Stunning views, a low cost of living, first-class healthcare, and nationally recognized retirement communities make Chattanooga a top destination for seniors to retire.

The Chattanooga area is a highly sought-after location for seniors preparing for or enjoying retirement, and it’s easy to see why. Tennessee ranks high when it comes to the best states to retire, and Chattanooga is regularly praised for its below-average cost of living, dining and shopping scenes, and ideal climate. In fact, Southern Living included Chattanooga in its list of “The Best Places for a Dreamy Retirement in the South” in 2022, adding that “the manageable size of Chattanooga, the scenery of the river and the mountains, and the lifestyle add to its allure.”

Seniors can make the most of their retirement dollars in Chattanooga, where the cost of living is 11.6% lower than the national average. In 2022, CNBC named Tennessee the second most affordable state for retirement, thanks largely to an affordable housing market, low property taxes, and no state income tax.

In the Scenic City, safe neighborhoods and enticing real estate abound. Housing options accommodating a variety of living arrangements comprise Chattanooga’s residential landscape, offering style and function for everyone. Residents can choose from riverside bungalows, historic homes, modern apartments and condos, and more.

Local retirement communities offer independent and assisted living, and many provide skilled nursing and memory care. Caregivers are available to provide an array of services, from minimal assistance to full-service care, so that residents’ needs are always met. Nationally recognized senior care facilities – like Life Care Centers of America and Century Park Associates in Cleveland and Morning Pointe and Independent Healthcare Properties in Ooltewah – are accessible and well-connected to their respective neighborhoods, and new construction supplies further living options.

Chattanooga boasts award-winning healthcare facilities, which extend medical care and relief to retirees and their families. Siskin Hospital for Physical Rehabilitation, Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Chattanooga, and Kindred Hospital offer specialized services, while CHI Memorial, Erlanger Health System, Hamilton Health Care System, Parkridge Health System, and Tennova Healthcare provide broader healthcare options for patients.

For retirees looking to spend their golden years learning new activities, the Scenic City is an optimal site for exploration. Area colleges conduct programs for adults eager to pick up new skills, and the city is rich with culture, showcased at historic parks, monuments, and museums. Volunteer opportunities are plentiful, with a variety of local nonprofits to partner with. For those seeking spiritual growth and community, the city is home to many churches and religious organizations.

Nestled in a valley with mountaintop views only a brief drive away, Chattanooga presents plenty of opportunities for physical activity for seniors looking to enjoy the outdoors. The city is home to more than 50 trailheads and multiple waterfronts, making walking, biking, and fishing popular pursuits for seniors. Chattanooga’s Riverwalk – which spans 16 miles along the banks of the Tennessee River – is an accessible and immersive way to experience both nature and city culture.

Other local amenities, from a wealth of fine dining options to shops selling quality and often locally made goods, contribute to making Chattanooga a prime location for those looking to settle into an easy and enjoyable retirement.