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| What Chattanooga is like for active adults |
Chattanooga is a low-cost, interesting retirement city of about 170,000 people in southern Tennessee.This was the site of the famous critical civil war Battle of Chattanooga due to its strategic location on the Tennessee River. Called the "Scenic City", it is home to the University of Tennessee - Chattanooga. The city has had its ups and downs economically. Its industrial focus combined with its many ridges also resulted in some very dirty air up until the 1980's. The city's 21st Century Waterfront Plan is a $120 million redevelopment to transform the Chattanooga waterfront and downtown area. The Riverwalk is a 13 mile trail along the river.
Baby boomers in retirement are coming to Tennessee and Chattanooga because of its milder climate and much lower costs - a couple can retire here for a fraction of what it might cost in the northeast or along one of the coasts. Many people cite how friendly the locals are, while some others say people from the northeast feel unwelcome. Photo of Hunter Museum of American Art courtesy of Wikipedia.
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| Where to Live & Real Estate Values |
Four of Chattanooga's neighborhoods have been designated by the National Register of Historic Places: Fort Wood, Ferger Place, Glenwood and St. Elmo. There are many pleasant suburbs including Lookout Mountain. There are a number of active adult and 55+ communities in the area (see link at top right).
The median selling price of a home in Chattanooga in mid 2012 was $128,700, well below the national average (NAR). Many active adult communities are being built in the area with a wide range of prices. |
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| What is special about this retirement community |
- Low cost of living and no state income tax
- Hunter Museum of Art
- Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum
- Many historic buildings and neighborhoods
- Solid and growing economic base
- Chattanooga Aquarium (see picture at top of page)
- Historic battlefields
- Many outdoor recreational activities
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| What is not special about this retirement community |
Chattanooga crime rate may be high in certain parts and public transportation may be a problem for those who do not drive. |
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| What kinds of people like retiring here |
Professionals with college or post-graduate degrees tend to retire to Chattanooga. |
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| Local economy is driven by |
A number of big companies, 3 major medical centers, numerous other health care facilities, construction and several colleges and universities in and around Chattanooga |
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| Climate and Physical Environment |
| Located on the southern border of Tennessee in the eastern portion. It is on the Tennessee River in the Appalachian Mountains. A number of ridges make this a very hilly terrain. There are lakes and dams in the area. Chattanooga gets occasional snow in winter. January temps tend to be from 30-50. |
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| Restaurants & Cultural Scene |
| In addition to the annual Riverbend Festival, which attracts tens of thousands each June for its music, Chattanooga has the Tivoli Theatre which is home to the symphony and opera. The Chattanooga Theatre Centre has many programs as well. There is an active library and an annual writer's festival. UT - Chattanooga with its 10,000 students also has many cultural programs. |
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| Crime |
| The crime rate is about twice the national average. |
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| Medical facilities |
| Chattanooga is home to several hospitals including Erlanger, ParkRidge, and Memorial. |
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| Transportation |
| Chattanooga airport has several carriers with service to many other cities. Several interstates go through or near Chattanooga. There is a mass transit system (bus) |
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What people are saying about Chattanooga | | Chattanooga |
| You didn't say where you are from and that can have an impact on moving to Tennessee. We're not yet retired but are close. Husband was forced to take a new job 2 years ago and we ended up here from New England. We've been a bit disappointed. The first thing people told us was "education is NOT a priority here!" That kind of set the tone. Its also very hot and very humid all summer. My husband likes to bicycle but has to put his bike in the car and drive to Georgia if he wants a good ride. Four cyclists have been killed already in 2009.
That said, we would have loved to live in North Chattanooga but the tiny craftsmen style homes are outrageously priced. They may be more affordable now that the economy has faltered but we ended up in Hixson, closer to work. Downtown is alright but the college campus can be a bit rowdy. There are a LOT of artists here but we just haven't gotten into that circle.
Several folks we know from northern states are getting ready
to go back as soon as they can sell their houses. I know we will, first chance we get. |
| Posted by Flatearth6 on August 23, 2009 | | Friendly - but where to live |
| In looking around at the various message boards i see a number of people who are very pleased to have moved to Chattanooga. They like the friendly people and feel comfortable here (although there are always a few exceptions!). My question is, what are the best neighborhoods and developments. I would prefer a traditional neighborhood that is walkable or bikable downtown- does such a place exist?
thanks |
| Posted by lindabird on April 08, 2009 |
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Facts about CHATTANOOGA
- State: TN
- Environment: Suburban,College Town,Small-mid Sized City,
- City Population: 100,001+
- Median age of Population: 25-44
- Avg Jan Temperature: 21-40
- Avg July Temperature: 60-80
- Median HH Income: 20,001-40,000
- Average Home Price (MLS): $100,000-$200,000
- Annual Property Tax on a $200,000 house: Less than 2000
- Total Crime Index: 121+ (very high)
- Cost of Living Index: 81-90 (low)
- Culture Index: 111-120 (high)
- State Sales Tax: Yes
- State Income Tax: No
- Name of the Guide: boomer
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Can you add to or correct these Facts? Or do you have a photo of this community we could use? If so, please click on Edit these facts |
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Vote on the Ratings for Chattanooga |
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Update Your Ratings |
1. Overall Retirement Ratings
1. Rating: 2.7/5 ( 7 votes cast)
2. Expense:
Inexpensive to Luxury
2. Rating: 2.5/5 ( 6 votes cast)
3. Taxes:
Inexpensive to Expensive
3. Rating: 2.0/5 ( 8 votes cast)
4. Culture:
None to Cosmopolitan
4. Rating: 3.6/5 ( 5 votes cast)
5.Recreation:
None to Summer camp
5. Rating: 4.0/5 ( 3 votes cast)
6. Transportation:
Boondocks to World Hub
6. Rating: 2.5/5 ( 4 votes cast)
7. Security:
Dangerous to Ft. Knox
7. Rating: 2.1/5 ( 11 votes cast)
8. Medical Facilities:
None to Excellent
8. Rating: 3.3/5 ( 6 votes cast)
9. Political Situation:
Conservative to Liberal
9. Rating: 2.7/5 ( 6 votes cast)
10. Environmental:
Oblivious to Ultra-Green
10. Rating: 3.7/5 ( 3 votes cast)
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