Harrison Bay is best known for its lakeside lifestyle, and with easy access to nature and proximity to downtown Chattanooga, residents enjoy a laidback atmosphere while still within reach of city amenities. "If you're looking to live close to the water and everything it provides," says Junior Francica, a Realtor with eXp Realty. "it's an awesome place to consider moving in Chattanooga." Residents also enjoy a highly rated school district as well as larger homes with acreage. About 19 miles from downtown Chattanooga, locals and visitors alike flock to the wooded campgrounds and winding shoreline of Harrison Bay State Park — and that's exactly where this neighborhood begins.
Harrison Bay is known for its serene lakefront community and homes.
Harrison Bay's natural beauty attracts the wonder of many locals.
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Split-levels and ranch-styles accommodate hilly terrain
"Mainly, people move here for the water access and being outdoors," Francica says. "But commuting to jobs is quick, whether in Harrison or downtown Chattanooga." Homes in Harrison Bay have more acreage than the compact lots found closer to downtown, often sitting on half an acre or more. The neighborhood is mainly owner-occupied, and while it used to be primarily single-family homes, condos and townhouses have become more popular in the last decade. Typical for Middle Tennessee, there are many split-level and ranch-style homes, the latter with raised foundations built to accommodate the hilly terrain. There are also some colonials sprinkled throughout. In the last decade, new construction has followed the contemporary trend, with houses built with several different characteristics from classical styles. From the modern floor-to-ceiling windows to steep layered roofing, these current homes have plenty of features. Homes with 1,500 square feet tend to sell for $180,000 to $350,000, while houses with 3,000 square feet or more tend to go for $600,000 to $950,000.
Harrison Bay features a mix of older rancher and colonial style homes throughout the area.
Many Harrison Bay homes borrow design cues from the natural beauty around them.
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Harrison Bay State Park is a big attraction
Harrison Bay State Park, the neighborhood’s namesake, remains one of the biggest draws. Engulfing much of the area's west side, the park spans nearly 2 square miles, sweeping the shoreline of Chickamauga Lake. "It opened in 1937, which makes it the first state park in Tennessee,” says Francica. “There are plenty of rentals at the marina if you don't want to lug all the equipment in. There's a ton of things to do, but I think it's a great draw for families, and there's always nature classes and events going on." A 4-mile walking path winds through the wooded landscape, and the shores are a refuge for anyone who loves the water— from boating and paddleboarding to fishing or simply lounging. The park is also a popular camping destination, with 128 RV campsites with water and electrical hookups, as well as 21 tent-only campsites. The Bear Trace Golf Course uses the park's water and dense trees as part of the course, making it a fun challenge for players of all skill levels. It also has a playground and tennis courts.
Harrison Bay locals can practice their golf skills at the well maintained Bear Trace Golf Course.
Harrison Bay homeowners can easily store their boats in local marinas.
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Neighborhood zoned for Hamilton County School District
The Hamilton County School District serves the residents of Harrison Bay. Students can begin their education at Snow Hill Elementary School and Hunter Middle School, both of which scored a B-plus on Niche. They can continue their education at Ooltewah High School, which received a B-minus from the site. Ooltewah High has several programs for students to explore different interests, from architecture design to fine arts. The school also offers a four-year program that teaches technical and employability skills for supply chain and logistics.
Chattanooga State Community College is about 13 miles southwest, while The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga is roughly 18 miles southwest.
Many Harrison Bay students begin their education at Snow Hill Elementary School.
Many Harrison Bay students complete their primary education at Ooltewah High School.
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Local cafes and barbeque joints are popular stops
Businesses are peppered along the thoroughfare of State Route 58, which bisects the neighborhood. This makes running daily errands easy, whether stopping into Food City for groceries, popping into the bank or looking for a reliable mechanic. Just off the highway is Choo Choo BBQ Smokehouse, a family-owned Southern food restaurant. “We want to make it feel like a home inside,” says Vicky Granger, an employee at Choo Choo BBQ. “We have a fireplace, pictures on the walls, and curtains hanging midway down the windows. We always keep it decorated for the holidays, too.” Housed in a rustic log cabin with a front porch, this spot serves St. Louis-style ribs, beef brisket and all the quintessential Southern sides. “We have a little bit of everything— and it’s all off the smoker.” A little farther out, Countryside Café is another family-owned spot that’s been a community staple for more than 30 years. This restaurant has a hometown feel, with chalkboard specials and American food made from ingredients sourced from local farms.
Harrison Bay offers a taste of Southern charm at the locally owned Choo Choo BBQ Smokehouse.
Countryside Café in Harrison Bay has chalkboard specials and many locally sourced ingredients.
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Downtown is about 19 miles away
State Route 58 runs through the southeastern portion of the neighborhood, providing a direct connection to downtown Chattanooga about 19 miles away. Harrison Bay does not have public transportation, as most residents use a car to get around. The Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport is about 14 miles southwest, with connections to major airline hubs such as Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas-Fort Worth and Chicago.
Crime
Harrison Bay experiences a lower level of crime than the average American neighborhood, with a CAP Index score of 1, compared to the U.S. average of 4.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Greater Chattanooga home for sale! Classic Charm Meets Modern Functionality in Harrison's River Cove. Tucked away on a quiet cul-de-sac in the desirable River Cove subdivision, this beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 3-bath brick home offers the perfect blend of comfort, space, and convenience—just minutes from Harrison Bay State Park and Bear Trace Golf Course. Step inside to discover an
Imagine your family's lakefront playground at 9060 Gull Lane, Ooltewah, TN, in the prestigious Heron Bay Subdivision, where the shores of Chickamauga Lake become your backyard for endless adventures. Picture kids learning to fish off the private dock, splashing in the shallows, or racing across the water on jet skis, while the flat, 1.07-acre lot—professionally landscaped with a river-fed, 3-zone
MINUTES FROM HARRISON BAY - This 3 bedroom, 2 bath home in Harrison, TN is a short drive from Harrison Bay and ready to welcome you! Relax on the front porch with your morning coffee or unwind in the cozy living room featuring a fireplace that adds warmth and charm. The kitchen offers ample cabinet space and an open dining area, while the bright screened porch provides the perfect spot to relax.
Quiet subdivision located just minutes from Harrison Bay State Park. We provide lawn care and garbage service. This unit comes with a refrigerator, dishwasher, oven and stove. We run a credit and criminal background check. Credit score needs to be 575 or above. You need to make over $50,000 a year to qualify. There is a $500 non refundable pet deposit. It is $40.00 cash application fee per
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Wendy Dixon,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
6,078
Median Age
48
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
20.4%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
24.8%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$85,366
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$92,163
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
90.5%
College Graduates
30%
On par with the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
6.8%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
65.6%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
55''
Average Winter Low Temperature
33°F
Average Summer High Temperature
91°F
Annual Snowfall
1''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
5/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
0/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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.
