Are you thinking about moving to Chattanooga, Tennessee? Known as Scenic City, Chattanooga lives up to its reputation! The city’s name means “rock coming to a point,” referring to a special landmark called Lookout Mountain. Chattanooga is set along the Tennessee River in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and is known for its Incline Railway, scenic views, and thriving arts and culture scene.
Whether you’re living in Chattanooga TN for work, adventure, or family, you’ll find a welcoming, varied community that makes every day feel like an exploration into something fresh and engaging.
For anyone moving to Chattanooga from another state, planning transportation, delivery timing, and access to the new property early can make the relocation much easier.
Is Chattanooga a Good Place to Live?
Chattanooga is a great place to live if you love the outdoors, history, and culture. Culturally and geographically part of Appalachia, this charming city boasts natural beauty, a dynamic arts scene with many local art galleries, and boundless outdoor recreation. Chattanooga offers a growing economy with many job opportunities, a vibrant downtown, and affordable living with a great quality of life.
Where Is Chattanooga?
Chattanooga is located in Hamilton County in the Southeast region of Tennessee, straddling the Tennessee River. The city is nestled below Lookout Mountain and near Signal Mountain at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, offering scenic views and outdoor access at every turn. It’s perched near the state line with Georgia, within driving distance of the larger metropolitan areas of Atlanta, Nashville, and Knoxville.
Chattanooga is surrounded by:
- East Ridge, Red Bank, and Lookout Mountain to the south
- Signal Mountain and Fairmount to the northwest
- Soddy-Daisy, Middle Valley, and Harrison to the north
- Collegedale, East Brainerd, Ooltewah, and Apison to the east
It is about 134 miles from Chattanooga to Nashville and about 118 miles from Chattanooga to Atlanta.
Chattanooga TN Map
Chattanooga Transportation
There are limited public transportation options while living in Chattanooga, but the CARTA bus system is fairly robust.
The city also offers easy access by car to explore larger cities in the region. Major routes and highways serving the city include:
- I-75 to Atlanta and Knoxville
- I-24 to Nashville
- I-59, ten miles outside downtown, to Birmingham, Alabama
- US 27 to nearby suburbs
- SR 319 (DuPont Parkway) from downtown Chattanooga to the Hixson area
- US 11 and US 64 (concurrent with Brainerd Road and Lee Highway) to Cleveland and Collegedale
- US 41/76 (Ringgold Road) to Ringgold, Georgia
- US 11, 41, 64, and 72 (concurrent as Cummings Highway before splitting) to Jasper; Trenton, Georgia; and Huntsville, Alabama
- US 127 to Signal Mountain
Unfortunately, despite its fairly small size, Chattanooga is notorious for its traffic congestion, mostly due to significant interstate truck traffic.
For the most part, Chattanooga is also a walkable city and is both pedestrian and bike-friendly.
Finally, the city has the Chattanooga Airport (CHA). It’s a smaller airport, but it’s only 5 miles from downtown Chattanooga.
What Is the Population of Chattanooga Tennessee?
The Chattanooga population is 187,023, according to the 2020 census, up 8% from 2010. The city has a low population density of 1,314 people per square mile. Chattanooga demographics show a city that’s younger and more diverse than the surrounding metro area and state as a whole.
The Chattanooga metro area covers six counties in southeast Tennessee and northwest Georgia, with a population of 575,000.
Chattanooga is the fourth-largest city in Tennessee and one of two principal cities in the East Tennessee region, along with Knoxville.
Famous people from Chattanooga include actors Samuel L. Jackson and Leslie Jordan, televangelist Pat Robertson, media magnet Ted Turner, and Mary Hardway Walker, one of the last surviving former slaves in the U.S. and “America’s oldest student” who died in 1969.
Demographics of people living in Chattanooga:
- Median age: 37.2 years old
- Sex ratio: 51% female, 49% male
- Median household income: $62,547 (TN: $67,631)
- Education attainment: Bachelor’s degree or higher: 36%
- Foreign-born population: 5.4%
- Veteran population: 6.7%
- Racial and ethnic composition: 59% White, 27% Black or African American, 9% Hispanic or Latino, 2% Asian, 3% two or more races
Is Chattanooga Safe?
