Picture this: You just moved to Chattanooga and you need some help with the practicalities of life (we can’t just sit back and eat MoonPies all day, unfortunately). That’s where we come in. Keep reading for Chattanoogan 101, our guide to all things Chattanooga.

Get everything from voter to vehicle registration squared away. | Photo by NOOGAtoday

The essentials

Voter Registration
Make sure you’re eligible and registered to vote, find your polling location, and preview upcoming elections and sample ballots here.

Driver’s licenses and vehicle registration
New residents in need of a Tennessee driver’s license will need to provide proof of legal status, a current license or other acceptable ID, proof of full social security number, and two documents confirming their residential address.

If you're looking to get a REAL ID by the Wednesday, May 7 deadline, you can view the requirements here.

You can make an appointment at either of Hamilton County’s full-service centers to obtain a state driver’s license. (You must obtain a license no later than 30 days after establishing residency).

To register your car (for the first time) in Tennessee, you’ll need to bring two proofs of local residency, a personal photo ID,the original car title (if paid in full) or the original current out-of-state registration + the complete name and mailing address of the lienholder.

Initial registrations may be subject to a fee.

If you're registering your vehicle in Tennessee for the first time, you must visit the county clerk’s office at the downtown courthouse, or the branch office off Bonny Oaks Drive.

Registration for your vehicle is conducted on a walk-in basis.

Healthcare
Establishing yourself with a primary care provider is one of those things you’ll be glad you did when you need one. Reach out to the professionals at Erlanger, CHI Memorial, Galen Medical Group, or Parkridge Health System, to name a few.

Pro tip: Websites like DocSpot filter physicians by location, patient reviews, insurance, language, and more.

Get a free library card for access to tools, books, notary services, and more. | Photo by NOOGAtoday

Educational needs

School registration
Prepare your student for the school year by registering them with Hamilton County Public Schools. Here, you’ll find your school zone.

Find new student registration forms and a how-to guide on registering via the "Students Brand New to HCS" page.

For information on Chattanooga's private schools, check out Chattanooga Families' list.

Library card registration
If you think libraries are only for renting the occasional book, think again. Library cards to your nearest Chattanooga Public Library branch give you access to:

Notary and passport services
Events
eBooks, music, and movies
Online databases
Meeting spaces
Tools
And much more

To get your card, you’ll need proof of identity and proof of address. Chattanoogans of any age can apply for a free card, but don't fret if you technically live outside of city limits — you can still get a free card if you meet certain requirements.

We aren't called Gig City for nothin' — EPB's got internet service covered. | Photo by NOOGAtoday

Home necessities

Recycling
Thanks for thinking green. For everything you need to know about recycling in Chattanooga, from where to place your bin to pickup times and accepted materials, check out the city's recycling page. (You can also check out what some local organizations have done to further innovate the city's recycling efforts.)

Bonus: Glass recycling services have returned to the area.

Utilities
Moving is exciting, but no one wants to unpack by candlelight. Establish your services with EPB by creating an account or updating your address in your existing account. Pro tip: You can check to make sure EPB provides service in your area here.

Internet providers
No connectivity issues here. While we happen to think that EPB also provides the best internet around (it is the world's fastest, after all), you also have other options:

AT&T | Get 500 Mbps for $65/month
XFinity | Get 200 Mbps for $45/month
Spectrum | Get up to 500 Mbps for $50/month
T-Mobile | Get 5G internet for $50/month
EPB | Get the Gig for $68/month

*Most of these internet providers offer other packages, as well.

MAINx24: something you just have to experience to understand. | Photo by NOOGAtoday

The ultimate Chattanoogan initiation

Having a state driver’s license and a 423 area code may qualify you on paper, but you’re not officially a Chattanoogan until you’ve taken part in some local fun that is only found in the Scenic City.

Festivals and major events
From Nightfall to Head of the Hooch, there are some local events you just have to experience to really understand. Check these off your bucket list and you're a true Chattanoogan (or don't — we'll claim ya either way).

Lookout Wild Film Festival | January
Rock the Riverfront | Mid March-mid April
Big 9 Roots Festival | April
4 Bridges Arts Festival | April
Nightfall | Late May-late August
Chattanooga Film Festival | June
Ironman 70.3 + Ironman | May and September, respectively
Riverbend Festival | June (on hiatus, stay tuned)
Moon River Festival | September (on hiatus, stay tuned)
Chattanooga Motorcar Festival | October
Between the Bridges Festival | October
3 Sisters Bluegrass Festival | October
Highland Park Porchfest | October
Fire Up the Fields | October
Chattajack 31 | October
Hamilton County Fair | November
Head of the Hooch | November
MAINx24 | December

The great outdoors
There's a reason Chattanooga is called the Scenic City. Whether you're into hiking, biking, camping, swimming, or climbing, Chattanooga's outdoor scene is ready for you.

Food and drink
Looking for a great spot to brunch? A delicious place for vegan eats? Somewhere you can grab a late-night bite? Happy hours?

Bonus: Our website's Food section stays full of delicious local food content.

Is there something you’re still left wondering about to get you properly established in the Scenic City? Ask us your question and we’ll do our best to answer it for you, like a good neighbor.