Why I Might Retire in Chattanooga, Tennessee

Any potential retirement destination has advantages and disadvantages. But Chattanooga, TN has a lot going for it. What areas of the world are you considering for retirement?
Did you know that in 2015, Outside magazine rated Chattanooga, TN as the best town ever? Chattanooga is the only city to have won this distinction twice.
Why are prospective retirees looking at Chattanooga? Its cost of living is quite low, especially in suburbs like Fort Oglethorpe, Rossville, and Ringgold, Georgia. (But for those who want a more luxurious lifestyle, there are great condominiums available downtown, and Lookout Mountain, Tennessee is a pricier suburb worth investigating.)
Chattanooga, Tennessee is a city of nearly 200,000 people located toward the southern end of the Appalachian region of the United States. It is located just 118 miles, or, 190 kilometers, or a 1 hour and 45 minute drive, from downtown Atlanta, Georgia. The Atlanta metro area has a population of almost 6 million, so Atlanta is the closest large city to Chattanooga.
Chattanooga is also a 2 hour drive from Nashville, TN, which has a metro area population of over 2 million. Smaller cities close to Chattanooga include Knoxville, Tennessee, which is a 1 hour and 40 minute drive away, and Huntsville and Birmingham, Alabama, which are a 1 or 2 which drive away, respectively.
Additional large cities within about a 5-hour drive of Chattanooga include Charlotte, NC and Memphis, TN. Chattanooga is a medium-sized city, but its proximity to many larger cities should be reassuring to any retiree who may have complex medical needs or who enjoys shopping for the best air fares to far-away destinations.
Chattanooga's hot summers are not ideal, but domestic and international travel in the summer should be relatively easy when a retiree's homebase permits a low cost of living. Such travel also makes it possible to experience even more cultural experiences than the Chattanooga area can offer.
There are several Chattanooga trends I will be monitoring. Residents of Chattanooga frequently express concern about Chattanooga's population boom. This population boom is fueling rising housing costs and traffic congestion. In addition, Chattanooga's crime statistics seem to be trending in the right direction, although there is still room for improvement. Assuming some progress can be made on these challenges, Chattanooga may be a promising retirement destination.
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#ChattanoogaTN #Chattanooga #Tennessee

[@multicollinearityfi]

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[@ythompy]

I'm a student at UTC right now. I've lived here all my life and while we're far from perfect I genuinely love my city (and we just keep getting better!!)

[@multicollinearityfi]

That's great to hear! Is it the outdoor activities in your area that you love?

[@cpaigestuart]

I went to UTC in the 80’s and moved back here from Kentucky when I retired in 2018. Best decision I’ve ever made!

[@multicollinearityfi]

Ah ha! So I'm not the only one thinking of retiring in or near Chattanooga.

[@zoomba31]

been here 20 years, love it here and plan to live out my life here.

[@multicollinearityfi]

Great to hear. Some people complain about the traffic. What do you think?

[@zoomba31]

@@multicollinearityfi isn’t any worse than any city this size.

[@multicollinearityfi]

Sorry for the mispronunciation, folks. I'm now working on a video about Ft. Oglethorpe/Rossville, and have corrected the pronunciation to CHA-DA-NOO-GA (not CHATTIN' OOGA).

[@candysmith8724]

We are considering Knoxville area - Maryville looks nice. I'm tired of Houston traffic and hot weather.

[@multicollinearityfi]

I hear you! Extreme heat and traffic don't appeal to me either. I like Knoxville too, although it's a little more remote than Chattanooga. If you need something in a big city (e.g., specialist appointment, big airport), Atlanta is only 2 hours from Chattanooga.

[@RobDTom]

@Candy Smith check out Hoag KZbin channel. He VLOGS from Maryville, TN.

