Oak Ridge Apartments and Rentals

Oak Ridge is located in the eastern part of Tennessee, roughly 22 miles northwest of Knoxville. IT combines the abundant amenities of a big city with a small-town atmosphere. The city is situated in two counties, Anderson and Roane. Spanning approximately 92 square miles, part of the land includes plants and facilities of the U.S. Department of Energy. Only about 30 square miles of the city include residential, commercial and municipal-owned property. In 2009, Oak Ridge was named one of the 25 fastest-growing towns where residents see their incomes go the furthest by Money Magazine.

Oak Ridge is a great community for families because of its very low crime rates, greenways, athletic fields and close proximity to national parks. The city is also the location of the Melton Hill Lake, which is recognized as the home of the Oak Ridge rowing course, which offers 173 miles of shoreline for boating, fishing and rowing. The City is also home to 16 beautiful community parks peppered around town.

Oak Ridge apartments for rent are ideal for the outdoors type because of all the amenities and beautiful weather. According to statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau, the population of Oak Ridge is more than 29,350.

The history of Oak Ridge began when the U.S. government built the community in secrecy during World War II as a major site of the Manhattan Project, the wartime effort that created the world’s first atomic weapons. An estimated 60,000 acres of rural farmland was purchased by the U.S Army Corps of Engineers in 1942. The goal was to create a temporary city with three different facilities to develop sufficient technology that ended the war. After the war ended, the community remained and turned from a military town into an independent city. Originally, the community was self-governing, but in 1959 residents voted overwhelmingly to incorporate the area.

Oak Ridge is home to a national laboratory and a national security complex, so there are many high-tech employers in the area. The top employers in the area include B&W Y-12, UT-Battelle, Methodist Medical Center, UCOR, SAIC, Oak Ridge Associated Universities and Energy Solutions.

Students living in apartments in Oak Ridge have several opportunities for post-secondary education, including: Pellissippi State Community College; the University of Tennessee; Maryville College Civic Arts Center; Tennessee Wesleyan College and Roane State Community College. The University of Tennessee, Knoxville was founded in 1794.

Living in Oak Ridge is perfect for any budget, especially considering the beautiful landscape, abundance of recreational activities and close proximity to Knoxville. According to Best Places, the overall cost of living is 14 points lower than the national average, food is 12 points lower and utilities are 1 point higher. Similarly, the average cost of rentals in Oak Ridge is very inexpensive. According to statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau, the median gross rent is $656. 

The Secret City Festival is a huge event that happens every year. The family-friendly event boasts countless entertainment options including live music, area’s for children of all ages, nationally known entertainers, history exhibits and the south’s largest WWII reenactment. The event also features arts and crafts, a juried arts show, food and much more.

The American Museum of Science and Energy is another highly visited attraction in Oak Ridge, as are the Oak Ridge Playhouse, Southern Appalachia Railway Museum, Museum of Appalachia and Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge.

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