Best Family Neighborhoods in Chattanooga

Moving to a new city is always challenging, and a large part of that challenge is looking for a place to live. There are so many things to consider when weighing your options. You may be concerned about house styles, neighborhood safety, quality of schools, the convenience of location — it all can be quite overwhelming.

That’s why we’ve done the research for you, so you don’t have to (and by the way of introduction, we’re Bellhops — your friendly Chattanooga movers). 

We’ve examined what it’s like living in each of the five best family-friendly neighborhoods in Chattanooga, and we’ve created in-depth guides with insider scoops on close-by, popular destinations. Soon, you’ll be living like a local.

What’s It Like to Live in Chattanooga?

Small but mighty, Chattanooga boasts natural beauty, a thriving arts scene, and a business climate ripe for start-ups. The city is nestled up against the base of Lookout Mountain and winds along the Tennessee River. 

Although Chattanooga sits just two hours from Nashville and Atlanta, it still shines bright. In fact, Chattanooga has become so alluring that it’s recently had a huge influx of residents from all around the country. 

This growing city has also caught the eye of urban entrepreneurs. Chattanooga was dubbed “Gig City” when it became home to the fastest Internet service in the country. This mountain town is a favorite spot among outdoorsy folk. And it’s hit culinary heights with places like Main Street Meats, Alleia, Brewhaus, and The Flying Squirrel.

Its growing job market and urban amenities don’t stifle Chattanooga’s small-town spirit, which can still be felt, seen, and tasted at farmers markets, homegrown startups, and one-of-a-kind restaurants, many started by long-term Chattanooga locals. But where do these long-term locals live? And is there a spot for families in these mountains?

With excellent schools, water-side parks, hiking trails, and charming homes, we’re confident that you and your little ones will love our city. Below, we’ll dive in and give you our insiders’ scoop on the 5 best neighborhoods for families in the wonderful Chattanooga.

Signal Mountain

This densely forested mountain town overlooks the beautiful Tennessee River Gorge and the city of Chattanooga. Home to a community of about 8,400 residents, this town draws people who long to be surrounded by natural beauty.

While Signal Mountain sits just 10-miles from downtown Chattanooga, the town itself is home to shops, restaurants, an athletic club, a country club, and a golf course. You’ll also find practical necessities like health care services, banks, service stations, and grocery stores on the mountain.

What’s Happening in Signal Mountain

Home to winding wooded lanes, trails, streams, and panorama views that stretch for miles, Signal Mountain draws people out of downtown and into nature. 

Hiking along Signal’s many beautiful trails is a great way to experience its best. Check out: 

• Signal Point
• Edward’s Point
• Rainbow Lake
• Mushroom Rock

Each one rewards its hikers with beautiful mountain-top views of the river or final destinations at waterfalls and pristine creeks.

Residents are less than a 14-minute drive to downtown Chattanooga. If they want a break from hiking in the mountains, Signal Mountain locals can easily pop down to Coolidge Park to grab a coffee at Mean Mug. 

Schools near Signal Mountain

Signal Mountain is home to several highly-rated schools, including Thrasher Elementary School, Nolan Elementary School, Signal Mountain Middle High School, and Signal Mountain Christian School. 

Signal Mountain residents have also enrolled their kids in surrounding schools like Lookout Valley Elementary School, Baylor School, Belvoir Christian Academy, and Normal Park Museum Magnet Upper School among others.

Homes on Signal Mountain

Signal Mountain homes vary from smaller single-family homes for around $225K, to towering houses complete with stone exteriors and turrets selling for over $1-million. 

Regardless of the size and price, the homes on Signal Mountain are beautiful. The lots are lush with tidy landscaping and numerous old trees.

Soddy-Daisy

This charming quiet town is full of friendly residents. Sitting on the outskirts of the mountains, locals love the peaceful and quiet vibes in this community. Soddy-Daisy is great for families. But the area is also seeing a lot of young professionals looking for their first home. Still very affordable, locals can enjoy a quiet getaway after 5 o’clock and take the short drive into downtown Chatt on the weekends.

What’s Happening in Soddy-Daisy

Soddy-Daisy sits up against North Chickamauga Creek Gorge State Natural Area. This gorgeous nature oasis in the mountains fills up on the weekends. But during the week, locals enjoy hiking down rocky creeks and along nature trails. During your visit, hike out to Blue Hole where you can cliff jump and swim.

Families love to walk to Veteran’s Park or explore Poe’s Tavern Park where there’s lots of space for the kids to run around. The beautiful Big Soddy Creek Gulf has hiking trails that wind along waterfall creeks. 

You’ll find a long list of casual dining spots in Soddy-Daisy. But our favorite spot is Steve’s Landing Waterfront Grill that sits right on the edge of Soddy Creek. Downtown Chattanooga is also just 18 minutes away for easy commutes and a night out.

Schools in Soddy-Daisy

Some of the top-rated schools around Soddy-Daisy include CSLA, Lookout Valley Middle and High School, and Chattanooga School for the Arts & Sciences, among others.

Homes in Soddy-Daisy

From fixer-uppers that ring up at under $50K to beautiful single-family homes with many bedrooms, Soddy-Daisy is becoming a wonderful home for families of all income levels. 

