Just came back from my relocation visit! (Chattanooga, East Ridge: real estate, apartments)

[raya22]

I am so happy to hear all of these great things about Chattanooga, we are planning on relocating early next year, cannot wait!

[nurider2002]

I'm finally getting to Chattanooga for a first visit in mid-July. I'm definitely interested in seeing the downtown area, but also Signal Mountain and some of the residential areas around Chattanooga since I have an option of a job relocation there. Would anyone recommend a place to stay while visiting? I will likely spend 4 nights there before heading to Knoxville so, I'm interested in moderately priced lodging that is convenient to downtown as well as Signal Mountain and surrounding areas. thanks

[TriDad]

SPLIT, that looks like the Pickin' Porch - lots of good times there at the county fair!

[Pearl14256]

I stayed in the Hiton Doubletree downtown, and what a wonderful property! I work for Hilton so I paid our special employee rate and am unaware of what their regular rates are, but it is a great property and excellent downtown location. The staff is outstanding, I thought I was the Queen of England herself how nice I was treated.

Advice for booking a room (this applies anywhere really): Book online, rates are usually better there. Look for an advance purchase rate (the entire rate plus tax is charged to your credit card the second you book, thereby saving you money). For example, my hotel's rates are usually $109-149 and and the advance purchase rate is $92.65. Also, put in your requests for a high floor with a nice view (not guaranteed and not always available, but why not look at nice scenery if you can?)

If you're going to Knoxville, don't stay at the Hilton at the Airport (technically city of Alcoa). It lacks charm, 14 miles from downtown, and in need of renovation.

If you have any questions, please let me know! :-)

[nurider2002]

Thanks, will check out the Hilton Doubletree!

[scaredtomove09]

Originally Posted by Pearl14256

I visited both Knoxville and Chattanooga, and I just fell in love with Chattanooga! I have relatives in Knoxville, so you can see I'm not biased.

I spent time in both cities, and I really love how C is laid out. The city makes excellent use of the TN river/Lake Chickamauga, and it seems like no matter where you are it is less than a 1/2 hr drive to get there (unlike Detroit, where you can drive a good hr and 1/2 and still not be from one end of the suburbs to the other).

Downtown is great, cute shops and restaurants, and things for both tourists and locals to enjoy. No experience of panhandling (absolutely unheard of in Detroit!)

Found a great apartment on the north side, taking 153 north. But let me tell you what a hard decision; so many wonderful options to choose from!

I could go on and on, but I just wanted to tell all you natives and transplants alike that I can't wait to relocate

I'm glad I stumbled across your post I live near Traverse City right now but my husband got a call from a potential new boss and he wants to have us fly down to Chattanooga the day before my birthday (happy b day to me)the 6th of July ,for a face to face interview with him.We are %99 sure he is getting the job now it's a matter of finding a house to rent for a reasonable price near Chattanooga and scoping the schools out for our 3 kids pheeew I'm exhausted just thinking about the move.Anyways I thought it was neat to see a fellow michigander here , I will watch for updates and hope it goes smoothly for you .

[Pearl14256]

Thanks Scaredtomove! But don't be scared, think of it as a new adventure! My mom's bday is the 6th, so happy bday to you! Hope he gets the job, best of luck I'm so excited when I will be able to go, and I'm only renting so I can get a good feel for the best neighborhood and then I'll buy. Maybe that is an option for you, I don't know - esp with kids Good luck to you as well, you will find plenty of helpful people here on the Chattanooga forum.

[energysaving]

If you are moving in Nov - u will really love the milder weather in TN. I am originally from MO on the KS border and the weather can be extreme in winter and summer. TN is much milder in all seasons - average summer temps may be a bit more than you are used to in Detroit, but the shorter winters make up for it - at least I have enjoyed them.

Since I am in Mid-Tn the southern section, my weather will be a little different I am sure than the eastern section. However, comparing to Detroit it's sure to be better. Hope u love TN as much as this transplant.

[pomona]

TriDad, Pearl and all others ~ already I'm reassured about Chattanooga ~~ am in NE Florida now and seek a more New Age/open minded mentality, also less sprawl (and of course no hurricanes) --

Some specific questions to you *experts* - is there a central downtown area that's not just touristy boutiques and pricey restaurants? Any old time funky coffeeshops, health food stores, bookstores, and farmers markets close by? I'm hoping there are in-town older neighborhoods that are SAFE, smaller apts. or affordable bungalows or big old houses that are split up into apartments (big enough for 2 people) -- are there neighborhoods that are NOT subdivisions, cul-de-sacs or gated developments? How is the sprawl? These are all the demons in Florida, and everything is too spread out. Are there laundromats around in the more urban area?

Also how cold are the winters, any snow? I heard that Greenville, SC loses power every time there's snow....

Any feedback on the 'vibe' of the town would be most welcome ~~ I'm hoping there's also venues for bluegrass music or cajun/zydeco dancing.

[blsdwmn72]

Originally Posted by scaredtomove09

I'm glad I stumbled across your post I live near Traverse City right now but my husband got a call from a potential new boss and he wants to have us fly down to Chattanooga the day before my birthday (happy b day to me)the 6th of July ,for a face to face interview with him.We are %99 sure he is getting the job now it's a matter of finding a house to rent for a reasonable price near Chattanooga and scoping the schools out for our 3 kids pheeew I'm exhausted just thinking about the move.Anyways I thought it was neat to see a fellow michigander here , I will watch for updates and hope it goes smoothly for you .

We are in same boat...hubby and I have had interviews that we believe will pan out by month's end. We have 2 kids and 12 yrs of stuff to move from NYC by the first week in August. We are looking in East Brainerd/Ooltewah area. We have visited 4x already and can't wait to become residents! I hope your visit on the 6th went well.