Mom and 16 yr old daughter thinking of relocating from PA with questions on best places to live (Chattanooga: 2014)

[kimr48]

Single mom with 16 year old daughter thinking of moving to TN area from PA
My daughter will have 2 years left of high school so we would be looking at an area that has good schools, she's high honors, not into sports, she's interested in art and graphic design, which is another reason looking to move to TN where she can continue with a college. Found out there are many states, TN being one, that offer lower college tuition.
We both like the outdoors, lakes, rivers, hiking. Also wouldn't mind living somewhere you can walk around the town. Somewhere there's not alot of traffic would be nice too.
Safety is a priority of course.
I would like to stay under $1000 a month in rent and we have 2 cats
My company I currently work for has work at home opportunities so I'm not that concerned with finding a job. We actually have locations in Nashville & Chattanooga if I had to work in the office.
We would of course come down for a few days and look at different locations and schools before making the move. Just looking for some advice from everyone that has lived here.
I found a website I think it's niche.com that has rating of schools as well to research.
Moving from PA where we live for many reasons, garbage dumps popping up all over, roads are horrible, nothing to do, not many job opportunities, college tuition is outrageous and of course tired of the long winter lol
Thank you all in advance for your advise and direction.

[OneDawg]

So you didn't make the move to ID in 2014?
You're gonna have a hard time finding places to rent that allows cats. Look for rural homes instead of apts.

[JC72]

Fairview comes to mind. Lots of nature and lower rent, though it's slim pickings. Williamson County Schools are highly rated. Watkins Art Institute is in Nashville (I think they merged with Belmont University)

[WakeMed]

Low tuition at Belmont and a nice multi-bedroom apartment for under a grand?

Best of luck.

[mattec]

I’m not sure you’re going to find anything of quality in the Nashville area for $1000 or less... especially with pets.

[N.Cal]

Originally Posted by WakeMed

Low tuition at Belmont and a nice multi-bedroom apartment for under a grand?

Best of luck.

Ha. No kidding. Tuition for Belmont University is $32,000 or more for the academic year.

An apartment under $1000 a month will be in a really bad area.

[CountryGirl2b=]

OP never said a thing about Belmont. UT Chatt has been great for a family member. In state tuition is $6500 and there are many scholarships available. In fact, with the growth that the Nashville area is experiencing, I would suggest the OP check out the Chattanooga forum. It’s artsy, outdoorsy, and probably has lower rents.

Zillow has a “Cats” pet friendly option and I found some places to rent in and around your price range in Chattanooga. It’s a little over 2 hours driving from Nashville. You should definitely check it out.

[WakeMed]

Originally Posted by CountryGirl2b=

OP never said a thing about Belmont. UT Chatt has been great for a family member. In state tuition is $6500 and there are many scholarships available. In fact, with the growth that the Nashville area is experiencing, I would suggest the OP check out the Chattanooga forum. It’s artsy, outdoorsy, and probably has lower rents.

Zillow has a “Cats” pet friendly option and I found some places to rent in and around your price range in Chattanooga. It’s a little over 2 hours driving from Nashville. You should definitely check it out.

I was just in Chattanooga two weekends ago and the Northshore area is very cool. But there won't be any $1000/month rent apartments in that neighborhood, not even close. ut-C is a very nice school for the money.

[CountryGirl2b=]

My family member will graduate DEBT FREE in May with a pretty amazing education. Your daughter may qualify for scholarships - such as the Hope and the Promise