Moving to 'nooga-Leaning toward Harrison-what do you think? (Chattanooga: 2009, apartment)

[Beau White]

Hello, All-

I have found much more info on the Chattanooga metro area since my first post. One of my main considerations was a spritual one, and I think I may have that 'problem' solved. I have done so research on Harrison, and think it 'sounds' pretty good. A former resident of the city (Chattanooga) told me he was strong-arm mugged/robbed by Asian-gang members there, but another person (current resident) said he thought this possibility was a rare one. What do the fellow members here think of the arrival of VW to the area, and do you think that will bring more of a criminal element to the city? I am not paranoid (about crime) but do want to come here with my "eyes wide open" (as much as humanly possible) with your help.
BTW, I noticed the unemployment rate (and income) are low/high, particularly in Harrison. What has been your (and friends, relatives, co-workers) experience in the job market, and also in renting or buying an apartment/house?

Thank You-

Beau

[Beau White]

Since yesterday I saw this article, which gives some reality to my concerns:

Carjackers Sought
Comments | Recommend
March 9, 2009 - 5:56 PM

Chattanooga police are seeking information on three suspects reported to have car-jacked a man at the intersection of Midland Pike and North Moore Road on Sunday.

Hamilton County Sheriff's Deputies found the victim on I-75 near mile marker 14. The victim, Andrew M. Swann, 33, told police that at 12:30 AM Sunday he was sitting at the intersection of Midland Pike and North Moore Road when three men, all wearing red, approached his vehicle.

Swann said that two of them were armed; one with a shotgun and the other with a pistol. They ordered him out of the front of his vehicle and put him in the back of the car where they bound him. The suspects then drove him
around for a half-hour before putting him out onto the interstate.

Before they did so, they took his clothes containing $200 cash and left in his light green 1983 Cadillac Fleetwood.

Swann was not injured in the incident.

Swann could not provide specific descriptions of his captors. he said their faces were covered by bandanas.

Anyone with information on this case is asked to call Chattanooga Police at 423-698-2525.

[jkmewright]

We do have incidents, yes. That particular incident was in Brainerd, not Harrison. I work one block from one of our worst crime areas as well as driving right through it every day and nothing of the sort has happened to me. Not to say that it can't happen and I always keep my eye out of course. It's just what happens when you work/live in a larger area though I don't think crime is running rampant in Chattanooga, truly. I consider our town pretty safe actually.