountain. The area was a farming town that, in recent decades, has become a part of Knoxville and was renamed after a beloved teacher when the first dedicated public school was erected in 1913. Karns is a short ride from downtown, allowing locals access as well as the peace and serenity of a more rural environment. To many, the area is an “affordable place to live while still being around where everything is happening,” says Pete McClain, an affiliate broker with Realty Executives Associates who grew up in Karns and still serves the community today.
Tennessee ranches and open land
Karns has a different housing market than most of Knoxville due to its history. “Most of the homes in the area are older because it has always been farmhouses with big lots, mainly from the '70s and '80s,” according to McClain, but there has been an uptick in planned neighborhoods popping up in the area. Many of the homes in the area are Colonial Revival or ranch styles, costing from $215,000 for a two- or three-bedroom house up to $665,000 for a four-bedroom. There is lots of land for sale in the area, with an average price range of $25,000 to $140,000.
Home on Burchfield Drive
Condos on Warmstone Way in the Karns Neighborhood
Homes on Westerly Winds Road in the Karns Neighborhood
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Knox County Schools
Spurred by the name of the area, love and respect for public education run through the marrow of this community. Students can start at Karns Elementary School, a B-minus-rated school by Niche. They then move on to the B-rated Karns Middle School, which focuses on STEM programming and arts education. Students finish at the B-minus-rated Karns High School, which recently partnered with the Ford Next Generation Learning program. The program fosters career pathways that allow students to intern at local businesses and receive guidance from professional mentors.
Karns Elementary School
Karns Middle School
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Oak Ridge Highway
Car-friendly Oak Ridge Highway
For residents of Karns, Oak Ridge Highway and Pellissippi Parkway are the main ways to get around, as there is only a little walkability in the neighborhood due to the minimal sidewalks. However, there is almost no traffic as the area is 19 miles from downtown Knoxville, and only two traffic lights are in the neighborhood. For flights to major US cities, residents can head 20 miles to the southern end of Knoxville to get to McGhee Tyson Airport. The University of Tennessee Medical Center is also a 20-mile drive for medical care on the city's southern side.
Ingles off of Oak Ridge Highway in the Karns Neighborhood
Restaurant chains and local coffee
Karns has primarily chain restaurants but offers a few local spots. One of these examples is Beaver’s Dough-Joe, which has become popular in the area due to its excellent coffee and donuts to start the day off. For restocking the kitchen, residents can head to the Ingles Market on the eastern end of the neighborhood or head 8 miles east to the local Target.
The best playground in Knoxville
Karns Community Park is by far the most popular park in the area as it is home to the Karns Lions Club All-Inclusive Playground, which McClain calls “the greatest playground in all of Knoxville.” The massive playset has a three-story tower with an enormous slide, obstacle courses and swings. For sports, locals can use the baseball diamonds at Karns Community Park or head to the Northwest Sports Complex in the center of the neighborhood for baseball, soccer, softball, football and rugby.
Playground at the Northwest Sports Complex
Northwest Sports Complex
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The 300-million-year-old caverns
Many Karns residents head to the Historic Cherokee Caverns on the neighborhood's western side for nature exploration and holiday events. These caverns are over 300 million years old and are maintained by volunteers for yearly events like trick-or-treating, Christmas, and movie nights. For more significant events, many families choose to head to downtown Knoxville.
Melton Hill Lake shoreline
Melton Hill Lake safety
Lovers of aquatic activities in Karns must be wary as the water in the Knoxville area, such as Melton Hill Lake, could be in better condition for swimming due to issues with pollution levels and microbes.
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 area?
Reach out to
Carla Patton,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Northwest Sports Complex
Baseball/Softball
Soccer
Playground
Nicholas Ball Park
Alliance Park
Soccer
Multi-Purpose Field
Guinn Road Park
Bike Trails
Boating
Fishing
Solway Park
Baseball/Softball
Parking Lot
Multi-Purpose Field
Roy Arthur Stormwater Park
Trails
Kayak/Canoe
Parking Lot
Transit
Airport
McGhee Tyson
34 min drive
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Karns
US
Homicide
2
4
Sexual Assault
3
4
Assault with Weapon
2
4
Robbery
2
4
Burglary
3
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
2
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
3
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Karns Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Karns, Powell sell after 44 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Karns, Powell over the last 12 months is $329,995, down 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
LOCATION! LOCATION! LAND!Welcome to 8028 Oak Ridge Highway - a rare opportunity to purchase an almost 9 acre homestead surrounded by beautiful Beaver Creek - IN WEST KNOXVILLE!!! The 8.7 usable acres (zoned agricultural) provides so many opportunities. Want a horse farm? A hobby farm? Or land to grow your family or business?? You can do it all here!! With 2 homes, a 3 car detached
Welcome to 7120 Presidential Lane, a beautifully maintained home. This inviting property features a great floor plan, a spacious kitchen, a large living area, and a private backyard with a patio - perfect for outdoor enjoyment. The master bedroom includes an en-suite bathroom for added convenience. Located in a great neighborhood close to schools, shopping, and dining, this home has something for
Downtown Karns. Convenient location to Oak Ridge, Pellissippi, Turkey Creek and Knoxville. Close to all Karns schools. Adorable home with many upgrades. 2016- new kitchen with granite counter tops, new range, new dishwasher (2024) microwave (2022) windows 2016, HVAC and duct work (2018). water heater (2022). All upstairs painted 2025. Bath remodeled in 2016. Original hardwood floors. Three
Beautiful 3 Bed, 2.5 Bath Home in Karns – $2,500/month. Available July 9, 2025. Located at 6710 Padgett Hill Ln, Knoxville, TN 37931. Rent: $2,500/month. Security Deposit: $2,500. Pets are not allowed. Utilities are not included. This stunning 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home is located in the peaceful Karns community, in a quiet cul-de-sac at the back of the neighborhood. It's part of a
Looking for your dream home? Through our seamless leasing process, this beautifully designed home is move-in ready. Our spacious layout is perfect for comfortable living that you can enjoy with your pets too; we're proud to be pet friendly. Our homes are built using high-quality, eco-friendly materials with neutral paint colors, updated fixtures, and energy-efficient appliances. Enjoy the
Recently remodeled Karns property. 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, kitchen, dining, living room, laundry room, large basement that can be used as an office or storage, and has a two-car garage. Mowing and landscaping is included. The property is move in ready.
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Carla Patton,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
3,600
Median Age
40
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
25.8%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
17.6%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$90,309
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$94,608
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
94.7%
College Graduates
45.7%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
18.5%
% Population in Labor Force
73.1%
Above the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
51''
Average Winter Low Temperature
29°F
Average Summer High Temperature
88°F
Annual Snowfall
4''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
25/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
11/ 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.
