Mountaintop living overlooking the Tennessee River Valley
Scenic beauty, history and desirability define the small town of Signal Mountain. The name comes from the Signal Point landmark, a vantage point overlooking the Tennessee River Valley that Native Americans and Union troops used to communicate across the valley. Today, the area is revered for hikes featuring valley views and waterfalls, access to grocery stores, restaurants, shops and some of the best schools in the Hamilton County School District.The town's population of just under 9,000 people takes pride in the 8 square miles they inhabit, investing in the community and its programs. “People are heavily engaged in making the town the best that it can be,” says Travis Close, Realtor with Real Estate Partners. “Even if they don’t have children in the public schools, they’re involved in spending money to improve them. That’s what makes it a great town.”While the surrounding Appalachian Mountains offer nature and refuge, Chattanooga, 8 miles to the south, provides Signal Mountain with employment opportunities, shopping, dining, entertainment, arts and culture. Chattanooga’s largest employers include Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee, Hamilton County Schools and Erlanger Health System. Significant industries in the area include food production, automobile manufacturing and insurance.
Signal Mountain is a historic neighborhood with a lot of community charm.
Signal Mountain is a lush green landscape.
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High prices and mountaintop living
Signal Mountain's home prices are relatively high, with a median price of $685,000 compared to Chattanooga's $350,000. Further, prices increased 6.5% between December 2023 and December 2024 as a result of demand. “Prices are still trending upwards because there’s not much inventory, and we have a lot of people moving to this area from other states,” Close says. Ready-to-renovate cottages range from $150,000 to $450,000. Homes in Fairmount , northwest of Walden, sell from $200,000 to almost $1,800,000.
Signal Mountain is home to well kept gated condos.
Signal Mountain offers newly built family homes on larger lots.
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Some of the best schools in the Hamilton County School District
The city is zoned for Hamilton County School District, graded B overall by Niche. While the district encompasses 79 schools in the greater Chattanooga area, three of the district's highly regarded schools, including B-plus graded Signal Mountain Middle/High School, serve Signal Mountain. “Some of the Signal Mountain schools have arts and music programs that you won’t see in other schools, all because of private donations,” Close says. “The strength of the community starts with schools.”
Signal Mountain Middle and High School is a combined campus nestled high on Signal Mountain.
Nolan Elementary School serves Signal Mountain students.
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Hikes with waterfall views
Signal Mountain's climate is generally mild, with hot and humid summers and wet and chilly winters, and lends itself well to nearby outdoor recreation. The city has access to 600 acres of land dedicated to horticultural parks, natural areas, scenic parks, and wilderness parks. The town contains 18 miles of trails, starting at Shackleford Ridge County Park in the northwest of town and traversing through Prentice Cooper State Forest. Many hikes reward with waterfall views, including the 80-foot-tall Rainbow Falls. Signal Point National Park provides a sightline to historically important Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Parks. Public recreation facilities include playgrounds, tennis courts, ball fields, a gym and a pool.
Many locals enjoy walks along the Signal Mountain golf course.
Signal Mountain Golf & Country Club offers 18 holes as well as pickle ball courts.
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Signal Mountain has the basics and a growing arts scene
Essentials and a few conveniences are available in town as shopping and dining are clustered along Ridgeway Avenue. Pruett’s is an upscale grocery store with fresh produce located there with restaurants and shops. The Mountain Arts Community Center is an award-winning hub for fine art, music, theater, and cultural preservation. Chattanooga has more options, from casual spots to upscale restaurants. Downtown’s Warehouse Row has upscale stores such as Madewell and Lululemon.
Signal Mountain's Mayfly Coffee serves freshly roasted coffee beverages daily.
Pruett's has a fresh hot bar and salad station on Signal Mountain.
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Signal Mountain participates in The World’s Longest Yard Sale
Signal Mountain is well-known regionally for participating in the World’s Longest Yard Sale, spanning from Alabama to Michigan. Shoppers from miles around visit the city's stops along the sale, Lone Oak Community Center and Mountain Top Farm, each August.
Pruett's Community Cookout
Pruett's Community Cookout
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Car travel is essential on Signal Mountain
Residents are car-dependent as the city has no available public transportation. U.S. Route 127 is the main thoroughfare 8 miles south to Chattanooga, a common commute for employment. Dunlap is also an employment hub 21 miles to the north. Chattanooga Airport, 10 miles southeast, is the closest commercial airport.
Water treatment issues concern residents but are being addressed
In 2023, the Hamilton County Water and Wastewater Treatment Authority (WWTA) announced a $40 million investment to address the city's aging sewer systems.
Since 2020, the city’s reported rates of violent and property crimes have been generally lower than the national and state average.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