[@waldrophomestead]

I live in Stevenson, Al about , 35 miles from there. Chattanooga has changed alot since the 80's and I believe for the good. The south side is a up and becoming little community for artists and for retirement communities....there is alot to do not only in Chattanooga but within 1 or 2 hour drive from there. And do not not forget about Alabama, lots of state parks and trails

[@multicollinearityfi]

I'm really glad you mentioned Stevenson, AL. I haven't looked much at the nearby towns in Alabama yet. What do you like about Stevenson?

[@SomeplaceOrAnother]

I think Chattanooga would be a great place to retire too 👍

[@multicollinearityfi]

It sure seems great as a medium-sized city. Every place has their pros and cons, though.

[@AgendaInMind]

We are leaning more towards Johnson City because tornadoes rarely reach that far! And because it’s just our size and very mountainous, and gorgeous!

[@multicollinearityfi]

Cool! How is the cost of living in Johnson City?

[@FaceInstitute]

Add to all that the low state income taxes and no sales tax right across the border into Georgia.

[@multicollinearityfi]

Great points. Thanks for reminding us.

[@KristinaUSA-x5n]

I am from Las Cruces New Mexico because my dad taught at New Mexico State University for 30 years, but he is from Springfield, Missouri. It is probably somewhat similar to Chattanooga, Tennessee.

[@warriormanmaxx8991]

... re: "Springfield Missouri ... is probably somewhat similar to Chattanooga Tennessee." 1. Do you know, For Sure, or not? 2. Why bother commenting if not sure? 3. What does Springfield Missouri have to do with this Chattanooga TN video?

[@KristinaUSA-x5n]

@@warriormanmaxx8991 Springfield Missouri is close to Branson, Missouri.

[@multicollinearityfi]

Wow! You just mentioned three places I've made (or am making) videos about! The Springfield video should be posted in about a month or so. Do you have any recommendations for other videos I should make?

[@multicollinearityfi]

There are indeed some similarities between Chattanooga and Springfield, MO: Humid climate, medium-sized, some neighborhoods safer than others, modest cost of living (although Springfield is notably cheaper), quite a bit of outdoor recreation, etc.

[@hobostovepipewife3419]

Nice place. But I looking for just a little farther south. Maybe on down to the coast. Any good advice is appreciated. Need warmer environment. Love sandy beaches.

[@warriormanmaxx8991]

@Hobo StovePipe - re: What sort of advice are you seeking "a little farther south?" No matter what destination you choose, further research on your part is required. "On down to the coast," means Florida, warmer environment, sandy beaches. Problem solved. Get moving!

[@multicollinearityfi]

Yup, there are pros and cons everywhere you go. For some, Florida is too hot and too prone to hurricane destruction, especially as the climate warms. But I've always enjoyed my visits to Florida, so I understand the appeal.

[@gerardowmby7156]

@@warriormanmaxx8991 Pensacola and Panama City have beautiful, hilly, white sand beaches.

[@cynthiacutting24]

Did you by chance check out any snowbird communities?

[@multicollinearityfi]

Yes! I've also made several videos about towns/cities I'm considering in New Mexico (e.g., Alamogordo, Las Cruces). What other videos would you recommend I make?

[@pauld9653]

Property taxes are very low, and combined with no state inc tax, best tax state is Tenn. Traffic is Huge problem and road expansion limited by rivers and hills... Knoxville is a better choice , imho

[@multicollinearityfi]

Yeah, I've noticed traffic is a problem when I visit. Best to avoid the interstates during rush hour. What area of Chattanooga do you think is best to avoid traffic?

[@multicollinearityfi]

Wow! This video became more popular than I expected. I'm considering making videos about Rossville, Georgia and (because not all of the places I'm considering are in the east) Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. What other inexpensive, potential retirement destinations do you think warrant a video?

[@RobDTom]

From my research, it seems New Mexico is not a great place to retire. Alabama seems to be underrated with very low cost of living (lower than Tennessee...which has become too popular, resulting in big increases in property values). I'd like to see a video on Northern Alabama.

[@multicollinearityfi]

@@RobDTom Great suggestion! Are you thinking of the area on Huntsville?

[@RobDTom]

@@multicollinearityfi Yes!

