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Lonsdale

Lonsdale

Suburban Neighborhood in Knoxville, Tennessee

Knox County 37921

$185,630 Average Value
$198 Average Price per Sq Ft
10 Homes For Sale

Community is a constant in Lonsdale's changing landscape

Lonsdale is a diverse, yet tight-knit community 4 miles northwest of downtown Knoxville. One of the oldest neighborhoods in the region, Lonsdale has housing dating back to the 1890s, though new construction is popping up where dilapidated homes have been razed. Local faith-based organizations are deeply invested in uplifting the community, as is the city of Knoxville, which is building a new park here set to open in 2026. As the landscape changes, residents continue to uphold their most beloved traditions, including Lonsdale Homecoming, an annual celebration of all members of the community, both past and present.

New construction popping up on formerly blighted properties

The neighborhood has a diverse housing landscape, ranging from 1890s Minimal Traditionals to contemporary new construction replacing abandoned properties. Lonsdale developed similarly to Old North Knoxville, with grid-pattern streets and Queen Anne homes, some of which still stand. Sidewalks connect the neighborhood’s housing stock. Buyers will also find cottages and bungalows from the 1920s and 30s, and ranch-style homes from the 1960s through the 90s. Most homes have two or three bedrooms, so price is usually tied home upgrades, ranging between $130,000 and $330,000. The neighborhood has many open lots for sale, a product of razed early 20th century homes. Lots between a tenth of an acre and a quarter of an acre sell from $10,000 to $38,000. CMC Steel Knoxville operates within the neighborhood, producing dust, smells and sounds that may impact residents in the immediate vicinity.

New Lonsdale Park coming in 2026

The city of Knoxville is investing $4 million to build a new park on the site of the former Sam E. Hill Primary School. Construction will begin in 2025 on a new playground, basketball court, multipurpose room and a sprawling green space for community events, including Lonsdale’s monthly food and crafts market and the annual Homecoming festival. Soccer fields belonging to the Emerald Youth Foundation surround the future park. Otherwise, there are several pocket parks throughout the neighborhood, including S & J Colquitt Memorial Park, and the Ivan Racheff House & Gardens & Arboretum has 3.5 acres of gardens and fish ponds free to all. Hiking trails with scenic views are 4 miles northeast at Sharp’s Ridge Veterans Memorial Park.

Small businesses and proximity to Knoxville's Ale Trail

Lonsdale has a small handful of local businesses, including Taqueria El Toro food truck and Big Apple Kitchen, a recent addition serving West African entrees. A New Hue offers classes and workshops in various visual arts. Residents can head up Western Avenue for more shops, salons and restaurants — including Tienda Guatemala restaurant and market. The thoroughfare eventually leads to the 640 Plaza outdoor shopping center. DG Market has general groceries, while Babylon International Market has specialty Middle Eastern ingredients. A mile-and-a-half east, North Knoxville has more dining options. Wild Love Bakehouse serves sweet and savory croissants, and Steamboat Sandwiches is a popular lunch spot. This strip is also known as Knoxville's Ale Trail, which starts with Fanatic Brewing Company. “We offer a quiet pub atmosphere with live music every Friday," says Kyle Dolwich, a brewer at Fanatic. He says people come for European-style beers and classic rock and country acts. "Nothing too flashy," he says. "We have a strong crowd of regulars."

Locals go all out for Lonsdale Homecoming

Lonsdale hosts an annual Homecoming celebration, with a community parade and festival featuring food trucks, live music and kids’ activities. Locals use the event as an opportunity to pay homage to loved ones who have passed, installing memorial flags in their yards and carrying commemorative banners during the parade. In recent years, the Emerald Youth Foundation has hosted the event at the Haslam-Sansom Ministry Complex, though Lonsdale Park will take over once construction is finished in 2026.

Many houses of worship foster community in Lonsdale

The neighborhood has several faith-based organizations that provide community and various forms of assistance. Houses of worship include Martin Chapel United Methodist, First Calvary Baptist Church and Lonsdale Community Church. Nonprofit organization Thrive operates in the neighborhood, providing a community garden and after-school homework help, activities and meals. Emerald Youth Foundation has year-round youth sports leagues at the Haslam-Sansom Ministry Complex in Lonsdale.

Lonsdale Elementary has a new building

Kids here can walk to Lonsdale Elementary School, which got a brand-new building in 2022. The school has a C-plus from Niche. Students will move on to Northwest Middle School, which also has a C-plus, then Central High School, which gets a B-minus. The University of Tennessee is 3.5 miles away.

Easy access to I-275 and I-640

Interstate 275 runs to the east of the neighborhood, and Interstate 640 forms Lonsdale’s western border. Both connect to Nashville, which is about 180 miles away. Knoxville Area Transit bus route 12 stops within the neighborhood, which residents can use to reach downtown within 30 minutes. Drivers are a 3-mile ride from the city center.

Kayla Solsbak
Written By
Kayla Solsbak
Andrew Byrum
Photography Contributed By
Andrew Byrum
Jacob Cardwell
Video By
Jacob Cardwell

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Angie Dout, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

McGhee Tyson

34 min drive

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Lonsdale US
Homicide 8 4
Sexual Assault 7 4
Assault with Weapon 9 4
Robbery 7 4
Burglary 8 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 7 4
Larceny 4 4
Crime Score 7 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$215,000
Median Single Family Price
$230,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$198
Number of Homes for Sale
10
Last 12 months Home Sales
51
Months of Supply
2.40
Median List Price
$243,925
Median Discount From 1st List Price
2%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
2%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
998
Median Year Built
1930
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,107
Significantly below the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,266
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
6,969

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Angie Dout, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
3,691
Median Age
28
Population Density
4 ppl/acre
Population under 18
36.5%
Above the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
9.6%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$23,826
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$32,786

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
60.5%
Significantly below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
7.8%
Significantly below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
1%
% Population in Labor Force
61.3%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
52''
Average Winter Low Temperature
31°F
Average Summer High Temperature
88°F
Annual Snowfall
9''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

33 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

40 / 100

Minimal Transit

Transit Score®

20 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Lonsdale
Angie Dout
Tennessee Life Real Estate Professionals
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