The architectural style in Soddy-Daisy is assorted. Ranchers, farmhouses, new builds, even a little Victorian style can be found in this neighborhood. But most of these homes sit comfortably on roomy lots with long, grassy front yards.

Red Bank

Sitting against Chattanooga, the small city of Red Bank lies on the north side of the Tennessee River. Its small-town feel has drawn about 12,000 residents. And the city is home to over 350 small businesses. Despite its bedroom-community feel, Red Bank is growing. 

In the evenings, locals take walks throughout Red Bank’s safe streets or drive the 10-minutes into Chattanooga’s downtown. With a lower price tag and great location, Red Bank has started gaining attention among first-home buyers and families. 

Good cost of living, safety, diversity, and outdoor amenities make Red Bank the new spot to buy in Chattanooga.

What’s Happening in Red Bank

Despite its small size, Red Bank is home to several parks. The Red Bank Dog Park offers a large grassy area for dogs to play together. The quiet and clean White Oak Park has a playground and grassy lawns perfect for a picnic. And Stringers Ridge Park is a beautiful place to walk and ride bikes through the woods. 

Chattanooga’s downtown is so close, residents can easily access all its amenities. But Red Bank is home to several local hot spots. Check out Pizzeria Cortile, which serves creative wood-fired pizza. Or snag a chocolate caramel tart, chocolate cherry cookie, or coffee and croissant at the Bread and Butter artisan bakery.

Schools in Red Bank

Highly-rated schools near Red Bank include Alpine Crest Elementary School, Normal Park Museum Magnet Upper School, and Red Bank High School among others.

Homes in Red Bank

In Red Bank, you can still find homes for as low as $70K. Single-family homes with two, three, or four bedrooms can be bought at very affordable prices. Some of this neighborhood’s homes have been beautifully renovated, giving others a sneak-peek into Red Bank’s pretty future. 

Hixson

This Chattanooga suburb has found the ideal blend of urban and suburban vibes. 

Located just 15 minutes from Downtown Chattanooga, locals can easily access the city’s jobs and amenities. But Hixson is home to its own lovely features. Luxurious homes, quiet streets, and a peaceful getaway from the bustle of the city are what draw many families out to Hixson. 

What’s Happening in Hixson

This area is home to some great local attractions. Residents can spend the day shopping at the Northgate Mall and Northtowne Center. Outdoorsy types enjoy spending a weekend picnicking and walking around the Chickamauga Dam and North Chickamauga Creek Conservancy. 

Families enjoy spending the day at Chester Frost Park and exploring the trails or throwing birthday parties at the 180-acre Greenway Farms Conference Center. 

Schools in Hixson

Hixson is home to a number of great schools, including Hixson Elementary, Middle, and High School, Big Ridge Elementary School, Dupont Elementary School, Loftis Middle School, STEM, and Berean Academy, among others.

Homes in Hixson

If you’re looking for space to spread out and a low price tag, Hixson’s homes are for you. Here, you can find 4000 square-foot homes for under $180K. Houses in this area of the city tend to have a woodsy and country feel. Charming yet cheap, families are flocking to the area before prices get too high. 

East Brainerd

Drawn by its charming Southern hospitality, many young families and professionals live in East Brainerd. Locals enjoy easy commutes with close access to I-75. This small community of 14,000 residents lives just 20 minutes from Downtown Chatt. But East Brainerd offers its own big amenities conveniently closeby. 

A great place to invest, East Brainerd’s housing prices are steadily increasing. Many of these homes are being snatched up by families. And nearly half of the residents in East Brainerd have children under the age of 18, so the whole family can easily join this friendly community.

What’s Happening in East Brainerd

This suburban neighborhood is known for its shopping centers, like the nearby Hamilton Place Mall. East Brainerd residents can enjoy big-city amenities close to home. Between the options at the local malls and gourmet grocery stores, locals don’t have to leave their community to run errands. 

The area also showcases plenty of recreational opportunities that cater to all ages. Families gather at the beautiful Heritage Park or bring their pups to the adjacent off-leash dog park. Nearby, the paved Wolftever Creek Greenway stretches for more than 4 miles and is ideal for joggers and bikers.

Schools in East Brainerd

Students living in East Brainerd are served by Hamilton County Schools. East Brainerd locals sit close to several highly-rated schools including Westview Elementary School, East Brainerd Elementary, East Hamilton Middle High School, Grace Baptist Academy, Silverdale Baptist Academy. and CSLA, among others.

Homes in East Brainerd

Lovely suburban homes fill up East Brainerd’s quiet streets. You’ll find beautiful single-family homes on quarter to full-acre lots. Many have attached two-car garages, roomy front lawns, and elegant entryways. Housing prices in the area range from around $180K to $680K. 

There You Have It: The 5 Most Family-Friendly Neighborhoods in Chattanooga!

We hope this was helpful! If you decide to take the plunge, don’t hesitate to reach out to your friends here at Bellhops. As we said, we coordinate local and long-distance moving services in Chattanooga, and we would love to help.

Lastly, if you’re interested in any nearby cities with a good reputation, Atlanta, Birmingham, Knoxville, and Nashville are a few that should be high on your radar. Feel free to give us a call if you decide to make the move!