$461,330Average Value$183Average Price per Sq Ft9Homes For Sale
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.
Written By
Stephanie Davison
Photography Contributed By
Morgan Nowland
Video By
Kyo Nguyen
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Susan Jensen,
an experienced agent in this area.
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
On average, homes in Collegedale, TN sell after 127 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Collegedale, TN over the last 12 months is $509,380, down 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
The home is back on the market due to the previous buyer unexpectedly losing their job and being unable to proceed with the purchase. Charming All-Brick 4-Bedroom Home with Split Floor Plan & Private Backyard. Welcome to this beautifully maintained single-level all-brick home offering 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and 1,701 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space. Located on a quiet
Lender Credit or special Interest Rate available with Seller's Selected Lender. NEW CONSTRUCTION in Ooltewah, Tennessee - Introducing one of Ooltewah's newest communities, located in the heart of the city close to the popular Cambridge Square with its local dining and shopping, I-75 access, and Hamilton Place. The Hudson home plan is a dynamic layout and one of Pratt's newest designs. The home's
Rare, Rare, Rare! Welcome to your private sanctuary in the heart of Collegedale! This well maintained 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom home offers over 2,800 square feet of living space nestled in a peaceful, nature-filled setting. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle, this rare gem sits next to a horse farm, providing serene views and a true sense of country charm—without sacrificing
The home is back on the market due to the previous buyer unexpectedly losing their job and being unable to proceed with the purchase. Charming All-Brick 4-Bedroom Home with Split Floor Plan & Private Backyard. Welcome to this beautifully maintained single-level all-brick home offering 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and 1,701 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space. Located on a quiet
Lender Credit or special Interest Rate available with Seller's Selected Lender. NEW CONSTRUCTION in Ooltewah, Tennessee - Introducing one of Ooltewah's newest communities, located in the heart of the city close to the popular Cambridge Square with its local dining and shopping, I-75 access, and Hamilton Place. The Hudson home plan is a dynamic layout and one of Pratt's newest designs. The home's
Rare, Rare, Rare! Welcome to your private sanctuary in the heart of Collegedale! This well maintained 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom home offers over 2,800 square feet of living space nestled in a peaceful, nature-filled setting. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle, this rare gem sits next to a horse farm, providing serene views and a true sense of country charm—without sacrificing
Ooltewah's newest premier rental community. These BRAND-NEW homes are NOT like traditional apartments. Truly single family and duplex homes built for privacy, peace and quiet. Each spacious 1, 2 or 3 bedroom home has a large patio adjoined with a synthetic turfed area enclosed inside of a privacy fence. Relax, grill outdoors and get some sun on your patio in privacy or join your neighbors at the
5256 Loblolly Lane apartment is for Rent only. The duplex is a 2-bedroom, 1-bath apartment located in the desirable Ooltewah/Collegedale area. The unit offers an inviting open-concept living area with low-maintenance laminate flooring and central heat and air for year-round comfort. Tenants will enjoy the convenience of a dedicated laundry room with washer and dryer hookups and private
Suburban excellence awaits when you rent a pet-friendly one, two, or three-bedroom apartment at Hills Parc. Each of our apartment homes is thoughtfully designed with open-concept layouts and luxury in-home features, while our prime location in the charming town of Ooltewah, Tennessee, puts you minutes from I-75 for fast commutes to downtown Chattanooga for work or play.
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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.
