North Chattanooga

Every day, people walk under the iconic blue arches of Walnut Street Bridge and head into North Chattanooga, seeking out its dynamic yet laidback atmosphere. Residents of North Chattanooga enjoy winding views of the Tennessee River, endless options for dining and entertainment and all the quick convenience of being near the heart of Scenic City.

Architecture in North Chattanooga is truly a blend between gorgeous vintage and sleek contemporary, with many of the northern neighborhoods rooting their residential booms back to the early 20th century. Many older homes have been renovated while keeping their original character, from the elegance of colonial revivals to craftsman-style bungalows and the timeless half-timbering of Tudor revivals. Plenty of new construction is popping up in the area, and while some homes have adapted sleek modern looks, many borrow from their predecessors' vintage appeal. Even built in the 21st century, you'll see plenty of classical and picturesque styles in their most contemporary form. With that comes the most up-to-date interior designs and, generally, more square footage. Plenty of town houses and condos are available in North Chattanooga, so if that checks your search box, you're in luck.

One-bedroom condos typically start at $250,000, while two or three-bedroom single-family homes begin selling at around $450,000, with the median being $515,000. There are outliers, of course, considering the wide range of properties available in the area – a bungalow that needs some renovating can sell for $200,000 while a five-bedroom original Queen Anne can sell for $3 million.

If attending public school, children will begin their education journey at Normal Park Museum Magnet School – it receives a B+ ranking from Niche and is noted to have exceptionally above-average test scoring. It's a magnet school that supports pre-K to eighth-grade students, focusing on interactive, progressive learning styles. They'll move on to Red Bank High, which Niche ranks a B-. The school has an affiliated engineering and computer science institute to give them a head-start for college.

North Chattanooga shares commercial space with Northshore, so you can easily find big-name stores for your daily errands, from Whole Foods Market and Walgreens to gyms and banking locations. Local businesses are dotted throughout the area, bringing in unique character. The Book & Cover's dark, elegant exterior leads you into a cozy bookshop, while The Daily Ration welcomes you to try their chicken and waffles for brunch.

Running along the shore of the Tennessee River is Renaissance Park and its well-known companion, Coolidge Park. They're staples for Chattanooga recreation, and the rotating hand-carved animals of the Coolidge Park Antique Carousel are a familiar, whimsical sight. Walk along the water, make good use of the kayak launch, and explore the many different amenities the parks provide – splash pads, rock walls, picnic pavilions and plenty more. Established in 1896, the Chattanooga Golf and Country Club provides an exceptional golf course and member-only amenities, such as its resort-style pool and fun dining events.

The neighborhood's proximity to the river shore and downtown gives you quick access to any of the fantastic live events that happen year-round, from huge farmer's markets to movie nights in the park. In September, Coolidge Park hosts the Moon River Festival, a lively musical festival right by the water – and it supports smaller-scale music concerts during any season. If you're a fan of musicals and plays, head to the Chattanooga Theatre Center to see some impressive performances on-stage.

North Chattanooga brings a relaxed yet entertaining atmosphere to the table, and if you're considering moving to the Scenic City, it's undoubtedly a top contender.

Written By

Kaitie Lamb

Photography Contributed By

Morgan Nowland

Video By

Anthony Pesa