01 · the cities
Roanoke
Roanoke is the Star City of the South, named for the enormous illuminated star on Mill Mountain that's been lighting up the valley since 1949. The Blue Ridge Parkway runs right past town. The downtown has come back beautifully with the Taubman Museum, breweries, and a thriving market. The surrounding mountains are gorgeous in every season. Smaller and more scenic than people expect.
full dispatch→Chattanooga
Chattanooga became the first city in the country to roll out gigabit fiber internet to every home (2010, via the municipal utility), which jump-started a tech and remote-work scene. Lookout Mountain rises right above town, with Ruby Falls' underground waterfall and Rock City's epic views. The Tennessee Riverwalk is gorgeous. The Choo Choo (old terminal turned hotel) is a fun stay.
full dispatch→02 · the money
Median rent
Median rent
$1,382/mo
$1,524/mo
$142/mo more than Roanoke (9%)
Median home price
Median home price
$296k
$322k
$26k more than Roanoke
State income tax
State income tax
5.8%
0%
Gross left after rent
Gross left after rent
$6,472/mo
$6,809/mo
Chattanooga has $337/mo more gross after rent at $100k
Gross left after rent reflects state income tax but not federal, based on $100k salary. Enter your salary to find your ideal city.
03 · the weather
Pleasant days/yr
Pleasant days/yr
179 days
167 days
12 fewer than Roanoke
Extreme heat days
Extreme heat days
2 days
16 days
days above 95°F per year
Extreme cold days
Extreme cold days
21 days
5 days
days below 20°F per year
Chattanooga has 14 more days above 95°F each year than Roanoke. Roanoke drops below 20°F on 16 more days per year than Chattanooga.
04 · the life
OutdoorScore
OutdoorScore
69 / 100
69 / 100
Nonstop flights
Nonstop flights
9 routes
8 routes
Metro size
Metro size
314k metro
580k metro
Roanoke has 1.9x fewer events per month than Chattanooga.
the verdict
4
Roanoke
categories won
3
Chattanooga
categories won
Roanoke leads on weather and wins overall.
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