Stonebrook: The True Monthly Cost

County-only taxes, no income tax, and a built-out townhome price — the math behind why this is one of the lowest carrying costs a Chattanooga retiree can find.

HomeChattanooga Stonebrook › True Cost

We’ll model a $375,000 resale condo/townhome at Stonebrook with a $300,000 mortgage (20% down) at 6.5% / 30-year. Because Stonebrook sits in unincorporated Ooltewah and Tennessee has no income tax, the recurring carrying cost is unusually low for a maintenance-free home.

Cost layerMonthly (est.)Notes
Principal & interest~$1,896$300k at 6.5%, 30-yr.
Property tax (county only)~$118$375k × 25% × $1.5157/$100 ≈ $1,421/yr. No city levy.
Homeowners / condo insurance~$80–$140Often lower for a condo where the COA carries the master exterior policy. Confirm what’s covered.
COA duesConfirmCovers exterior maintenance, lawn, common areas — possibly roof/water. Get current dues + reserve-study status.
State income tax on retirement income$0TN does not tax Social Security, pensions, or 401(k)/IRA withdrawals.

Mortgage + tax + insurance lands around $2,100/month before COA dues. Add the verified COA figure and you have the whole picture — and even with dues, this typically undercuts an in-city Chattanooga home of similar size, because you skip the city tax entirely.

The contrast that sells Stonebrook: the same money in an in-city neighborhood like Black Creek would carry roughly $240–$430/month more in property tax alone. If your goal is the lowest-fuss, lowest-cost retirement footprint, this is the math to beat. See Black Creek vs. Stonebrook.

What to confirm before you sign

Free Consultation · Vetted Agents · No Obligation

Ready to take the next step on
the right 55+ community?

Connect with a specialist who knows this market from the inside — real cost math, honest community comparisons, and what's actually happening right now. Every agent is personally vetted by the Nova55Living founder.

Connect with a Specialist →
Personally vetted by the Nova55Living founderNo scripts. No pressure.Always free