Chattanooga, TN, known as "The Scenic City," offers a vibrant lifestyle with stunning natural beauty. Located in southeastern Tennessee along the Tennessee River, Chattanooga is approximately 120 miles northwest of Atlanta, GA, and 130 miles southwest of Knoxville. This medium-sized city provides a unique blend of urban amenities and outdoor activities, making it a highly desirable place to live.
Chattanooga's climate features hot, humid summers and mild winters, ideal for enjoying outdoor activities year-round. The city boasts numerous parks and recreational areas, such as the scenic Coolidge Park and the expansive Lookout Mountain, which offer hiking, biking, and opportunities for water sports.
The cultural scene in Chattanooga is dynamic, with attractions like the Tennessee Aquarium, the Hunter Museum of American Art, and the Tivoli Theatre. The city hosts a variety of events and festivals throughout the year, including the Riverbend Festival and the Chattanooga Film Festival, which draw visitors and residents alike.
Education is a priority in Chattanooga, with institutions like the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and Chattanooga State Community College providing higher education opportunities. The city's public and private schools are highly regarded, making Chattanooga an attractive place for families. The presence of major healthcare institutions, such as the Erlanger Health System, also supports a strong job market.
Living in Chattanooga combines the benefits of urban living with the charm of a community-oriented city. Residents enjoy access to top-notch healthcare facilities, diverse dining options, and a range of housing choices. The city's efficient public transportation system and well-maintained infrastructure make commuting and exploring the area convenient. With its natural beauty, cultural richness, and welcoming atmosphere, Chattanooga offers a dynamic and fulfilling living experience.
Amenities
An abundance of amenities, including restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores and fitness facilities, are conveniently situated within walking distance of the area.
Commute
High commute scores indicates that public transit should be easily accessible in this area and the average commute time to work is less than average.
Cost Of Living
The overall cost of living in this area is much lower than average. This includes everyday goods and services, as well as housing, utilities and health care.
Housing
This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Health & Safety
A high score in the health and safety category is a result of good air quality and the accessibility to health facilities such as hospitals, clinics, doctors, pharmacies and fire stations.
Crime
This area is reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people and could signify that it is a dangerous place to live. Crime rates include both violent and property crimes.
Schools
Lower than average education levels, poor reading and math scores, as well as the inaccessibility of local elementary and high schools could all be factors in the low schools score.
Chattanooga, Tennessee is a moderately-sized city with a population of 187,734 inhabitants. Chattanooga is not known to have a high population (over 15 years old) of married people. At only 46% married, this city falls well below the national average. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Chattanooga will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 19 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.
Without the right tools, relocating to any new town can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Chattanooga, Tennessee could be a good experience for anyone who puts in the time to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like crime, cost of living, education, employment, housing, you can easily compare the best places to live in Chattanooga and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Chattanooga to Tennessee and the national average.
The livability score in Chattanooga is 76 out of 100 and the city is ranked in the 89th percentile of all cities across America. This is a phenomenal score, as Chattanooga ranks well in multiple categories! If we dig a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Chattanooga has higher than average scores for the following: cost of living (A+) and housing (A+). There is at least one category that does not have great scores in Chattanooga. The following was graded with a concerning score: crime (F) and education (F).
The mantra of real estate, "location, location, location," underscores the importance of where a property is situated, making it a pivotal factor in your quest for a new home. Fortunately, when you're living in Chattanooga, you'll discover an abundance of exceptional local amenities and lots of things to do. Among these are conveniently located grocery stores, charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and plenty of spacious parks. These local amenities contribute significantly to its overall appeal, ensuring that your daily needs are met and offering ample opportunities for leisure and recreation. When considering your next move, the thriving local scene in Chattanooga undoubtedly enhances its desirability, affirming the significance of its prime location. Here are some of the more popular things to do in Chattanooga: Tennessee Aquarium, Ruby Falls, and Lookout Mountain.
Finding affordable real estate and housing in Chattanooga can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.
Chattanooga real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Chattanooga. The median home price for Chattanooga homes is $322,018, which is 22.8% higher than the Tennessee average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Chattanooga, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 4.5, which is 21.6% higher than the Tennessee average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Chattanooga | Tennessee | National |
| Average one way commute | 19min | 25min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 78.6% | 83.6% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 10.1% | 9.2% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 1.8% | 0.8% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.3% | 0.1% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 2.2% | 1.4% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 5.8% | 3.9% | 4.6% |
Here are the best places to live in Tennessee
Safest Cities In The US
Most Dangerous States In The US
These are the 10 cheapest cities in Tennessee