On my way there but still confused about St Elmo area HELP (Chattanooga: apartment, rentals)

[itsjustmepati]

Help please.. I am looking to move to the "Chattanooga" area ( within 30 miles at least) and happen to fall in love with the homes in that St Elmo etc.. area( so much character) but reading these posts I see SOOO very many conflicting views.I am a single 40ishish woman, no kids to worry about so schools arent important but safety obviously is.I've been told everything from avoid area completley, stay away from "number" streets, do not consider zips 33404,33406,33407 and 33411 to this is an artists heaven ( not quite an artist but can dream right smile) I do love an "eclectic" atmosphere and by no means mind diversity but I am single and also love my personal safety..Easy enough to install a burgular alarm for whatever they are worth (concern is just when I am home alone) Homes seem a bit frightingly inexpensive and would love taking my time restoring an old soul of a home but no offense to those who either indulge or cannot get away, I not looking to sit on front porch with a glass of wine watchin the local drug dealer make his days pay, become an easy "convienience" store of stolen goods or install a bullet proof shield accross my front porch. This may sound harsh and no negative intention meant but this is somewhat the feel I get from some. Sooooo Please, PLease anyone who actually has 1st hand info rather than some who may just be skeptical of diversity with probably a bit more sense (smile) let me know what you think. As with any community I am absolutley aware that there is "bad" everywhere but are there maybe streets,"developments" etc that would not be advisable. lets say a resellable area? Well looking forward to input and perhaps a friendly new neighbor !!

[Jon F Moss]

hi Pati,

seeing where you're coming from we may be able to offer insight (I lived in So Fla for over 20 years before moving here last September) St Elmo definitely showed on the radar screen when we were searching for a rental property. Its "ecletic" appeal is in the houses and buildings--many of which are on the National Historical Register (about 600 of them) See St. Elmo Historic District for more info.

Are you looking for a bohemian-type neighborhood...say more like Coconut Grove was back in the 70's & 80's or do you prefer something more upscale like Boca Raton? Do you want the perceived safety of Coral Gables, or is the feel & look of Coconut Grove today (knowing that the neighborhood can change rapidly by traveling a few blocks) Does the allure of the revitalization of downtown Miami (sections just north near the Performing Arts Center) appeal to you? Or do you prefer the funky Design District on NE 2nd Avenue outside downtown Miami? Or is South Beach your thing? (sorry...nothing here like SoBe--thank you)

Answer those questions, and perhaps we can assist further. From what you have posted, I believe you should definitely check out St. Elmo, the revitalized areas around Main Street (are you artistic--we'll pay you to move here Arts Move Chattanooga - Relocating Artists to the Scenic City ), and check out the hip/cool areas of the North Shore (North Chattanooga) (see map - North Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN, USA - Google Maps )

When are you coming up to visit? Allegiant has low airfare, and you owe it to yourself to see it first hand before making a final decision. I HIGHLY recommend renting first to so you can experience all these places for yourself and get to know the locales better. A weekend visit is great, but you won't understand all the nuances till after being here a little while.

We're working with a wonderful realtor that I would be happy to refer if you like....DM if interested.

[jkmewright]

Pati, FWIW I would think that you should rent first, buy later. Get a feel for what we have to offer, both the good and the bad. For reasonable apartment rentals, try Mountain Creek Road in Red Bank 37415. If you want something a bit more upscale and VERY close to major shopping, rent in East Brainerd.

I totally understand your dream of the once beautiful home brought back to life. Tree lined streets with sidewalks and good neighbors. We do have that here, you just gotta know where to look and we'll be glad to help you find it.

Come on up, drive around and ask the neighbors because we LOVE to talk.

[a3dogmom]

Pati,
I'm with you on this one. I am also forty-ish, female and no human children (5 dogs). I have been looking in Red Bank but keep seeing places I like in St. Elmo and was wondering the same things you are.

The links that TriDad provided really help, thanks Dad!

Maybe we'll be neighbors someday.

[12buttons]

Originally Posted by TriDad

hi Pati,

seeing where you're coming from we may be able to offer insight (I lived in So Fla for over 20 years before moving here last September) St Elmo definitely showed on the radar screen when we were searching for a rental property. Its "ecletic" appeal is in the houses and buildings--many of which are on the National Historical Register (about 600 of them) See St. Elmo Historic District for more info.