If you’re thinking about living in Chattanooga, safety is probably a big priority. The Chattanooga crime rate is well above the national average, with 5,949 crimes per 100,000 people compared to the U.S. average of 2,281 crimes per 100,000.
While the crime rate is concerning, keep in mind that crime varies significantly by area. There are many neighborhoods in Chattanooga with low crime where residents feel safe walking at night.
While living in Chattanooga, you will be served by the Chattanooga Police Department with 2.3 officers on duty for every 1,000 residents.
What’s the Cost of Living in Chattanooga TN?
One of the advantages of living in Chattanooga is the affordability. The cost of living in Chattanooga is about 11% below the national average. Most living expenses are at or below the U.S. average, but housing costs are particularly affordable.
According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four would need to earn $98,806 per year ($8,067 per month) to afford a modest living in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
The living wage for a single person is $22.67, according to the MIT Living Wage Calculator. A family of four with one working adult would need to earn $40.07 per hour or $24.22 with two working adults.
Chattanooga Real Estate: Average Rent & Home Prices
Planning to buy a house in Chattanooga? The average home price is $380,000 – up 18.6% year-over-year! The average home gets three offers and sells in about 57 days. You can explore Chattanooga TN homes for sale on Redfin to get an idea of what’s within your budget.
Renters living in Chattanooga pay an average rent of $1,473, according to Redfin, well below the U.S. average of $1,764. Certain parts of town are more expensive than others. In Belleau Woods, the average rent is more than $2,000. Other desirable neighborhoods like Hill City and Avondale have average rent over $1,700.
Taxes in Tennessee
- Chattanooga sales tax rate: 9.25% (7.00% state sales tax + 2.25% Hamilton County sales tax)
- Tennessee income tax: No individual income taxes
- Chattanooga property taxes: $8.9746 per $100 assessed value
You can see current property tax rates by municipality or check out our in-depth guide to Hamilton County TN property taxes.
What Are the Best Neighborhoods in Chattanooga?
There are tons of great Chattanooga neighborhoods, each with something unique to offer. Here are some of the top choices for living in Chattanooga.
Downtown Chattanooga – Exciting Urban Living in Chattanooga for Young Professionals
Downtown Chattanooga blends urban convenience, historic charm, and walkability. Landmarks, arts venues, and restaurants are steps away. The downtown area is home to some of the city’s best attractions and many work opportunities.
Southside Chattanooga – Revitalized, Walkable Neighborhood With Galleries & Live Music
Southside is one of the most popular Chattanooga neighborhoods with a fantastic culture scene, live music venues, art galleries, shops, and diverse housing options. It’s anchored by the bustling Choo Choo Chattanooga landmark.
Lookout Mountain – Desirable Family-Friendly Community With an Upscale Vibe
You can raise your family in this beautiful Lookout Mountain neighborhood that’s set against breathtaking mountain views. Plus, this area is only minutes from Downtown Chattanooga, granting you easy access to restaurants and more. Lookout Mountain is known for its great schools, scenery, and safety. There are also tons of things to do in Lookout Mountain!
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Weather & Climate in Chattanooga
While living in Chattanooga, you’ll experience a humid subtropical climate (Köppen classification Cfa), with humid summers and all four seasons. Summers are warm and sticky, while fall brings crisp air and vibrant foliage. Winters are generally mild, though a few light snow days are expected. Springs bring blooms and comfortable temperatures. Overall, the Chattanooga climate is comfortable, especially if you don’t like the cold.
The average annual temperature in Chattanooga is 60.9°F. The warmest month, on average, is July with an average temperature of 80.0°F, while the coolest month is January, with an average temperature of 40.5°F.
While living in Chattanooga, you’ll get just 3.9″ of annual snowfall and 55″ of annual rainfall.
Things to Do in Chattanooga
There’s always something fun to do while living in Chattanooga, whether you love cultural attractions, museums, nightlife, or outdoor activities.
