A Local Expert’s Guide To the Top Budget-Friendly Neighborhoods to Rent in Chattanooga, TN
Hi, I'm Catrina, your ApartmentHomeLiving.com Local Expert for Chattanooga. Today, I'd love to talk to you about a gem of a city: Chattanooga, Tennessee. While many people think of Nashville when they think about moving to Tennessee, the reality is that Chattanooga is a fantastic place to live. It has easy access in and out of the city, and its southern charms can't be beaten. And this city lies along the Tennessee River, which makes it a fantastic city for those who love to be close to shops and events while still getting to be near lots of green space.
This affordable city is one that I think you're going to love. So, whether you stay for only a few months or you want to live here permanently, here are some of the neighborhoods to find great cheap Chattanooga apartments to consider.
East Chattanooga
East Chattanooga is an urban neighborhood that you can access via U.S. Route 27 and Interstate 24. One thing that's great about the neighborhood is that it is very close to downtown and other areas of the city, so you can quickly commute to a job in pretty much any area. Historically, East Chattanooga has been home to a diverse population of students and working-class adults, so you'll see a number of types of homes, such as single-family homes and apartments. As a mixed-use area, you're also going to come across both commercial businesses and industrial sites, too. One of the fun things to do in this area is to head to Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum. You can also go to Tennesee Riverpark to enjoy the outdoors.
Tyner - Greenwood
Tyner-Greenwood is a laid-back, tight-knit neighborhood. It's well-connected by Highway 58 and Highway 153, making it another good place to live if you have to commute to work. It has a direct line to Hamilton Place Mall, so if you enjoy shopping or work there, Tyner-Greenwood can be a great place to live. This part of Chattanooga is around 14 miles from downtown, which is nice if (like me) you enjoy a more suburban environment. You can rent apartments here or get single-family homes, too. Keep in mind that you will need a car to get around; it's highly car-dependent.
Downtown Chattanooga
Downtown Chattanooga intersects with Interstates 24, 75, and 59, so it's easy to get in and out of the downtown area no matter which direction you're coming from. Like many cities, this one has mixed-use environments. What I do like is that its urban environment has a good blend of apartments, businesses, and single-family homes against the beauty of the Tennessee River; it's not just a concrete playground. Keep an eye out for historic homes coming up for rent, too. Some of the places you might enjoy in the downtown area include Coolidge Park and the Chattanooga Riverwalk. I like the Chattanooga Riverwalk, myself, because it is scenic but is also handles a number of activities like bike riding and hiking. Along the Riverwalk, you can stop at Rembrandts Coffee House, which is within the Bluff View Art District.
North Chattanooga
North Chattanooga is an attractive neighborhood with easy access to U.S. Route 27. If you live here, you will find a mix of people. You'll have long-term and senior residents, young professionals, and families all in one community. The area is hilly, like many parts of Tennessee, so be aware of that if you do or don't like to drive in mountainous areas. North Chattanooga is bordered by the Tennessee River. So, you can enjoy the scenic views while also being close to everything you need in day-to-day life.
If you are a nature lover, you may appreciate heading over to Coolidge Park. I like its carousel; it hails back to a simpler time (the Coolidge Park Antique Carousel was assembled in 1894) but gives the air a kind of electric vibe.
Riverfront
I love driving through Riverfront because, as the name suggests, it is bordered right on the Tennessee River. The Riverfront neighborhood is easily accessible via major city roads and Interstate 24, too, so you can get in and out easily while still having a beautiful, scenic environment to enjoy. Tennessee Riverpark and Ross’s Landing Riverfront Park are two major attractions in the area (and yes, you will see tourists regularly in this section of Chattanooga). Seniors often call Riverfront home. Senior living options include upscale condos and apartments for those seeking an active lifestyle near major attractions. Homes here range from high-end luxury apartments to single-family homes.
Lake Vista
Lake Vista is primarily a residential neighborhood. It is near Route 58 and Interstate 75. It's also close to routes 153 and 317. As a primarily residential area, you won't find many businesses in this neighborhood. You'll have the standard fast-food establishments, a bank, and a grocer (United Grocery Outlet is nearby). However, you should expect to primarily be surrounded by single-family homes. The main street through this area is Jersey Pike, which connects to Route 58.
Lake Harbor Estates
Lake Harbor Estates is a lakefront residential community that is on a small peninsula in Harrison, TN, just on the outskirts of Chattanooga. Across the river, you'll be near the Big Ridge Yacht Club, too, which is fantastic if you love to be out on the water. Harrison Bay State Park and Harrison Bay are near to this area as well. Be aware that this area has a higher number of seniors and retirees who enjoy waterfront activities. You'll find well-maintained properties here, particularly single-family homes.
Lake Hills
Lake Hills, located near Highway 58 and Interstate 75, is a suburban neighborhood that is near Bal Harbor and routes 58 and 153. This area is also relatively close to Martin Marietta Chattanooga Quarry, and you have a local grocer, Food City, on the northwest side. In my opinion, one of the nicer parts of the community is Lake Hills Park, which is a bit of a local gem. You'll find a lot of people walking their dogs there; the park has a nice walking trail.
Tiftonia
Tiftonia, situated near Interstate 24, is close to the Southside Historic District and the Tennessee Aquarium. The Tennessee River runs alongside it. You can easily reach by getting on I-24 and taking it into the center of the city. If you like a mountain view, you'll love seeing Lookout Mountain nearby. And, if you're an outdoors lover, you're going to want to try a hike at Ruby Falls. This is a mixed residential area, so you're going to find apartments, single-family homes, retirement communities, and more in the area.
Westside Chattanooga
Westside Chattanooga is an urban neighborhood, which is great for people who love to be in the middle of the action. It is bordered by both U.S. Route 27 and Interstate 24. Historically, it has been a lower-income neighborhood, but over the last several years, efforts have built the region up. You will see mixed-use buildings that are both apartments and commercial buildings, for example, but you'll also see some senior living facilities, single-family homes, and duplexes. Nearby parks such as Renaissance Park and Coolidge Park, give you a chance to get grounded without necessarily heading to the river. I love how close Westside is to downtown, and if you want to live in a historic district, Southside Historic District is a part of this community.
