Torn between Chattanooga and Louisville, Ky (Bloomingdale: skyscrapers, vacation, jobs)

[Topo]

Hi folks, I have a chance to move to either of these places. They are both lovely cities on the river.....<<sigh>> Has anyone done any research on either of these places that can help me decide? The cost of living is about the same in both areas, although the climates are very different. I don't have to worry about jobs, or schools.....this will be a place I will grow old in.

[alleycat]

I guess I don't think of the climate as being that much different.

This is just a personal opinion, and nothing more. If I had to pick between the two, I'd pick Chattanooga. It's a nice, small city with some really beautiful natural areas nearby. Although still relatively small, I think of Louisville as a somewhat larger city with all of the good things and problems that larger cities have. Both would be acceptable to me however. I live in Nashville, which is about half-way between the two; I don't have any vested interest in either.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

[JMT]

Originally Posted by Topo

Hi folks, I have a chance to move to either of these places. They are both lovely cities on the river.....<<sigh>> Has anyone done any research on either of these places that can help me decide? The cost of living is about the same in both areas, although the climates are very different. I don't have to worry about jobs, or schools.....this will be a place I will grow old in.

I guess it depends on what all you want. Are you looking for big skyscrapers? Lots of nightlife?

I would imagine in this forum you'll get a lot of people who prefer Chattanooga, and I'm definitely one of them. Besides the milder climate, Chattanooga is surrounded by mountains. It's just so beautiful. Outdoor Magazine named Chattanooga as one of the 10 best cities in the country for outdoor sports. There aren't too many large cities in the country where you can leave downtown and in 20 minutes go hang gliding. You're also close to hiking and white water rafting.

Downtown Chattanooga is very pedestrian friendly and has a lot to do between the aquarium, IMAX theater, minor league baseball, children's museum, art museum, galleries, restaurants, cafes, a nice park, and it's only getting better.

Traffic in Chattanooga is not bad; it's easy to navigate around the city, even during rush hour. Chattanooga also has the largest mall in Tennessee.

Plus, Chattanooga is only 100 miles from Atlanta for those times when you just have to go to a big city, shop at Bloomingdales or Saks, etc.

[Ridgerunner]

Gee, Topo. This a toughie. I've enjoyed vacationing in both these cities but must agree with Mark Twain in that you get an unrealistic view of things "through the colored glass of leisure." It probably boils down to what your interests are. Sports fan? Louisville has Rick Pitino and Triple A baseball while Chattanooga has Double A. Outdoorsman? Chattanooga is near the mountains and Louisville isn't. Chattanooga's year-round climate is warmer. If you like snow you'll see more of it in Louisville. Louisville's population is considerably larger. I suspect that Chattanooga's overall living costs are less. Good luck.

[speedywriter]

Originally Posted by Ridgerunner

Gee, Topo. This a toughie. I've enjoyed vacationing in both these cities but must agree with Mark Twain in that you get an unrealistic view of things "through the colored glass of leisure." It probably boils down to what your interests are. Sports fan? Louisville has Rick Pitino and Triple A baseball while Chattanooga has Double A. Outdoorsman? Chattanooga is near the mountains and Louisville isn't. Chattanooga's year-round climate is warmer. If you like snow you'll see more of it in Louisville. Louisville's population is considerably larger. I suspect that Chattanooga's overall living costs are less. Good luck.

That's such a great point you make with your Twain quote. I see a lot of that myself, living not too far from Disneyland. I call it, rather less artfully, the vacation mentality. Is the quote from "Roughing It," do you remember, or...? I'd like to re-read that. Thanks.

[Ridgerunner]

Originally Posted by speedywriter

That's such a great point you make with your Twain quote. I see a lot of that myself, living not too far from Disneyland. I call it, rather less artfully, the vacation mentality. Is the quote from "Roughing It," do you remember, or...? I'd like to re-read that. Thanks.

Thanks for the compliment, Speedywriter. I read it in "Tom Sawyer."