Are you looking for a bohemian-type neighborhood...say more like Coconut Grove was back in the 70's & 80's or do you prefer something more upscale like Boca Raton? Do you want the perceived safety of Coral Gables, or is the feel & look of Coconut Grove today (knowing that the neighborhood can change rapidly by traveling a few blocks) Does the allure of the revitalization of downtown Miami (sections just north near the Performing Arts Center) appeal to you? Or do you prefer the funky Design District on NE 2nd Avenue outside downtown Miami? Or is South Beach your thing? (sorry...nothing here like SoBe--thank you)

Answer those questions, and perhaps we can assist further. From what you have posted, I believe you should definitely check out St. Elmo, the revitalized areas around Main Street (are you artistic--we'll pay you to move here Arts Move Chattanooga - Relocating Artists to the Scenic City ), and check out the hip/cool areas of the North Shore (North Chattanooga) (see map - North Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN, USA - Google Maps )

When are you coming up to visit? Allegiant has low airfare, and you owe it to yourself to see it first hand before making a final decision. I HIGHLY recommend renting first to so you can experience all these places for yourself and get to know the locales better. A weekend visit is great, but you won't understand all the nuances till after being here a little while.

We're working with a wonderful realtor that I would be happy to refer if you like....DM if interested.

wow you sure know your stuff...great insights...you know anything about sewanee and monteagle? I am a writer but don't like traffic and living on top of others..I want peace, quiet, ... Nature out my back..I can't stand being around the darkside of eclectic - I would much prefer to live next door to an old couple without bikes and kids! And I don't want to pay for roads I don't use or schools I have paid dearly for in other places. I don't have to live right in Sewanee or Monteagle -just a reasonable distance to take advantage of its offferings..Don't hike or bike -I love antiquing. decorating and minimal gardening...old plants and OLD TREES are crucial however. I will never buy another house iwth no trees ever again!

BTW I looked at houses in Lakewood along time ago..how is it going there?

Thanks!

12buttons

[crescentia]

Originally Posted by itsjustmepati

Help please.. I am looking to move to the "Chattanooga" area ( within 30 miles at least) and happen to fall in love with the homes in that St Elmo etc.. area( so much character) but reading these posts I see SOOO very many conflicting views.I am a single 40ishish woman, no kids to worry about so schools arent important but safety obviously is.I've been told everything from avoid area completley, stay away from "number" streets, do not consider zips 33404,33406,33407 and 33411 to this is an artists heaven ( not quite an artist but can dream right smile) I do love an "eclectic" atmosphere and by no means mind diversity but I am single and also love my personal safety..Easy enough to install a burgular alarm for whatever they are worth (concern is just when I am home alone) Homes seem a bit frightingly inexpensive and would love taking my time restoring an old soul of a home but no offense to those who either indulge or cannot get away, I not looking to sit on front porch with a glass of wine watchin the local drug dealer make his days pay, become an easy "convienience" store of stolen goods or install a bullet proof shield accross my front porch. This may sound harsh and no negative intention meant but this is somewhat the feel I get from some. Sooooo Please, PLease anyone who actually has 1st hand info rather than some who may just be skeptical of diversity with probably a bit more sense (smile) let me know what you think. As with any community I am absolutley aware that there is "bad" everywhere but are there maybe streets,"developments" etc that would not be advisable. lets say a resellable area? Well looking forward to input and perhaps a friendly new neighbor !!

The people who are scared of those zip codes want a more surburban lifestyle. I live in the 37404 area and I love it a lot. I have friendly neighbors and I live in a really cool older home. Plus I am pretty close to downtown.

[u4icmusic]

I agree with Crescentia, you cannot just eliminate complete zip codes. However, the style of house you are looking for is also available in other areas, like Red Bank and East Ridge, which are much safer neighborhoods. If you had a man living with you, I would say give St. Elmo a try. As a single woman, I say no to St. Elmo. However, there are parts of St. Elmo that are very safe. As mentioned above, I think you should rent first for a year or so. During the time you are renting, research the neighborhoods, knock on doors and talk to neighbors. Walk around and check out the houses, restaurants and shops. Talk to everyone that you can to get information. Look at Red Bank and Eastridge too. They also have the same style houses. North Chattanooga has the bungalow style houses too, but it's totally safe, but very expensive, and most would say overpriced for the square footage you get for the dollar. No doubt about it, St. Elmo has some really cool homes. You may never have a problem there, or you could be a victim of a crime. It's also on a street by street basis. You can tell which streets are safe, and which ones are not, just by driving around and looking at the homes and properties. You should also think about getting a gun should you decide to move to St. Elmo just for safety and get a concealed weapons permit too.

[Jon F Moss]

Haven't been to either sewanee or monteagle...sorry.

If you've narrowed things down to a couple of towns, then you owe it to yourself to check them out for yourself.

[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.

[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?