Relocating to Knoxville - What Makes Farragut So Desirable?
When Knoxville, Tennessee put in its bid to host the 1982 World’s Fair, The Wall Street Journal mockingly referred to the town as a “scruffy little city”. Knoxville was indeed chosen to host the international exhibition, and the city welcomed the world to East Tennessee. And, with true Southern grace, Knoxvillians good-naturedly adopted the nickname.
In the 40 years since, the “Scruffy City” has continued to attract positive attention. Ranked #57 by Livability.com on its “Top 100 Best Places to Live in America”, and boasting downtown’s Gay Street as one of the American Planning Association’s “Ten Great Streets”, Knoxville’s warm and friendly culture, mild climate, and mix of urban and outdoor resources has visitors flocking to the area. And for those who fall in love with the region and decide to relocate to Knoxville, the suburb of Farragut has the people, places, neighborhoods and natural beauty that represent the best of what the Scruffy City has to offer.
Farragut’s People
With just over 22,500 residents sharing work, school, and play within its 16 square-mile city limits, the Town of Farragut is a young and active one. Named after David Glasgow Farragut, the United States Navy’s first Admiral, it was incorporated in January of 1980. Farragut has its own Chamber of Commerce, Parks and Recreation Department, and Mayor.
With the average age of its residents being in their early to mid-forties, the town is an ideal place for young families and career professionals to relocate. To help its new residents feel more at home, the Farragut West Knox Chamber facilitates an “Introduction to Farragut” 5-week program where participants can learn about the history, government, education, and volunteer opportunities in Farragut. For young professionals, the Chamber hosts a “West Under 40” group for networking, career development, and philanthropic activities.
Getting to know your neighbors is easy in Farragut. For new and native residents alike, a full roster of seasonal special events awaits. From the father-daughter Shamrock Ball in the spring, to the Lawn Chair Concert Series in the summer, and Freaky Friday Fright Night in October, there is always a fun way to gather in this tight-knit community.
Farragut’s Places
There’s much to keep people of all ages and interests busy in Farragut. To experience the rich history of the town, spend an afternoon exploring the Farragut Museum and Gift Shop, which features one of the largest collections of artifacts that belonged to Admiral Farragut, located inside Farragut’s Town Hall. Or, drive by the historic Campbell Station Inn. Built in 1810 when Farragut was known as Campbell’s Station, the home is listed on the National Register of Historic Sites and was one of the earliest places in East Tennessee to offer lodging to travelers.
Farragut has the shopping you need, whether you have a goal in mind, or are simply seeking some retail therapy. Grocery shopping or car shopping, searching for a new outfit or a new sofa, you’ll find it in Farragut. Farragut's Turkey Creek Shopping Center is accessible within minutes and is home to a dizzying array of national brands and locally owned boutiques. Village Green Shopping Center features The Fresh Market, Planet Fitness, and Hallmark.
Farragut eateries have the food to fulfill your appetite. Local bakeries offer fresh selections, with Benefit Your Life Bakery featuring gluten-free treats, and VG’s Bakery a variety of from-scratch goodies baked daily. The Smoky Mountain Brewery and Calhoun’s, each located in Turkey Creek, are part of Knoxville’s beloved Copper Cellar family of restaurants (make sure to try their famous barbeque). And the sophisticated atmosphere of locally owned Season’s Innovative Bar and Grille, also in Turkey Creek, is the perfect place to celebrate a special occasion with a five-star meal.
Farragut’s Neighborhoods
Large lots, spacious homes, and lush, mature trees are trademarks of Farragut’s safe and inviting neighborhoods. Two of Farragut’s oldest communities, Village Green and Fox Den, were built over 50 years ago and feature unique 1970s and 80s architecture. Winding through both subdivisions is the 7.9 mile Farragut Dogwood Trail, and residents of both historic neighborhoods gladly share the beauty of the pink and white blossoms with springtime visitors enjoying the scenic drive.
Newer neighborhoods have stayed in keeping with the special charm of Farragut, with distinctive details such as the two-story, hand-carved fountain of Berkeley Park, and the stone bridges and brooks of Bridgemore. The compact footprint of Farragut makes its neighborhoods convenient to its schools, which include five fine private schools, along with Farragut’s top-ranked public school system which holds nationally ranked teams in a number of sports.
Farragut’s Natural Beauty
One of Knoxville’s greatest gifts lies in its natural resources, and residents of Farragut can enjoy the healthful benefits of outdoor living nearly all year long. The most visited national park in the United States - The Great Smoky Mountain National Park - can be reached in less than an hour for hiking, fishing, and sightseeing. Or, to be on the water within minutes, head to Fort Loudoun Lake for boating, jetskiing, and other fun recreational activities.
Even closer to home you’ll find picnic areas, athletic fields, and walking trails at Farragut’s beautiful local parks. In the summer, bring the kids to McFee Park to enjoy the area’s largest free public Splash Pad. For a relaxing run or walk after work, try Farragut’s sixteen miles of greenway trails, or bring your family dog along to have unleashed fun at the PetSafe Village Dog Park. And if golf is your game, hit ‘em straight at Willow Creek Championship Golf Course, take in a view of Fort Loudoun Lake at Concord Park’s Par Three course, or become a member of Fox Den, past host of the Web.com Tour’s News Sentinel Open golf tournament.
Find Your Next Home in Farragut
Whether or not the “Scruffy City'' referral was a catalyst for the positive growth that has taken place in Knoxville, the city's residents now proudly embrace the nickname. If you’re relocating to Knoxville and life in Farragut sounds enticing, I’d love to help you find your perfect home. You might say I’m uniquely qualified to help you find a home in Farrragut; my husband, three boys, and I moved to Knoxville recently and have happily settled in Farragut.
Experiencing life as a resident, I have my ear to the ground when it comes to local real estate. I can often provide opportunities for buyers to purchase Farragut homes “off-market”, before they appear for sale on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS).
My own memories of moving to a new city are fresh, and I have patience and understanding as I work with buyers whether they come from out of state or across town. And, with over 15 years of experience as a licensed Realtor®, I know the importance of moving quickly when the right home becomes available.
Call or text (865) 288-9474, or email me at [email protected] if you’re relocating to Knoxville and are interested in calling Farragut home. I look forward to helping you fall in love with Farragut!
