East Chattanooga

Before the development of Chattanooga’s suburbs, the neighborhood of East Chattanooga was one of the main sectors of the city, shadowed by the rise of Billy Goat Hill. It was a place with a bustling shopping district and people hopping on and off the bus lines that connected to downtown – as years went by, much of the business district relocated downtown, leaving East Chattanooga quieter than it had ever been since conception.

This certainly doesn’t mean East Chattanooga has become a ghost town – it’s still highly residential, minutes from the river and the downtown district. The streets at the foothills of Billy Goat Hill follow the original grid pattern of the earliest Chattanooga neighborhoods, while homes atop the hill are found on winding roads that cut through the trees. Many single-family homes remain standing from the early to mid-20th century. Common architectural styles include the quintessential ranch home, mixed-material split-levels and, of course, the classic bungalow – a highly favored style for Chattanooga. Those living at the bottom of the hill are more immersed in the “city feel,” while houses farther back into the wooded areas are afforded more privacy. The difference in atmosphere gives you a little wiggle room when looking for a property in the area, depending on what you’re looking for.

The median selling price for single-family homes in East Chattanooga is $180,000, and they typically sell after being on the market for a little over two weeks. Older two and three-bedrooms typically start selling for $170,000, while larger homes – or ones that have undergone extensive renovation – spike up to $300,000.

If following the traditional path of public schooling, children will begin at Hardy Elementary School, which believes that parental and community involvement is critical for students to flourish. They offer the Summer Reach program, which provides children with additional education, fun outdoor activities and opportunities for community interaction. Students move on to Dalewood Middle School, then finish primary education at Brainerd High, which has several “Future Ready Institutes,” programs that give students hands-on learning for careers after high school.

The main thoroughfare of Route 17 will get you to any commercial areas you’ll need for day-to-day life – East Chattanooga doesn’t have large shopping plazas, but essentials are close by. You can pop into Food City for groceries, grab a prescription from Walgreens or stop to do some banking at several locations. The neighborhood relies on several locally owned businesses, such as Allgood’s Used Books and Coffee, for its unique personality. It’s a great hangout spot for a solid cup of coffee, and the shop continually supports the community by providing a free workspace, hosting local music performers and supporting book events. East Chattanooga is also mere minutes from the CHI Memorial Hospital, one of the largest hospital centers in the area and a leader in cardiology.

The East Chattanooga Community Center is one of the most significant supports for community gathering and keeping your calendar filled. They have sports leagues and teams for all ages and several activity programs with kids. If you’re not looking for a sport, they also have a whole range of creative classes, from cooking courses to art and music lessons. Nearby Tennessee Riverpark offers a ton of open green space and stunning river views. If you need a new jogging or biking location, the Riverpark has a long and diverse paved greenway system that winds through the trees and past the water.

East Chattanooga has a long-standing history, and its tight-knit community holds it together, continuously looking for ways to improve the area.

Written By

Kaitie Lamb

Photography Contributed By

Morgan Nowland

Video By

Mark Barakat