Is Hixson safe?
Chattanooga, Tennessee · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Hixson as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Hixson
“Go. Hixson is a quiet, comfortable suburban community north of downtown Chattanooga that offers a safe and laid-back environment for visitors. Violent crime is rare, making it an easy base for exploring nearby parks, waterways, and local dining.”
About the area
Hixson is an expansive suburban sector of Chattanooga characterized by leafy residential subdivisions, scenic lakefront access near Chickamauga Dam, and commercial activity clustered along Highway 153. It functions primarily as a family-friendly bedroom community with abundant green spaces and shopping conveniences.
- Suburban
- Family-Friendly
- Car-Dependent
- Lakeside Access
Walking and biking in Hixson
Walk score: 28/100 · Bike score: 24/100
On-street cycling infrastructure is minimal along major corridors, though Greenway Farm provides dedicated, paved off-road trails connecting to the North Chickamauga Creek Greenway.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are significantly lower than Chattanooga municipal averages
- High rates of homeownership and stable middle-income household demographics
- Excellent outdoor recreation opportunities along Chickamauga Lake and local greenways
- Well-maintained suburban infrastructure with ample healthcare and retail access
Cons
- Sprawling, highly car-dependent layout with poor pedestrian connectivity
- Retail theft and opportunistic vehicle break-ins occur near shopping plazas along Highway 153
- Heavy commuter traffic congestion during peak hours on TN-153 and Hixson Pike
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is minimal, with occasional panhandling observed near major commercial intersections along TN-153 and near Northgate Mall.
What Hixson is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and busy with morning commuters, with joggers and dog walkers active in residential subdivisions and parks.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Active around the commercial strip of Highway 153 and bustling with families at parks, feeling very secure throughout.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Subdued and calm with steady restaurant dining traffic and very low street activity in residential quarters.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Quiet and dark across most neighborhoods, feeling safe though commercial parking lots can feel isolated.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is provided by CARTA via Route 16 (Hixson), but service frequency is limited and a personal vehicle is essential for getting around.
Parking is exceptionally easy and universally free across vast surface lots at shopping centers, parks, and residential areas.
Things to do in Hixson
- Hike, swim, or picnic at the Chickamauga Dam Day Use Area and Marina
- Explore the forested trails and diverse wildlife habitats at Greenway Farm
- Play a round of golf or disc golf at the public courses and open parks in the area
Local favorites
- Lakeshore Grille · American Restaurant · 4.4★ (1150)Waterfront dining spot offering classic American fare, steaks, and patio views overlooking Chickamauga Marina.
- Dub's Place · Fast Casual / Ice Cream · 4.6★ (980)Beloved local landmark serving classic burgers, smoked BBQ, and specialty soft-serve ice cream shakes.
- Fiesta Mexicana · Mexican Restaurant · 4.5★ (1420)Long-running neighborhood favorite known for generous portions, sizzling fajitas, and quick service.
Scores are safety-driven — recent reported crime and local news plus Census income, poverty, housing, education, household and access data — refreshed nightly. Walk and bike scores are shown separately and do not affect the safety score. A guide, not a guarantee — conditions change street to street.