In today's Chattanooga News Free Press, an article announces that RelocateAmerica.com has chosen Chattanooga as the third best city to live in, for 2008.

The article mentions that Chattanooga was praised for "its opportunities for raising a family, starting a business and realizing their dreams."

Chattanooga is a city very much on the move. There is an active Chamber of Commerce, new business opening monthly. It is a technological innovation center, guided by the Technology Council. Business and government have an established partnership. The arts are well supported. We have a tremendous and well executed music festival, that is almost ready to open up. We have active charities and community efforts that work to address homelessness, single parent family, cancer, alzheimers,elderly care,  Habitat, the list goes on.

You can be proud to live in Chattanooga. Which leads me to my upcoming blog post, about the media coverage of the real estate market, which is a tad bit overly negative given the actualities of Chattanooga. At least in my mind there seems to be a tendency to apply the negative aspects of national large markets to the Chattanooga and North Georgia markets, where the real estate market is strong and values are stable.

The article and links to RelocateAmerica are below.

photo of newly renovated Market Street Bridge, crossing the Tennessee River, posted in the artile on RelocateAmerica

Here is the article, from www.RelocateAmerica.com

Chattanooga, Tennessee

Chattanooga has many educational and job opportunities with for nearly any field of study or profession. Having only occasional snow or ice in the winter, usually in Feb. is also a large drawing card for the area. The Tennessee River provides a place to play, fish and recreate the soul. Business opportunities are everywhere in franchising or entrepreneurial endeavors. This is the Bible Belt and churches abound from every denomination.

Several have world headquarters and regional facilities here. The Great Smoky Mountains are just a short drive away providing a sure thing for family fun. Native American Heritage is prevalent in many names and places as well as faces of the people. The rich history of the Civil War and the battles fought here like Chickamauga, and Missionary Ridge will provide a lifetime of study. If you want the flavor of a big city, Atlanta or Nashville is within a 2.5hr. drive. The local economy is soundly based on many small and large businesses. The largest employers are TVA, ABB, McKee, Dupont. Hamilton Place Mall is one of the largest in the Southeast.

Many people retire here for the culture, weather, general economics, and the four seasons. Erlinger, Memorial, and East Ridge Hospitals provide the best in all types of required care. All types of housing can be found from apartments to townhouses to condos and single family dwellings in prices ranging from 20,000 to 5 million. Come to Chattanooga and visit. You'll like our hospitality, our food, and the opportunities.

Due to moderate weather, I-75, I-24, I-59, the airport, the TN. River, many job opportunities abound. Commercial office space is rarely found empty. Educational facilities are among the best in the country. In addition, another university, Lee Univ. is located just 30 min. away in Cleveland, TN. Population is steadily increasing as more outsiders find their way here. The greater Chattanooga population exceeds 400,000, but is spread out over a 13 county region

Here's the list

TOP 10 CITIES

1. Charlotte, N.C.

2. San Antonio, Texas

3. Chattanooga, Tenn.

4. Greenville, S.C.

5. Tulsa, Okla.

6. Stevens Point, Wis.

7. Asheville, N.C.

8. Albuquerque, N.M.

9. Huntsville, Ala.

10. Seattle, Wash.