We all know Chattanooga is a wonderful place to live — but how soon did you figure that out? Were you born and raised in the Scenic City, or did you stumble upon it later in life?
We were curious, so we took a look at Migration Patterns, a tool that uses US Census Bureau data to show where people move to and from between the ages of 16 and 26.
🛫 Where Chattanoogans go (or don’t)
72% of young adults who grew up in Chattanooga chose to stay here.
15% moved away but stayed close (within Tennessee or Georgia).
13% moved out of state.
Among those who left but stayed close, the most common destinations were Nashville and Cleveland, TN + Rome and Atlanta, GA. For those who ventured farther out, two of the top out-of-state destinations included Los Angeles, CA and Washington, DC. Young people who left Chattanooga for a job moved an average of 112 miles away — below the national average of 181 miles.
Secrets Beneath the Soil | 12-4:30 p.m. | Chattanooga Audubon Society | $4+ | Unearth the past with dramatic reenactments, a 2-mile round-trip hike to Little Owl Village, and hands-on archaeology fun for all ages.
Wild Wonders: A Close Encounter with Native Animals | 1:30-2:30 p.m. | Reflection Riding | Pay what you can | Get up close with East Tennessee wildlife — like bobcats, raptors, and red wolves — in this interactive tour.
Fall 2025 Campfire Concert Series | 5:30-10 p.m. | Reflection Riding | $30+ | Listen to reggae artist Milele Roots perform under the stars while sipping beer and eating s’mores.
Saturday, Sept. 13
Chattanooga River Market | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Tennessee Aquarium Plaza | Free | Shop for handmade jewelry, crafts, candles + more from dozens of local artists.
Improv Comedy Show | 7:30-9 p.m. | The Chattery | $18 | Prepare to laugh at this one-of-a-kind comedy show where you help shape the story.
2000s Night | 9-11:30 p.m. | The Signal | $25 | Let loose with other millennials and dance it out to your favorite 2000s hits.
Sunday Studios | 2-4 p.m. | The Hunter Museum | Free | During this two-hour window, you can get into the museum for free with a library card.
Lantern Tours: Ghost Walk Edition | 9:15-10:45 p.m. | Ruby Falls | $42 | With nothing but lanterns to light your way, wander through eerie underground passageways while listening to spooky stories.
Think: Perfect for families of all ages, young couples, or even a girls’ trip. Download the visitor’s guide to start planning a refreshing weekend getaway.
This weekend is your last chance to eat at Lillie Mae’s Place in Red Bank. After 21 years of serving Southern favorites, the owner says weekday business just wasn’t enough to stay open. The restaurant’s final day will be this Sunday, Sept. 14.
Tech
Here’s some welcome news for anyone tired of dodging sinkholes like this one on Heritage Landing Drive: A new study is using AI and 3D imaging to predict and prevent sinkholes before they cause any damage — potentially saving time, money, and lives. (News Channel 9)
Theater
Chattanooga Theatre Centre kicks off its season Friday, Sept. 19 with “Memphis the Musical” — a high-energy story about 1950s Memphis, the rise of Black music, and the DJ who helps take it mainstream. Can’t make opening night? No worries, the show runs through Sunday, Oct. 5.
Arts
Public Art Chattanooga is asking for community input for a new mural along the Veterans Bridge ramp to Riverside Drive. Show up and share your ideas on Monday, Sept. 22 at 4:30 p.m. at Walker Pavilion inside Coolidge Park.
Seasonal
The Chattanooga Parks Department is wasting no time getting into the fall spirit with the Harvest Games at Coolidge Park on Friday, Sept. 26, from 5 to 8 p.m. Kids 16 and under can participate in sack races, tug of war, an apple toss, and mini obstacle courses.
Plan Ahead
Grab your costumes and get ready — Chattanooga Comic Con is taking over the Convention Center on Saturday, Sept. 27 and Sunday, Sept. 28. Get your tickets to experience comics, cosplay, gaming, celebrity guests, and plenty of chances to geek out with your fellow fans.
Try This
Ready to kickstart your career in digital media sales remotely? We’re looking for a Sales Coordinator to fuel our fast-paced sales team, with a competitive salary, premium benefits, unlimited PTO, and real growth opportunities to boot. Apply to join our team.
Jobs
Need to hire? We’ve got you covered. Whether you’re staffing up for the season or filling a key full-time role, our Job Board is your one-stop hiring solution. Post your open positions for free and start connecting with qualified candidates.
Finance
Gold is as hot as ever, with its price per ounce crossing $3,400 in August. A gold IRA can be a smart way to own gold and add stability to your retirement portfolio — but with added tax benefits, plus $20,000 in free metals on qualifying purchases. See one of Money’s top picks.†*
The Buy
This Ring doorbell and outdoor camera bundle that’s $20 off today only. Our favorite features? Crisp video and smart alerts sent straight to our phone, so we know who’s at the door without leaving the couch.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
Need a new Blackstone Griddle or YETI Cooler? How about a Slushie Machine? These are just a few of the fan giveaways happening at UTC’s home opener at Finley Stadium tomorrow. Just sign into the Go Mocs app to register — and cross your fingers you’ll leave with more than just Mocs pride. Kickoff is at 6 p.m., and don’t forget about the stadium’s clear bag policy.
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