Find Relationship Counselors Serving
Chattanooga, TN

Frequently asked questions

Chattanooga, TN

Chattanooga is a city in and the county seat of Hamilton County, Tennessee, United States. It is located along the Tennessee River, and borders Georgia to the south. With a population of 181,099 in 2020, it is Tennessee's fourth-largest city and one of the two principal cities of East Tennessee, along with Knoxville. It anchors the Chattanooga metropolitan area, Tennessee's fourth-largest metropolitan statistical area, as well as a larger three-state area that includes Southeast Tennessee, Northwest Georgia, and Northeast Alabama.

Chattanooga was a crucial city during the American Civil War, due to the multiple railroads that converge there. After the war, the railroads allowed for the city to grow into one of the Southeastern United States' largest heavy industrial hubs. Today, major industry that drives the economy includes automotive, advanced manufacturing, food and beverage production, healthcare, insurance, tourism, and back office and corporate headquarters. Chattanooga remains a transit hub in the present day, served by multiple Interstate highways and railroad lines. It is 118 miles (190 km) northwest of Atlanta, Georgia, 112 miles (180 km) southwest of Knoxville, Tennessee, 134 miles (216 km) southeast of Nashville, Tennessee, 102 miles (164 km) east-northeast of Huntsville, Alabama, and 147 miles (237 km) northeast of Birmingham, Alabama.

Divided by the Tennessee River, Chattanooga is at the transition between the ridge-and-valley Appalachians and the Cumberland Plateau, both of which are part of the larger Appalachian Mountains. Its official nickname is the "Scenic City", alluding to the surrounding mountains, ridges, and valleys. Unofficial nicknames include "River City", "Chatt", "Nooga", "Chattown", and "Gig City", the latter a reference to its claims that it has the fastest internet service in the Western Hemisphere. Chattanooga is internationally known from the 1941 hit song "Chattanooga Choo Choo" by Glenn Miller and his orchestra. It is home to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) and Chattanooga State Community College.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 144.6 square miles (374.4 km²), of which 137.1 square miles (355.2 km²) are land and 7.4 square miles (19.2 km²), or 5.12%, are water. The most prominent natural features in and around Chattanooga are the Tennessee River and the surrounding mountains. The Tennessee River is impounded by the Chickamauga Dam north of the downtown area. The city is nestled between the southwestern Ridge-and-valley Appalachians and the foot of Walden's Ridge; the river separates the ridge from the western side of downtown. Several miles east, the city is bisected by Missionary Ridge. The downtown area sits at an elevation of approximately 676 feet (206 m), one of the lowest elevations in East Tennessee.

Chattanooga has three hospital systems: Erlanger Health System, Parkridge Hospital System, and CHI Memorial Hospital System. Founded in 1889, Erlanger is the seventh largest public healthcare system in the United States with more than half a million patient visits a year. Erlanger Hospital is a non-profit academic teaching center affiliated with the University of Tennessee's College of Medicine. Erlanger is also the area's primary trauma center, a Level-One Trauma Center for adults, and the only provider of tertiary care for the residents of southeastern Tennessee, north Georgia, northeastern Alabama, and western North Carolina. In 2008, Erlanger was named one of the nation's "100 Top teaching hospitals for cardiovascular care" by Thomson Reuters. Erlanger has been operated by the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Hospital Authority since 1976.

Parkridge Hospital is located east of downtown in the Glenwood district and is run by Tri-Star Healthcare. Tri-Star also operates Parkridge East Medical Center in nearby East Ridge. Memorial Hospital, which is operated by Denver-based Catholic Health Initiatives, is located downtown. In 2004, Memorial was named one of the "100 Top Teaching Hospitals" by Thomson Reuters.

Health and wellness take center stage in Chattanooga, and residents enjoy a variety of resources supporting a healthy lifestyle. Fitness Central offers comprehensive fitness programs including cardio, strength training, and group exercise classes. CHI Memorial Hospital offers comprehensive health services, including wellness check-ups and preventive care programs. Start your wellness journey at Southern Soul Yoga, which offers comprehensive yoga classes for all levels. For a unique outdoor experience, try paddleboard yoga with L2 Outside on the Tennessee River. High Point Climbing and Fitness offers rock climbing walls that cater to all skill levels, providing a great full-body workout. For a tranquil spa experience, visit Natural Body Spa and Ama Spa, known for their luxurious treatments.

Top sites in Chattanooga, TN are Tennessee Aquarium, Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, Hunter Museum of American Art, and the Creative Discovery Museum. 

Population: 187,030 (2023). ZIP codes: 37401-37412, 37414-37416, 37419, 37421-37422, 37424, 37450. Area code: 423. Elevation: 676 ft (206 m). Area: 144.6 square miles (374.4 km²).

FAQs

What is Chattanooga, TN known for?

Included on many “Best Mid-Size City in America” lists in recent years, Chattanooga is a vibrant and lively city with a wide range of exciting activities. Made famous by a Glenn Miller Orchestra train song, known for attractions from the Tennessee Aquarium to Ruby Falls, and home to the world’s fastest internet, Chattanooga is one of the south’s most storied cities. And rightly so. Chattanooga has a lot to offer—whether you’re outdoorsy, a foodie, a techy, a music fan, sports nut or just love exploring a great city.

What is the crime rate in Chattanooga, TN?

With a crime rate of 64 per one thousand residents, Chattanooga has one of the highest crime rates in America compared to all communities of all sizes - from the smallest towns to the very largest cities. One's chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime here is one in 16. Within Tennessee, more than 99% of the communities have a lower crime rate than Chattanooga. In fact, after researching dangerous places to live, NeighborhoodScout found Chattanooga to be one of the top 100 most dangerous cities in the U.S.A.

Is Chattanooga, TN a good place to live?

Yes, Chattanooga is known for its natural beauty, affordable cost of living, and strong sense of community, making it a desirable place to live. Crime can be bad in some areas, but there are plenty of safe places to live in Chattanooga. People are drawn to Chattanooga for its affordable living, scenic beauty, local culture, and growing job opportunities in diverse sectors like technology and healthcare.

Sources

Wikipedia 

City of Chattanooga

Neighborhood Scout

PODS

EPB

Tennessee Aquarium

Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum

Hunter Museum of American Art

Creative Discovery Museum

Fitness Central

CHI Memorial Hospital 

Southern Soul Yoga

L2 Outside

High Point Climbing and Fitness

Natural Body Spa

Ama Spa

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.