Jay Robinson has helped more than 2,500 families find their perfect home since launching The Robinson Team in 1997 — and with over $1 billion in real estate transactions under his belt, you could say he knows a thing or two about what makes a property special.
But ask him what really sets Chattanooga apart? It’s the river.
Raised in Southeast Tennessee, Robinson grew up spending summer days on the lake. Now, he’s helping others find that same peaceful rhythm — from downtown condos with river views to private docks just minutes from work.
“For most places in Chattanooga, to leave work and be on the lake in less than a half an hour is definitely a lifestyle choice and a lifestyle asset,” Robinson says.
Uncrowded, Unplugged and Unbelievably Peaceful
One of the biggest surprises for newcomers, he says, is how uncrowded the river still feels despite everyone’s love of the water.
“We are surprisingly uncrowded compared to other areas in the South,” Robinson says. “Having that high-density living on a crowded river or lake can be a negative. It’s not much fun and hard to enjoy if there are so many people out there with you.”
Luckily, there’s built-in privacy. “Even if you have neighbors on either side, you are going to have a certain amount of privacy because you don’t have anyone right behind you.”
What Buyers Want — And What They Can’t Believe
Robinson says that buyers — especially from out of town — are usually looking for move-in-ready homes with water access, great views and year-round dock usability. And they’re often surprised that there isn’t more to choose from.
“We don’t have [lots of] condos and townhomes lined up along the water like other Southern cities,” he says.
Inventory is limited, but “it’s one of the more stable markets in Chattanooga, and it’s increasing in price,” he says. “We’ve seen prices for quality riverfront property consistently increase in the last few years, and that makes riverfront property one of the most stable and desirable markets in Chattanooga.”
