Settled in 1789 — two years before Knoxville was founded — Powell is a tight-knit community in the rolling hinterlands 10 miles north of Knoxville. It has the personality of a small town where neighbors know their neighbors. “Because Powell was around before Knoxville, it still has a closer feel than most suburbs,” says Savannah Price, a Realtor at Elite Realty who lived in Powell for 26 years and still sells houses there. “I can walk into the grocery store there and immediately see five people I know — like, there’s a childhood friend, there’s someone I went to middle school with, there’s my mom’s best friend." Today, Powell continues to grow thanks to its quiet feel and proximity to the big city, combining small-town festivals with convenience and opportunity.
Powell is a fast growing community that sits just to the North of downtown Knoxville.
Many new home developments are springing up over the southern section of Powell.
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New shops and restaurants on Emory Road
Shopping and dining are centered along Powell Drive and West Emory Road, the main east-west routes through town. New businesses are helping to revitalize the retail and restaurant scene. Kroger built a 124,000-square-foot shopping complex here in 2016. The Kroger Marketplace concept features the typical grocery selections in addition to clothing, home décor and floral departments and a fuel center. Several boutiques are located across town, such as Josie's, which has women's wear and a salon. Inskip Grill has a selection of over 50 burgers and sandwiches and keeps things interesting with axe throwing, cornhole and arcade games.
Residents can come to Roots Beauty Salon and Boutique to get the latest hairstyles.
Aubrey's Restaurant features a full bar with a welcoming atmosphere.
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Powell’s well-known Fourth of July celebration
Powell’s biggest event of the year is its Fourth of July parade, as the community lines Emory Road to watch. “I remember as a kid spending that whole week in my friend's pool and getting out all pruney just for the parade,” Price says. “All sorts of Powell and Knoxville businesses come out to participate. It’s a big thing throughout the area.” The Powell Business and Professional Association celebrates the holidays with Cocoa and Caroling at Powell Station Park, featuring a DJ, petting zoo and photos with Santa. The group also hosts Powell Station Celebration, featuring a cornhole tournament, dog show, kid zone and a car show.
Ranch and split-level homes from the '60s and onward
Home prices are generally below average for the region. Powell's median price is $386,000 for a single-family home, compared to $400,000 for Knoxville. The area has a variety of housing styles, from sprawling estates on large lots to traditional neighborhoods. Broadacres is a larger subdivision sprawling across the center of town. It has ranch and split-level homes dating from the 1960s and onward. The development of farmland has created opportunities for new construction as the area expands.
New builds featuring Modern Farmhouses are beginning to pop up in areas in North Powell.
You'll have plenty opportunities for scenic views with a home in Powell.
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Powell Panthers football brings the community together
Students are part of Knox County Schools, which earns an overall B-plus from Niche. Powell Elementary School and Powell Middle School earn B grades, while Powell High School earns a C-plus. Orange-painted pawprints lead the way to Powell High, home of the Panthers. The school is notable for its football team, which won the Tennessee state championship in 2021 and enjoys strong support from the community. “The rivalry between Powell High and Halls High is a really big thing in town,” Price says. “It’s been a big thing since before my parents were even in school.” Powell High also offers pathways in commerce and transportation, digital creation and design and health science and human services. Temple Academy is a private school in town that earns a B grade.
The Powell High School Football Team is a powerhouse to be reckoned with.
Powell High School is the Powell neighborhood's only public high school.
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Paddleboarding and kayaking on Beaver Creek
Powell's parks are built around the picturesque East Tennessee landscape. They're typically centrally located in town for easy access. Collier Preserve features walking trails, forests with sycamore trees and over 65 bird species. Trees surround the family-friendly amenities of Powell Station Park, including a disc golf course, splash pad and skatepark. The park connects to the Powell Greenway, a popular pedestrian trail that connects schools and shops as well. Beaver Creek winds through town, and locals can launch their paddleboard or kayak from the landing near Powell High School.
Kids love frolicking through the splash pad at Powell Station Park.
The Beaver Creek Boat Launch provides Powell residents with an easy way to paddle the creek.
