On my way there but still confused about St Elmo area HELP

[dasmarian]

I think people trying to make real estate / relocation decisions might be better served to consult with a Realtor than take the random advice of individuals on this board. No offense to anyone, but frankly there are promoters of pretty much any area in this forum. But those people don't and wouldn't live in many of the areas being asked about on this board. We purchased a house in the last 6 months after renting in North Chatt for 1 year, which was the best decision we could have made. We were also initially intrigued by Highland Park and St Elmo because we came from a charming neighborhood and wanted something similar. But look at the resale time for houses in these areas. Look at the property value trend. Ask yourself why the price/sq ft is so much lower than in other areas of the city. I strongly, strongly encourage anyone to make a decision by the numbers not some random person's opinion who doesn't even live or travel to those specific areas. As someone who has investigated these specific areas recently: St Elmo and Highland Park offer homes that will be grand if restored. People during the good times of the real est boom took advantage and started restoring and flipping them, and some people were doing the restoration themselves. But the trend is slowing dramatically. This can be confirmed by time on the market of homes in the area. Your RE agent can give you this info in a second. If the trend of people moving to these areas doesn't continue, you stand to lose a lot of value in the house. People who could not afford to live in the area(s) before will move there. The neighborhoods will stand a strong chance of failing. So if you move to St Elmo, understand it is a HUGE risk. There are plenty of homes in these areas with bars on the windows for a reason. Just because you bought a restored home doesn't mean it is suddenly an island of safety, personal or financial. Just my 2 cents.

[u4icmusic]

There are parts of St. Elmo I would live in and parts I would definately not. Tennessee Ave is the dividing line for me. One side is good, the other side really bad. I agree with other posters that it might be best to rent for a few months before buying. And, talk, talk, talk to the neighbors.

[gizmoviki73]

Originally Posted by jkmewright

HEY GIZ!! There you are Sorry you didn't find what you were looking for in Highland Park. St Elmo is cool isn't it?

Ya, still here, never got the opportunity to move yet, been trying for a year now, seems longer. I'm kinda upset about Highland Park, but seems to be only 1 good street there. And now I'm getting mixed reviews on St Elmo too. All I know is, I want to be in an older home with lots of charm!!!

[u4icmusic]

You may want to try North Chattanooga and Red Bank.

[dasmarian]

We were looking for the same thing.

Take a look at this link.

Crye-Leike, REALTORS®:: Property Search Results

We found what we were looking for in a neighborhood called Ridgeside. Some of the houses in the search above are in our neighborhood, while others are in the Belvoir / Glendon neighborhoods. These give you the charm you are looking for without the blight problems you find in St Elmo and Highland Park. Most houses in our neighborhood were built 1925-1950.

We chose Ridgeside for several reasons. Here they are:

- $/sf was lower than N Chatt for much better constructed properties that are on larger lots.
- Ridgeside was never annexed by Chattanooga, and as such we pay taxes to Ridgeside. Services are much better, including privately contracted police patrols, twice a week trash pickup, recycling, etc., and the property taxes are lower than Chattanooga. If we need something picked up, we just call the trash guy.
- We have our own mayor and commission. We have several neighborhood clubs, social committees, etc.
- It is only 7 minutes to downtown and less to 24, and is on the side of Missionary Ridge.
- Private pool and tennis courts, nature trail, and park.
- The neighborhood has a good diversity of homes and prices, attracting a nice variety of people.
- It is considered to be the secret gem of Chattanooga proper by many real estate agents . . . read the listings.

The main streets in Ridgeside are Brookwood, Lynncrest, Hilldale, Ridgeside and Windmere.

Here is the link to our community website.
Ridgeside, Tenn. Community Network

Good luck.

[etta]

I live in Highland Park. I'm totally a risk taker so I don't mind if buying in this neighborhood is a considered a risk. I live here because I love this house, the central location with in the city, & the diversity of this neighborhood. I do think it is very important to knock on all the doors of the immediate neighbors to a house before making an offer. See who really lives next to you. You may be surprised(like me) to find out that there not scary at all. Our area is awesome. I love the old houses & neat old churches around here. I have lovely neighbors. We live close to the Temple University & the schools nice security guards walk by our house all the time. I do take caution at night....only walking in groups. These are just my opinions based on my experiences of course. Come live & check out all the areas to find out what you think.

[u4icmusic]

I don't think Highland Park is a risk. I think you are a pioneer and the area will turn around, and get better. You will be in an excellent location and your home values should skyrocket. I think you made a wise decision. Not for everybody, but if it works for you, that's great. I loved the houses there too, but I didn't like the on-street parking and no garages.

[Jon F Moss]

this is part of what makes the Scenic City so interesting - many diverse neighborhoods in terms of topography, architecture and accessibility. Something for nearly everyone (except the dude in the other post)

[jkmewright]

Giz, that year wait probably saved you guys a ton of money. I did a quick search and found that there are alot more homes in your price range now compared to last year and many of those in good school zones and better areas. Things are looking up my friend

[Fast Jug]

Originally Posted by gizmoviki73

We decided on St Elmo this past weekend, on our last visit. I was originally looking at Highland Park (I love the older homes), till I drove thru there & did NOT see what I had read about. My husband and I are 32 & 35, we have two children, 10 & 16 & from what I saw, St Elmo suits us just fine. I am a little worried about the break ins I've been reading about, but compared to my part of Florida, it's better there right now.

I hope you plan on placing your children in private schools.