Top Chattanooga Attractions
- Chattanooga Riverboat Co. Southern Belle: What better way to see Chattanooga than exploring it on the water? The Southern Belle Cruises daily and offers various activities such as sightseeing, lunch with live narration, and sunset and dinner cruises nightly with music and dancing.
- Ruby Falls: Ruby Falls is a natural landmark that is home to the tallest and deepest underground waterfall in the United States that is open to the public. You can also descend 26 stories by elevator into the cavern hidden deep within Lookout Mountain.
- Tennessee Aquarium: One of the best things to do in Chattanooga with kids, the Tennessee Aquarium is one of the top-rated aquariums in America
- Lake Winnepesaukah Amusement Park and Soakya Water Park: Another great all-day activity to do with kids, this amusement park and water park combination is just outside Chattanooga, making for a great day trip
- Umbrella Alley: Two blocks of shops and restaurants in downtown Chattanooga along an alley lined with suspended, colorful umbrellas
- Lookout Mountain Incline Railway: Test your bravery on ‘America’s Most Amazing Mile,’ riding a trolley-style railcar as it climbs historic Lookout Mountain
- Chattanooga Zoo: “The Best Little Zoo in America” with over 500 animal exhibits and over 200 different species
Chattanooga Entertainment & Arts
- The Mountain Arts Community Center (MAAC): The spot for live music, theater, fine arts lessons, and community gatherings
- The Signal Mountain Playhouse: The playhouse is a not-for-profit volunteer organization that provides activities for the community’s youth in the summer.
- Tivoli Theater: The Tivoli Theatre is a historic theater that opened on March 19, 1921, and is still operating to this day. Also known as the “Jewel of the South”, you can catch a show and watch live music and shows.
- The Signal: If you’re looking to catch a concert, The Signal is the venue to be at. Rock out and have a great night, enjoying the music and maybe a drink in hand (only for the adults, of course).
Chattanooga Museums
- Hunter Museum of American Art: The Hunter Museum was built on a ninety-foot limestone bluff overlooking the Tennessee River and features American art of the Southeast
- Creative Discovery Museum: One of the nation’s top children’s museums with hands-on exhibits and activities
- Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum: Ride ‘Railroadings Golden Age’ aboard the Tennessee Valley Railroad’s restored vintage trains
- Chattanooga Selfie Museum: Over 25 curated rooms where you can have fun and take selfies
Chattanooga Parks & Outdoors
- Rock City Gardens: Quiet woodland paths and gardens in Rock City high atop Lookout Mountain with high falls, caverns, and rock formations to explore
- Ross’s Landing- Chattanooga Pier: Newly renovated park across from the Tennessee Aquarium featuring a river pier, marina, and natural amphitheater, and the Chattanooga Green
- Renaissance Park: A 23-acre urban wetlands park located on the north shore of the Tennessee River
Shopping in Chattanooga
- Hamilton Place: An enclosed, two-story shopping mall, and once the largest shopping mall in the state of Tennessee
- Warehouse Row: A former Civil War site transformed into a collection of high-end retail stores, restaurants, and offices
- Chattanooga Market: Named one of the “Top Ten Public Markets in America” by Frommers, with hundreds of vendors every Sunday from April to November
Map of Chattanooga Things to Do
Chattanooga Restaurants
If you’re looking for fantastic food, Chattanooga has got you covered. After all, it is in a southern state known for its great food. Here are some of the best places to eat while living in Chattanooga.
