Burnside in Chattanooga: Mid-Range Apartments on the North Shore with Direct River Views
Burnside is a 230-unit apartment complex on North Shore Drive, positioned between the Tennessee River and the North Shore retail corridor, offering two- and three-bedroom floor plans at $1,350 to $1,650 per month before any current promotions.
What Burnside actually is
Burnside operates as a garden-style complex rather than a high-rise, with units arranged in low-rise buildings across approximately 15 acres. The property caters to renters seeking river proximity without downtown density or the premium pricing of luxury towers. Completion occurred in 2012, placing it in the established mid-market tier of Chattanooga apartments rather than new construction.
Floor plans and rental rates
Two-bedroom units range from 850 to 950 square feet and rent between $1,350 and $1,500 monthly. Three-bedroom floor plans span 1,100 to 1,200 square feet at $1,550 to $1,650. Prices reflect the North Shore location and river views; comparable two-bedroom apartments in St. Elmo or the broader Southside typically rent $100 to $200 lower. A verification note: apartment rental rates change quarterly, so confirm current pricing directly before touring.
Lease terms run 12 months standard, with a nonrefundable application fee of $50 and a security deposit equal to one month's rent. Some promotions reduce first-month rent during slower leasing periods (typically January through March), though move-in costs remain subject to availability.
How Burnside compares to other North Shore and river-adjacent options
Burnside occupies a middle position between luxury towers like One Riverfront (starting above $1,800 for a two-bedroom) and older, smaller complexes on the periphery of North Shore Drive. The closest direct comparison is The View at Chattanooga, another garden-style complex roughly two miles south on Riverside Drive, which offers similar unit sizes and amenities at comparable rates but lacks the river-view orientation.
Choose Burnside if you prioritize river views and walkable proximity to North Shore restaurants and shops without paying high-rise premiums. Choose One Riverfront or a downtown building if you want concierge services, rooftop lounges, and newer finishes. Choose an off-North Shore complex if rent under $1,300 for a two-bedroom is the primary driver.
Amenities and services
The complex includes a resort-style pool, fitness center, community room, and dog park. Leasing office hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; hours may shift seasonally and warrant a phone confirmation before a first visit.
Who Burnside suits and who it does not
Burnside works well for renters who work or spend leisure time on the North Shore, want river views at a mid-market price, and accept a car-dependent layout (the complex sits on the river side of North Shore Drive, requiring a short drive to downtown). It suits small families, couples, and remote workers using the North Shore as a home base.
Burnside does not suit renters seeking walkability to downtown Chattanooga proper (North Shore Drive is a two-lane arterial with no sidewalk connection to downtown), renters needing immediate new construction features, or those whose budget caps at $1,200 for a two-bedroom.
First visit and lease process
Call ahead to confirm leasing office hours and request a specific floor plan and view to tour. Bring a photo ID, proof of income (pay stub or tax return), and be prepared to discuss employment history; the complex runs a credit check as part of the application. Most applications are approved or denied within 24 to 48 hours.
Parking and location details
Burnside provides one parking space per unit in surface lots; additional parking is available but often requires a wait-list. The address sits at 3740 North Shore Drive. The complex is accessible from Interstate 24 exit 178 (Riverside Drive) by heading north, approximately 10 minutes from downtown Chattanooga. Public transit is minimal on North Shore Drive; a personal vehicle or ride-share is necessary for most errands outside the immediate corridor.
Burnside delivers river views and a North Shore foothold at rates below luxury downtown alternatives, making it a practical choice for renters who prioritize location and scenery over premium amenities or sub-$1,300 pricing.
