Knoxville or Chattanooga ? (lofts, crime, homes)

[natguy]

Both cities are relatively the same size, close to the mountains and both offer affordable homes for purchasing. Trying to choose one over the other for relocation is not a easy choice but would like to hear others thoughts of the big differences. From my research, the weather is basically the same although Knoxville might get a bit more snow in the winter and Chattanooga might have more of a crime problem from what I have read

[creeksitter]

Of course you need to visit both cities. Here's a brief overview.


Chattanooga has smaller mountains right in town. Knoxville has much larger mountains visible in the distance.

Knoxville has a smaller downtown with a lot of restaurants/retail very close together. Market square is a gem. Chattanooga has a larger footprint with activity more spread out. But that's more opportunity for infill.

Knoxville is historically much more culturally diverse, though Chattanooga is working on attracting diverse people.

Chattanooga' downtown has lots of new construction, Knoxville's focus is historic preservation, especially lofts in older buildings.

Chattanooga has great neighborhoods like Fort Wood and the northside right next to downtown, but they tend to be expensive. Knoxville has gentrified neighborhoods, but we also have affordable neighborhoods near downtown such as Mechanicsville, South Knoxville, and Morningside.

IMO, Knoxville is better for music Chattanooga is better for art.

The power structure in Chattanooga is top down, Knoxville is more grass roots. But the rich people in Chattanooga have a lot of money to fund progressive initiatives.

[hiknapster]

Originally Posted by creeksitter

Knoxville is historically much more culturally diverse, though Chattanooga is working on attracting diverse people.

http://www.city-data.com/city/Knoxville-Tennessee.html

http://www.city-data.com/city/Chatta...Tennessee.html

[JMT]

There are numerous other threads comparing Knoxville and Chattanooga. Please do a search and contribute to an existing thread if you have more questions.