Chattanooga Becomes North America's First National Park City — Here's Why It Matters (And Why We're So Excited!)

Chattanooga, Tennessee has just earned a truly incredible honor — we’re officially a National Park City! That makes us the first city in North America to receive this global designation, joining only London and Adelaide in this prestigious club. As your local real estate experts who live, work, and play right here in the Scenic City, the Chattanooga Property Shop team couldn’t be more proud — or more excited — to share what this means for our community.

What is a National Park City?

A National Park City is a city where nature is a priority. It’s not a single park — it’s a whole movement to make urban life greener, healthier, and more connected to the outdoors. Championed by the National Park City Foundation, the goal is to create places where people and wildlife thrive side-by-side through more green spaces, cleaner air and water, and access to outdoor adventures right outside your front door.

Unlike traditional national parks, which are usually rural and remote, National Park Cities bring nature into the heart of everyday life.

How Chattanooga Earned the Designation

Chattanooga’s journey to becoming a National Park City was truly community-led — and that’s part of what makes it so special. A grassroots coalition of passionate citizens, educators, conservation groups, and outdoor lovers came together to gather more than 5,600 petition signatures and craft a compelling Journey Book highlighting the ways our city is already living out these values.

As AFAR Magazine reports, we officially received the designation in April 2024. From the winding Tennessee River and historic Lookout Mountain to the Riverwalk, Stringer’s Ridge, and our robust network of trails and greenways, Chattanooga’s natural beauty and accessibility helped seal the deal.

It’s even more meaningful considering our past — once named the most polluted city in the U.S. in 1969, Chattanooga has flipped the script to become a leader in environmental revitalization and outdoor innovation.

Why This is So Exciting for Our Team (And What It Means for Real Estate)

At Chattanooga Property Shop, we don’t just sell homes here — we live here, hike here, paddle here, and soak up this city’s beauty every chance we get. Our team members are regulars on the Greenway, love weekend bike rides along the Riverwalk, and have spent countless sunsets kayaking on the Tennessee River.

This designation reaffirms what we already know: Chattanooga isn’t just a great place to live — it’s a place that lives well.

As real estate professionals, we also understand how deeply this designation adds value to our local housing market:

• More Desirability: Homebuyers today are looking for lifestyle, not just square footage. Being a National Park City boosts Chattanooga’s appeal for those seeking wellness, sustainability, and outdoor access right outside their front door.

• Higher Property Values: Studies have consistently shown that proximity to green spaces increases home value. This designation strengthens the long-term value of homes in our area — especially those near trails, parks, or riverfronts.

• Eco-Minded Investment: Investors and developers are paying close attention to cities that prioritize green growth. Chattanooga is now at the top of that list.

• Community Pride: This moment brings a new wave of local pride — and when a city loves itself, that energy spreads. Buyers feel it. Sellers benefit from it.
  
  

A Celebration of Nature and Community

To mark the moment, Chattanooga is hosting a citywide celebration on April 19 at Ross’s Landing, featuring over 50 community activities across town — everything from outdoor yoga and clean-up hikes to nature art and guided paddles. It’s all about honoring the people, parks, and purpose behind this historic recognition. Find all the event info at chattanooganationalparkcity.org.

So yes — we’re a little giddy over here. This isn’t just a big win for Chattanooga. It’s a reflection of who we are and who we’re becoming. A city where trails are as important as traffic lights. Where kids grow up exploring forests and riverbanks. Where real estate is more than property — it’s a place where nature meets neighborhood. As a team of people who grew up in the area, or moved here because we love the accessibility of nature, parks and trails for all Chattanoogans, we are excited to see where the city grows. 

We’d love to show you what that looks like. Whether you’re buying, selling, investing, or just dreaming, the Chattanooga Property Shop team is here to help you find your place in this National Park City we’re lucky enough to call home.

Let’s get outside — and get moving.