Your EZ Search Moving Guide – Get to Know Chattanooga

​​Are you considering a move to Chattanooga? Congratulations—you’re in for an exciting adventure! Chattanooga’s the kind of city that ticks a lot of boxes: an excellent art and music scene, high-adventure outdoor activities, mountains, lakes, and great dining. That’s just the start of what makes this Tennessee city an increasingly popular destination. Likely you know some of its perks yourself if you’re hunting for a home in “The Scenic City.”

To help make your home search easier and stress-free, we put together a guide to moving to Chattanooga. We have the information you need to make your transition less stressful, from what to expect in your living expenses down to what to do once the cardboard boxes are hauled away.

About Chattanooga

Chattanooga lies in southeastern Tennessee, very close to its Georgia border. The city frames the scenic Tennessee River and its Valley as it meanders to meet the Mississippi. The Chickamauga Dam and lake are at the north end of the city limits. These waterways give Chattanooga prime access to miles of water recreation, something not often available in cities.

At 182,000 residents, Chattanooga is Tennessee’s fourth-largest city but firmly has small city status. That figure has been relatively stable for three decades, but the suburbs have grown significantly.

The beautiful landscape is one of the city’s notable features and why it’s called the “Scenic City.” You can’t miss Lookout Mountain rising over the skyline, but Chattanooga includes Signal Mountain and Missionary Ridge for its backdrop. 

These mountains and ridges are vital to Chattanooga’s history. The city’s name, “Chattanooga,” is likely derived from a Native American word for “rock coming to a point,” referring to Lookout Mountain.

In the early 19th century, the region became a gateway to the American frontier. Chattanooga’s rail systems and river access gave it strategic importance during the Civil War. In 1863, Union forces defeated Confederate troops in the battles for Chattanooga, a turning point in the war. This victory opened the door for Union forces to advance southward and eventually led to the capture of Atlanta.

Visitors can explore the historical sites at Point Park on Lookout Mountain and the Chickamauga Battlefield to learn about the battles of Chickamauga and Chattanooga.

After the war, Chattanooga recovered as a bustling industrial center. The city’s riverfront location and its abundant natural resources made it an ideal site for manufacturing and trade. Iron, steel, textiles, and lumber industries flourished.

The city became immortalized by the 1941 hit song “Chattanooga Choo Choo” and has adopted the big band tune into its identity. While fewer trains are roaming the valleys today, you can stay in the remodeled train station, now the Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel.

Chattanooga Cost of Living

While places like Nashville have a reputation for their high-priced real estate and “hot” markets, cities like Chattanooga are on the rise because of their affordability. 

The cost of living in Chattanooga is 13% lower than the national average and many other cities, making it a great place to live on a budget. According to Sperling’s Best Places Index, Chattanooga’s cost of living index is around 86.5, about 3% less than the state average. 

Housing costs are particularly low in Chattanooga, coming in 25% below the national rate and 4% under the state rate. That’s good for Tennessee, where housing prices and property taxes are already low.

The only expenditures above average were health care and miscellaneous costs–your museums, restaurants, and recreation fees. 

By one estimate, a Chattanooga family of four with two children and one adult working would need to bring home $64,000 after taxes to cover the essential living expenses.

Getting Around Chattanooga 

Chattanooga’s public transportation system is rather friendly for a southern city, as the town’s long history of tourism and early interest in sustainability encouraged a pedestrian-optimized downtown area. If you live in or near downtown, you’ll find it’s highly walkable, with the highlight being Walnut Street Bridge, one of the nation’s longest pedestrian bridges. The city also has a public bike share program to help navigate to the parks, restaurants, and shops.

The Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) provides bus service on 11 routes throughout Hamilton County, including downtown and surrounding suburbs. There’s even a downtown electric shuttle.

But, as you move further into the suburbs, having a car becomes more of a necessity to get around the greater metro. Like all cities, Chattanooga roads are more congested during rush hours. Weekend traffic on Fridays can be a little thicker, as Chattanooga’s only an hour from the Atlanta metro and a popular getaway spot. I-75 and I-24 meet up just southeast of town, so backups here can trickle onto other roadways.

