Lupton City

Initially rising to popularity because of a large thread mill, Lupton City emerged as a planned neighborhood for working-class families. Though the terrain has changed quite a bit with the introduction of maintained parks, commercial businesses and contemporary homes, it still manages to keep the original vintage charm.

"Lupton City was founded in 1920 – back in the old days, it was the site of the 'Yarn Project,' a thread mill that caused a boom in the area," says Brandi Pearl Thompson, a Realtor with Keller Williams Realty. "John T. Lupton, who ran the mill, provided housing and schooling for families who moved there to work. That was really the start." The original residential surge was between the early to mid-20th century, so you'll see midcentury modern frames, sprawling ranch homes and vintage bungalows peppered around the area. Contemporary properties have cropped up, with simple color schemas and steep gabled roofs combining classic and modern elements. Lupton City is in a prime spot for scenic views, with the Tennessee River winding down around the south end and the rise of mountain ranges visible from residents' front porches.

The median selling price for single-family homes in Lupton City is $280,000, and properties don't stay on the market long, typically selling in just under two weeks after being listed. Smaller homes and town houses start at around $220,000, while larger homes – or vintage properties that have undergone renovation – start around $350,000 and can spike to $550,000.

Schools of Lupton City fall under the Hamilton County District, sharing with nearby Red Bank. Students begin their educational journey at Rivermont Elementary School, which has above-average test scores compared to previous years, according to GreatSchools. They'll move on to Red Bank Middle and finish primary education at Red Bank High. GreatSchools also recognizes Red Bank High as above average in student progress, and the school has an affiliated engineering and computer science institute to give students a head-start for college. If considering private education, the Baylor School is one of Tennessee's best private middle-high schools, acclaimed by several educational resources for its top-notch academics, extensive extracurricular list and college prep.

The main thoroughfare of Hixson Pike is lined with essential day-to-day stops, from Food City and Walmart to banks and medical centers. "It's super convenient to highways and getting downtown, so if you want to head farther into Chattanooga, you're only about 10 or 15 minutes away," Thompson says. Chain retail and restaurants are tempered with the unique personality of locally owned businesses, whether you want to browse a bookshop or find rare treasures at an antique store. You'll find locals hanging out in Sidetrack at all hours of the day, getting rich quiche at brunch and craft cocktails paired with wood-grilled salmon at dinner.

Rivermont Park has several baseball fields where they host local programs and tournaments, and there's a connected boat ramp where you can launch down into the Tennessee River. Just across the street is the Champions Club Tennis Complex, which has multiple tennis courts for casual rallying and tennis lessons. It's cornered at the south fields of the Lupton City Golf Club. "Dupont Park is a cool spot, it's the best place if you love disc golfing. If you're in Tennessee, disc golfing is a pretty big thing," says Evan Barron, a Realtor with eXp Realty. The south of Lupton City borders the Tennessee River, so a quick trip across the C.B. Robinson Bridge gets you to the Tennessee Riverpark. It offers a ton of open green space for picnicking and stunning river views. If you need a new jogging or biking location, the Riverpark has a long, diverse paved greenway system that winds through the trees and past the water.

With excellent opportunities for outdoor recreation and quick city convenience, check out Lupton City if you're considering a move north of the river.

Written By

Kaitie Lamb

Photography Contributed By

Kathleen Kim

Video By

Victoria Sharpe