Island Home
Bungalow and Craftsman architecture run plentiful in this eclectic neighborhood dating back to the 1900s. Over 80 homes are marked on the historic registry and that makes this ‘hood a great destination for your Sunday drive.
Just south of the river, across the Gay street bridge and down Sevier Avenue Island Home is an easy drive to both downtown and UT campus and is easily accessible via I-40 and the South Knoxville Connector.
One of Knoxville’s hidden gems, Island Home began life as a “streetcar suburb” sometime around 1910. In fact, the median that divides the modern day Island Home Boulevard was once where the streetcar tracks ran that served the neighborhood.
The area was originally the location of prominent local businessman Perez Dickinson’s summer cottage, which was named “Island Home.” That structure that gave Island Home its name is now a part of the Tennessee School for the Deaf. The Island Home Park Neighborhood Association has more information on Perez Dickinson and Island Home’s fascinating history.
Island Home is a great place for nature lovers, as it’s located just minutes from two pretty nifty parks, Ijams Nature Center and Island Home Park. Ijam’s is a 160 acre wildlife sanctuary with walking trails and regular events like Owl Prowls and Bat Nights. Island Home Park is a 3 acre city park that features picnic tables, a playground, a tennis court, access to the Will Skelton Greenway and water access for launching canoes.
The neighborhood is also right by Knoxville’s other airport, Downtown Island Home Airport, which handles more than 300 aircraft operations per day and is the base for more than one hundred private and corporate aircraft. Like everything else in the Island Home area, this airport also has a colorful history which is definitely worth checking into.Even though Island Home is only minutes from downtown, hungry – and adventurous -residents might choose to stay on the south side of town and have a true dining experience at King Tut’s Grill. Not only can you enjoy house specialties like the Egyptian Platter and monstrous Greek salad, but odds are owner Mo is not going to let you go home without wearing a silly hat or two and singing at least one karaoke tune.
Island Home is a low turnover neighborhood and choice homes often sell by word of mouth before they ever hit the market, so interested buyers have to keep a keen eye on the market.
Island Home is currently zoned for Dogwood Elementary School, South Doyle Middle School and South Doyle High School.
