Why you'd want to live in Southside
In the past decade, Southside Chattanooga has transformed itself from an epicenter of urban decay with low property values to a revitalized extension of the Downtown area. Now this area contains some of the most expensive real estate in the area, and the surrounding plethora of local shops, restaurants, and nightlife venues like The Signal and Southside Social make this area in high demand for rentals and home buyers. The official historic district is bordered by Broad Street and West Main to the north and stretched from West 20th street to Central Avenue near Montague Park. This neighborhood is a perfect match for anyone seeking the unique vibe of local Chattanooga artists, makers, and entrepreneurs with over 50 businesses taking up residence. Unlike its cousin north of the river, which features pockets of the impeccably remodeled turn of the century estates and quaint bungalows, the Southside features a more distinctly urban feel with renovated loft-style housing (particularly on E Main), townhomes in developments like Stanton Row, Cowart Street, and Southside Village, and new single-family construction like Madison Place and Jefferson Heights that are built optimally for narrow lots. Also, like North Chattanooga, this neighborhood is one of the most walkable neighborhoods in the metro area. This means you are only footsteps away from the cultural pulse of the city, including the MainX24 event, Southside Stroll, Merchants on Main, Townsend Atelier, the Farmers Market, and a selection of successful local businesses. Living in one of the hottest neighborhoods in the city does come with a few drawbacks that could be deal-breakers in your home search. If you are budget conscious, be prepared to spend a pretty penny when it comes to price per square foot. Also, be prepared to balance walkability and a thriving nightlife outside with less elbow room inside. Many of the loft-style condos and townhomes are much smaller than what you will find in other areas, many less than 1,000 square feet.