Soddy Daisy, TN: A Comprehensive Community Guide
Soddy-Daisy is one of the most scenic and welcoming communities in the Chattanooga area. Nestled between Chickamauga Lake and the Cumberland Plateau, it offers small town living just 26 minutes from downtown Chattanooga. With a cost of living well below the national average and easy access to both nature and the city, it's perfect for anyone looking for balance, affordability, and a quieter way of life.
The area has a rich history shaped by Native American communities, early settlers, and the growth of industry in the 1800s. The city as we know it today was formed in 1969 when the towns of Soddy and Daisy merged along Highway 27. You can still explore this history through landmarks like Poe's Tavern and the work of the Soddy, Daisy and Montlake Historical Association.
Soddy-Daisy, TN Real Estate Market Overview
Housing in Soddy Daisy remains more affordable than many areas in Hamilton County. Buyers often get more space, more privacy, and more outdoor access for the same price they might pay elsewhere in the region. Homes move quickly, which indicates strong and steady demand.
Key Housing Market Statistics
Hixson is generally considered a somewhat competitive market. These numbers reflect late 2025 market conditions:
- Average Home Value: Approximately $359,505
- Median Sale Price: Approximately $357,333
- Price Per Square Foot: Generally between $178 and $216
- Average Days on Market: 20 days
- Annual Appreciation: About 1.3 percent growth over the past year
Housing Types and Architecture
Soddy Daisy offers a wide range of home styles that match the diversity of the landscape. Waterfront homes line the shores of Chickamauga Lake. Mountain homes sit on rolling terrain atop Mowbray and Flat Top Mountain. Suburban neighborhoods offer classic ranch homes, Craftsman styles, and modern new construction. New builds feature open concepts, energy efficiency, and contemporary finishes.
Popular Neighborhoods in Soddy-Daisy
Lakeside Communities
Emerald Bay, River Watch, Barrington Pointe, The Inlet, and Bella Pointe. These areas appeal to buyers seeking boat access, lake views, and a quiet waterfront lifestyle.
Mountain and Countryside Areas
Mowbray Mountain and Flat Top Mountain. These locations offer wooded acreage, custom luxury properties, and direct access to outdoor recreation. The Rockery Reserve is a standout gated community with quick access to the Cumberland Trail.
Convenient Suburban Neighborhoods
Nature Trail, The Farm, Stonegate, Sedman Hills, and Cape Town offer an easy drive to schools, parks, grocery stores, and services.
New Construction Communities
The Inlet by Pratt Home Builders, Nature Trail by GreenTech Homes, and Cape Town by Smith Douglas Homes. These communities continue to grow in popularity as Soddy Daisy attracts residents who want newer homes at a reasonable price point.
Life in Soddy Daisy: A Local Deep Dive
Outdoor Recreation
Soddy Daisy is surrounded by natural attractions.
Boaters, swimmers, and anglers spend weekends at Chickamauga Lake and Soddy Lake. Harbor Lights Marina and Pine Harbor Marina create a friendly waterfront culture. Holly Park offers convenient ramp access for those heading out on the water.
For hikers, Big Soddy Creek Gulf is a local favorite with clear water, boulders, and swimming holes. The North Chickamauga Creek Gorge State Park offers rugged trails with sandstone cliffs and dramatic views. Residents can also access the Cumberland Trail from local trailheads like Little Soddy Trailhead.
Climbers and boulderers travel from across the country to climb at Stone Fort, also known as Little Rock City, one of the top bouldering destinations in the nation. Nearby Leda Crag offers established sport and traditional climbing routes.
Community Culture
Soddy Daisy has a suburban rural feel with a strong sense of neighborly connection.
Residents describe the atmosphere as friendly and family oriented. Many people know their neighbors by name, and newcomers find it easy to settle in.
Annual events such as the Soddy Daisy Fall Festival, the Independence Celebration at the lake, and the Christmas Parade bring the community together. From May through October, the farmers market at Poe’s Tavern Historical Park is a weekly favorite.
Pioneer Days showcases the region’s living history and local heritage.
