Need Neighborhood Advice in Knoxville and Chattanooga (apartments, buying a house)

[Gina_G]

My husband and I currently live in Atlanta, but are planning to relocate to Tennessee--either Knoxville or Chattanooga--within the year. We chose these two cities (1) because of my husband's job, and (2) to stay close to family here in Atlanta.

We have no immediate plans of buying a house. I looked at some apartment communities online, but I need advice on the neighborhoods. Specifically, the rough areas we should steer clear of. Some of the rates on these apartments seem too good to be true. It may be because the cost of living in these cities is lower than here in Atlanta, or it could be because the neighborhood is sketchy.

Any information would be most helpful.

Thank you.

[2lizards]

Hi there,

I don't know anything about Chattanooga's apartments and neighborhoods, but I have lived in Knoxville for 6 years (this time...). Do you have any specific neighborhoods you've looked at in Knoxville?

Personally, I'd recommend Fountain City area. West Knoxville is mostly pretty safe as far as I know, but I think it's a bit too cookie-cutter. Fountain City as more charm and is an older area. The main rough areas are in the eastern part of the city (although the Park Ridge neighborhood is being renovated and getting better all the time).

BTW, what part of Atlanta are you from? My wife and I are thinking of relocating to the East Atlanta area, but it's looking a bit too expensive.