Chattanooga, TN, known as "The Scenic City," offers a vibrant lifestyle with stunning natural beauty. Located in southeastern Tennessee along the Tennessee River, Chattanooga is approximately 120 miles northwest of Atlanta, GA, and 130 miles southwest of Knoxville. This medium-sized city provides a unique blend of urban amenities and outdoor activities, making it a highly desirable place to live.
Chattanooga's climate features hot, humid summers and mild winters, ideal for enjoying outdoor activities year-round. The city boasts numerous parks and recreational areas, such as the scenic Coolidge Park and the expansive Lookout Mountain, which offer hiking, biking, and opportunities for water sports.
The cultural scene in Chattanooga is dynamic, with attractions like the Tennessee Aquarium, the Hunter Museum of American Art, and the Tivoli Theatre. The city hosts a variety of events and festivals throughout the year, including the Riverbend Festival and the Chattanooga Film Festival, which draw visitors and residents alike.
Education is a priority in Chattanooga, with institutions like the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and Chattanooga State Community College providing higher education opportunities. The city's public and private schools are highly regarded, making Chattanooga an attractive place for families. The presence of major healthcare institutions, such as the Erlanger Health System, also supports a strong job market.
Living in Chattanooga combines the benefits of urban living with the charm of a community-oriented city. Residents enjoy access to top-notch healthcare facilities, diverse dining options, and a range of housing choices. The city's efficient public transportation system and well-maintained infrastructure make commuting and exploring the area convenient. With its natural beauty, cultural richness, and welcoming atmosphere, Chattanooga offers a dynamic and fulfilling living experience.
Amenities
An abundance of amenities, including restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores and fitness facilities, are conveniently situated within walking distance of the area.
Commute
High commute scores indicates that public transit should be easily accessible in this area and the average commute time to work is less than average.
Cost Of Living
The overall cost of living in this area is much lower than average. This includes everyday goods and services, as well as housing, utilities and health care.
Housing
This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Health & Safety
A high score in the health and safety category is a result of good air quality and the accessibility to health facilities such as hospitals, clinics, doctors, pharmacies and fire stations.
Crime
This area is reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people and could signify that it is a dangerous place to live. Crime rates include both violent and property crimes.
Schools
Lower than average education levels, poor reading and math scores, as well as the inaccessibility of local elementary and high schools could all be factors in the low schools score.
Chattanooga, Tennessee is a medium-sized city with a population of 181,370 inhabitants. All the single ladies and all the single fellas might want to take notice as only 46% of the Chattanooga population is married. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Chattanooga is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 19 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Are you trying to ascertain if living in Chattanooga is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a positive experience before relocating to any new city in Tennessee, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. With useful information like crime, cost of living, housing and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Chattanooga and in the areas around Chattanooga is a much easier task.
Chattanooga has a livability score of 74/100 and is ranked #13 in Tennessee and #3,486 in the USA. Based on the scores for each individual category, Chattanooga has received high marks for cost of living (A+) and housing (B+). There is at least one category that you should be aware of in Chattanooga. The following was graded with a discouraging score: crime (F), education (F) and employment (D).
Chattanooga has many conveniently situated amenities and captivating attractions that adds to the continuous enjoyment of your everyday life. Having the assurance of abundant conveniences and a wide array of activities ensures your easy access to nearby grocery stores, restaurants, bars, fitness facilities, coffee shops and exciting entertainment options. This not only simplifies daily routines but also fosters a vibrant and dynamic lifestyle within the community. With a wealth of resources at your fingertips, you can savor the convenience and variety that Chattanooga has to offer, making it a desirable destination for those seeking both accessibility and enjoyment in their daily lives. Among the enticing options for fun and exploration in Chattanooga are: Tennessee Aquarium, Ruby Falls, and Lookout Mountain.
Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Chattanooga market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.
Assuming that Chattanooga meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Chattanooga. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Chattanooga are simply unattainable. The median home price for Chattanooga homes is $174,900, which is 19.8% higher than the Tennessee average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Chattanooga, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 3.7, which is 19.4% higher than the Tennessee average.
| Statistic | Chattanooga | Tennessee | National |
| Average one way commute | 19min | 25min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 78.6% | 83.6% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 10.1% | 9.2% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 1.8% | 0.8% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.3% | 0.1% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 2.2% | 1.4% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 5.8% | 3.9% | 4.6% |
Here are the best places to live in Tennessee
Check out the 10 safest cities in Tennessee
These are the largest cities in Tennessee
Safest States In The US