Let the numbers do the talking.
Knoxville, TN vs Shelbyville, TN
Knoxville, TN vs Shelbyville, TN: What the data shows
Knoxville, TN is in Knoxville, TN while Shelbyville, TN is in Shelbyville, TN — both in the same state. On home prices, Shelbyville, TN is the more affordable option at $220,000 median — $273,900 less than Knoxville, TN's $493,900. WYLT rates Knoxville, TN as “Good for now” — a solid choice worth serious consideration — and Shelbyville, TN as “Settle here” — an excellent place to put down roots.
Shelbyville, TN has the stronger safety profile of the two. Knoxville, TN has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. Shelbyville, TN has Low violent crime and Low property crime. On environmental risk, Knoxville, TN has Low flood risk and Shelbyville, TN has Low flood risk.
Knoxville, TN is the more walkable neighborhood. Knoxville, TN scores 66/100 (somewhat walkable) versus Shelbyville, TN's 45/100 (mostly car-dependent). For families weighing school quality, Knoxville, TN has the higher school rating — Knoxville, TN rates 6.7/10 and Shelbyville, TN rates 6.6/10.
| Category | Knoxville, TN | Shelbyville, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Good for now | Settle here |
| Median Price | $494K | $220K ✓ Lower price |
| Median Rent | $1K | $1K ✓ Lower rent |
| Median Income | $63K ✓ Higher income | $55K |
| Price Volatility | High | Moderate ✓ More stable |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | 66/100 ✓ More walkable | 45/100 |
| Transit Score | 71/100 ✓ Better transit | Minimal transit |
| Bike Score | 36/100 ✓ More bikeable | N/A |
| Commute | 90 min | 69 min ✓ Shorter commute |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | D+ | A ✓ Safer |
| Violent Crime | Moderate | Low ✓ Lower risk |
| Property Crime | Moderate | Low ✓ Lower risk |
| Flood Risk | Low | Low |
| Air Quality | Moderate | Good ✓ Cleaner air |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 6.7/10 ✓ Better schools | 6.6/10 |
| Best for | Commuters to NashvilleStudents and young professionalsRemote workers | familiesremote workersnature lovers |
Bottom line
For someone looking for a more affordable, quiet, and community-driven lifestyle with good schools, Shelbyville is the better choice. If you're a remote worker or student prioritizing walkability and proximity to Nashville, Knoxville's 37902 area might be a better fit.
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