Is Solway safe?
Knoxville, Tennessee · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Solway as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Solway
“Go. Solway is an exceptionally safe, peaceful suburban-rural community situated along the Clinch River and Melton Hill Lake. Visitors can explore the waterfront parks, launch watercraft, or pass through toward Oak Ridge with virtually no personal safety concerns.”
About the area
Solway is an unincorporated community in northwest Knox County characterized by scenic waterfront views, rolling hills, and quiet residential enclaves. Located between West Knoxville and Oak Ridge, it is a favored area for rowers, anglers, and families seeking a calm, low-density environment.
- Suburban / Semi-Rural
- Waterfront Living
- Quiet & Peaceful
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Solway
Walk score: 12/100 · Bike score: 24/100
There are no bike-share programs in Solway; while paved multi-use paths exist inside Melton Hill Park, road cycling on main thoroughfares is risky due to high vehicle speeds and lack of shoulders.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Extremely low violent and property crime rates well below state and national medians
- High household income levels and well-kept, owner-occupied residential properties
- Excellent public recreation and water access at Melton Hill Park
- Safe, quiet atmosphere with minimal street-level disturbances
Cons
- Heavily car-dependent with virtually no pedestrian infrastructure along main arterial roads
- Fast commuter traffic along Oak Ridge Highway (TN-62) and Pellissippi Parkway (TN-162)
- Limited commercial dining, retail, and entertainment options within the community borders
- Sparse street lighting on winding, two-lane rural roads after dark
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence in Solway, with no encampments or panhandling reported in the area.
What Solway is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and scenic as rowers take to the lake and commuters head out toward Oak Ridge and Knoxville.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and family-friendly with steady vehicle flow along the highways and recreation around the parks.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet and relaxing with minimal neighborhood noise as park visitors wrap up around dusk.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very dark and tranquil with virtually no foot traffic, presenting minimal crime risk but requiring care on unlit roads.
Transit, parking and getting around
Knoxville Area Transit (KAT) does not provide fixed-route bus service to Solway, and there is no passenger rail in the area, making private vehicles essential.
Parking is completely free and easy to find, with ample surface lot parking available at Melton Hill Park and local strip plazas.
Things to do in Solway
- Launch a kayak, paddleboard, or motorboat from the ramps at Melton Hill Park
- Walk or jog the scenic paved waterfront trails along the Clinch River
- Watch collegiate and regional rowing regattas held along the Melton Hill Lake rowing course
Local favorites
- Twisters Grill & Bar · Bar & Grill · 4.3★ (415)Laid-back local gathering spot serving pizza, wings, and cold drinks with a casual neighborhood feel.
- The Kraken's Cup · Tea House · 4.8★ (390)Cozy traditional tearoom offering high tea, specialty blends, pastries, and savory light bites.
- Wild Boar Tavern · American Restaurant · 4.4★ (630)Rustic roadhouse known for hearty burgers, smoked meats, and regular live music.
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.
Add this score to your site
Writing about Solway? Copy this code to show its live safety score on your blog or listing.