Best 9 Places to Live in Chattanooga, TN

The rolling hills of Chattanooga, TN, have charmed people for decades. From the predominant Lookout Mountain to the meandering Tennessee River expanse, Chattanooga has been a pivotal stopping point dating back to the Civil War.

Today, people fall in love with Chattanooga because of its ample outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and kayaking. The city’s vibrant food scene, with local BBQ restaurants, popular chains, and farmers’ markets, adds to its attraction. Throw in a hip art scene, and you’ve got a great mix for a modern lifestyle.

Are you considering moving to Chattanooga? Start your home search in one of these top picks for the best neighborhoods in Chattanooga:

Downtown

If you’re looking for a highly walkable urban environment with a small-town feel, downtown Chattanooga is the place for you. The downtown area has developed into a destination for entertainment and dining.

Market and Broad Streets are the epicenters of the region’s nightlife scene, with pubs, sports. bars, and late-night dining venues. Not only are there award-winning dining options, but downtown residents are close to some of the top attractions, like the Chattanooga Convention Center and the Tennessee Aquarium. Riverfront Ross Landing Park hosts events and festivals throughout the year and provides stunning views of the wide Tennessee River. AT&T Field is the home for the Minor League Baseball team Chattanooga Lookouts. Activities include the High Point Climbing Gym and the Hunter Museum of Art.

Downtown housing has high-rise condos, apartments, townhomes, and single-family options. In November 2022, downtown had 55 homes for sale at a median price of $537,400.

Belvoir

The Belvoir community is tucked away in the hills above downtown Chattanooga, just a short commute down I-24 and near the I-75 interchange. The neighborhood is reasonably walkable, although it is primarily residential, without many stores or restaurants. Houses here have mid century charm, with many being constructed in the 1960s.

The Clarence T Jones Observatory is an attraction near Belvoir that boasts a rich history, having existed for over 80 years. It’s one of the top free things to do in Chattanooga.

Besides its convenient commute, Belvoir’s affordability in the metro makes it stand out. It had four homes for sale with a median list price of $345,000 in November 2022.

Southside

Southside once thrived with the sounds of industry. Today, this reinvented neighborhood between 12th and 20th Streets mixes residential and commercial areas for a truly urban lifestyle.

The manufacturing plants have been replaced with art galleries, live music venues, and eclectic dining. Historic Chattanooga Choo Choo former train depot anchors the district as a hotel, dining, and shopping destination. The Art on Main Street program has made outdoor sculptures commonplace along Main Street. If you’re an art enthusiast, there are plenty of studios and galleries to explore.

The Southside Social is a popular gathering spot with outdoor games and live music. The Chattanooga Market, held in the First Tennessee Pavilion adjacent to Finley Stadium, is one of the largest farmers’ markets in the region and takes place every Sunday from April to November.

This neighborhood has a mix of apartments, townhomes, and single-family homes. The median price for the 14 listed homes in Southside was $572,000 in November 2022.

North Shore

North Shore is one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Chattanooga. It’s across the Tennessee River from downtown and has a high walkability score of 77. Local shops, boutiques, parks, and restaurants add to the community’s desirability.

Residents call North Shore “trendy” because of the mix of independent clothing and jewelry boutiques, cozy cafes, and gastropubs. The local dining scene has fresh gelato, taco joints, sushi, and more. One-of-a-kind boutique shops sell everything from fine oils to creative toys for kids.

Coolidge Park and its antique carousel are one of the most popular attractions in North Shore. The park also features a climbing wall and interactive fountain. It’s at the foot of the Walnut Street Bridge, the pedestrian pathway over the river. In addition, the riverside Renaissance Park has views of downtown Chattanooga, and it’s a great place to take a stroll, have a picnic, or listen to live music.

Northshore had 33 homes for sale in November 2022, with a median sales price of $535,000.

Red Bank

Red Bank is a charming suburb north of Chattanooga that provides a small-town feel while serving as a short commute to the North Shore and downtown. This Hamilton County city is entirely surrounded by Chattanooga city limits. It has a historic downtown area with a variety of shops and restaurants.

