Chattanooga, TN Homes For Rent

Homes for Rent in Chattanooga, TN: What You Need to Know

Chattanooga in southeast Tennessee is the inspiration for Glenn Miller’s 1941 hit song, "Chattanooga Choo Choo." To this day it remains a most compelling invitation to visit the city.

The Local History

John Ross, born to a Scottish father and a part Native American mother, established a trading post called Ross’s Landing in the area in 1815. Ross grew up as a full-fledged member of the Cherokee tribe and later became a Cherokee chief. In 1838, Ross’s Landing was renamed Chattanooga, from a Creek word meaning “rock rising to a point,” referring to nearby Lookout Mountain. The arrival of the railroads in the 1840s and 1850s fueled its growth. During the Civil War, Chattanooga served as a key Confederate communications point, which made it a major goal of the Union forces.

Schools and Education

Chattanooga is home to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC), with 11,638 students. It offers over 140 majors for undergraduates and 100 graduate programs. In all, there are four universities in the city and 11 other colleges within 50 miles. There are 45 public schools in Chattanooga, serving 22,993 students. Chattanooga School for the Liberal Arts and Normal Park Museum Magnet School are among the top-ranked schools in the city.

The Cost of Living in Chattanooga

Chattanooga is a small city (population: 182,799) known for its affordability. Its cost of living rate, food, and housing costs are 3.5%, 23.2%, and 21.2% lower than the national average respectively. The median gross rent in the city is $827. Tennessee doesn’t levy a tax on salaries and wages. However, it collects a 2% flat rate on income from interest and dividends. The state’s sales tax rate of 7% to 9.75% is considered high. 

Know Your Neighborhoods

Downtown neighborhoods offer a wide array of housing options, from modern apartments to renovated historic houses. For newcomers who want to be close to UTC, the 8th Street and Fortwood neighborhoods are great choices for their diversity and accessibility to amenities. Looking for your suburban refuge? Lookout Mountain and Fairmount are both within commuting distance of Chattanooga, and they have great schools. Lookout Mountain is known for its picturesque mountain views and Fairmount for its small-town friendliness and safety. 

Plentiful Job Opportunities

A thriving business district and a scenic downtown along the Tennessee River attract businesses of all sizes to the city. Companies are able to hire talent from around the world using Chattanooga’s quality of life and outdoor recreation as incentives. Major employers include Erlanger Health System, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, Volkswagen Group of America (Chattanooga Operations), and McKee Foods Corp.