the truth about Highland Park (Chattanooga, Red Bank: crime, house, safe neighborhood)

[AnneSeelbach]

Wow, I came on this forum to ask about Highland Park. Some of the homes are beautiful and low-priced. We moved here about 5 months ago and are now looking to buy. Runningmom, Tmckinney if you don't like highland park after all and northshore is too expensive for you I would try Red Bank. I love the community and its close to down town and north shore. Its less expensive but still is safe to live in and I think the schools are good as well.

[u4icmusic]

The only problem with Red Bank are its residents. They are typically poorer and on the redneck side.

[Jon F Moss]

Originally Posted by u4icmusic

The only problem with Red Bank are its residents. They are typically poorer and on the redneck side.

I know some Red Bank residents that would not like your statement. Then again, I know some that would totally agree.

We almost bought in Red Bank so what does that make us?

[jkmewright]

The thing I like about Red Bank is it's variety of people. You have just about every type, color and social status and an SUV is not required . You DO have red necks and poor folks but that all mixes into the blend. It's a little town that stands on it's own but so very close to the center of Chattanooga and all that's good I lived there for a few years and liked it.

[u4icmusic]

Tridad, I'd have to check you teeth to see if you qualify or not. We also looked at houses there, and out of all of Hamilton county, we did not feel comfortable there.

I also have a problem driving through a town where 95% of the storefronts are vacant and closed. It just looks really run-down. I have friends that say it is "up and coming," so we'll see how it turns out in a few more years.

[Jon F Moss]

Originally Posted by u4icmusic

tridad, i'd have to check you teeth to see if you qualify or not. We also looked at houses there, and out of all of hamilton county, we did not feel comfortable there.

I also have a problem driving through a town where 95% of the storefronts are vacant and closed. It just looks really run-down. I have friends that say it is "up and coming," so we'll see how it turns out in a few more years.

:d

[dasmarian]

Just because someone wants to fix up a house and take the bars off the windows doesn't mean its safe. Lots of homes there still have bars on the windows, and for good reason.

Not to be rude about it, but HP was up and coming during the housing boom. Few (and I mean few, not none) are continuing the 'revitalization' there, and the houses for sale are on the market for an exceptionally long time in that area.

There is a reason why the houses there are 'affordable' and it isn't because it is an awesome, safe pocket of wholesome goodness. It's an area with potential, but with the recession that potential is being ignored by most.

One more thing - my neighbor's daughter and husband had started fixing up a place using a loan in HP. The bank recently told them they would loan them no more money to continue the rehab because the market conditions in the area made the loan too risky. No its for sale, incomplete, like many others there.

[u4icmusic]

Dasmarian, you are 100% correct, but that problem is not only in Highland Park. It's a nationwide problem and banks are pulling or capping loans even in nicer, richer areas because the home values have dropped so much over the past few years. Highland Park will turn around, I believe, as well as Glenwood and other areas close to downtown. The areas will be in high demand to those that want to live close to downtown, but cannot afford downtown prices. I'm hoping as the economy turns around that you will start to see more investments and cleaning up and repairs in the areas surrounding downtown. Right now though, my days of being a "pioneer" are over.

[wishmyer]

Highland Park is very subject to the block. You will find both ends of the spectrum re: crime, condition, home prices, ect.

[wishmyer]

Come to Signal Mountain