The city of Chattanooga, Tennessee, is located in the Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land metropolitan area in the state of Tennessee. In 2020, there were 181,099 people living there. It is one of the two major cities in East Tennessee, along with Knoxville, and is situated along the Tennessee River, bordering Georgia. Because so many railroads meet there, it has a history of being a crucial city during the American Civil War. In addition to its natural splendor, the area is well known for its revitalized riverfront and outdoor activities like hiking and whitewater rafting. Many well-liked tourist destinations can be found in Chattanooga, including the Tennessee Aquarium and the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway. Guests can choose from a variety of dining options, including everything from international cuisine to comfort food from the South.
The “Scenic City,” Chattanooga, lies tucked away along the Tennessee River in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Chattanooga, which is well-known for its breathtaking natural beauty, exciting culture, and bustling downtown, offers a high quality of life that can make it a great place to live for many people. An outline of what to anticipate from life in Chattanooga is provided below:
Natural Beauty & Outdoor Activities: Chattanooga is a great place for outdoor enthusiasts. With its close proximity to the mountains and the river, Chattanooga offers a multitude of outdoor activities. Rock climbing, hiking, biking, white-water rafting, and fishing are among the activities that residents enjoy. The city is also home to beautiful parks and the famous Tennessee Riverwalk.
The city is located on the Tennessee River and is surrounded by mountains. There are a number of parks and nature preserves in Chattanooga that offer opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing, and boating. The city is also close to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which offers even more opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Affordable Cost of Living: As of 2021, Chattanooga generally offers a lower cost of living than many U.S. cities, including affordable housing options. This can make it particularly appealing for families, retirees, and remote workers.
The cost of living in Chattanooga is significantly lower than the national average. The median home price in Chattanooga is $152,000, which is about $30,000 less than the national average. The cost of living in Chattanooga is also lower than the cost of living in Nashville and Knoxville.
Growing Economy: Chattanooga has a diversified economy with growing sectors in automotive manufacturing, healthcare, insurance, and logistics. The city has also been investing in technology and high-speed internet infrastructure, earning it the nickname “Gig City”.
Culture and Entertainment: Chattanooga boasts a vibrant arts scene, with numerous galleries, museums, music venues, and cultural festivals throughout the year. The city’s revitalized downtown area offers a range of dining and entertainment options.
Chattanooga has a vibrant arts and culture scene. The city is home to a number of museums, theaters, and art galleries. Chattanooga also has a number of festivals and events throughout the year, including the Chattanooga Film Festival, the Riverbend Festival, and the Chattanooga Market.
Education: Chattanooga is home to several well-rated schools and universities, including the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
However, as with any city, there are aspects that some might find challenging:
Public Transportation: While Chattanooga does have a public transportation system, it’s generally considered more convenient to own a vehicle for commuting and getting around the city.
Crime Rate: Certain areas of Chattanooga have higher crime rates than the national average, although this varies by neighborhood. As always, it’s advisable to research and visit potential neighborhoods before deciding to move.
Allergens: Chattanooga, like many parts of the southeastern U.S., can have high pollen counts in the spring, which might be a concern for individuals with allergies.
Overall, Chattanooga’s mix of natural beauty, economic opportunity, cultural experiences, and affordability make it a potentially great place to live. As always, what makes a location a good fit will depend on personal preferences and lifestyle, so it’s recommended to visit the city and explore for yourself before making a decision.
Pros & Cons
Here are some pros and cons of living in Chattanooga, Tennessee:
Pros:
- Low cost of living
- Vibrant arts and culture scene
- Variety of outdoor activities
- Close to mountains and rivers
- Good schools
- Safe community
Cons:
- Hot summers
- Humid weather
- Can be car-dependent
- Not a lot of nightlife
- Not a lot of diversity
Advantages
Chattanooga has some advantages and disadvantages that you should consider before moving there. Here are some of them:
Advantages:
- Chattanooga has a vibrant and diverse culture, with a thriving arts scene, numerous attractions, events, and festivals. The city has been named by Lonely Planet as the “Best in the U.S.” and “10 U.S. destinations you need to see”. The city also has a variety of museums, theaters, galleries, and music venues to suit different tastes and interests.
- A variety of industries, including the automotive, advanced manufacturing, food and beverage production, healthcare, insurance, tourism, back office and corporate headquarters, contribute to Chattanooga’s robust and expanding economy. The city’s unemployment rate is low at 3.4%, which is lower than the 5.4% national average. Additionally, the city’s median household income of $67,000 is higher than the national average of $62,843 by a significant margin.
- Chattanooga has a high quality of life, with a low cost of living compared to other cities in the area. The median home value is $212,900, which is below the national average of $217,500. The city also has a low crime rate compared to other cities in the area. The city has a violent crime rate of 3.1 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 19.9 per 1,000 residents, which are both below the national averages of 3.7 and 22 respectively.
- Chattanooga has a lot of natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities, such as parks, trails, mountains, rivers, and lakes. The city is surrounded by the Appalachian Mountains and the Cumberland Plateau, which offer stunning views and hiking opportunities. The city also has access to the Tennessee River and its tributaries, which offer boating, fishing, kayaking, and rafting opportunities. The city also has several attractions that showcase its natural wonders, such as the Tennessee Aquarium, Rock City Gardens, Ruby Falls, and Lookout Mountain Incline Railway.
