Harrill Hills
This historic neighborhood was established as the result of a partnership between a builder and a grocer in the 1920s. Today, it’s laid back with mature trees and greenery.
Harrill Hills is located in the heart of Fountain City just off of Jacksboro Pike, Harrill Hills is bounded by Forest Lane on the north, Gaineswood Road on the south, Brier Cliff Road on the east and Jacksboro Pike on the west. Harrill Hills is easily accessible via I-40, I-640, and Broadway.
Harrill Hills is a historic neighborhood that was established as the result of a partnership between a builder and Fountain City’s biggest grocer in the 1920s, A. Hale Franklin. According to the Fountain City News website, Franklin bought the property on Terrace View Drive that is now Harrill Hills in order to build his family a larger home. In order to pay for the home, Franklin struck a deal with a local builder to barter out groceries in exchange for labor and building materials. The rest of the neighborhood was developed several years later, in 1927.
Today Harrill Hills is a very laid-back, picturesque neighborhood with lots of mature trees and greenery. Although most homes were built during the 20s and 30s, building continued well into the 60s, giving Harrill Hills an interesting mix of architectural styles which includes everything from stone cottages to mid-century ranchers.
Location wise, Harrill Hills is in a pretty sweet spot. It’s not only located between two schools — Shannondale Elementary School and Central High School — it’s also just a few miles away from all the action in Fountain City proper, including Fountain City Park and Fountain City Lake, a small heart-shaped body of water with a nice fountain in the center dating from 1893 that the locals would really prefer you didn’t call the ” duck pond.” Also located nearby are the Fountain City ball fields and the Fountain City branch of the Knoxville Public Library.
And Harrill Hills isn’t just convenient to parks and schools, it’s also home to some mighty fine eateries. For red meat and dessert lovers, Litton’s Market, Restaurant and Bakery is right up the road and is home to the popular Litton’s Burger, the infamous Thunder Road Burger (which is topped with pimento cheese, sauteed onions and jalapenos), and many scrumptious desserts. If they’re looking for something a little less deep fried, hungry Harrill Hillers can head across Broadway to Tomo, a longtime Knoxville favorite for sushi and other Japanese cuisine. And let’s not forget Louis Original Drive-In. While it may not be the “authentic” Italian dining experience some foodies crave (the owner is Greek, after all), Louis must be doing something right, as the locals have been enjoying Louis’ spaghetti, pizza, salad, and yes, onion rings, for almost 50 years.
Harrill Hills residents can also stay pretty close to home to do their shopping. Knoxville Center Mall (aka East Town Mall) is just one exit up I-640 and has pretty much anything you need, including a (fairly) new Target. And for groceries, there’s a brand, spanking new Kroger right off Broadway.
Harrill Hills is currently zoned for Fountain City Elementary School, Gresham Middle School, and Central High School.
