By Ali Lemmons
Welcome to Chattanooga! While the moving process is no easy feat, the hard part is over. Now, it’s time to make yourself at home. If you’ve just moved to Chattanooga, this checklist breaks down your first month into manageable weekly steps, mixing essential to-dos with fun ways to explore and things to do in the area. Whether you’re new to Chattanooga for work, school, or a fresh start, this guide will help you settle down in the Scenic City.
Week 1: Take Care of the Essentials
After just moving to Chattanooga, Week 1 is focused on securing the necessities and turning your new place into a functional home base. Start by setting up your essentials: utilities including electricity, water and sewage, and internet. EPB handles power and offers some of the fastest residential internet in the country (there’s a reason we’re called Gig City!), so getting that appointment on the calendar early is a smart move. If your home uses natural gas, make sure the setup for that service is scheduled, too. Lastly, familiarize yourself with your area’s waste and recycling services.
After you’ve handled the utilities, submit a change of address through one of Chattanooga’s USPS locations and update your information with your bank, employer, insurance providers, and any delivery services. At this point, you’ll also want to locate practical places you’ll rely on regularly – your closest grocery store, pharmacy, and an urgent care clinic. Knowing where to go before you actually need something can make those first few weeks feel much less stressful.
Once the basics are covered, it’s time for some fun. Take some time to explore your immediate surroundings. Drive your most common routes – to downtown, Hamilton Place, or Hixson, depending on where you live – so you get a feel for traffic patterns and back roads. Stop by a neighborhood coffee shop like Be Caffeinated, Mad Priest, or Mean Mug and take a short walk afterward at a nearby park. It’s a simple way to start connecting daily routines with the city around you.
Week 2: Make It Official
In Week 2, it’s time to handle the legal and administrative tasks that accompany moving to a new city. For your driver’s license and vehicle registration, head to the Hamilton County Clerk’s Office to update your information. While you’re at it, update your voter registration so you’re ready to participate in local and state elections.
Next, get connected with educational and healthcare services. If you have kids, confirm school zoning and registration with Hamilton County Schools (or your chosen private school). If you have pets, schedule a visit with a local veterinarian and make sure their tags and microchip info reflect your new address. This is also a great time to establish care with a primary care doctor, dentist, or specialist if needed – Erlanger, Commonspirit – Memorial Hospital, and Parkridge all have provider networks throughout the area.
Don’t forget other (more fun!) administrative tasks that will help you feel like a part of the community. With five different locations across the county, apply for a Chattanooga Public Library card (you can even start online), which gives you access to digital books, local events, and community resources. You can also look into nearby gyms, fitness studios, or the YMCA if staying active is part of your routine.
Week 3: Set Up Your Life in Chattanooga
After you’ve secured the essentials and (hopefully) made progress on unpacking your new home, Week 3 is about getting comfortable navigating the city. Head to the Tennessee Riverwalk for a leisurely bike ride or walk along 16 miles of paved path that connects parks, public art, and neighborhoods throughout the city.
It’s also a good time to explore some of the city’s neighborhoods. Walk across the iconic Walnut Street Bridge and explore Coolidge Park in Northshore. Spend an afternoon in Southside, where you’ll find local restaurants, coffee shops, and boutiques and Warehouse Row, offering high-end shopping and historic architecture. Downtown, get familiar with Bluff View Art District for its sculpture garden, river views, and art spaces.
You’ll also want to test your commute during peak hours. While traffic here is lighter than neighboring cities like Nashville and Atlanta, certain spots like I-24 near the Ridge Cut and stretches of I-75 can slow down at rush hour. Learning alternate routes early will save you time and frustration later.
Week 4: Start Living Like a Local
As you enter the final week of the first month in your new city, it’s time to complete the fun side of your moving to Chattanooga checklist. Start by checking off some iconic experiences: take a ride on the Incline Railway up Lookout Mountain, explore Rock City or Ruby Falls, or spend a day at the Tennessee Aquarium.
Love the outdoors? Chattanooga has much to offer. Go for a hike at Stringer’s Ridge, Sunset Rock, or Signal Point. Rent a kayak or paddleboard on the Tennessee River or take a leisurely walk on the Riverwalk. Chattanooga’s access to nature is one of the biggest perks of living here, so take advantage of it early.
Now that you’ve done some exploring earlier in the month, start finding your regular spots, too. Choose a favorite coffee shop, a go-to brunch place, and a nearby park for evening walks. Becoming a regular somewhere is one of the fastest ways to feel connected.
Bonus: Plug Into the Community
Before your first 30 days are up, try to meet new people and get involved in the community. Chattanooga offers a multitude of local events, farmers markets, and festivals to help you get plugged in. You can also join a gym, running club, climbing gym, or recreational sports league. Volunteering with a local nonprofit is another meaningful way to meet people while giving back.
Follow local organizations and venues on social media to stay in the loop about concerts, food festivals, and seasonal events. Chattanooga has a strong sense of community, and there’s always something happening.
Your first month will fly by, but with this moving to Chattanooga checklist, you’ll go from feeling like you just moved to Chattanooga to feeling like you truly belong. Welcome home!
