Have you always wanted to live in a peaceful, small town full of friendly neighbors and Southern hospitality? Then, moving to Sale Creek might be the perfect option.
Sale Creek, Tennessee, is an unincorporated community and census-designated place situated north of Chattanooga that’s known for its rich history and outdoor recreation. The name Sale Creek comes from the creek of the same name that runs through the community. The creek was named after a 1779 auction held by Colonel Evan Shelby of captured British goods from his militia’s battle with the Chickamauga Native American tribe. It became known as Sale Creek because there was a literal sale on the creek.
In the modern day, Sale Creek is a good place to live for families and retirees seeking a laid back pace of life and affordable homes. For those thinking about settling down in this quiet community, here is everything you need to know about living in Sale Creek TN.
Where Is Sale Creek, Tennessee?
Sale Creek, TN, is in northern Hamilton County within the Chattanooga, TN, GA metropolitan statistical area. Its location along US Route 27 offers easy access to Chattanooga and Dayton, Tennessee. Nature lovers living in Sale Creek TN will be pleased because it’s surrounded by woodlands and nature areas and borders Chickamauga Lake. Nearby communities include Graysville, Birchwood, Flat Top Mountain, Hendon, and Soddy-Daisy.
It’s about 28 miles or a 28-minute drive from Sale Creek, TN to Chattanooga TN. So commuters who are moving to Sale Creek will have an easy drive.
Sale Creek Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 census, the Sale Creek Tennessee population is 3,021. More and more people are moving to Sale Creek. The number of people living in Sale Creek TN, has gradually increased over the last few years and went up by 6.19% between 2010 and 2020. It still maintains a very spacious, rural character with a population density of only 92 residents per square mile.
It tends to be an older, family-oriented community with many retirees and children living in Sale Creek TN. About 24% of residents are over 65, while 21% are under 18. The median age is 48.6 years old, which is 25% higher than the rest of Tennessee.
It isnβt the most diverse community, and the racial and ethnic breakdown of people living in Sale Creek is 91% white, non-Hispanic, 5% Hispanic or Latino, and 3% two or more races.
Other Sale Creek, TN Demographics
- 52% of residents living in Sale Creek TN are women, and 48% are men
- The median household income is $60,109, which is about 10% lower than the rest of Tennessee
- 84.2% of residents living in Sale Creek TN have a high school diploma, while 15.3% have a bachelor’s degree
- The foreign-born Sale Creek TN population is 2.2%
Living in Sale Creek TN is quite safe. The total crime rate is 1,145 crimes per 100,000 people, which is 51% lower than the national average and 61% lower than the Tennessee crime rate. The violent crime rate is also 34% lower, while the property crime rate is 54% lower.
The Hamilton County Police Department handles crime and law enforcement services on behalf of residents living in Sale Creek TN. It has about 183 deputies and 90 civilian staff members.
Cost of Living in Sale Creek TN
Living in Sale Creek TN is very affordable compared to the national average. The cost of living index is a good way to assess an area’s affordability. It compares the general cost of goods in one place to the rest of the country, which is represented by 100.
The COLI of the Chattanooga area is 90.7, indicating it’s about 9.3% less expensive than the rest of the United States. Another good resource is the Family Budget Calculator from the Economic Policy Institute. It reveals that the typical family of four with two adults and two kids needs an income of $96,369 per year to afford the cost of living in Sale Creek TN.
Typical Expenses of Living in Sale Creek TN
- A gallon of milk: $4.53
- Carton of eggs: $3.36
- Hamburger: $5.36
- Bananas: $0.70
- A gallon of gasoline: $2.99
- Visit to the doctor: $125.71
- Average Sale Creek monthly energy bill: $178.86
Source: Payscale
Sale Creek, TN, real estate, in particular, is very affordable. According to Redfin, the median price of homes for sale in Sale Creek, TN is $280,000. That makes Sale Creek real estate 40% less expensive than the rest of the United States. The median price per square foot of houses for sale in Sale Creek, TN, is $245.
The majority of residents living in Sale Creek TN are homeowners, and 87% of properties are owner-occupied, while 13% are rented out. Although, you can find a few rental buildings here and there. The Hill Place Apartments in Sale Creek is one notable development that features 1-3 bedroom homes starting around $912 per month. In general, rent prices for real estate in Sale Creek, TN, start around $900 per month for a 1 bedroom and go up to $1800 for three or more bedrooms.
Sale Creek Neighborhoods
As a small, unincorporated community with a rural character, Sale Creek does not have many distinct neighborhoods. One notable community is the Bakewell-Sale Creek neighborhood, known for its ranch-style homes and colonials on the banks of Chickamauga Lake.Β
No matter where you settle down, you’ll find spacious homes and land for sale in Sale Creek, TN. Although, according to local living in Sale Creek TN, the most desirable neighborhoods tend to be in the north, the most affordable ones are in the southeast. So check out these areas to find your dream home before moving to Sale Creek.
Sale Creek TN Weather & Climate
Living in Sale Creek TN means youβll enjoy mild weather. Sale Creek has a humid subtropical climate, which means hot, humid summers and mild winters. Temperatures usually stay between 32Β°F and 88Β°F, although winters can drop down to 18Β°F, while summers can get up to 94Β°F.Β
The best Sale Creek TN weather is usually either May through June or August to October. Anyone who plans on moving to Sale Creek should expect precipitation, as it averages 54 inches of rain and 3 inches of snow per year. So don’t forget those rain boots!
