Living in Knoxville Video Guide
What Is It Like to Live in Oak Ridge, TN?
Living in Oak Ridge, TN means a spread-out small town about 20 minutes from West Knoxville, built as a Manhattan Project base and now home to Oak Ridge National Laboratory. It has top-rated schools, its own hospital, lake parks and a wide range of homes, often on bigger lots. It has no traditional downtown.
Key facts
- History: Oak Ridge, known as the Secret City, was built as a military base for the Manhattan Project. Original guardhouses and historical markers still stand.
- Drive time: About 20 minutes from West Knoxville.
- Employers: Home to Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the Y-12 security complex, the Department of Energy and many support companies.
- Schools: Oak Ridge schools are almost always among the top three systems in Tennessee.
- Healthcare: Methodist Medical Center, plus Tennessee Orthopaedic Alliance offices and physical therapy.
- Shopping: Chain stores and restaurants along Illinois Avenue and the Oak Ridge Turnpike, plus a small mall, Home Depot, Walmart and grocery stores.
- Water: Melton Hill Lake, one of the best rowing waters in the nation, with a lakeside park and paved trails.
- Housing: Everything from very affordable smaller homes to larger executive homes, often on bigger, tree-lined lots.
Pros and cons of living in Oak Ridge
Pros
- Everyday needs are close: Shopping, dining, medical care and services are all in town.
- Strong schools: One of the top school systems in the state.
- More home for the money: You tend to get a bit more house, bigger lots and mature trees than in Knoxville, especially West Knoxville.
- Outdoor life: Parks, greenways, boat ramps, rowing, biking and fall color, with Cumberland Mountain views.
- Small-town feel: Some of our clients choose Oak Ridge because it feels like a small town with easy access to West Knoxville.
Cons
- No downtown: There is no central gathering area, and some buyers find the town has everything but still does not feel right to them.
- Very spread out: Plan on driving between different parts of town.
What you will see on the tour
- Illinois Avenue and the Turnpike: The main shopping and dining corridor.
- Historic guardhouses: The old entrance to the Manhattan Project base, with historical markers.
- Civic area: Oak Ridge High School, the civic center, the public library and a large park.
- Melton Hill Lake: Calhoun's on the water, the rowing area, playgrounds, sand volleyball and rentals.
- Neighborhoods: Established brick subdivisions, golf course communities and newer homes near Pellissippi Parkway.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Oak Ridge, TN from Knoxville?
Oak Ridge is about 20 minutes from West Knoxville, which makes places like Turkey Creek an easy drive.
Does Oak Ridge, TN have a downtown?
No. Oak Ridge was built as a military base for the Manhattan Project, so it has no traditional downtown or courthouse square. Some people love that spread-out feel, and some do not.
Are the schools good in Oak Ridge, TN?
In Todd's experience, Oak Ridge schools are almost always among the top three school systems in Tennessee, so they are worth a look if schools matter to you.
Is there a hospital in Oak Ridge?
Yes. Oak Ridge has Methodist Medical Center, and Tennessee Orthopaedic Alliance has offices and physical therapy in town, so a lot of medical care is available without going into Knoxville.
What is there to do outdoors in Oak Ridge?
Melton Hill Lake is the center of it, with paved trails, parks, boat ramps, kayak and paddle board rentals and nationally known rowing. There are also greenways, hiking and an off-road bike park.
Thinking about moving to the Knoxville area?
Book a free Zoom consultation with the Living in Knoxville team, or grab our free guide to the 7 mistakes relocation buyers make. We help people relocate to East Tennessee every day.
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