Cost of living information, please (Chattanooga, Red Bank: homeowners insurance, houses, neighborhoods)

[Profilewriter]

Hi,
We're seriously thinking of moving to Chattanooga, and would be grateful for information about the cost of utilities, property taxes, and homeowners insurance.

We're hoping to buy a smallish house --- maybe about 1,000 to 1,400 square feet -- on a relatively small lot.

We were in town last weekend and looked around St. Elmo, which we liked a lot. From the posts on this website, it looks like we should check out Red Bank and nearby neighborhoods also.

Cost of living is an important consideration, and we would be grateful for ballpark estimates of fixed housing costs.

And while I'm posting, I would also be grateful for information on neighborhoods. Ideally we would like a friendly diverse neighborhood with a mix of ages and ethnic backgrounds close to downtown. We would like to pay somewhere between $100,000 and $150,000.

Thanks so much for your help!

[Jon F Moss]

if you want diversity you may want to check out what's going on around Main Street between Broad & Central. People are buying houses and fixing them up, and the prices are attractive from what I hear. Also, the nearby area of Highland Park may have what you're looking for.


someone else with more knowledge of the city may want to chime in here for more recommendations since we've been here less than a year.

Ballpark estimate for $150k house in the city would be about $1500-1900/year. (anyone agree/disagree?) That figure would be cut nearly in half if you get out of the city limits. I think our electric runs between 80-120/month depending on the time of the year for a 3/2 house. Water/Sewer is about $75 every two months.

I'm told that homeowners insurance will run about $50/month for a $150-200k house.

hope that helps

[SPLIT]

P.W. Tri-Dad had good #'s for ya. The further North one goes in Hamilton co the lower the expenses should be. You mentioned wanting to be close to city, if it is a once a week culture thing can live up by HIxon, etc. If job , or no car/ gasoline is the issue then enjoy the remodeled city.
My house taxes about $1,000, year insurance $350, Monthly water $13.
Soddy-Daisy location.Winter electric/heat can hit $100/month , Summer only $40/mo , even aircond.

[Profilewriter]

This is really helpful! Thank you!