Disadvantages:
- Chattanooga has a hot and humid climate that can be uncomfortable for some people. The city has an average high temperature of 86°F in July and an average low temperature of 31°F in January. The city also has an average annual precipitation of 53 inches, which is above the national average of 38 inches. The city also experiences severe weather such as thunderstorms, tornadoes, floods, and snowstorms occasionally.
- Chattanooga has a limited public transportation system that can make it difficult to get around without a car. The city has a bus system called CARTA that serves some areas of the city and its suburbs. However, the bus service is not very frequent or reliable, and it does not cover all parts of the city or connect to other modes of transportation such as trains or planes. The city also does not have any light rail or subway systems that can ease traffic congestion or provide faster travel options.
- Chattanooga has a low educational attainment level compared to other cities in the area. The city has only 28% of residents having a bachelor’s degree or higher, which is below the national average of 32%. The city also has some low-performing schools that can affect the quality of education for students. The city has an average graduation rate of 83%, which is below the national average of 85%. The city also has an average test score of 36%, which is below the national average of 49%.
- Chattanooga has a lack of diversity compared to other cities in the area. The city has a predominantly white population (66%), followed by black (28%), Hispanic (6%), Asian (3%), and other races (4%). The city also has some racial and economic disparities that can affect the social cohesion and equity of the city. The city has a poverty rate of 16%, which is above the national average of 11%. The city also has some racial segregation and discrimination issues that can create tension and conflict among different groups.
In conclusion, Chattanooga is a city with a lot of charm and potential but also with some challenges and drawbacks. Whether it is a good place to live depends on your personal preferences and needs. Some people may find it attractive and enjoyable while others may find it dull and inconvenient. If you are considering moving to Chattanooga you should do your own research and visit the city yourself to get a better sense of what it is like.
FAQs
Here are 10 frequently asked questions and answers about living in Chattanooga:
- Is Chattanooga a safe city?
Chattanooga has a relatively low crime rate for a city of its size. Like any city, there are certain areas that have higher crime, but overall Chattanooga is a safe place to live with a family-friendly vibe. Exercise normal safety precautions and be aware of your surroundings, especially after dark. - What is the job market like in Chattanooga?
Major firms in the automotive, healthcare, and transportation sectors make up Chattanooga’s robust economy. Your salary may go further in this area because the cost of living is lower than the national average. A hub for startups in manufacturing, business services, and technology can be found in Chattanooga. Companies like Amazon, Volkswagen, and others have invested in the city thanks to efforts made in this regard. - What options are there for outdoor recreation?
There are many opportunities to get outside in Chattanooga, from hiking and biking along the Riverwalk Trail to adventures in the surrounding mountains and state parks. You can go whitewater rafting along the Ocoee River, rock climbing at Sunset Rock, hang gliding off Lookout Mountain, and much more. Golfing, fishing and watersports on the Tennessee River are also popular. - How are the schools in Chattanooga?
Hamilton County Schools serve the Chattanooga area. As with any large school system, quality can vary by location. However, Chattanooga is home to excellent private schools like Girls Preparatory School, McCallie School, and Baylor School. Public charter and magnet schools are also options. Chattanooga State Community College and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga provide higher education. - What is the culture and food scene like in Chattanooga?
Chattanooga has a thriving live music, arts and food scene. You can hear blues, bluegrass, rock and indie music at venues like Songbirds Guitar Museum and Revelry Room. Check out the Hunter Museum of American Art or Creative Discovery Museum. Chattanooga’s restaurant options range from farm-to-table fare to food trucks to upscale fine dining. You’ll find locally-sourced ingredients, craft cocktails and southern specialties like barbecue, catfish, fried green tomatoes and peach cobbler. - What is the weather like in Chattanooga?
Chattanooga has a humid subtropical climate with short, mild winters and long, hot summers. Average high temperatures in July are around 90 F, while January highs are in the mid 50s F. Chattanooga receives abundant rainfall year-round, with the most rain from December through February. Spring and fall can also see significant rainfall. Autumn foliage is gorgeous, especially in October. - How can I get around Chattanooga without a car?
Chattanooga offers several public transit options. CARTA operates bus service throughout the city. The free Downtown Electric Shuttle (CEPT) services the city center. Bike share rentals are available to explore by bike. The Riverwalk Trail extends 7 miles along the Tennessee River for walking or biking. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft also serve the city if you need a quick ride. - What neighborhoods would be good for families?
Some of the most popular family-friendly neighborhoods in Chattanooga include Hixson, East Brainerd, Signal Mountain, Harrison, and parts of Downtown like Northshore. These areas have highly-rated schools, larger homes, smaller rental properties, and good amenities for kids like parks, recreation centers, libraries and kid-friendly attractions. - What attractions would visitors recommend?
Rock City Gardens, Ruby Falls cave tour, Tennessee Aquarium, Hunter Museum of American Art, Coolidge Park, Point Park battlefield at Lookout Mountain, High Point Climbing gym, Songbirds Guitar Museum, and the famed Chattanooga Choo Choo are a few of the must-see attractions that visitors recommend in Chattanooga. A ride on the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway is a must-do on any vacation! - Can I find reasonably-priced housing in Chattanooga?
Absolutely. Chattanooga provides housing alternatives for a variety of budgets. Along with luxurious rentals and residences costing over $500,000, it’s possible to locate good apartments for under $1,000 per month. In Chattanooga, the average price of a home is about $170,000. Affordable housing is frequently found in Hixson, Red Bank, East Ridge, East Chattanooga, and St. Elmo. Chattanooga has a lower cost of living than the average American city.