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Proximity to downtown Knoxville
Powell is a car-dependent community. Highway access helps boost its connection to Knoxville. Interstate 75 borders Powell's east side, and Clinton Highway borders the west side. North Knoxville Medical Center is on the eastern border of Powell and provides 24-hour emergency care as well as round-the-clock acute care. It’s also a major job provider for the community. McGhee Tyson is the closest commercial airport, 22 miles south, with nonstop flights to over 30 domestic destinations.
Knoxville crime rates are decreasing
Separate crime data is not available for Powell, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Knoxville Police Department. While the department reported an overall reduction in violent and non-violent crime rates in 2023, FBI data indicates these are above the state and national rates.
Written By
Liz Coughlin
Photography Contributed By
Andrew Byrum
Video By
Jacob Branchaud
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Powell, TN sell after 27 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Powell, TN over the last 12 months is $373,000, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Move-In Ready Ranch with Designer Finishes Throughout!This stunning, better-than-new ranch home is filled with high-end upgrades and thoughtful touches. Freshly painted and featuring a desirable split-bedroom layout, the open-concept floor plan seamlessly connects the kitchen, dining, and living areas—perfect for entertaining.The living room showcases a beautiful shiplap fireplace and
If you are looking for plenty of space for your growing family in the Powell area this is the house for you! This 4 bedroom 3 bath Huntington style home is located in the Highlands at Copeland Subdivision. The main level has an excellent layout with large family room, oversized formal dining room, gourmet kitchen, and office/bedroom on the main level. The kitchen has SS appliances, beautiful
Welcome to 7908 Dighton Way, Powell, TN 37849! Nestled in the heart of the charming Powell community, this beautiful condo offers the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. Step inside to discover a spacious open living area filled with natural light, perfect for entertaining or relaxing with family. The modern kitchen features sleek countertops, ample cabinetry, and updated appliances, making
Lovely spacious condo in sought after Turnberry Square... This 3 bedroom condo has three full bathrooms, an oversized garage, and private patio with green space behind. Open concept main floor allows for entertaining with large kitchen, dining and living room with fireplace. Enjoy main floor living at its best with two bedrooms, two full bathrooms, and laundry room. 3rd bedroom and bathroom are
DOWN A LANE off W Emory you will find this Beautifully Remodeled Two-Story Home in Powell - Move-In Ready!This updated home features brand new LVP flooring, fresh interior paint, and new carpet upstairs. The spacious living room flows into the dining area, perfect for entertaining. The remodeled kitchen boasts white cabinetry and brand-new stainless steel appliances. The original garage has
Great Powell Location! This 3 Br 2.5 Ba with bonus rm is close to schools, shopping & medical and convenient to I-75. This home features and open concept with vaulted cathedral ceilings. Living/dining has hardwood floors and gas fireplace. Master suite on main with whirlpool tub, walk-in shower and walk-in closet. Laundry/Mud room off garage with half bath. Open Bonus rm up along with 2 Brs &
At Vintage Emory Road, community isn't just a catchphrase, it's belonging to an authentic neighborhood. It is looking forward to easing a long workday into a relaxing night. Vintage Emory Road offers the quiet countryside of Powell, Tennessee yet only a short 15-minute drive to downtown Knoxville where charming store fronts, one-of-a-kind eateries, and eclectic community events abound. Enjoy the
Welcome to your dream home! Step inside this pet-friendly home featuring modern finishings and a layout designed with functionality in mind. Enjoy the storage space found in the kitchen and closets as well as the spacious living areas and natural light throughout. Enjoy outdoor living in your yard, perfect for gathering, relaxing, or gardening! Take advantage of the incredible location, nestled
Powell/North Knox County in Foxworth Sub. 3 bedrm 2.5 bath over 2000 sq ft in quite neighborhood. Zoned for Copper Ridge Elem, Powell Middle, Powell High. Washer and Dryer hookups, large eat in kitchen with dishwasher, Refrigerator, stove, microwave and garbage disposal included. Central heat and air and Gas fireplace. Call to do an over the phone FREE application upon approval we can schedule a
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