Get oriented
What East Knoxville feels like
East Knoxville is a broad part of the city rather than one single neighborhood. It includes historic communities, major public attractions, parks and some of Knoxville’s most important Black history and cultural institutions.
The area includes destinations such as Zoo Knoxville, Chilhowee Park, the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum, and the Beck Cultural Exchange Center, alongside neighborhoods such as Parkridge, Burlington, Five Points and Holston Hills. Because East Knoxville covers a large area, it is best explored by choosing a few specific stops.
What to look for
Zoo Knoxville and Chilhowee ParkBeck Cultural Exchange CenterKnoxville Botanical Garden and ArboretumHistoric residential neighborhoods
How to explore it
- Plan by destination instead of trying to “walk East Knoxville” as one district.
- Allow time for history and cultural stops, not only attractions.
- Pair Parkridge or Five Points with a major attraction for a fuller look at the area.
About neighborhood boundaries: Knoxville neighborhood names are often used informally, and local usage does not always match historic-district, city-neighborhood or subdivision boundaries. Use KGIS and City of Knoxville resources when an exact boundary matters.
Explore nearby
Local resources used for orientation
- Visit Knoxville — Neighborhoods
- City of Knoxville — Neighborhood Empowerment
- KGIS — Knoxville geographic information
LocalKnox writes its own neighborhood summaries. External links are provided for maps, municipal information and additional planning context.