Need helping getting info on different cities in TN please! (Chattanooga: real estate, high crime)

[pcsn0122]

Hi. My family and I are considering moving down south from Buffalo, NY. Tennessee (possibly Chattanooga in particular) is one of the states we are considering because we hear the cost of living is low. Can someone point me in the right direction on getting info on the different cities so we can make the best informed decision possible and find the place that suits us?

[Rick26]

pcsn0122,
Yes, I can understand your desire to move from Buffalo. I've been there many times (actually, to Niagara Falls) for business...both in winter and "summer"...and, if I were a resident, I'd be "looking", too.

Tennessee (and, Chattanooga, in particular) is a great choice for relocation. Obviously, the weather (typically) is going to be a lot less harsh. We have four real seasons and snowfall in Chattanooga is measured in inches (if we get any at all); unlike Buffalo where it's measured in FEET!

Another factor is the cost-of-living. Almost anywhere in Tennessee is going to be cheaper than Buffalo, but Chattanooga (and the greater SE Tenn. area) is some of the least-expensive in the state. Housing and utilities will be cheaper; as will gasoline and most other daily expenses.

As for obtaining information, this board (City-Data.com) would be a good place to start. I'm sure you're aware of the many Internet resources for evaluating city information covering almost every aspect of interest (jobs, education, demographics, etc.). You didn't say, but are you retiring, or just "moving"? Obviously, this has a big bearing on the factors to be evaluated in any new city.

If you want to exploit this forum for Chattanooga and other TN cities, I'd suggest you put together a short-list of questions and concerns and then post them in each respective TN city forum. You'll get a lot of answers...and a lot of different opinions...but, it's a place to start.

Best wishes on your search.
---Rick26

[SPLIT]

"P" WELCOME, Original TROY NY here. Being new on the City Forum one can MOUSE CLICK the upper LEFT of the screen on the WHITE City _Data name & a SEARCH window will open.. Type any city or zip & your
statistics will pop up . ! Here is Chatt https://www.city-data.com/search/?cx=....com%252F#1045
. I believe living in the city will be more expensive . Just North East is the city region along I-75
New VW , AMAZON growth towards Cleveland, you should visit / examine.

[pcsn0122]

I'm actually looking just to move there. I'm 29 and my husband is 30 years old. I'm leaning more towards eastern TN. I may rule out Chattanooga now because I read some articles that rated it as a high crime city. We'd like a suburb type area with lots of family friendly activities to do, shopping nearby and affordable housing where you get a lot of house for your money. Are there beaches anywhere? I'd love to hear any specific areas or counties that are fitting...

[DubbleT]

Do keep in mind that low COL is usually because wages are also low. Please thoroughly research area wages and job potential before you lose your heart to TN

[pcsn0122]

My husband already has a job as an over the road truck driver. I stay home with the kids.

[keithps]

Originally Posted by pcsn0122

I'm actually looking just to move there. I'm 29 and my husband is 30 years old. I'm leaning more towards eastern TN. I may rule out Chattanooga now because I read some articles that rated it as a high crime city. We'd like a suburb type area with lots of family friendly activities to do, shopping nearby and affordable housing where you get a lot of house for your money. Are there beaches anywhere? I'd love to hear any specific areas or counties that are fitting...

Chattanooga is a high crime city in some very specific locations. Outside those locations, it's no worse than any other large city. Unless you plan on moving into the "bad" neighborhoods, you'll be fine.

[pcsn0122]

Any suggestions on specific towns within 30 min from Chattanooga? With decent public schools, close proximity to grocery store, Walmart, restaurants, etc? I'm looking for a house under $150k with at least 3 bedrooms (prefer 4) and 2 bath. Newer home (not outdated or "too country") but with a nice size yard. I'm feeling very overwhelmed with trying to narrow down an area since TN has a lot to offer.

[Rick26]

pcsn0122,

Give a look to the Apison/Ooltewah areas. They should meet your "30 min from Chattanooga" criteria and possibly have housing choices that fit your requirements. Go to some of the real estate info web sites (Zillow, Trulia, etc.) and see what you can find.

---Rick26

[Binkbaby]

I second Ooltewah as well. Cleveland is worth a look too!