If you’ve been keeping up with our newsletter, it’s no surprise 2024 was a packed year for our little mountain city — we’re taking a look back at what some national outlets said when ranking Chattanooga.
Southern Living
“The South’s Best Cities 2024” | Ranked No. 13
Outdoor enthusiasts can’t get enough of this active little city, where it’s possible to go stand up paddle boarding on the Tennessee River and hiking in the Appalachian foothills in the same day.
“The 15 Friendliest Cities in the South” | Ranked No. 11
Readers noted that the city has a real sense of community and cited people like the late Luther Massengill, a local radio host, for leading the charge.
“13 Southern Scavenger Hunts For Interactive Sightseeing” | Ranked No. 10
Digging further into mythical realms, Frieda Utermoehlen Carter’s mischievous gnomes are an enchanting sight to discover when you “See Rock City.”
Condé Nast Traveler
“The Friendliest Cities in the US, According to Our Readers” | Ranked No. 1
As you pass happy residents kayaking in Coolidge Park, hiking up Lookout Mountain, or shopping their way through Bluff View Art District, you’ll be tempted to make a permanent relocation to this charming city in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains.
“The Best Food Cities in the US: 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards” | Ranked No. 3
Roughly 100 miles south of Nashville’s pedal taverns and hot chicken joints, you’ll find a bustling restaurant scene in Chattanooga, which is quickly becoming one of the most interesting dining cities in the country.
“The Best Cities in the US: 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards” | Ranked No. 10
Set in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Chattanooga more than lives up to its Scenic City nickname—the natural beauty here is truly unrivaled, and adventurous travelers are already in on the secret.
U.S. News
“Best Places to Live in Tennessee in 2024-2025” | Ranked No. 1
In many ways, Chattanooga is the comeback kid of Tennessee. Once called “the dirtiest city in America” by Walter Cronkite, Chattanooga now boasts a revitalized Main Street, premier outdoor recreation, and a hearty startup scene.
Outside
“9 Beautiful Mountain Towns in the Southeast” | Ranked No. 2
The lush hardwood forests of the surrounding mountains hold expansive sandstone cliffs and boulders, making Chattanooga a hotbed of rock climbing, while recent years have brought an explosion of mountain bike trail development.
Money
“Best Places to Live of 2024” | Ranked No. 3
Beyond its stunning scenery, Chatt is home to some of the best art in the US — on view at the Hunter Museum of American Art (free on Thursday evenings) and the 100+ permanent art installations scattered throughout town.
Newsweek Magazine
“Best Aquarium” | Ranked No. 1
The aquarium represents the biodiversity of the Southeast as well as species from abroad.
Bonus: See what Forbes has to say about our culinary scene.
Pro tip: Check out our City Guides to find out what the buzz is about + see how we do in 2025 by subscribing (for free) to our daily newsletter.
