Signal Mountain, TN 255 Apartments for Rent

Signal Mountain is home to Signal Point, a famous natural landmark that overlooks all of Chattanooga and the Tennessee River Gorge.

First of all, Signal Mountain isn't located on Signal Mountain; rather, it's located on Walden Ridge and named for Signal Point, a famous local landmark. The town itself is actually a suburb of Chattanooga, so locals can experience its small mountain town atmosphere while enjoying all the nearby amenities of the city. When most folks think of a small Southern town, they usually think of the fictional Mayberry, and with a population of only 7,554 (2010 census), Signal Mountain does have its Mayberry-like characteristics, but it's also a thriving community with a good amount of tourism and several nationally-known businesses (including industrial cement manufacturer Buzzi Unicem). Small Southern town? Perhaps, but definitely with a 21st century way of doing things.

Moving to Signal Mountain

When (and Where) to Hit the Road

Located just 13 minutes from central Chattanooga, Signal Mountain is easy to reach by car or moving van; just take I-75 from Chattanooga, then US 27 North and Highway 127 North. Thanks to the mild temperatures year-round, there's no real peak season for moving here, but be warned that this part of the South gets one or two ice storms a year in January or February, and these can stop traffic for a few days, so check the weather if you're planning on moving then.

Finding a Place to Live

Ready to find an apartment? One of the best ways to search for apartments in Signal Mountain is to use an online apartments locator. This will not only guide you to available 1 bedroom apartments and 2 bedroom houses for rent, but will also clue you in on special deals such as all bills paid apartments. What a deal!

Landlords here generally require first month's rent and a security deposit, plus some proof of present or future employment. If you're just moving here, make sure you have a letter from your employers, even if you haven't yet started work. Also, many landlords ask to do a credit check, so don't be insulted; it's standard nowadays.

Neighborhoods of Signal Mountain

Signal Mountain has a number of attractive, rural-looking residential neighborhoods. The good news is that the entire town is bike and pedestrian friendly, and in some areas you can actually walk to the local stores. Here are some places to check out:

Carriage Hill: In this picturesque, bike-friendly neighborhood, you'll find a variety of beautiful homes primarily from the mid-to-late 20th century. Most of them have wooded lots, and some might even have a bit of acreage. Keep looking; if you're lucky, you should find some rentals. This neighborhood is close to Ace Hardware, CVS, Xpresso Mart and the Signal Mountain Cookie Lady bakery, so your cookie jar will always be full.

Old Towne: This area boasts large, beautiful houses, many of them with craftsman and decorator touches such as antique windows, hardwood flooring and built-in exotic wood cabinetry. Wooded lots and acreage abound here, and it's a good idea to check periodically for home rentals. This neighborhood is close to CVS and Dollar General, and not far from Cumberland Trail Park and the Signal Mountain Country Club.

Signal Crest: Signal Crest is located at 1010 Ridgeway Avenue and is a popular complex with amenities such as hardwood flooring and balconies. It's close to Pruetts Food Town, Signal Mountain Pharmacy, CVS and the Signal Mountain Country Club.

Walden Gle: This lovely, 10-unit apartment building is located at 2600 Taft Highway. The units include two bedroom apartments featuring large closets and garage space. It's close to Ace Hardware, Dollar General, Mountain Garden Center and Bread Basket bakery.

Living in Signal Mountain

Practical Considerations

Signal Mountain is blessed with one of those mild Southern mountain town climates, so July highs don't get much above the mid-80's. January highs hover around the low 30's, but the good news is that the area gets less than four inches of snow a year. When you need to get around, you can give the car a rest, because the Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) bus system can get you just about anywhere. Need to travel further afield? Signal Mountain is just 27 minutes away from Chattanooga Airport.

Mountains and Music

For a tiny mountain suburb, you'd be surprised at how many things there are to do. For example, the Mountain Arts Community Center (809 Kentucky Ave) offers a full roster of arts and music classes and performances throughout the year. Plus, Mountain Opry (Fairmont Pike) offers bluegrass, country and old-time music performances every Friday night, as well as esoteric acts such as dulcimer duos and Civil-War themed brass bands.

If you're a sucker for natural beauty, then you'll revel in the views from Signal Point (116 Signal Point Rd), which overlooks all of Chattanooga and the Tennessee River Gorge. From there, you can hike down to the spectacular Rainbow Falls -- but be sure to stop and read the historical markers on the way down. If you love to hike, get a good pair of shoes and hit Cumberland Trail, a world-famous 282-mile hiking trail that runs through Signal Mountain and encompasses five states. If you prefer a quiet drive, take a trip over to the beautiful Fairmount Orchard (2204 Fairmount Pike), where you can buy homemade cider during certain months of the year.

Foodie Faves

Once you've burned off some calories, you can recharge at 517 Subs (1238 Taft Hwy # 184), which offers fresh homemade soups and salads. Another locals' favorite is Nino's Restaurant (720 Mississippi Ave), where you can dig into artisan pastas such as homemade lasagna and linguine with tuna. Locals also flock to Rallo's Bar and Grill (3456 US 127), where you'll find great drink specials and burger platters. If you're a real beer aficionado, check out Chattanooga's Terminal Brewhouse (6 E 14th St), which offers delicious artisan craft beers, including a superb Belgian White.

Signal Mountain is one of those towns that can be whatever you want it to be. If you prefer a bucolic lifestyle lived among down home folk who wave and say hi even if they don't know you, you'll find it here. If you prefer living in a vibrant community that's close to a major metropolis, it's here too -- and folks will still wave at you, whether you're returning from a corporate conference or a hike along the Cumberland Trail.