The city’s migration patterns tell a fascinating story about why it continues to grow and thrive. According to U.S. Census Bureau data, 72% of young adults who grew up here stay and put up businesses or establish their careers . For those who move, most don’t go far—15% relocate within Tennessee or Georgia, often to Nashville, Atlanta, or nearby areas. Even those venturing farther away for work average just 112 miles from home, well below the national migration distance of 181 miles. It’s proof that Chattanooga isn’t just a stop along the way—it’s a place people stay connected to.

The story doesn’t end with locals. Young professionals and students from other places like Birmingham, Orlando, and Chicago are increasingly making the move and most are drawn by career opportunities, affordability, and the city’s growing reputation as a hub for innovation. On average, newcomers relocate 114 miles for a job here which underscores its expanding reach as a magnet for talent. 

Whether you’re a lifelong local or a transplant discovering the area later in life, the numbers reveal a clear trend: Scenic City is a place where people come to grow, stay to thrive, and rarely want to leave.

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