Chattanooga Job Market

Chattanooga undertook significant efforts in the 1980s and 1990s to revitalize the city after years of being ranked among the nation’s dirtiest cities. It became an early pioneer in environmental sustainability, implementing various initiatives to clean the air and water. The “Chattanooga Way,” as it came to be known, was a collaborative approach between government, business, and community organizations.

Along the way, Chattanooga embraced technology and innovation in its job market. In 2010, the city became one of the first in the United States to offer gigabit-speed internet to all its residents, attracting tech companies and entrepreneurs. This development earned Chattanooga the nickname “Gig City.” 

Modern Chattanooga now thrives with a diverse economy. Many national and international companies have chosen the city for business, including a plant for Volkswagen. Major employers in different industries include Amazon, Wacker Chemie, McKee Foods, and GE Appliances. And tourism is equally important, bringing in over $1 billion to Hamilton County.

The city is also encouraging its startup scene. Local organizations such as the Startup Chattanooga program aim to create an entrepreneurship infrastructure and nurture budding companies. The business incubator at the Hamilton County Business Development Center is another resource for entrepreneurs looking to start their own businesses in Chattanooga. 

Education Options in Chattanooga

Parents considering a move to Chattanooga have some options for their children. At the K-12 level, the Hamilton County Schools district serves local students. As one of the state’s largest school districts, it oversees 79 elementary, middle, and high schools teaching an enrolled 44,500 students. The district has been focused on improving academic performance and expanding educational options for students.

Chattanooga specifically is known for its magnet schools. They provide specialized programs in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), performing arts, and international studies. Hamilton County has a School Choice program that provides lottery access to these top-tier schools. 

The city’s private schools offer alternative and rigorous options. Top non-secular choices are the college prep Baylor School, a boarding and day school for grades 6-12, and the Bright School for K-5.

For higher education, Chattanooga does have a few colleges and universities. The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) provides a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs for its 11,000 students. UTC is known for its strong business, engineering, nursing, and education schools.

Chattanooga State Community College offers associate degree programs, technical certifications, and continuing education courses. It serves as a valuable resource for career and technical education in the region.

Other colleges in the city include Chattanooga College and Southern Adventist University. These are all great choices for students pursuing higher education in Chattanooga. 

Healthcare for Chattanooga

Chattanooga has three major healthcare providers and facilities. Erlanger Health System, a nonprofit network of hospitals and clinics, serves the greater Chattanooga area. The system operates Erlanger Baroness Hospital and Erlanger East, Southeast, North Georgia, and Downtown Hospitals. It’s the area’s only Level 1 Trauma Center and operates a children’s hospital with a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. The facility partners with UTC-Medicine as a teaching hospital.

Other providers in Chattanooga include the nonprofit CHI Memorial Hospital and Parkridge Medical Center. None of these centers are nationally ranked, but CHI is high-performing in 11 specialties, particularly cancer and cardiovascular care.

Chattanooga Bucket List

Every city has its own “something special” that makes it unique from every other city. Chattanooga’s got a lot going for it, as you’ll discover as you settle in. But to start feeling more like a Chattanooga resident, here are a few must-visit attractions and things to do.

Start with a visit to Lookout Mountain and soak in the stunning panoramic views of the city and surrounding valley. Yes, it’s a bit of a tourist thing to do, but Lookout Mountain is so central to Chattanooga, its history, and its tourism market. So go ahead and hit up its attractions at least once, like Rock City Gardens, Ruby Falls, and the Incline Railway.

Stroll across the historic Walnut Street Bridge, a pedestrian bridge that spans the Tennessee River. It is a great spot for a leisurely walk or bike ride, and the views are iconic. During the holiday season, the snowflake lights sparkle and add to the city’s charm.

While exploring your new downtown area, spend a day at the Tennessee Aquarium, one of the top-rated aquariums in the country. Favorite exhibits are the river otters, penguins, sharks, and colorful fish.

