Where To Live
Chattanooga is the perfect place to retire and start living it up. The mild Southern climate with 4 seasons, low cost of living, and NO state income tax makes Chattanooga the perfect combination for year-round fun for your new life.
Chattanooga is the right mid-sized city with all of the amenities of a major city but none of the hassles. Located just two hours from Atlanta, Nashville, Birmingham and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Chattanooga is easy to access by car on Interstates 24, 59 or 75 or by plane at the Chattanooga Airport (CHA).
The Great Outdoors
You can take a bike ride or leisurely stroll down Chattanooga’s beautiful 16+ mile Riverwalk that runs along the Tennessee River, enjoy a picnic in one of the many parks, and so much more.
Other ways to explore the landscape include a ride on a restored historic 1850s steam train compliments of the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum. Trips range from a 45-minute ride on the Missionary Ridge Local to all-day trips to nearby Summerville or Chickamauga.
Low-impact outdoor activities abound in Chattanooga. Wandering the 1.5 miles of trails at the Sculpture Fields at Montague Park gets you up close and personal with over 50 sculptures from world-renowned artists. The largest sculpture park in the Southeast, this free outdoor art museum is nestled in the heart of Chattanooga's southside.
Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center combines a wildlife sanctuary + native plant nursery + wildlands + public park + more. Meander the 3-mile gravel loop on foot or by bike through wildflower meadows, mature hardwood forests, and wetlands habitats. Or venture out on the other 10+ miles of trails that connect the park with national forests.
Finally, you can hit the water in style with a dinner cruise on the Tennessee River. Fashioned to look like a luxury riverboat of the 1800s, the Southern Belle offers everything from 1 ½ hour sightseeing cruises to dinner cruises with a live band.
Historic Attractions
The Lookout Mountain Incline Railway, the world’s steepest passenger train, offers both mountaintop views and a trip back in time. That’s because once atop Lookout Mountain, Point Park and the Battles for Chattanooga Museum are just a short walk away (It’s less than half-a-mile and virtually flat). The museum is a great starting point for learning the area’s Civil War history with a three-dimensional electronic battle map. Afterward, walk across the street to Point Park to see breathtaking views of downtown and the river below.
Another famous battlefield is about a 20-minute drive from the foot of Lookout Mountain. Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park is the nation’s largest and oldest military park. Self-guided tours by car are free and usually take between 1 ½ to 3 hours. Stop at the Visitor’s Center first for a map and a 20-minute video reenacting key scenes of the battle. Afterward, consider exploring the city of Chickamauga for quaint boutiques, antique shops, and several historic stops like Gordon Lee Mansion, the Coke Ovens, and Crawfish Spring. Also nearby is the 6th Calvary Museum, which honors a regiment whose history spans from the Civil War to World War II. After all of that walking around, relax with a glass of authentic regional wine at The Georgia Winery.
Arts & Culture
Besides our rich history and outdoor amenities, Chattanooga also prides itself as a city dedicated to the arts. If you’re hoping to catch a show while in town, check the schedules for the Chattanooga Symphony and Opera, Memorial Auditorium, Tivoli Theater, or the Chattanooga Theatre Center.
A trip to see the largest collection of American art east of the Mississippi River at the Hunter Museum of American Art will reveal works from some of the nation’s best talent including Mary Cassatt, Winslow Homer, and Fitzhugh Lane. Afterward, walk around the Bluff View Art District to enjoy the surrounding sculpture garden and public art.
Pick Up a New Skill
Want to improve your cooking skills, start a garden, or pick up a new hobby? There are so many ways to learn in Chattanooga! The Sweet and Savory Classroom keeps things sizzling with their diverse cooking classes. Visit Crabtree Farms for a free gardening 101 class (accessible to both English and Spanish speakers) or one of the many other classes offered on the farm like canning, grafting, sourdough breadmaking, and more! The Chattery is your go-to spot for a wide range of classes, from mixology to birding to beading to ceramics and so much more.
Savor Diverse Culinary Experiences
Chattanooga's food scene is hot. Get an introduction to our passion for food with a Chatt Taste Food Tour. Hop on a TN Wine Train where your two-hour excursion includes a three-course dinner paired with specialty wines by an advanced sommelier. Savor celebrated local eats with breakfast at Bluegrass Grill and Niedlov's; fine dining at Bridgeman's Chophouse, Il Primo, and Old Gilman Grill; finally, snag a rum ball and locally roasted coffee at Rembrandt's.
