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Oak Ridge, TN

Oak Ridge is a city in Anderson and Roane counties in the eastern part of the U.S. state of Tennessee, about 25 miles (40 km) west of downtown Knoxville. Oak Ridge's population was 31,402 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Knoxville Metropolitan Area. Oak Ridge's nicknames include the Atomic City, the Secret City, and the City Behind the Fence.

In 1942, the United States federal government forcibly purchased nearly 60,000 acres (240 km²) of farmland in the Clinch River Valley for the development of a planned city supporting 75,000 residents. It was constructed with assistance from architectural and engineering firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, from 1942 to 1943. Oak Ridge was established in 1942 as a production site for the Manhattan Project—the massive American, British, and Canadian operation that developed the atomic bomb. Being the site of Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Y-12 National Security Complex, scientific and technological development still plays a crucial role in the city's economy and culture in general. In 2016, the element Tennessine was named for Tennessee, in recognition of the role played by Oak Ridge and other institutions in the state in its discovery.

Immediately northeast of Oak Ridge, the southwestward-flowing Clinch River bends sharply to the southeast for roughly 6 miles (10 km) toward Solway, where it turns again to the southwest. After flowing for approximately 17 miles (27 km), the river bends sharply to the northwest at Copper Ridge and continues in this direction for nearly 7 miles (11 km). At the K-25 plant, the Clinch turns southwest again and flows for another 11 miles (18 km) to its mouth along the Tennessee River at Kingston. This series of bends creates a half-rectangle formation—surrounded by water on the northeast, east, and southwest—in which Oak Ridge is situated.

The Oak Ridge area is striated by five ridges that run roughly parallel to one another in a northeast-to-southwest direction. In order from west to east, the five ridges are Blackoak Ridge (which connects the Elza and K-25 bends of the Clinch and thus "walls off" the half-rectangle), East Fork Ridge, Pine Ridge, Chestnut Ridge, and Haw Ridge. The five ridges are divided by four valleys: East Fork Valley (between Blackoak Ridge and East Fork Ridge), Gamble Valley (between East Fork Ridge and Pine Ridge), Bear Creek Valley (between Pine Ridge and Chestnut Ridge), and Bethel Valley (between Chestnut and Haw). These ridges and valleys are part of the Ridge-and-Valley Appalachians physiographic province. The main section of the city is located in the northeast, where East Fork and Pine Ridge give way to low, scattered hills. Many of the city's residences are located along the relatively steep northeastern slope of Blackoak Ridge.

The completion of Melton Hill Dam (along the Clinch near Copper Ridge) in 1963 created Melton Hill Lake, which borders the city on the northeast and east. The lakefront on the east side of the city is a popular recreation area, with bicycling trails and picnic areas lining the shore. The lake is well known as a venue for rowing competitions. Watts Bar Lake, an impoundment of the Tennessee River which covers the lower 23 miles (37 km) of the Clinch, borders Oak Ridge to the south and southwest.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has an area of 90.0 square miles (233.0 km²), of which 85.3 square miles (220.8 km²) is land and 4.7 square miles (12.2 km²), or 5.25%, is water. The highest point is Melton Hill (35.90962°N 84.30525°W) on the DOE reservation, at an elevation of 1,356 feet (413 m).

Health and wellness are paramount in Oak Ridge, with numerous facilities and initiatives promoting a healthy lifestyle. Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge offers comprehensive health services, including wellness check-ups and preventive care programs. National Fitness Center offers comprehensive fitness programs including cardio, strength training, and group exercise classes. The Oak Ridge Civic Center provides a hub for various fitness classes and recreational activities.  For those seeking outdoor exercise, the Melton Lake Greenway offers scenic trails perfect for walking, running, and biking. The UT Arboretum is ideal for nature walks and mindfulness activities. Oak Ridge Country Club offers golf and other fitness activities in a luxurious setting. Willow Ridge Garden Center promotes wellness through gardening workshops and events.

Top sites in Oak Ridge, TN are American Museum of Science and Energy, Children's Museum of Oak Ridge, and Haw Ridge Park.

Population: 33,397 (2023). ZIP codes: 37830-37831. Area code: 865. Elevation: 850 ft (260 m). Area: 90.0 square miles (233.0 km²).

FAQs

Why is Oak Ridge, TN called the secret city?

Before 1942, Oak Ridge looked like the landscape often seen in East Tennessee: large plots of land with many hills and valleys. For that reason, it became the site of a secret project for the United States government called the Manhattan Project. The goal at Oak Ridge was to build an entire city protected by a large fence that would have 24/7 security and bring families to live and work there. 

Is Oak Ridge, TN expensive?

Oak Ridge's housing expenses are 20% lower than the national average and the utility prices are 2% lower than the national average. Transportation expenses like bus fares and gas prices are 8% lower than the national average. Oak Ridge has grocery prices that are 10% lower than the national average. Healthcare in Oak Ridge is 8% lower than the national average.

What is the crime rate in Oak Ridge, TN?

The crime rate in Oak Ridge is considerably higher than the national average across all communities in America from the largest to the smallest, although at 21 crimes per one thousand residents, it is not among the communities with the very highest crime rate. The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Oak Ridge is 1 in 48. Based on FBI crime data, Oak Ridge is not one of the safest communities in America. Relative to Tennessee, Oak Ridge has a crime rate that is higher than 76% of the state's cities and towns of all sizes.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Oak Ridge

Neighborhood Scout

Tnmuseum

Payscale

American Museum of Science and Energy

Children's Museum of Oak Ridge

Haw Ridge Park

Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge

National Fitness Center

Oak Ridge Civic Center

Melton Lake Greenway

UT Arboretum

Oak Ridge Country Club

Willow Ridge Garden Center

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