Lupton City-Norcross Chattanooga, TN

Chattanooga traces its history as far back as the late 1700's, years before European settlers made their way to the south. Members of the Muskogeana and Cherokee tribes called the Chattanooga area home until forced westward along the 'Trail of Tears' by the government. During the Civil War, Chattanooga hosted several battles between the Confederate and Union armies, both vying for access to the local Nickajack Cave, a premium source of saltpeter, which was used to make gunpowder.

Since then, Chattanooga has undergone many changes. Once the destination for post-emancipation slaves, miners and industrialists, Chattanooga now thrives as a city comprised of rich cultural history and vibrant new endeavors. The Hunter Museum of Art, located 10 miles south along the Tennessee River, tracks the cultural changes in artwork from the Colonial period to present day. Annual festivals, such as the Riverbend music festival, capture who and what Chattanooga is today.

As a long established neighborhood north of the city, Lupton City-Norcross hosts a selection of family owned and operated restaurants ranked high on the lists of locals.

Serving the neighborhood for over a decade, Mimi's Market & Deli delivers fresh sandwiches, daily soups and baked goods. Treat yourself to their 'Eiffel Tower', a hoagie roll piled high with their seasoned top round, finished with provolone cheese and served with au jus. Don't skip one of their daily soup specials such as the Loaded Baked Potato or the perfectly seasoned Black Bean.

Only a mile from the Northgate Mall, you can sample some tasty southern cuisine without driving downtown. The Fresh Pot Cafe delights patrons with a farm to table freshness that brings them back for more. Don't be put off by the strip mall setting - go inside and order the shrimp n' grits, served with biscuits and their homemade gravy. Finish off this homestyle meal with their popular creme brulee or bread pudding.

Share a pint with your friends, or challenge them to a game of darts or pool at Rob's Restaurant and Lounge. This locally owned bar and restaurant provides brew at a low price with a comfortable setting and surprisingly enticing appetizers. Locals can't resist the nightly Karaoke and the live, local music.

The exercise enthusiast and environmentally-minded alike approve of the transportation options available in the Lupton City-Norcross neighborhood. Less than a mile from Dupont Park, bikers and joggers enjoy the local city park, with its multi-use trails and open spaces. For more trails, head over the river, via DuPont Pkwy, to the Tennessee RiverPark, where you'll find over 10 miles of well-paved trails..

CARTA, the local public transportation authority, runs routes from downtown Chattanooga to neighborhoods north and south of the city. Catch the Northgate or Amicola Highway bus from Lupton City-Norcross to travel across city or downtown. Once downtown, you can jump on the downtown electric shuttle for a free ride to all your favorite downtown shopping and dining destinations.

If you prefer to drive, jump on nearby highway 319 or 153 to travel outside the city, or take Dupont Pkwy downtown. Uber and other taxi companies also service Chattanooga and its outlying neighborhoods with competitive fares.

Residents of North Chattanooga and its surrounding neighborhoods appreciate numerous recreational opportunities within a 10 mile reach. Less than a mile from the Lupton City-Norcross neighborhood, Dupont Park provides multi-use trails, soccer fields, open areas for pets, picnic spots, a playground and Chattanooga's first disc golf course. If you want to make a day of it, head across the river, via Dupont Pkwy, to Tennessee RiverPark. This 10-mile long park follows the Tennessee river, and features recreational activities from fishing and boating to biking and wildlife viewing.

Coolidge Park, located 6 miles southwest of the neighborhood, hosts weekly summer concerts in the park, featuring the Chattanooga Symphony Orchestra and other local bands. Three miles further, past downtown, the 21st Century Park hosts the annual Riverbend music festival, an annual internationally renowned 5-day music festival showcasing Country, Bluegrass and Classic Rock bands from across the country.

As is true with much of Tennessee, Chattanooga and its surrounding neighborhoods enjoy a cost of living that is 8% lower than the national average. In North Chattanooga, a one-bedroom residence rents for an average of $780, 11 percent lower than the national average. Homes sell for a healthy 20 percent less than the national average.

When traveling downtown, you can catch the CARTA for $1.50 one way for adults or 75 cents for seniors and children. Once downtown, take advantage of the free local shuttle serving both the TCU campus and downtown surrounding the aquarium. If you prefer to drive yourself, you can relish gas prices sitting at 9 percent below the national average. On your drive home, grab a domestic brew at your favorite local bar for only $3.50, 15 percent lower than the national average.

Shoppers need not suffer when living in North Chattanooga. Whether you are in need of something special or just want to conquer your weekly shopping lists, you can find what you need.

Northgate Mall, 3 miles north of the Lupton City-Norcross neighborhood, provides the traditional indoor shopping mall experience with all your nationwide retail favorites. If you are headed downtown, stop by the Northshore Shopping and Dining Area. This collection of boutique shops north of downtown draws locals and tourists in with original gifts, home decor and apparel. Stop by Tangerina's for an original piece of art or home furnishings made from reclaimed and recycled material. If you are looking for the perfect accessory to your favorite outfit, Sash Shoes & Accessories sells original collections you can't find in the chain stores.

For your grocery needs, visit Whole Foods in North Chattanooga. Locals love the fresh and organic options available year round. During the summer, don't miss the Chattanooga Market, a weekly farmer's market named one of America's top 10 outdoor markets. Thanks to more than 50 local suppliers and craftsmen, the experience itself shouldn't be missed.