Drive Time: Brainerd is about a seven minute drive from the Tennessee Aquarium on the east side of Missionary Ridge.
Locator Maps: The Brainerd community is essentially bisected by Brained Road, which runs from Missionary Ridge to South Chickamauga Creek. It is bordered to the south by Interstate 24 and to the north by Shallowford Road.
Curb Appeal: The median price of homes sold in Brainerd in 2021 was $193,500.
Breakfast: An IHOP, a Huddle House and a Waffle Hosue are all located on Brainerd Road.
Lunch: Marsha's Backstreet Cafe has long been a popular lunch place for a tuna sandwich or a burger and a cold drink.
Dinner: Sweet Basil has some of the best Thai food around, in particular the Pad-Ke-Mao and and pan-fried catfish in a fresh peppercorn sauce. The Crispy Duck is also terrific, and try the Thai tea. If you are looking for a place to watch a ball game while eating lunch or dinner, Bud's Brainerd is one of the city's most popular sports bars.
New Business: Uncle Larry's recently opened a store on Brainerd Road next to Chattanooga Station 13 firehall serving up some of the best fried catfish in town.
In the News: The Brainerd Panthers high school boys basketball team made it to the quartefinals in the state tournament.
Happy Place: Folks have been flocking to the Brainerd Levee since it was built in the '70s to control rising waters from South Chickamauga Creek. It offers 2.6 miles of level walking space and the opportunity to see a variety of wildlife along the way as it passes by marshes, ponds and the creek.
Livability Score Sheet
Walkability: Many of the neighborhoods in Brainerd such as Belvoir Estates offer great walking for residents, but the people who live in the area also enjoy walking at the Brainerd Levee. It travels through Brainerd on Shallowford Road to Camp Jordan in East Ridge.
Health Care Assets: CVS, 5501 Brainerd Road, provides basic care through its Minute Clinic
Parks and Rec:
- Brainerd Recreational Center
- Eastgate Town Center's Senior Citizens Activity Center
Shop Talk: Brainerd is a community constantly in flux with long-established neighborhoods and businesses existing alongside. The Eastgate Town Center was the state's first shopping center under one roof. It is now home to the county's One Stop Career Center, Department of Children's Services office and the office of the Department of Human Services. The Partnership for Families, Children, and Adults maintains its Elder Services office here as well.
Claim to Fame: Since 1815, when the Brainerd Mission was established, and later Bird's Mill near Chickamauga Creek, Brainerd has played a key role in Chattanooga's development. Eastgate Mall was the first enclosed shopping center in the state. In addition to being home to several neighborhoods, churches and schools, Brainerd is home to Brainerd Golf Course, an 18-hole municipal course.
Schools:
- Brainerd High School (grades 9-12)
- Barger Academy (PK-5)
- Woodmore Elementary (PK-5)
- Dalewood Middle School (6-8)
- Boyd Buchanan (PK-12)
- Brainerd Baptist (P-5)