Chattanooga is more than a cozy mountain town with a fun-to-say name — it has put a lot of beloved Americana on the map, by manufacturing everything from bottled Coca-Cola to Altoid mint tins. More than 184,000 people live here, making this the fourth-largest city in Tennessee. The Tennessee River flows past City Center downtown, while Appalachian foothills rise in the distance. Point Park on Lookout Mountain is a great way to survey “The Scenic City” and to visit a spot marking Chattanooga’s deep involvement in Civil War history. Just 80 miles from here is North Carolina, and Alabama is 35 miles away. Georgia is 5 miles from downtown.
Serving as an anchor for a multi-state metro area, Chattanooga provides a strong outdoors culture that inspires tourists and residents to hike, bike, kayak and climb. Chattanooga continues to serve an important role as an industrial and logistics center, connected as it is to a robust transportation network.
More plans for the city are underway. For example, Vision 2000 was adopted in the 1980s, leading to signature destinations such as the Tennessee Aquarium and the 16-mile Riverwalk, which opened in 2005. Walkability was also enhanced by repairing the Walnut Street Bridge, one of the longest pedestrian bridges in the world. So, in February 2019, the Chamber of Commerce released Vision 2040: a new master plan that would increase educational performance, provide workforce training for residents and continue to improve pedestrian infrastructure.
With food, history, nature and business shaping the face of Chattanooga, the final piece of the puzzle was boosting the city’s art scene. Historic venues such as the Tivoli Theatre and the Arts District do a lot to legitimize the city's reputation as a creative hub, but Public Art Chattanooga released a strategic plan in 2019, indicating residents want more public art as well. The group is developing a policy for allocating 2% of the city’s budget to public art, claiming that it helps tell the story of Chattanooga: relentless renewal at the gates of the American South.
Heritage Park is a haven for local families to be surrounded by nature in East Brainerd.
The Chattanooga Aquarium makes for a great activity for families in Brainerd Hills.
The Nooga Lights at The Choo Choo is a great holiday experience for people of all ages.
The pedestrian bridge is one of the main features of the Northshore.
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Historic houses and classic styles, plus views on the outskirts
From September 2023 to September 2024, the median home sale price in Chattanooga was $398,909, 4.2% less than the national median of $416,700. The population of Chattanooga has risen steadily over the years, and, with it, the price of homes and the number of properties sold. From 2021 to 2022, the median sale price rose from $265,000 to $305,000. From 2020 to 2021, the number of properties sold rose from 11,680 to 12,896.
Demand hasn’t outpaced inventory yet — and Chattanooga certainly has options when it comes to housing styles and neighborhoods. Homebuyers are also encouraged by low unemployment rates and a favorable business climate in the metro area. Cedar Hill is considered one of the most affordable neighborhoods, with an average sale price of $218,535 over the last 12 months. Located in south Chattanooga, Cedar Hill has an old-town feel, with vintage bungalows, Craftsman homes and ranch-style houses. North Chattanooga , on the other hand, offers homebuyers proximity to desirable amenities like boutiques and restaurants, as well as higher price points and a view of the Tennessee River. Chattanooga is also known for neighborhoods with clusters of historic homes, which give certain stretches a cohesive Southern aesthetic.
Battery Place, named for storing artillery during the Civil War, has classic styles like Colonial Revivals and Tutor Revivals along the riverfront. Lookout Mountain is one of the most desirable neighborhoods in the city. Overlooking the soaring Chattanooga skyline, this community features stately colonials and Cape Cods standing tall on landscaped lots with acreage. The breathtaking views come at a price, with homes costing $1,374,538 on average. Farther north of the city, there are rural areas that still have an easy commute, thanks to corridors like U.S. 27. "Places like Dunlap have little stores, run by the locals, as do Dayton and Jasper, so you have plenty of businesses to shop and eat at if you want to stay local," says Realtor Gloria Page, who's been working in the area over a decade, and is currently with Keller Williams and Zach Taylor Real Estate. "One of the notable residential developments in Dunlap is called Greenfields, which is based on custom-built homes and mountain views.”
Education and healthcare are the most popular fields, while the top employers in the area include Erlanger Health System, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee and Hamilton County Schools.
