Drive Time: From Hamilton Place Mall, 2100 Hamilton Place Blvd., it takes 16 minutes to drive to the Tennessee Aquarium in downtown Chattanooga.
Locator maps: East Brainerd is an unincorporated community bounded to the south by the Tennessee-Georgia line, running from near Swanson Ridge Road in the west to Highway 321 in the east. The western boundary largely follows Chestnut Wood Lane northward from the state line, turning eastward along Shady Fork Road and then moving northward again between Hurricane Creek Road and Stone Crest Circle. It then follows Morris Hill Road northward, before turning west on Shallowford Road and then running northward again along Jenkins Road. The northern boundary of the neighborhood runs along Standifer Gap Road from Jenkins Road in the west, taking a small southward dip on Pine Ridge Road before continuing eastward on the same road until it reaches Highway 321/Ooltewah Ringgold Road. The eastern boundary is Highway 321/Ooltewah Ringgold Road from Pine Ridge Road at the northern end to the Tennessee-Georgia line in the south.
Curb appeal: The median price of homes sold in East Brainerd in 2021 was $301,000 according to the Greater Chattanooga Association of Realtors.
Breakfast: First Watch is a cafe at 1825 Gunbarrel Road that serves a variety of breakfast, brunch and lunch items ranging from traditional breakfast platters to more health-conscious options. Try one of its creative pancake or egg dishes with a side of "Million Dollar Bacon," applewood smoked bacon that's baked with brown sugar, black and cayenne peppers and drizzled with maple syrup.
Lunch: Acropolis Mediterranean Grill is one of the few locally-owned restaurants near Hamilton Place Mall, housing a traditional dining room, cozy bar and covered patio. The menu features time-honored family recipes of Greek, Italian and American fare, and all lunch entrees come with a choice of several soup or salad options. You can't go wrong with a classic gyro or Greek lemon chicken, and be sure to save room for a slice of homemade cake or baklava from the on-site bakery.
Dinner: Rain Thai Bistro, 6933 Lee Highway, has been serving traditional Thai cuisine and sushi in Chattanooga since 2008. Start with some classic spring rolls and go for the crowd-pleasing pad see ew - which features large, flat rice noodles stir-fried in a sweet soy sauce with broccoli, egg and carrots - or experience the bold Thai flavors in one of the restaurant's six curry options.
New Business: East Brainerd's highly-anticipated Trader Joe's grocery store opened at 2111 Gunbarrel Road in August, generating regional attention as the first of the specialty grocer's locations in South Tennessee.
The 11,000-square-foot store features low-price, unique items - like cauliflower gnocchi and turkey corn dogs - and a neighborhood feel, with artwork that pays tribute to area landmarks, including the Chattanooga Choo Choo, Walnut Street Bridge and Tennessee Riverwalk.
In the News:
- More than 200 people waited in line for Trader Joe's Chattanooga opening.
- Chattanooga planners OK'd rezoning for the former site of East Brainerd Elementary School. The project will bring 210 apartments and 26 townhouses.
Happy Place: Audubon Acres, 900 N. Sanctuary Road, is a membership-based 130-acre outdoor refuge with hiking trails and beautiful scenery, including a creek for launching canoes or kayaks or simply splashing about.
Shop Talk: Shopping options abound in East Brainerd, home of the area's largest mall, Hamilton Place, and many other sought-after national chains. Find all the gear for your Tennessee Valley outdoor adventures at Rock/Creek Hamilton Crossing, REI, Dick's Sporting Goods and Academy Sports.
Livability score sheet
Walkability: Though East Brainerd as a whole isn't known for its walkability, sidewalks abound in the shopping areas, and its many parks offer options for those looking to take a more relaxing stroll.
Health care assets:
- Erlanger East Hospital - 1751 Gunbarrel Road, Chattanooga - 423-680-8000.
- CHI Memorial – Atrium Medical Center - 1949 Gunbarrel Road - 423-648-8110.
- Parkridge North ER - 7402 Lee Hwy, Chattanooga - 423-242-9750.
Claim to fame: Bustling East Brainerd offers ample opportunities for dining and commerce conveniently located near Interstate 75 and a short drive to the Chattanooga airport. In a less than 20-minute drive, you can be at the center of downtown Chattanooga or in a rural mountain setting.
Parks and Rec:
- Audubon Acres at 900 N. Sanctuary Road in Chattanooga.
- Heritage House at 1428 Jenkins Road in Chattanooga.
- Standifer Gap Park at 8327 Standifer Gap Road.
- East Brainerd Community Theater at 8645 E. Brainerd Road.
Schools:
- Chattanooga School for the Liberal Arts, grades: K-9, enrollment 611.
- East Brainerd Elementary, enrollment: 1,148.
- Westview Elementary, grades Pre-K to 5, enrollment: 614.
- East Hamilton School, grades: 6-12, enrollment: 1,621
- Ooltewah Middle School, grades: 6-8, enrollment: 807.
- Tyner Middle Academy, grades: 6-8, enrollment: 454.
- Ooltewah High, grades: 9-12, enrollment: 1,528.
- Tyner Academy, grades: 9-12, enrollment: 542.