Education in Soddy Daisy
All Soddy Daisy schools operate within Hamilton County Schools. The district focuses on STEM readiness, literacy, and hands on learning. Many campuses feature Volkswagen eLabs that introduce students to robotics, 3D printing, and digital design.
Elementary schools in the area include Soddy Elementary, Daisy Elementary, and Allen Elementary. Soddy Daisy Middle School offers grades 6 through 8 along with STEM programs. Soddy Daisy High School provides Advanced Placement courses, dual enrollment, JROTC, arts, and athletics.
Families also have access to specialized public options. Ivy Academy integrates outdoor learning and environmental focus for grades 6 through 12. Skillern Elementary provides classical and outdoor education. Sequoyah High School offers technical and vocational pathways.
Cost of Living, Taxes, and Local Services
Soddy Daisy is known for its affordability. With no state income tax and low property taxes, Tennessee remains one of the most tax friendly states in the country.
A simple example using a $360,000 home demonstrates typical property taxes. With the state assessment ratio and local tax rates applied, the estimated annual tax bill for a Soddy Daisy home of this value is approximately $2,363 per year.
Essential services are easy to set up. Electricity and fiber internet are provided by EPB. Water is run by the Northwest Utility District. Chattanooga Gas offers natural gas service. The city provides sanitation services. New residents register to vote through the Hamilton County Election Commission and complete driver license and vehicle registration through the TN Department of Safety and the Hamilton County Clerk.
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving to Soddy-Daisy
Learn what to expect when relocating to Soddy-Daisy including cost of living, neighborhoods, lifestyle, and more.
Yes, Soddy-Daisy is a suburb of Chattanooga. Located about 10-15 miles north of downtown Chattanooga, this city of roughly 13,000 residents was formed in 1969 when Soddy and Daisy merged. While it has its own local government, many residents commute to Chattanooga for work, making it part of the greater Chattanooga metropolitan area.
Soddy-Daisy is approximately 10-15 miles north of downtown Chattanooga, connected primarily by U.S. Highway 27. Commute times vary considerably depending on where you live within Soddy-Daisy and traffic conditions, typically ranging from 20-25 minutes on the shorter end to 40 minutes or more from farther areas or during peak hours. This relatively manageable distance makes Soddy-Daisy a practical suburban option for those working in Chattanooga while still offering its own distinct small-town atmosphere.
Soddy-Daisy offers several parks and recreational opportunities for residents, including Veterans Park, Holly Park, and Soddy-Daisy City Park, which feature walking trails, playgrounds, sports fields, and picnic areas. The North Chickamauga Creek Conservancy provides access to scenic natural areas and greenways for hiking and outdoor activities. Residents also enjoy easy access to nearby Chickamauga Lake for boating and fishing, and the city's Parks and Recreation Department organizes seasonal sports leagues and community events throughout the year.
Soddy-Daisy is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise with activities centered around water sports, climbing, golf, and nature exploration. Chickamauga Lake provides excellent opportunities for boating, fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding, with multiple public boat ramps offering easy water access for both casual recreation and serious anglers pursuing bass and crappie. Rock climbers will find exceptional climbing right in Soddy-Daisy itself, with popular spots like the Montlake climbing area and Little Rock City offering routes for various skill levels. Hikers can explore scenic trails through the North Chickamauga Creek Conservancy's natural areas and greenways, while golfers enjoy Montlake Golf Course, a well-maintained local course perfect for a relaxing round without leaving town. Beyond these headline activities, the city maintains community parks with sports fields, playgrounds, and walking trails, and the Parks and Recreation Department organizes seasonal sports leagues and events throughout the year. The real appeal of Soddy-Daisy is this combination of immediate access to exceptional outdoor recreation with the convenience of being just 20-40 minutes from Chattanooga's urban amenities like restaurants, shopping, and cultural attractions.
Soddy-Daisy, Tennessee Neighborhood and Lifestyle Tour
Want a closer look at Soddy-Daisy? Watch my in depth video tour where I break down neighborhoods, amenities, commute routes, and what makes this community stand out in the greater Chattanooga area. It will help you picture yourself living here.
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