Is Kimberlin Heights safe?
Knoxville, Tennessee · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Kimberlin Heights as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Kimberlin Heights
“Go. Kimberlin Heights is an exceptionally peaceful, rural-suburban community anchored by Johnson University and the scenic French Broad River. Violent and property crime rates are well below state and national averages, making it very safe for visitors exploring the countryside.”
About the area
Located in southeastern Knox County along the French Broad River, Kimberlin Heights offers rolling hills, river vistas, and a quiet collegiate-rural atmosphere. It is centered around Johnson University and provides easy access to nearby riverfront parks and nature preserves.
- Rural Charm
- Quiet & Scenic
- Car-Dependent
- College Campus
Walking and biking in Kimberlin Heights
Walk score: 7/100 · Bike score: 18/100
There are no dedicated bike lanes, paved greenways, or shared bike programs in Kimberlin Heights, and cycling on Kimberlin Heights Road requires caution due to blind curves and lack of shoulders.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are negligible compared to urban Knoxville
- High rate of homeownership and well-maintained semi-rural properties
- Scenic, serene environment with virtually zero street-level disorder
Cons
- Completely car-dependent with narrow, unlit rural roads lacking sidewalks
- Emergency response times are longer than in central Knoxville
- Extremely limited commercial amenities directly within the neighborhood bounds
Homelessness: Visible homelessness and encampments are practically nonexistent in Kimberlin Heights, with social services located far closer to central Knoxville.
What Kimberlin Heights is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and scenic with occasional commuter and student traffic heading toward Johnson University.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Quiet and sunlit with residents and students enjoying outdoor campus paths and river views in complete safety.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Dark and very tranquil, with little activity outside of occasional campus events.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Extremely dark and quiet with virtually no foot traffic; safe from crime, though narrow winding roads require cautious driving.
Transit, parking and getting around
Knoxville Area Transit (KAT) does not service this rural sector of Knox County, meaning there are no bus routes or passenger rail options.
Free, ample surface parking is available at Johnson University and nearby trailheads; street parking is neither practical nor permitted on narrow country roads.
Things to do in Kimberlin Heights
- Explore the historic grounds and river overlook at Johnson University
- Go birdwatching and hiking at the adjacent Seven Islands State Birding Park
- Launch a kayak or fish along the French Broad River
Local favorites
- River Islands Golf Club · Golf Course · 4.5★ (320)A championship Arthur Hills-designed golf course situated along the French Broad River nearby.
- Seymour Grill · American Restaurant · 4.6★ (890)A cozy, long-standing country eatery serving hearty breakfast plates and classic comfort dinners.
- The Front Porch · American Restaurant · 4.7★ (560)A beloved family-style restaurant nearby known for Southern homestyle dishes and homemade desserts.
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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