Pretty landscapes, a rich Civil War history and ample space to take a cruise on your bike are just some of the things you'll experience when you start your search for Chattanooga apartments for rent. Almost 34,000 people head to downtown Chattanooga to work, shop and play on a daily basis, and over the years, many have decided to call downtown Chattanooga home. Currently, an estimated 11,000 people live downtown in Chattanooga apartments and homes, and the number is steadily growing- since 2006, the downtown area has seen a 22 percent increase in residents.

There are many neighborhoods to consider when you're looking for Chattanooga apartments for rent. One neighborhood that will suit both residential and employment needs is Brainerd, which is centered around Hamilton Place Mall, the largest shopping mall in Tennessee. Brainerd has plenty of outdoor space, and offers five golf courses and 10 tennis courts for those who love the great outdoors.

One of the most popular neighborhoods in which to find Chattanooga apartments is East Ridge, which has lots of local amenities, easy access to retail and schools as well as an amphitheater and picnic pavilions for outdoor use.

The neighborhood of Highway 58/Harrison is one of the biggest growing corridors in Chattanooga, with about 27,000 residents. This area has waterfront access to Lake Chickamauga, which makes waterfront recreation a popular activity in the area.

Some of the most upscale housing lies in Lookout Valley, just steps away from downtown, yet close to Lookout Mountain, Elder Mountain and Raccoon Mountain, which gives this area a scenic atmosphere.

Compared to the rest of the nation, Chattanooga has a pretty low cost of living, about 5 percent lower than the national averages for cost of living. Chattanooga apartments for rent are widely available in the downtown neighborhood, and rent is lower than the rest of the country by about 39 percent. Chattanooga has a growing demand for condominiums, lofts and urban townhomes, making the downtown area a growing destination for people who want to be close to work and other convenient venues.

While you're in Chattanooga, discover local attractions like the Chattanooga Choo Choo, a terminal train station converted into a hotel, or Ruby Falls, a local underground waterfall that has been a Chattanooga attraction for more than 80 years.

There are many opportunities to find work while you're looking for Chattanooga apartments. Some major businesses in the area include Kraft Foods, Metals Systems, Inc. and Brach's Confections. In downtown Chattanooga, you'll find the headquarters for BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and the Tennessee Valley Authority.