Is Hickory Hills safe?
Knoxville, Tennessee · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Hickory Hills as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Hickory Hills
“Go. Hickory Hills is a quiet, affluent residential enclave in West Knoxville known for its peaceful, tree-lined streets and exceptionally low crime rates. It offers a very safe and relaxing suburban stay, though having a car is essential for getting around.”
About the area
Hickory Hills is an established suburban neighborhood located in West Knoxville near the Tennessee River. It is characterized by spacious single-family homes, mature trees, and well-maintained properties. Visitors will find a tranquil, family-oriented residential atmosphere close to major shopping and dining corridors.
- Quiet Suburban
- Tree-Lined
- Family-Friendly
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Hickory Hills
Walk score: 15/100 · Bike score: 22/100
There are no dedicated bike lanes within the neighborhood, and roads are hilly and winding, though they link up with broader Knox County greenway corridors along Northshore Drive and Lakeshore Park.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Significantly lower violent and property crime rates compared to city and national averages
- High rates of owner-occupied housing and high median household incomes ensuring well-maintained properties
- Quiet, low-traffic residential streets ideal for peaceful evening strolls
Cons
- Almost completely car-dependent with virtually no commercial amenities within walking distance
- Narrow residential roads often lack continuous sidewalks and dedicated street lighting
- Limited public transportation connectivity to downtown Knoxville
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is practically non-existent in this residential area; services and encampments are situated miles away in downtown and north Knoxville.
What Hickory Hills is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and active with residents walking dogs and joggers taking advantage of low morning traffic.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and quiet with standard suburban traffic and school/work commuters returning.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Very safe and relaxing, though streets become dark due to limited municipal streetlights.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Exceptionally quiet and safe, with virtually no pedestrian or vehicular activity.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is provided by Knoxville Area Transit (KAT), though routes do not run through the interior residential streets; the nearest bus access is along Kingston Pike on Route 11, requiring a drive or long walk.
Parking is completely stress-free with ample driveway space and free, unrestricted curb parking on residential streets.
Things to do in Hickory Hills
- Take a scenic walk or jog along the peaceful residential lanes and waterfront views near Fort Loudoun Lake
- Spend an afternoon at nearby Lakeshore Park enjoying paved trails, playgrounds, and sweeping views of the Smoky Mountains
- Browse local boutiques and dining spots in the adjacent Rocky Hill commercial district
Local favorites
- The Plaid Apron · Cafe & Farm-to-Table Restaurant · 4.6★ (750)A beloved nearby neighborhood cafe serving locally sourced breakfast, brunch, and artisan coffee in Rocky Hill.
- Abridged Beer Company · Brewpub · 4.7★ (1250)A popular local brewpub set in a converted auto shop serving craft beers and gourmet burgers.
- Rocky Hill Pharmacy · Pharmacy & Soda Fountain · 4.8★ (110)An old-school independent community pharmacy featuring an authentic retro soda fountain and gift shop.
Scores are safety-driven — recent reported crime and local news plus Census income, poverty, housing, education, household and access data — refreshed nightly. Walk and bike scores are shown separately and do not affect the safety score. A guide, not a guarantee — conditions change street to street.
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