Living in Chattanooga is a wise idea for older adults if they want an affordable retirement and plenty to do. There are scenic outdoor walks and nature trails, arts and cultural experiences, senior fitness and wellness classes, educational or hobby workshops, and social and community events. Seniors love it here, especially those in independent living at Creekside at Shallowford.
According to Axios, the population of Tennesseans aged 65 and older shot up 12.5% from 2020 to 2024. This makes it one of the top states with an older population, so retirement in Tennessee seems like a good idea. After all, you'd feel right at home with all the other older adults.
Tennessee is a large state though, and you don't want to sift through all the TN retirement cities. So, is living in Chattanooga wise? It's one of the largest cities here, so it can be promising.
Yes, Chattanooga is a good area to live for older adults. It's nestled between mountains and the Tennessee River, so you'll get stunning scenic senior living. The winters are mild, meaning that outdoor activities are possible all year long.
Payscale says that the cost of living in Chattanooga is 11% lower than the national average. Housing is 18% lower, utilities are 13% lower, and groceries are 3% lower. This means that you won't have to worry about your finances as much here, as you'll be able to do plenty without spending a lot.
More importantly, there are excellent healthcare options in this city. For instance, there's Erlanger Health System and CHI Memorial.
Lastly, the city offers senior-friendly amenities, and these are all provided in a friendly, small-town atmosphere.
Are you wondering about what there is to do in Chattanooga that's senior-friendly? Here's what you can expect from the Chattanooga lifestyle.
The city has numerous opportunities for outdoor activities without strenuous effort. There are many riverside paths, gardens, and nature trails that are well-maintained. This makes it easy to lead an active lifestyle, which can be beneficial for both your physical and mental health.
You'll have a refreshing connection to nature when you can:
There's a thriving arts and culture scene in Chattanooga, so there are plenty of ways to stay engaged and inspired. Examples include:
If the great outdoors isn't for you, then no problem. The city has a variety of fitness and wellness programs you can take advantage of.
The classes are designed for different fitness levels, and the instructors specialize in senior health. This ensures that you stay safe and comfortable.
There are a lot of adult education and hobby workshops you can join. Subjects include:
Signing up for these classes can help keep your mind sharp while fostering creativity. Plus, you might make new friends!
You'll never have to worry about being lonely in Chattanooga. This city has a strong sense of community, so it's easy to stay connected.
You'll often find dances, potlucks, and game nights hosted by various organizations. Also, community events include:
Part of aging well in Chattanooga is being in the right residence. And you can't get any better than Creekside at Shallowford!
We are an independent living community that serves our residents with a number of cozy and private apartments designed for older adults. You can retain your privacy and daily routines, but you won't have to worry about chores. Our staff members will do housekeeping, upkeep, and repairs, so you can focus on fun and relaxation.
Not only are there plenty of amenities to take advantage of on the premises, but there's also a calendar that's packed with exciting activities. There are plenty of chances to socialize and form friendships in our community!
The amount needed to retire comfortably in Tennessee will depend on each individual's lifestyle preferences, as well as which city they live in and their housing choices. But because the state has a relatively low cost of living, in general, $45,000 to $55,000 a year ($3,750 to $4,583.33 a month) should be enough for many retirees.
In general, you should aim for $1 million in your savings to sustain your retirement comfortably.
Yes, Tennessee is tax-friendly for seniors. There are no taxes on:
Also, this state has one of the lowest property taxes in the nation, so owning property here pays off. Some counties even offer property tax relief or freezes for qualifying seniors.
Tennessee does have a sales tax that's higher than the national average, but the lack of income tax hugely offsets this.
Retiring in Tennessee is amazing, but there are some potential drawbacks. For example, there's a high sales tax, but with careful budgeting, this can help minimize costs. Plus, the absence of income tax makes up for this.
Also, summers can be hot and humid, especially in the western and central regions. You can mitigate this by either staying indoors with the air conditioning on or by choosing areas with milder climates, such as Chattanooga.
Older adults love living in Chattanooga, especially since there's mild weather, an affordable cost of living, and a plethora of amenities and activities. It's the perfect environment for an active and independent retirement, and you won't have to worry much about finances either.
You can also make life easier by residing at Creekside at Shallowford. We provide independent living services so you can have stress-free golden years while benefiting from our wonderful amenities.
To hear more about senior living in Chattanooga, TN, get in touch with us today. Creekside at Shallowford has newly renovated apartment homes, and residents enjoy a hassle-free lifestyle with our housekeeping and maintenance services.