Chattanooga, Tennessee is an area of unsurpassed natural beauty and family vacation headquarters to boot. It has the once untamed Tennessee River running through it that is now regulated by the Tennessee Valley Authority which gives the area ample water supply, inexpensive electricity and recreational opportunities galore along the river and upon Chickamauga Lake.

The word Chattanooga is derived from the Indian word which means “mountain coming to a point,” perhaps referring to the neighboring bedroom community/landmark Lookout Mountain. Mountain top views, water views, woods, hills and streams abound in the vibrant rich landscape.

Of recent note to the city’s progress is its landing the one billion Volkswagen assembly plant, which is under construction, to employ some 2,400 people in 2010 and to build a new model for the American market. Wacker, another German firm, is constructing a major chemical plant nearby, of similar size/investment/employment, and a German windmill producing plant (Aeriosyn) is opening as well as the French Alstom Engineering’s bringing many nuclear power engineers to the city. Tourism also remains a major industry for the area.

While house prices have softened, they remain at a stable level compared with the rest of the country in the present economy. Nationally, the median house price dropped 14% from one year ago (September 2008). June of 2009 has been the best month for Chattanooga and surrounding sales this year, up to the highest level since September, 2008.

The median sales price is down just 3% from this time last year according to the Chattanooga MLS but up 6.3% from May of 2009. Interest rates remain low, the volume of sales is up, metro Chattanooga is growing, overseas investments in the area are jumping, and the median sales price for a home is still only $130,250.

It’s a great time to live, work, bring family or retire in this scenic, convenient and uncongested part of our wonderful country.