Multiple single-family developments are popping into view on Signal Mountain, and town officials and residents alike are wary of the effect they will have.
“The pace of growth is something we have to be very mindful of,” said Signal Mountain Councilwoman and Planning Commissioner Annette Allen. “There’s only so much mountain; there’s only so many desks in classrooms; there are only so many roads up and down the mountain and one that has serious structural problems [referring to State Route 8].”
Recent press and studies have highlighted Signal Mountain as “the best place to raise children” and “the best town to live in.”
“We have people relocating, coming across the country, that are interested in Signal before they ever get here,” said Realtor Travis Close, of Prudential Realty. “There’s definitely a demand for it. We’ll see over the next year how [the favorable press] really affects the Signal area.”
Though residents’ comments posted on the Signal Mountain Weekly Facebook page display excitement at being named “the best,” there’s also a sense that some would rather keep the town a well-kept secret.