Seeking advice: Chattanooga, TN

[Ellie Ryan]

Hi all! My boyfriend and I are thinking about moving to Chattanooga to follow a job opportunity. I was wondering if anyone could shed some light into some good areas to live/where to avoid? 

My criteria would be a single family with a back yard (we have an almost 80lb golden..he's only 9 month old believe it or not). His work will be right downtown in city center so would like to be within a reasonable distance, no more than a 25 min commute. Would like to be close by walking paths/nature if possible. Ideally I would like the property to be in good standing condition and am OK if it's in need of cosmetic updates. I am an interior designer and would LOVE to do the renovation.

It has been a dream of mine to flip a home, however I keep hearing about a backlog in available contractors with their ever extensive demand. Does anyone have any insight into contractor availability (or lack there of) in Chattanooga's current climate?

If anyone has any insight and/or further questions for me, I would so much appreciate it! Thanks in advance.

[Adrienne Green]

Hi @Ellie Ryan! If you're in the Chattanooga area, you will be within a 25 minute drive of downtown.  Unless there's an accident on the interstate, you can get nearly anywhere in 25 minutes or less.

Similarly, there are an abundance of great areas to walk throughout the city- hikes on Lookout Mountain and Signal Mountain, Stringers Ridge Park, and the River Walk, just to name a few.  

Chattanooga is a real estate market that is so good, people are investing here from all across the country (and world, really, I have out of country investors!).  Renting in this market would be a poor choice.  With 13% appreciation in 2020, and rent rates that vastly exceed a mortgage payment, if you can afford to buy, you should.  You will pay less every month than you would in rent, and you will have an appreciating asset.

I hope this helps!