North Chattanooga has a developing modern aesthetic that is gracing its streets.
Colorful cottages are a common sight in Northshore.
Cottages with plenty of green space to enjoy in the hills of Brainerd.
Contemporary homes are a favorite new comer in Ridgedale-Oak Grove.
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Natural escapes, both near and far
Surrounded by mountains, valleys and ridges, Chattanooga is a nature-lover’s playground. Within a five-mile radius of downtown, locals have access to hiking, horseback riding, hang gliding, rock climbing, mountain biking, white-water rafting and kayaking. But the beauty of Chattanooga is that residents don’t have to leave the urban core to get a taste of nature. The 16-mile Riverwalk ends at a sculpture garden overlooking the Tennessee River and Maclellan Island. Coolidge Park brings the fun with a historic carousel, interactive fountain with stone animals and paddleboard rentals. The northwest end of Chattanooga has a natural buffer, too: Prentice Cooper State Forest. Outdoor enthusiasts can hike along 35 miles of trails through a thick forest of deciduous trees set along the Tennessee River.
Westside has quick access to the river and to North Chattanooga thanks to the cities bridges.
Riverpark is a scenic getaway for Riverside residents.
Friends of Mountain Creek locals bring boats, boards, and fishing poles to enjoy the river.
High Point's attractions include seasonal public-access flower farms by residents.
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Special course offerings at public schools, plus two colleges
Much of Chattanooga falls under the Hamilton County School District, which received a B on Niche. More than 45,000 students are enrolled, and they enjoy a 15-to-1 student-teacher ratio. The district is comprised of 76 schools. Special programs distinguish the district, such as STEM offerings held in conjunction with a local company known as Green Spaces, plus a community service initiative called One Million Acts of Kindness. STEM School Chattanooga received an A, earning itself the No. 1 spot in Best Public High Schools in the Chattanooga Area, according to Niche.
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga is connected to local roots: it’s widely recognized for its business program. Psychology, nursing and biology are also among the most popular majors.
Chattanooga State Community College is a public two year college.
Students in the Arts District may attend the Chattanooga School for the Arts & Science.
The Howard School is a long standing school for downtown students.
Normal Park Museum Magnet School tops a hill in Chattanooga.
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A vibrant and historic culture
Chattanooga is chock-full of museums, theaters and cultural centers. The Tivoli Theatre can hold more than 1,700 people and is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. The theater hosts music festivals throughout the year and major musical acts on tour play here. It’s also the headquarters for the Chattanooga Symphony and Opera. Jazz and blues get their due at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center, which hosts the Big 9 Roots Festival every fall. And then there’s the Hunter Museum, containing one of the largest collections of American art in the country. Visitors can also simply enjoy walking the grounds: the museum began as a mansion, then in 1975 added a wing exuding Brutalist architecture, followed by a modernist entrance added in 2005. Tennessee Aquarium features species from around the world, as well as local fish sourced from the Tennessee River.
The Tivoli is a City Center staple for stage performances and events.
The Tennessee Aquarium sits at the heart of City Center.
Visit the Hunter Museum in the Arts District.
The Arts District is home to the sculptures of many world renowned artists.
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A robust transportation network, with alternative modes embraced
Interstates 24 and 75 connect near Chattanooga Metro Airport, located within the city. Multiple highways converge in Chattanooga, namely U.S. Routes 27, 41 and 64. The Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority provides fixed routes and paratransit service throughout the city. As part of the Vision 2040 strategic plan, residents told city officials that they wanted to reduce commutes to 20 minutes or less. Public buses move along key commercial corridors like Frazier Avenue, lined with locally owned cafes and restaurants. Much of the city prides itself on being walkable, and the strategic plan is to continue improving pedestrian infrastructure. City parks are often bordered by bike lanes. Residents can participate in the citywide bike share system, which has over 300 bikes spread across more than 40 locations.
Bus lines run all throughout Avondale connecting locals to the city.
One of St Elmo's most iconic attractions is The Incline railway that climbs Lookout Mountain.
Public transportation is available to Piney Woods residents.
East Brainerd Rd has all of your shopping needs covered just outside of Liles Addition.
Many of the Bonny Oaks residents who like to bike can take advantage of teh riverwalk trails.