Chattanooga has a fantastic public art scene, if you couldn’t tell from the sculptures on the street corners and the colorful shops. Start getting to know the art scene with the Hunter Museum of American Art, which showcases an impressive collection of American art. The Bluff View Art District is another must-visit, featuring art galleries, sculpture gardens, and charming cafes.

The city hosts some incredible events during the year. Check the calendar for festivals and events to get them on your calendar. Some top choices are the Riverbend Festival, the 4 Bridges Arts Festival, the Southern Brewers Festival, and the Chattanooga Film Festival.

Chattanooga Outdoors

The surrounding landscape is worthy of its own mention because there are so many parks and things to do outside all year! They don’t call it the “Scenic City” for nothing.

Stretching along the Tennessee River is the 13-mile Riverwalk, a public park that connects many of Chattanooga’s attractions. It’s a great place to walk, bike, or take an afternoon jog and get to know your new city better. Bring the kids to the Coolidge Park carousel or rock climb on the bridge abatement.

The area also has excellent mountain biking trails at Raccoon Mountain and Stringers Ridge Park, which have a great view of downtown Chattanooga. 

Another must-visit spot is Signal Mountain, which offers stunning views of Lookout Mountain and beyond. The wooded hiking trails wind to majestic waterfalls and peaceful lakes.

Rock climbing is a big part of the local culture if the 30,000 sq ft downtown gym didn’t give it away. One of the top places to go outdoors is Sunset Rock, which is also a top hiking destination. But there are plenty more routes on the sandstone bluffs surrounding the city, with names like St. Elmo’s Boulders, Rock Town, and Tennessee Wall.

Just outside of Chattanooga awaits even more recreation in the Cherokee National Forest. And if you like white water, you can’t miss the Ocoee River with exhilarating class III-V whitewater rafting. 

Right in town is the Tennessee River. Rent a kayak or paddle board, or hit up the marinas for a yacht or pontoon boat. There’s camping on the island near downtown, but it’s only boat access. 

Top Chattanooga Events

The Chattanooga Farmer’s Market is one of the region’s largest outdoor markets and something to definitely check out once you’ve moved in. It takes place each spring and summer. Over 150 vendors set up selling farm-fresh produce and artisan goods.

The annual Riverbend Festival is a nine-day music extravaganza that showcases some of the biggest names in country music as well as local and regional acts. The event includes food booths, arts & crafts vendors, children’s activities, and more. 

The Chattanooga Film Festival is one of the region’s top choices for film lovers, featuring screenings of independent films and documentaries from around the world. 

The Southern Brewers Festival is held each year in August. It brings together craft brewers from across the region for a weekend full of brews, food trucks, live music, and more.

The Holiday Market at the Chattanooga Choo Choo is a must-see for holiday shopping. It features over 50 vendors from across the region selling handmade products, jewelry, art, home goods, and more. 

If you love beer, you’ll want to check out the annual Craft Beer Festival in May at the First Tennessee Pavilion. The event showcases over 100 craft beers from around the country.

Finally, don’t miss the Chattanooga Wine & Music Festival in October. It’s a great way to sample local wines and spirits while enjoying live performances from some of the area’s best musicians. 

Chattanooga Culture 

Chattanooga has that deep-rooted Appalachian culture, with southern hospitality, a slow pace, and close neighborly ties. But it’s something else, too, with a flair for music and art. It’s vibrant and energetic, but you get a sense of respecting the past. It supports its small businesses, so you’ll see many indie stores around town and at street fairs.

In the summer, you can visit the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum to learn about Chattanooga’s railroad history during a ride in a vintage locomotive. 

Want some more quirks? This is the city that brought Americans the Moon Pie and mini-golf. And it has ties to Coca-Cola, as it was the first place to bottle the iconic beverage.

Living in Chattanooga

Few cities truly blend an appreciation for the outdoors with all the urban treats the way Chattanooga does. It’s no wonder it’s been nicknamed “the Scenic City” and has been called a great place to live by Outdoor Magazine.

So if Chattanooga sounds right for you, who better to ask about living there than a local real estate agent? Or, you can explore more about Chattanooga’s neighborhoods with our guide.