Relocate from FL - good schools and land? (Knoxville, Chattanooga: HOA, homes)

[m5allen]

We are looking to possibly move from Tampa, FL to somewhere in TN (or maybe western NC). I am a native Floridian and am just getting sick of the heat, storms and this area is just getting way too crowded. I am considering Nashville and Knoxville as well.

I have an acre of land right now in Tampa and would like to have at least 2-5 acres wherever we end up. But it is very important to be in an area with good schools. Is this possible in the greater Chattanooga area? Our budget for a home would probably be $500-$700K.

Right now, I have a work from home job with a large company, so I doubt I will be unemployed any time soon. But I do recognize that things in corporate America do change, so that is why I at least want to be somewhat near a larger city in the event I need to find another job down the road. But I don't want to be in a crowded urban area and I really don't like the HOA subdivisions.

My ideal setup would be somewhere where I can have some land in the hills and build a house. Hopefully within a 30 minute drive to a good school. I have 4th and first grader right now, but since it is probably the most impactful to a student's future success, I would place more weight on a good high school.

From my research so far, the Signal Mountain area looks like it might fit the bill, but hopefully I can buy or build a place there that is not in a subdivision. Are there any other areas in Chatt that might work? Thanks.

[mSooner]

Signal Mountain definitely has the best public schools in the area. Pay close attention to the zoning lines when choosing a home though--you need to be in Hamilton County and you need to be zoned for the right schools. Homes across the line in Sequatchie County are much cheaper--the schools are the reason. You are going to see some great neighborhoods off towards the back of the mountain with cheap, beautiful lots. Resist the temptation. The drive and schools are not worth it. I already know of 2 families that have built back there and are now trying to find something at the front of the mountain because they are tired of endless driving. If you find land that seems like a deal it is either 1. Unbuildable 2. Not zoned to the schools you desire 3. Landlocked/undeveloped beyond the capabilities of a single homeowner. Believe me, btdt
Your budget is adequate for finding an existing home on at least 1 acre zoned to Thrasher or Nolan Elementary or Signal Mountain Middle High School. There are not a whole lot of lots left (especially that size) within Signal Mountain or Walden and they go for a premium. 2-5 acres will be harder, but if you go out towards Fairmont off Corral road, you can probably find what you are looking for.

Other options would be building almost anywhere else and choosing private school--there are quite a few good ones to choose from (and some are pretty amazing), but many are pricey.

Another option would be a home in Collegedale/Ooltewah. It's still quite pretty out there and the schools are decent, though not quite as good as those on Signal. Do due diligence before you commit.

As for jobs, Chattanooga isn't a great job market for corporate jobs. I wouldn't count on finding another one here if you think you might need it. It's just too small.

[m5allen]

Thanks for the reply mSooner, this is exactly the type of advice I was looking for. I am a little fuzzy on your advice to avoid the back of Signal Mountain - are you saying to avoid it because it is in Sequatchie County or avoid it because of the commute? Can you please explain the driving issue you brought up? Is it one way in/out to the back of the mountain - which lends to a long drive just to get anywhere (grocery store, etc...)?

Thanks again.

[Lauramsr]

Originally Posted by m5allen

We are looking to possibly move from Tampa, FL to somewhere in TN (or maybe western NC). I am a native Floridian and am just getting sick of the heat, storms and this area is just getting way too crowded. I am considering Nashville and Knoxville as well.

I have an acre of land right now in Tampa and would like to have at least 2-5 acres wherever we end up. But it is very important to be in an area with good schools. Is this possible in the greater Chattanooga area? Our budget for a home would probably be $500-$700K.

Right now, I have a work from home job with a large company, so I doubt I will be unemployed any time soon. But I do recognize that things in corporate America do change, so that is why I at least want to be somewhat near a larger city in the event I need to find another job down the road. But I don't want to be in a crowded urban area and I really don't like the HOA subdivisions.

My ideal setup would be somewhere where I can have some land in the hills and build a house. Hopefully within a 30 minute drive to a good school. I have 4th and first grader right now, but since it is probably the most impactful to a student's future success, I would place more weight on a good high school.

From my research so far, the Signal Mountain area looks like it might fit the bill, but hopefully I can buy or build a place there that is not in a subdivision. Are there any other areas in Chatt that might work? Thanks.

Hey potential neighbor!!! We are also considering relocating from FL. Have a 5yr old
Kiddo so the schools are a big driver of where we set roots. We are
Hoping to visit in the next six
Months to determine the area.

[mSooner]

Originally Posted by m5allen

Thanks for the reply mSooner, this is exactly the type of advice I was looking for. I am a little fuzzy on your advice to avoid the back of Signal Mountain - are you saying to avoid it because it is in Sequatchie County or avoid it because of the commute? Can you please explain the driving issue you brought up? Is it one way in/out to the back of the mountain - which lends to a long drive just to get anywhere (grocery store, etc...)?

Thanks again.

Both--it just takes forever to get anywhere you'd need to go because there is nothing back there and it is so far from anything--even a decent grocer. And if you are in Sequatchie County, you don't go to Hamilton County Schools, which are the "good ones" people are moving here for.