Moving to Chatt-safe and not so safe area opinions (Chattanooga: sale, real estate)

[Homeschool mama]

We are moving to the area and we are so excited. We love to hike and have just gotten into kayaking. I noticed on city data that the crime rate of Chattanooga is rather high. Can someone shed some light? After talking with several people from Chattanooga, they seem to love it. Is it a fairly safe little city with just a few rough areas that have unusually high crime rates. Can anyone tell me where those areas are? We live out in the country right now. Doubtful that anyone locks their doors and kids play outside unsupervised (We have 2 fenced acres and a long steep gravel driveway). The gate is usually closed and nobody comes up our driveway, it's a nightmare. Anyway, I was looking into the Hixon and Ootlewah areas. We love some hills (paved though). I don't think we can afford Signal Mountain, although it looks like a nice area too. If we do buy, we'd love to keep it below $150k for a 4 bedroom, which will probably take some searching. Thanks for any input. My biggest concern is safety. Can you tell me the nicer areas of the Chatt area and the ones to steer clear of please?! Thanks!! Also is the Hixon rd area north of Chatt a good/safe area for shopping? I do carry, but I'd rather not have to worry that I'll need to use my pistol.

[Creekcat]

4 BR below $150K, I think Hixson would soon be out of your budget range. As for safety I, can't speak to that for anywhere.

[SPLIT]

H.M. .. WELCOME.... There has been ongoing rival gang shootings for the past years..Active police & church
pleas still have rival crime around the east side of city... The north side of city can not built expensive condos & hotels fast enough for demand.... This weekend is the world finals for IRONMAN 70 mile , run , bike swim competition. About 2,000 women & 2,000 men will compete.. Tourism for the city is outstanding.

We have 8 new construction homes being built in our sub-div at this time in Sale Creek , I dont believe any are 4 bedroom . Just all 3 bed...That supply may be short inventory.. It has been a seller market all spring , with multiple offers. Houses along the deep channel lake waterfront can be at the $ million mark. People are re-locating to this Hamilton county..... Your $150 target may be found as a slight Fixer upper in northern Sale Creek or just over the county line into Rhea county like Graysville or South Dayton... Real estate taxes would also be less there.... Past year example.. our $150 valuation in Hamilton about $1000 total for year , & Rhea county could be $650 / yr ?
Again WELCOME.... YEs outdoor activities is drawing population.... Plateau hike trail connect still active for 300 mile long Cumberland trail.... & lake quality great for fishing tournaments, & kayak , paddle board activities.. Many sporting good stores here,,

[shinestx]

You may need to bump up your budget to more like $170K-200K in both those areas. There are some properties in the older areas of East Brainerd where you can still find that price. Also, possibly Harrison. All those areas are safe, but differentiated by the schools they're zoned for.