A sleepy Tennessee town with a university at its center
Like the Little Debbie treats made here, Collegedale offers a taste of sweetness and childhood nostalgia. From the weekly farmers market at The Commons to the whimsical playground at Little Debbie Park, the comforts of this Tennessee town of 11,500 people create a small-town vibe 18 miles east of downtown Chattanooga. “It’s a great little community to raise a family,” says Realtor Ryan May with Real Estate Partners Chattanooga. “Collegedale offers a slower-paced lifestyle, but it’s also going through a period of growth. There are new homes going up all over the community.” Because of the Volkswagen Group of America moving its headquarters to Chattanooga, just west of Collegedale, the community has experienced steady growth over the last 20 years, with a population increase of 34% from 2000 to 2020. Southern Adventist University lies at the heart of Collegedale, which was built around the school in 1916.
Little Debbie Park will spark your nostalgia and your imagination.
A mix of established neighborhoods and booming developments
Collegedale consists of several established subdivisions. The residential areas are walkable, but residents drive to get into the shopping districts throughout the area. “It's a little sleepier; it's not the hustle and bustle of East Brainerd or Ooltewah proper,” says Collin Rogers, real estate agent with Greater Chattanooga, Keller Williams Realty. New traditional-style homes are most common, though in older neighborhoods such as Ooltewah Center , Colonial Revivals, split levels and ranch-style homes are popular. The median home sale price is $500,000, a bit higher than the national median.
Major employers include Volkswagen Group of America, Erlanger Health System and Hamilton County Schools. More than 3,000 people work at McKee Foods, maker of Little Debbie snacks, in two locations.
A cape cod influenced cottage graces the landscape of Ooltewah Center.
Modern construction mixes with classic european influences in Ooltewah Center.
1/2
From nature parks to playgrounds and ziplines
Ten-acre Little Debbie Park is a standout in the city. “A lot of people don’t know, but Little Debbie is a real person, and she’s still alive and living in Collegedale,” says Rogers. “And she doesn’t look much different.” The town’s history is intertwined with the famous snacks company and the family that started it all. Alongside a bronze statue of Debbie McKee, the park features fiberglass renditions of several Little Debbie snack cakes, along with a playground, a zipline, a rock-climbing structure and a steep hill popular for sledding.
Just next door is Enterprise South Nature Park, a 2,800-acre wooded expanse with paved and natural hiking spots. This nature preserve also has a dog park and a disc golf course.
Nearby, White Oak Mountain Trails attracts hikers and mountain bikers to its nearly 25 miles of occasionally rugged trails.
Enterprise South Nature Park in Ooltewah Center has a fenced dog park.
Little Debbie Park will spark your nostalgia and your imagination.
1/2
The Southern Adventist University
Southern Adventist University enrolls 3,000 students in both undergraduate and graduate programs. “People here take a lot of pride in their hometown university,” says May, adding three Seventh-day Adventist churches operate in the city.
The Hamilton County Public School District, covering much of the metro area, serves the residents of Collegedale, scoring a B on Niche.
Ooltewah High prepares older students in Ooltewah Center for a life of success.
From BBQ restaurants to vegetarian eats
The two major shopping districts are the College Plaza Shopping Center and Cambridge Square. Following Volkswagen’s arrival, the mixed-use Cambridge Square added new shopping and dining options, as well as housing. The dining scene features a unique contrast of BBQ restaurants and vegetarian spots, the latter popular by the university's proximity.
Cambridge Square is a popular dining and shopping destination in Ooltewah Center.
Whistle Stop is a Ooltewah Center favorite for decadent milkshakes, sandwiches, and train spotting.
1/2
Smith Perry Berries Farm and monthly music fests
In addition to hosting weekly farmers markets, musical performances are held monthly, featuring artists across folk, bluegrass, classical and jazz genres. “I mean, there’s always something going on,” says Rogers. Smith-Perry Berries is a you-pick farm in Collegedale that also serves as a photogenic spot for portaits, Rogers says. "It's a huge Instagram moment.”
A short trip to downtown Chattanooga
Collegedale is near Interstate 75, about 100 miles from Knoxville and Atlanta. Interstate 75 and Interstate 24 lead to downtown Chattanooga, which can be reached by car or Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority bus. Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport is about 8 miles west of Collegedale. The nearest medical clinic is the Health Department at Ooltewah.
Crime and climate
With average of 207 sunny days a year, Collegedale's sky is closer to that of Las Vegas than even Memphis, on the other side of Tennessee. And though Little Debbie Park is a gathering spot for sled riding, weather norms in the region mean the hill isn't used terribly often.
According to FBI data, the rates of reported violent crime and property crime in Collegedale are lower than the Tennessee average and national average.
As the leader of our dynamic real estate team, I am fiercely committed to turning the real estate dreams of our clients into reality. With a background steeped in both the grit of negotiations and the finesse of high-stakes sales, I bring a relentless pursuit of excellence to the table. My approach is straightforward: I fight tirelessly for our clients, ensuring no opportunity is missed and every transaction is maximized to its full potential.
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.
