Marimont-Old Crab Tree - Chattanooga, TN

Historians link Native Americans to the Chattanooga area as far back as the 7th century. The Cherokee Indians were the last tribe to live in the area, then pushed out along the Trail of Tears in the early 19th century. During the Civil War, Chattanooga was viewed as an important territory to both the Union and the Confederacy, due to its geographical location and the nearby Nickajack Cave, where an important component of gunpowder was mined.

Chattanooga has evolved from playing host to industrialists and post-emancipation slaves to an eclectic blend of multigeneration locals and immigrants looking for a place to call home. Visit the Hunter Museum of Art, a riverside art museum displaying art from the Colonial period to present day. For a local vibe, attend Chattanooga's annual 4 Bridges Arts Festival, hosted at the First Tennesee Pavilion in the city's south district.

Living in the suburbs doesn't mean missing out on good food. The Marimont-Old Crab Tree neighborhoods provides access to great local eateries without having to head downtown.

Rain Thai Bistro, an elegant Thai and sushi restaurant located on Lee Highway, serves popular dishes such as the orange chicken with jasmine rice or their sushi rolls. You won't want to leave the table without trying the fried bananas — a tempting dessert consisting of lightly friend bananas, topped with caramel sauce and ice cream.

If you're in the mood for some local flavor, stop by Herman's Soul Food. Pleasing patrons for over a decade, the family-owned restaurant serves local fare with a smile. Try the country fried steak, complete with homemade mashed potatoes and brown gravy, or the tempting chicken and waffles, a savory combination of fried chicken wings and a fluffy buttermilk waffle. Don't forget to fill up on their cornbread muffins — they would make Grandma proud.

If it's late and the brews are calling, Big River Grille & Brewing Works is the place to be. Serving handcrafted and seasonal beers, many boasting awards from the Great American Beer Festival and the World Beer Cup, this brewery boasts a casual atmosphere and tasty pub-style food. Grab your buddies and catch a game at the bar or treat your family to a satisfying meal in the dining room.

Situated just over a mile from the Chattanooga airport and less than 10 miles from downtown Chattanooga, residents of the Marimont-Old Crab Tree neighborhood appreciate convenient and accessible transportation options.

Walkers and bikers can jump on the nearby South Chickamauga Creek greenway, the 10-mile multi-use trail ending in downtown Chattanooga. Once in town, park your bike at one of the many bike racks and jump on the free downtown electric shuttle. Bikers can also share the residential streets for neighborhood errands.

Although driving is the easiest way to access downtown Chattanooga or the airport via local highways I-24, 11 and 74, residents can also catch the local CARTA route to downtown or the northern suburbs. If you can't wait for the bus, call Uber or one of the other many taxi companies serving the Greater-Chattanooga area.

With easy access to multi-use trails, waterways, nature preserves and parks, the Marimont-Old Crab Tree neighborhood gives residents an ideal location for recreation. Camp Jordan Park, two miles from the neighborhood, consists of bike trails, picnic areas, fishing pond and, for kids, the Pioneer Playground. During the summer, you can catch live events at their ampitheater, including yearly concerts such as JFest, a Christian music festival, and Bugfest, a Volkswagon car show.

Bikers, joggers and birdwatchers regularly visit the local South Chickamauga trail, accessible at the Brainerd Levee. The southern portion of the greenway follows the wetlands providing a habitat for migrating songbirds and waterfowl. Follow the trail 10 miles to downtown Chattanooga, or take your pet on a relaxing walk along the Levee.

Music lovers can cross the river to Coolidge Park to attend the free annual summer concerts performed by the Chattanooga Symphony Orchestra and other local musicians. Buy tickets early to the annual Riverbend Festival, a five-day international festival featuring music from classic rock, bluegrass and country bands.

With an average cost of living sitting 8 percent below the national average, residents of Marimont-Old Crab Tree enjoy affordable living with the added benefits of scenic mountains, flowing rivers and warm temperatures. Average rent for a one-bedroom residence runs $617 per month.

If you choose to take advantage of the local public transportation routes across town or downtown, you will pay $1.50 one way for adults or 75 cents one way for seniors or children. Free shuttle service is available downtown and across the TCU campus. If you are driving yourself, you can expect to pay 9 percent less for gas than the national average. Use the money left over from filling your tank to purchase a domestic brew for the low price of $3.50 per pint.

Premier shopping exists only minutes away from residents of Chattanooga's south district. Shopping malls, original boutiques and popular Super centers are just a few of the nearby options locals appreciate. Less than a mile from the Marimont-Old Crab Tree neighborhood, Hamilton Place Mall, Tennessee's largest shopping mall, encompasses over 150 retail and dining destinations within an upscale indoor surrounding. If you are spending the day in the city, head over to NorthShore or Warehouse Row, two local favorites for unique gifts, apparel and home decor. Sophie's Shoppe, located at NorthShore, sells a diversity of vibrant home decor, funky accessories and original art. Sort through local antiques and vintage collectibles for your home or garden at Knitting Mill Antiques, located in a historic warehouse at the edge of NorthShore. For your grocery needs, Walmart Supercenter, Food Lion and Aldi sit within a mile of the Marimont-Old Crab Tree neighborhood. For year round fresh produce and meat, visit the weekly Brainerd Farmers Market or head across the river to Whole Food Market in NorthShore.