[@tedburnell5356]

Pronounce the A, it's Chatt-A-nooga, not Chattinooga. I had to learn that when I moved here and your mispronouncing it is like nails on a chalk board. I've been here 16 years, and love it but am moving. The city is getting rather crowded, the streets are falling apart.

[@warriormanmaxx8991]

re: "Chatt-A-nooga" = We will pronounce Chattanooga in whatever way we want. Good-bye with well A-Wishes !!

[@PepperDarlington]

There's no A. Chattnooga.

[@multicollinearityfi]

Thanks for the pronunciation tip. Since I've only visited briefly, I haven't heard many Tennesseans pronounce it.

[@gerardowmby7156]

@@warriormanmaxx8991 Everyone has the right to sound ignorant if they want.

[@dandiego7298]

@@gerardowmby7156And you’ve just proved that. 😂

[@ramonajordan3875]

Come on down!

[@multicollinearityfi]

Thanks! What parts of Chattanooga do you most recommend?

[@ramonajordan3875]

@@multicollinearityfi, Downtown and Southside are full of wonderful local restaurants. That is where you will find museums and the aquarium, too. Having said that, Lookout Mountain has some phenomenal hiking, hang gliding, and touristy kinds of attractions.

[@multicollinearityfi]

@@ramonajordan3875 Great recommendations. Thank you!

[@deanc2000]

Try to De-ess your vocal in the future. It's a bit annoying to people with sensitive ears. Good video though. I'm leaning towards semi-retiring here. If I wanted to fully retire though. I would very much consider this place. The proximity to Atlanta airport is huge for me. I like to travel a lot.

[@multicollinearityfi]

Great tip. I used a lower-quality mic back then and it really amped some high-frequency sounds.Thanks!

[@gerardowmby7156]

If you are going to move there, you need to learn how to pronounce it. It's Chatta, not Chatin'.

[@multicollinearityfi]

Very helpful. Thank you! So CHA-TA-NEW-GA. Not CHAT-IN-OOH-GA. Correct?

[@gerardowmby7156]

@@multicollinearityfi Connect!

[@gerardowmby7156]

And willcome to my home down! The greatest town on Earth.

[@carljung9230]

anyone actually thinking of moving to chattanooga ought to do themselves a favor, and look up the demographics and crime stats. not for the faint of heart.

[@multicollinearityfi]

Yes, I noticed some areas have high crime. Then others don't. Many of us come from similar metro areas. Which areas would of the Chattanooga metro area would you recommend due to having lower crime?

[@PepperDarlington]

Look at "Judgemental Map of Chattanooga". Most parts of town are pretty rough, chief.

[@multicollinearityfi]

That's a helpful tip. I noticed there is a lot of variability downtown. So which parts do you think would be best for retirees who want to avoid high crime?

[@michaelbetts4007]

I live in Chattanooga and feel completely safe in the city.

[@michaelbetts4007]

Also just for reference I have travelled extensively including living in Tulsa Oklahoma and London England as well as visiting many large cities.

[@PepperDarlington]

@@michaelbetts4007 I have many leather bound books and my apartment smells like rich mahogany.

[@PepperDarlington]

@@multicollinearityfi Naywhere but Chattanooga

[@fedup6969]

I suggest everyone follow this Facebook page so that you can really see all the shadiness going on in Tennessee. facebook.com/crookedtennessee/

[@multicollinearityfi]

Thanks for letting us know. What are some examples of the Tennesseean shadiness that has fed you up?

[@RealBigBadJohn]

To retire here, you have to learn to pronounce Chattanooga correctly. ✔

[@multicollinearityfi]

Cha-da-NOO-gah with a hard d, correct?

[@RealBigBadJohn]

@@multicollinearityfi -- Yes, or with a hard T. Many people swallow the middle "a" making it 3 syllables instead of 4.

[@multicollinearityfi]

@@RealBigBadJohn Yes, thank you. I only recently learned the correct pronunciation.

[@RealBigBadJohn]

@@multicollinearityfi -- Ten-4.