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Southern cuisine, shopping sprees and artsy diversions
Catfish, coleslaw and barbecue are staples of the Chattanooga dining scene. This heritage of Southern cuisine has connected with the farm-to-table trend, with places like Main Street Meats pivoting from an old-school butcher shop to a busy restaurant with smoked sausages and bourbon. Several rooftop bars cater to the cocktail crowd, like The Whiskey Thief at Edwin Hotel, which overlooks the city’s iconic Walnut Street Bridge. Nightlife takes off with venues that are filled with pinball machines, 1970s paraphernalia and velvet booths. There’s enough variety to keep residents occupied, whether they want to go for something downhome and rustic, or upscale and ready for Instagram. Chattanooga also has a burgeoning coffee culture, with chains and independent coffee shops on every block.
The Bar at Champys in the Hickory Valley neighborhood.
Amani ya Juu in Glenwood has a wide range of hand made goods for sale.
The Sandbox in Riverside offers shoes, swimwear, gifts, and seasonal surprises.
Ricko's Pizzeria is a popular Italian lunch spot in Riverside.
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A moderate climate, plus crime statistics
Chattanooga experiences all four seasons, with the expectation of some light snow annually. With over 200 days of sunshine, Chattanooga is in line with the national average. Like many mountain communities with rivers, flooding is a risk.
According to FBI crime reports, Chattanooga’s reported rates of violent and property crimes are well above the national and state averages. The Chattanooga Police Department’s 2023 annual report showed a downward trend between 2020 and 2023, with a nearly 20% decrease in property crimes and a 12% decrease in violent crimes. Substance-related offenses have increased slightly in that time period, however.
Lupton City-Norcross residents enjoy scenic views of the Tennessee River Valley.
Southside is home to the Chattanooga Choo Choo in Tennessee.
Walden sits on Signal Mountain with is stunning scenery.
The stunning views off the brow in Walden is a major attraction for home owners.
On average, homes in Chattanooga, TN sell after 39 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Chattanooga, TN over the last 12 months is $345,000, up 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Housing Trends
Median List Price
$365,000
Median Sale Price
$345,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$350,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$358,390
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$325,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
2%
Last 12 months Home Sales
4,626
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
$6
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$221
Neighborhood Facts
Number of Homes for Sale
855
Months of Supply
2.20
Cost of Living Comparison
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Top Schools in Chattanooga, TN
Source:
Best Public Elementary Schools
#1 Thrasher Elementary School
A-
Niche
9
GreatSchools
#2 Ooltewah Elementary School
A-
Niche
8
GreatSchools
#3 Wallace A. Smith Elementary School
A-
Niche
8
GreatSchools
#4 Chattanooga School For The Liberal Arts
A
Niche
7
GreatSchools
#5 McConnell Elementary School
B+
Niche
8
GreatSchools
#6 Lookout Mountain Elementary School
A-
Niche
7
GreatSchools
#7 Lookout Valley Elementary School
B+
Niche
7
GreatSchools
#8 Westview Elementary School
A-
Niche
6
GreatSchools
#9 Normal Park Museum Magnet School
B+
Niche
6
GreatSchools
Best Public Middle Schools
#1 East Hamilton Middle School
A-
Niche
#2 Chattanooga School For The Liberal Arts
A
Niche
7
GreatSchools
#3 Chattanooga School for the Arts & Sciences
A
Niche
7
GreatSchools
#4 East Hamilton School
B+
Niche
8
GreatSchools
#5 Signal Mountain Middle/High School
B+
Niche
8
GreatSchools
#6 Loftis Middle School
A-
Niche
7
GreatSchools
#7 Hunter Middle School
B+
Niche
6
GreatSchools
#8 Normal Park Museum Magnet School
B+
Niche
6
GreatSchools
#9 Ooltewah Middle School
B
Niche
6
GreatSchools
Best Public High Schools
#1 Hamilton County Collegiate High at Chattanooga State
Michael Bishop is the Broker/Owner of Bishop Realty LLC, located in Downtown Dayton, Tennessee, across from the historic Rhea County Courthouse. Michael is a lifelong Tennessean who has been practicing real estate since 2004. Put his experience to work for you today!
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