- Embargo 62: A great spot for some of Chattanooga’s most uncommon cuisine where you’ll enjoy luscious Cuban and Latin American classics such as empanadas, fried plantains, and classic Cuban sandwiches. There is also music and salsa dancing on certain nights to spice things up. Embargo 62, 301 Cherokee Blvd, Chattanooga, TN, 37405 (423) 551-4786
- Alleia: A great spot for date night, and great to do as a couple, Alleia is a cozy dining setting serving great Italian cuisine. Alleia uses local, seasonal ingredients and serves seven types of housemade pasta as well as brick-oven pizzas and an array of signature cocktails. Alleia, 23 E Main Street,Chattanooga, TN 37408 (423) 305-6990
- Totto Sushi and Grill: Located on the Northshore, this is the go-to sushi restaurant of Chatanooga. Totto Sushi and Grill offers fresh specialty sushi rolls and a wide range of Asian dishes like udon noodles, katsu, and sashimi. Be sure to ask about daily specials like half-priced sushi on Tuesdays and half priced-saki on the weekends. Totto Sushi and Grill, 330 Frazier Ave Suite 124,Chattanooga, TN, 37405 (423) 508-8898
Chattanooga Sports
While Chattanooga isn’t home to any professional sports, it hosts many sports and athletic events. For example, Chattanooga is home to the minor-league baseball team, Chattanooga Lookouts, which is hosted at AT&T Field. The Chattanooga Lookouts are a minor league baseball team and Double-A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins.
Sports fans living in Chattanooga can also see the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Mocs play at Finley Stadium.
If you’re not checking out a game at the major stadium, Chattanooga also has an array of other sporting facilities. The UTC Sports Complex, for example, is a 17-acre property featuring four turf fields for flag football, lacrosse, soccer, and Ultimate Frisbee, as well as a grass field suitable for Rugby and band practice. They also have these 3 volleyball sand courts and a 1/4 mile track.
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Jobs in Chattanooga
Chattanooga offers a healthy job market with growing opportunities in sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, tech, and tourism. Companies ranging from Fortune 500 employers to startups are establishing roots here, drawn by the city’s infrastructure, lower operating costs, and growing talent pool. If you’re moving to Chattanooga, you’ll find a growing, diverse economy that welcomes professionals in many fields.
According to Payscale, the average salary in Chattanooga is $67,000 or $20.92 per hour.
Ahead of living in Chattanooga, explore opportunities on Indeed or City of Chattanooga jobs.
Chattanooga Schools
Children living in Chattanooga are served by public schools in the Hamilton County Schools district, which serves over 44,500 students in 79+ K-12 schools. There are several notable schools in Chattanooga, including:
- Chatt High Center For Creative Arts (8th in the state)
- Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy
- Hamilton County Collegiate High at Chattanooga State
- Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences
- STEM School Chattanooga
Families living in Chattanooga can also choose from several highly rated private schools, like the Baylor School and the Chattanooga Christian School.
There are also many options for higher education while living in Chattanooga:
- The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC)
- Chattanooga State Community College
- Millet-Motte College
If you ever need to get some studying or homework done, check in to the Chattanooga Public Library, full of resources and some peace and quiet.
Chattanooga Utilities & DMV Change of Address
Get ready for living in Chattanooga, setting up utilities in your new home, and updating your driver’s license!
Utility providers:
- Electric Power Board (EPB): Electricity, internet, TV, and phone service provider
- City of Chattanooga: Trash and recycling
- Tennessee American Water: Water and sewer service
- Chattanooga Gas: Natural gas service
If you want to change your address to match one of your new Chattanooga homes, you can visit the e-Services portal and complete the required information fields on the Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security website. Select “Change Your Address” from the list of available services and follow the prompts.
If you’re a new Tennessee state resident, you must obtain a Tennessee driver’s license no later than thirty days after establishing residency. New residents will need to go to any of the department’s full-service driver service centers that are located throughout the state. They also must fill out the proper documents and meet testing requirements.
Planning Your Move to Chattanooga
Scheduling professional packing before the move can save time and ensure dishes, décor, clothing, and other household belongings are properly wrapped and organized before transportation.
Antiques, artwork, pianos, oversized furniture, and other valuable belongings may require additional equipment and handling. Experienced movers for specialty and high-value items can create a safer plan for protecting these pieces throughout loading, transportation, and placement in the new home.
Moving to Chattanooga? Get Started With a Free Moving Quote
Is living in Chattanooga in your future? Contact All Out Moving & Storage today for a free moving quote and top-notch customer support. Call our 5-star Chattanooga movers at (423) 716‑3025 to discuss your moving needs and how we can make your relocation smooth, reliable, and stress‑free.
