Local Expert Guide to Top Neighborhoods to Rent Near Major Colleges and Universities in Chattanooga, TN

Chattanooga is the home to many different universities, including the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga State Community College, Southern Adventist University, Covenant College, and Richmont Graduate University. Located throughout the city and its outlying areas, these schools provide quality education that can help you start or change your career. I'm Catrina, your ApartmentHomeLiving.com Local Expert for Chattanooga, and I'm here to talk to you about some of the colleges, universities, and best neighborhoods to rent in Chattanooga, TN.

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC)

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) is a public university that offers degrees in business, engineering, health sciences, education, and more. It's known particularly well for business, engineering, and nursing, but it also works as a research college. There are many neighborhoods nearby, but the following are three you can live in to be as close as possible to the school.

Fort Wood 

Fort Wood is a historic district with beautiful older homes, often renting single rooms to faculty or students. What I love is that it's less than a half mile from the school and crosses right by Heritage Plaza. You can't get much closer. Try streets like Clark, Vine, or Palmetto to stay close to the action in this neighborhood. Palmetto is on Bus Route 14, if you need public transportation.

Downtown Chattanooga

Also close to UTC, the downtown area is where you're going to find modern apartments, restaurants, and entertainment venues. You can still get to the school within a short drive, or you can take a bus. You'll also be within a few blocks of Tennessee Aquarium, Creative Discovery Museum, and the Tivoli Theater. The Chattanooga Convention Center is on the south side, too, if you enjoy events of different types hosted there. 

Highland Park

In Highland Park, you'll find both historic and newly renovated homes for rent. It's a little under a mile from the school and is extremely close to Erlanger Baroness Hospital. For students with medical conditions, this is the part of the town I'd stay in. Clark, East 3rd Street, and McCallie Avenue are three roads in this area. Also, keep in mind that there are train tracks running through Highland Park, so it can get noisy.

Chattanooga State Community College

Chattanooga State Community College is another public college in the area. It offers associate degrees, workforce development programs, and technical certificates, and it serves as a feeder into the four-year public universities. 

Hixson 

Hixson is a suburban area with shopping centers, restaurants, and affordable housing for students and others. It is a little busier of an area, serving as a small town. It is home to the local Crumbl, and it is about five miles from the school. If you don't mind driving into school every day, this is a community to consider. You will likely need a car in this area. 

Lake Hills 

Lake Hills is a family-friendly neighborhood with scenic views and easy access to the Tennessee River; if you love being in the outdoors, you're going to love being here. A friend living in Lake Hills says it is well-connected and only about 10 to 15 minutes from the school. That being said, you will need a car or to rely on a series of buses to get there, which can be frustrating. 

Southern Adventist University

If you prefer a private school, Southern Adventist University is a private Christian university in Chattanooga. If you go to school there, you can choose from undergraduate and graduate degrees in theology, business, nursing, education, and more, but keep in mind that the school is a Seventh-day Adventist institution. There are three neighborhoods, in particular, I think you should consider because of their proximity to the school and the things they have there. 

Collegedale

Collegedale is the town where the university is located, offering student-friendly housing to anyone who attends the school. Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport is only a little bit west of this area, taking 15 to 20 minutes or so to arrive and get to the town. If you don't have a car, you may like this area because it is so close to campus; in a vehicle, it's less than a minute away, but walking it's a third of a mile or so. Colcord Drive, University Drive, and Hickman Drive are all main throughways. 

Ooltewah

To the north, you could stay in Ooltewah instead of Collegedale. This is a growing suburban area with easy access to shopping and everything you need to be comfortable in the community. Keep in mind that you'll need a vehicle or need to prep to take the bus service. Ooltewah is approximately 2.5 miles from the school, so walking is doable but not preferable. That said, this is a fairly rural, green area, which is great for people who don't love the big-city feel. 

Apison

Apison is a rural area that has a mix of single-family homes and apartments. It is located not far from Apison Seventh-day Adventist Church, so if you already attend there or would like to, then this is a good option. You will pass by Collegedale Municipal Airport on the way to the school; it's closer than the main regional airport is. The school is approximately 2.4 miles away, and you will need your vehicle close at hand. 

Covenant College

Another private Christian liberal arts college you could attend in Chattanooga is Covenant College. This school offers undergrad programs in psychology, education, business, and more. It is also interestingly located on Lookout Mountain, so you can enjoy amazing views while attending classes. 

Lookout Mountain

The main area surrounding the college, Lookout Mountain is known for stunning mountain views. You can live there and enjoy the view from the school; if you're someone who enjoys scenic overlooks, this is the right area for you. The neighborhood of Lookout Mountain is about three miles from the school. In the area, you'll find the Lookout Mountain Club (a golfing club) and Rock City Gardens, a botanical garden with amazing overlooks. 

St. Elmo

Located just at the base of Lookout Mountain, you could stay in St. Elmo. This area has affordable single-family homes and local shops. You can find some apartments, as well. Now, just because this is at the base of the mountain doesn't mean it's closer to the school. Actually, you will need to drive to school (15 minutes, approximately). If you're not a big fan of driving up a literal mountain, keep in mind that you will need to unless you stay on campus. 

Tiftonia/Lookout Valley

You'll find a mix of commercial areas and residential communities in Lookout Valley (also known as Tiftonia). This area is wonderful because it's well-connected. A friend that attends told me, "I can get to downtown Chattanooga by taking I-24, or I can hop on I-24 or route 189 to get to the school. It only takes about 20 minutes to the school or 10 minutes to downtown, which is great for me!"

Richmont Graduate University

Last but not least, there is Richmont Graduate University. This private Christian graduate school is for those seeking master's or PhD-level schooling in theology, counseling, or psychology. It is best known for integrative classes that encourage the combination of mental health and faith practices. Local communities include the following:

Northshore

Northshore is known for being very trendy. It is also walkable, which is great for students looking for a place to call home without a vehicle. However, unfortunately, it is almost four miles from the school. So, while you will get the downtown city life, you'll need to plan a way to reach the university each day. Still, you'll have access to all the best apartments and housing in the downtown area if you can make this work. 

Hill City

Hill City is a historic neighborhood, which is perfect for those who love history or want to live in a room of an old home. You'll also find that this region has been revitalized, giving it a modern touch that blends with its history. You'll need to drive to the university from here, as it is around 15 minutes away by car. 

Riverside

Like the name suggests, Riverside is located along the Tennessee River. If I had to choose somewhere to live in Chattanooga now, I would try to find a place in Riverside just because of its proximity to the river and all the water activities there. You'll drive about 10 minutes to reach the university, but one nice thing is that Riverside and the university are both on the same side of the river; no backed up bridges to worry about.