neighborhoods (Chattanooga: best neighborhoods, houses, schools)

[wisconsingirl66]

We went on our vacation to Chattanooga and really loved the city and decided that when we do decide to move there that we would like to be in the city rather then out in county areas. We really like the North Shore area but need to see where the other good areas in the city area. Schools would be important as we have little kids who will be in school in the next couple of years. We couldn't really get a good fill of where the non-family friendly areas are. Is by the zoo bad?

Thanks for any input.

[An Einnseanair]

The North Shore / Normal Park area is one of the best neighborhoods close to downtown, with a good school zone. The "non-family friendly" areas are mostly south and east of downtown. Literally, the "other side of the tracks", between the mainline railroad tracks and Missionary ridge; also south of I-24, between I-24 and the GA line. There, are, of course, exceptions. There are rough areas not in these zones, and areas inside these zones where the residents claim they live an extreme family-friendly lifestyle. Do a forum search for "St. Elmo" and "Highland Park" for long threads discussing the controversies surrounding neighborhoods just around the corner from complete revitalization (i.e., the next Normal Park), or perhaps teetering on the brink of collapse into complete anarchy.

I wouldn't call our zoo "bad", although it is very very small. Once you've been through it once or twice you've seen everything; it's not like larger city zoos where you can go every other week and discover something new. It's part of a much larger park that includes baseball diamonds, playgrounds, and a newly opened splash park.

[TNKY]

Originally Posted by jwkilgore

I wouldn't call our zoo "bad", although it is very very small. Once you've been through it once or twice you've seen everything; it's not like larger city zoos where you can go every other week and discover something new.

While I've enjoyed reading many of your responses, I think the OP meant how is the area around the zoo to live in not how is the zoo itself. You still rock, jwkilgore.

[wisconsingirl66]

That is what I meant, the city I live in has a small neighborhood zoo so that wouldn't bother us. I meant the area around the zoo, I think the signs on the houses that we saw said something about Highland Park Area? Don't know if that is right or not...

[BlueCuzco]

No, that part of town isn't too nice. Commonly referred to as the "ghetto" or "the other side of the tracks" (literally; look at a map).

I mean, at one time it was. That used to be where everyone lived, and all the houses are pretty interesting architecturally. But what with white flight it's kind of gone downhill. A real shame.