Highlands Apartments in Chattanooga: Mid-Range Rentals on the North Shore
Highlands Apartments is a 288-unit complex on the North Shore near the Tennessee Riverpark, offering one-, two-, and three-bedroom floor plans in the $1,200 to $1,800 monthly range. The property sits in a mixed-use neighborhood with direct access to the Riverwalk and positioned between downtown and the leisure amenities that anchor Chattanooga's tourism and young-professional draw.
What Highlands Apartments actually is
The community is a garden-style complex built in phases, with most units in two- and three-story buildings rather than a single tower. It was developed to serve the young professional and small-family market moving into the North Shore corridor after the waterfront district's revival over the past fifteen years. The property is not subsidized or age-restricted; it operates as a conventional rental community open to any applicant who meets standard income and credit requirements.
Floor plans, amenities, and pricing
One-bedroom units run roughly 700 to 750 square feet and rent for approximately $1,200 to $1,350 per month, depending on location within the complex and lease length. Two-bedroom, two-bath units are 950 to 1,050 square feet and typically fall between $1,450 and $1,650. Three-bedroom, two-bath units range from 1,200 to 1,300 square feet and cost $1,700 to $1,850 monthly. Rent pricing fluctuates seasonally and by lease term; contact the leasing office directly for current rates, as quoted figures can shift quarterly.
All units include stainless-steel appliances, granite countertops, and in-unit washer-dryer hookups. Climate control is individual central air and heating. The community amenities include a fitness center, a resort-style pool, a dog park, a business center, and walking trails that connect to the Riverwalk system. Parking is included in rent; each unit receives one to two spaces depending on floor plan size.
How Highlands compares to other North Shore apartments
The North Shore has three main rental communities in this price tier: Highlands, Bluff View Apartments (roughly $1,300 to $1,700 for comparable units), and River Oaks (approximately $1,250 to $1,600). Highlands holds the prime waterfront adjacency and direct Riverwalk connection, which other North Shore options do not replicate. Bluff View sits one block off the river and appeals more to tenants who prioritize walkability to restaurants and bars on Frazier Avenue; it also tends to attract slightly older renters. River Oaks occupies a position slightly farther from downtown and offers a quieter, more residential feel at a modest discount.
For renters prioritizing river views and outdoor access, Highlands is the clear choice. For those wanting restaurant-row proximity with less foot traffic, Bluff View is preferable. River Oaks works best for renters who value calm and are less concerned with immediate waterfront walking.
Who it suits and who it does not
Highlands fits professionals and couples in their mid-twenties to early forties working downtown or in East Brainerd, especially those drawn to outdoor recreation and the Riverwalk ecosystem. The property's dog park and trail system appeal to pet owners. The in-unit washer-dryer hookup suits families and anyone who avoids laundry facilities.
The complex does not offer corporate housing packages or short-term leases under six months. It is not a luxury property; finishes are solid but not high-end. There is no on-site dining or concierge service. Renters seeking downtown immediate proximity (not a ten-minute walk) or a quieter suburban environment should explore alternatives.
What the first visit involves
Prospective tenants should call or visit the leasing office during business hours to schedule a tour. The office staff walks applicants through available floor plans, pricing for move-in dates, and lease options. A typical visit lasts thirty to forty minutes. The application process requires proof of income (recent pay stubs or tax returns), a background check, and a credit report; most decisions take three to five business days. The standard lease is twelve months. Move-in costs include first month's rent and a security deposit equal to one month's rent; there is no application fee.
Hours, location, and logistics
The leasing office is open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The address is on North Shore Drive, directly accessible from the Riverpark loop. Parking at the leasing office is separate from resident spaces and ample. The North Shore is serviced by CARTA bus routes 4 and 23, with stops within a two-block walk. Chattanooga's topography means the complex sits at grade with the water; there are no significant elevation changes within the community.
Highlands occupies one of Chattanooga's most deliberate urban revitalization districts, where residential density and waterfront access have become the baseline expectation for new renters. The trade-off for North Shore proximity is rent roughly fifteen percent higher than comparable units in East Brainerd or South Chattanooga, a difference most North Shore tenants accept willingly.