Things to Do In Sale Creek
Although primarily a rural, residential area, you’ll still find plenty of fun things to do in Sale Creek, TN, if you like the outdoors. You’ll find a few local stores and shopping centers along Route 27, including Small Town Antique Mall, Richland Park Shopping Center, and Sequoyah Crossing Shopping Center. Other than shopping, here are a few other destinations where residents living in Sale Creek TN are known to hang out.
Sale Creek Recreation Area
The Sale Creek campground and recreation center is a large public park on Chickamauga Lake that features a boat ramp, fishing area, hiking trails, seasonal bathhouse, and RV sites. Itβs a great area for nature lovers living in Sale Creek TN.
15401 May Rd, Sale Creek, TN 37373 (423) 332-8698
Scenic City Fishing Charters
Scenic City Fishing Charters is the perfect place to go if you like to cast a line on a warm summer day. Expeditions go after largemouth and smallmouth bass, catfish, crappie, and walleye.
1037 Pickett Rd, Sale Creek, TN 37373 (423) 509-4655
Rhea County Courthouse Historic Landmark
The Rhea County Courthouse is a Romanesque Revival, Italian villa-style courthouse in Dayton. It is famous for being the site of the Scopes trial, in which a local teacher was charged with including Charles Darwin’s Theory of Evolution in the curriculum. The courthouse now features a museum dedicated to the trial, perfect for history buffs living in Sale Creek TN.
1475 Market St, Dayton, TN 37321 (423) 775-7818
Additional Sale Creek Attractions
If you want more fun things to do in Sale Creek, TN, the Hamilton County Parks and Recreation Department has additional resources, including a calendar of events.
Sale Creek Restaurants
Although not known as a culinary destination, Sale Creek still has plenty of great places to eat that offer good vibes and delicious food. Here are some of the top Sale Creek, Tennessee, restaurants.
MJ’s Sports Bar and Grill
MJ’s Sports Bar and Grill is a local watering hole and one of the only true Sale Creek TN restaurants. It offers a range of dining options and activities, including karaoke, seasonal food trucks, live bands, sports, trivia, and more.
14504 Dayton Pike, Sale Creek, TN 37373 (423) 451-7035
Steve’s Landing Waterfront Grill
Located in the nearby town of Soddy-Daisy, Steve’s Landing Waterfront Grill is a popular eatery among those living in Sale Creek TN that serves award-winning ribs and catfish in a homey atmosphere with lake views.
1145 Poling Cir, Soddy-Daisy, TN 37379 (423) 332-4098
Screen Door Kitchen
Screen Door Kitchen is a down-to-earth spot in Dayton, housed in a former schoolhouse. It serves Southern favorites such as shrimp and grits, meatloaf, and peanut butter.
449 Delaware Ave, Dayton, TN 37321 (423) 428-9493
Jobs in Sale Creek
As a small, primarily rural community popular among retirees, Sale Creek itself offers few career opportunities, although its proximity to Chattanooga offers easy access to employment for job seekers living in Sale Creek TN.
The primary industries in the area are retail trade, health care, social assistance, and construction. Most people living in Sale Creek TN are employed in management occupations, construction and extraction, or office and administrative support roles. The post office in Sale Creek TN also offers stable employment.
Major employers in the Chattanooga area offering jobs in Sale Creek, TN include:
- Erlanger Health System
- Hamilton County Schools
- Volkswagen Group
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee
- Tennessee Valley Authority
According to Payscale, the average salary in the Chattanooga area is $66,000 per year, which includes employees living in Sale Creek TN. Popular Sale Creek TN jobs hiring now include sales representatives and special agents.
Sale Creek Schools
Children living in Sale Creek TN will have the chance to attend great schools. Sale Creek is in the Hamilton County School District. Students in grades pre-K through 5 will attend North Hamilton Elementary School, an award-winning community school that ranks #178 in the state of Tennessee.
Next door is Sale Creek Middle High School, which serves students in grades 6-12. It’s also well respected and ranks #128 out of all high schools in Tennessee with a 94% graduation rate and 15:1 student to teacher ratio.
Bryan College, a private Christian college in Dayton, is also accessible to students living in Sale Creek, TN. The Graysville Public Library and Soddy-Daisy Community Library are also options if you’re looking to borrow books.
Sale Creek Statistics & Information
- Sale Creek County: Hamilton County
- Sale Creek area: 32.72 square miles
- Sale Creek TN zip code: 37373
- Sale Creek area code: 423
- Sale Creek elevation: 725 ft
- Sale Creek time zone: Eastern Time Zone (UTC – 4 and -5)
- The closest airport to Sale Creek: The Chattanooga Airport (CHA) is 28 miles away
Sale Creek, TN Map
Find more attractions, activities, and fun things to do in the Sale Creek zip code with this map.
Learn What Living in Sale Creek Is Really Like
Ready to experience what living in Sale Creek is really like? Let the dependable Sale Creek movers at All Out Moving make your upcoming relocation easy and efficient. Call (423) 716-3025 today for a free quote.
