Standing in front of an available two-story house, East Ridge officials announced a campaign to encourage first-time homeowners to consider their town.
“You have somewhat of an aging population, so some folks reach an age where they move out of their home,” Mayor Mike Steele said Thursday from behind a podium on the porch of a Marlboro Avenue home. “We’re going to sell East Ridge to these young families.”
Real estate owners and city officials touted East Ridge’s location, which is only a few miles from the incoming Volkswagen plant and about 10 minutes from downtown Chattanooga.
Mr. Steele discussed “a low crime rate” and promoted the “community feel,” emphasizing the Camp Jordan recreation facility and several area schools.
The mayor and several real estate agents said they think many younger people want to live in North Chattanooga, but the “same type of houses” are available in East Ridge and are much cheaper.