Downtown Red Bank is the community’s social hub, with live music and events throughout the year. The highly suburban and residential area has recreational parks and grocery stores nearby. Other large stores, healthcare facilities, colleges and universities, restaurants, and the Chattanooga Airport are an easy commute on Highway 27.

Red Bank offers a variety of real estate options, from gated communities to townhomes and master-planned single-family homes. The median price for the 51 listed homes in Red Bank was $335,000 in November 2022.

Signal Mountain

Signal Mountain is a small town atop a mountain ridge just outside of Chattanooga. As the name suggests, it has gorgeous views in every direction, especially from Signal Point Park. The small-town feel and great schools are attractive to families.

Signal Mountain is the perfect place for you if you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. With its winding lanes, hiking trails, and scenic views from Signal Point and Mushroom Park, residents have many options to enjoy the peace and quiet of nature. Hiking is one of the best ways to experience all that Signal Mountain offers. Plus, there’s a golf course and country club in this community.

Downtown Signal Mountain has a grocery store, restaurants, healthcare facilities, churches, and schools. There are also live music venues, a community theater, and an outdoor amphitheater. The Signal Mountain Farmers Market is open from May to October on Saturdays.

Real estate options include new single-family construction, historic homes, and everything between. November 2022 had 125 homes for sale for a median of $607,000.

St Elmo

St Elmo sits at the base of Chattanooga’s iconic Lookout Mountain. Residents like this historic neighborhood’s antique charm plus its high walkability.

The local businesses set up shop in turn-of-the-century brick buildings. Vendors reflect the neighborhood’s charm with antique stores, ice cream parlors, and home decor boutiques along St. Elmo Avenue. Manning Street is the community gathering spot, with live music and festivals throughout the year.

The Incline Railway is one of Chattanooga’s top attractions. The trolley-style train takes riders up Lookout Mountain to stunning city views. Ruby Falls, America’s largest underground waterfall, is a popular tourist destination.

Residents like how active the St. Elmo community is. Not only is it near mountain trailheads, but it also has a world-class indoor rock climbing gym.

There were 37 homes for sale in St. Elmo in November 2022, with a median list price of $415,000.

Lookout Mountain

You can’t miss this ridgeline hovering over the city and the Tennessee River Valley. Lookout Mountain is an iconic tourist destination in Chattanooga, but you can also live on the promontory.

People are drawn to Lookout Mountain for its stunning views of the cityscape and river, but residents enjoy the small-town feel, friendly neighbors, and great schools. Besides the tourist attractions like Ruby Falls and the Inline Railway, you’ll find a mix of antique stores, gift shops, and restaurants lining the streets of the town center. The Rock City Gardens is a popular tourist destination with panoramic views of seven states. The ten-acre Point Park Battlefield sits at the mountain’s highest point.

Besides the tourist attractions, residents have access to several hiking trails with spectacular views and sunsets. Lookout Mountain also has a grocery store, health care options, and schools.

Real estate offerings include master-planned communities and a range of architectural styles. Find rustic log cabin retreats to custom, spacious homes with amazing views. November 2022 had eight homes for sale for a median of $776,000.

Hixson

Hixson is a growing neighborhood nestled against the Tennessee River northeast of downtown. Its waterfront access includes several creeks and river runs, making it a popular destination for fishing and boating access.

This Hamilton County neighborhood has many family-friendly amenities and top-rated schools. Shopping options are plentiful with centers such as Northgate Mall and Northtowne Center. Big Ridge Small Wild Area, North Chickamauga Creek Conservancy, and DuPont Park are local park and recreation areas. There are also live music venues, a community theater, and an outdoor amphitheater.

Hixson has new construction, single-family homes on spacious lots, and townhomes. The median list price for the November 2022 listings was $364,500.

Living in Chattanooga

Chattanooga is a great place to live, work, raise a family, or enjoy retirement. Whether you’re looking for a quiet suburban retreat or an urban oasis, Chattanooga has a perfect neighborhood. The city’s neighborhoods offer everything from mountain retreats to riverfront living. A local real estate agent can help you explore more of Chattanooga’s neighborhoods. Learn more about living in Tennessee.