Chattanooga, Tennessee

What It Is Like to Retire in Chattanooga

Chattanooga is a low-cost, interesting retirement city of about 182,000 (2020) 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 at 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. Photos per license of istockphoto and Shutterstock.   Here is the Topretirements Mini-Guide to Retirement in Tennessee

Where to Retire in Chattanooga and Home Prices

Zillow reports the median home value was $308, 937 in mid-2024.

What Is Special about Chattanooga

• 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

What Is Not Special about Chattanooga

Chattanooga crime rate may be high in certain parts and public transportation may be a problem for those who do not drive.

Who Will Like Retirement in Chattanooga

Professionals with college or post-graduate degrees tend to retire to Chattanooga.

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

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.

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.

Crime

The crime rate is about twice the national average.

Medical facilities

Chattanooga is home to several hospitals including Erlanger, ParkRidge, and Memorial.

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). Chattanooga is below average in walkability when compared to other communities.

Valuable Links

Chattanooga Chamber of CommerceRetirement communities in TenneseeRetire in Tennessee Chattanooga's 21st Centrury Waterfront Plan