Buying a Home in a College Town: Is It Smart to Invest Near UTC or Berry College?

Real Estate Investment Tips from Hanson Capital Homes

Introduction: Dorm Life? No Thanks—Let’s Talk Property Potential

Picture this: You're buying a home, but instead of picking the quietest cul-de-sac in town, you're looking at neighborhoods buzzing with coffee shops, bookstores, and college students who treat scooters like sports cars.

Welcome to college town real estate—where investing near a university can be surprisingly profitable if you know what to look for.

In North Georgia and East Tennessee, two standout schools—University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) and Berry College in Rome, GA—attract thousands of students, faculty, and renters every year. And for savvy buyers and investors, that spells opportunity.

At Hanson Capital Homes, we’ve helped buyers weigh the pros, cons, and long-term gains of investing near colleges. Whether you’re looking for a smart rental property or a long-term family home with appreciation potential, this guide is your playbook.

Why College Towns Make Great Investment Locations

🎓 Built-in demand: Students, faculty, and staff need housing
💼 Job stability: Universities are often major local employers
💸 Rental cash flow: Consistent income from short- or long-term tenants
📈 Property appreciation: Many college towns see steady price growth

💡 Fun Fact: Homes near UTC have seen a 20% increase in value over the last 5 years—fueled by student demand and urban revitalization.

Let’s Talk Locations: UTC vs. Berry College

🟧 University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC)

• Located in downtown Chattanooga
  
  

• Serves ~11,000 students
  
  

• Urban campus with nearby apartment complexes, condos, and single-family homes
  
  

• Strong demand for housing from students, medical residents, and young professionals
  
  

• Near the scenic Tennessee Riverwalk and popular areas like Southside, Fort Wood, and North Shore
  
  

💰 UTC-area homes often rent for $1,000–$2,500/month depending on size and proximity.

🟦 Berry College – Rome, GA

• Private liberal arts college with ~2,000 students
  
  

• Largest contiguous college campus in the world (yes, really!)
  
  

• More rural and scenic, with rental demand from faculty, staff, and upperclassmen
  
  

• Lower competition for investment properties, but also fewer high-rise apartments
  
  

• Strong appreciation in downtown Rome, especially near Broad Street
  
  

💰 Homes near Berry College often serve as mid-term rentals or family housing, renting from $1,200–$2,000/month.

Featured Snippet: Is Buying a Home in a College Town Smart?

Yes—if you:

• Buy in a high-demand area close to campus
  
  

• Understand local rental laws and university policies
  
  

• Plan for turnover (students move frequently)
  
  

• Price competitively and keep the property well-maintained
  
  

• Work with a local expert who knows the neighborhood (hey, that’s us!)
  
  

Pros of Buying Near a College

✅ Steady Rental Demand
No need to hunt for tenants—universities attract them every year.

✅ Resale Potential
Parents, professors, and young professionals love well-located homes.

✅ Higher Rental Yields
Especially for multi-bedroom homes or small apartment units.

✅ Appreciation in Revitalized Areas
Campuses often fuel investment in walkable downtowns.

Cons to Watch For

❌ Tenant Turnover
Student leases are often short-term or year-to-year.

❌ Wear & Tear
College renters may not treat your property like home-sweet-home.

❌ Noise + Traffic
Living near a frat house or football stadium has its downsides.

❌ Zoning & Restrictions
Some college towns restrict short-term rentals or require specific permits.

🎓 Hanson Capital Tip: Buying a home one block too far from campus can mean double the vacancy—or none at all. Let us help you map out the smart zones.

Types of Buyers Who Benefit Most

• 🏘️ First-Time Investors – Lower entry costs than commercial real estate
  
  

• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Parents of College Students – Buy now, let your child live rent-free, then rent it out
  
  

• 🧓 Retirees – Buy low now, earn rental income, and eventually relocate
  
  

• 💼 Doctors/Nurses/Professors – Use it as a personal residence or rental for traveling professionals
  
  

What to Look for in a College Town Property

1. Walkability

The closer to campus, the better. Aim for 1 mile or less.

2. Low Maintenance Exterior

Brick > Wood. College renters are not known for yard work.

3. 3+ Bedrooms

Perfect for roommate rentals (especially around UTC).

4. Parking or Transit Access

Many students don’t drive—but visiting parents do.

5. Strong Wifi Availability

You’d be surprised how often this makes or breaks a lease.

Real Talk: Myth vs. Reality

❌ Myth: “College rentals are always a headache.”

✅ Reality: With a strong lease, good management, and screening, college rentals can be easy, high-yield investments.

❌ Myth: “No one wants to buy near a campus later.”

✅ Reality: Homes near UTC and Berry sell quickly to parents, professionals, and investors. The demand doesn’t go away—it just shifts.

Local Market Insights from Hanson Capital Homes

• UTC-adjacent properties in Fort Wood, Glenwood, and MLK Blvd neighborhoods are hot—especially if updated and walkable
  
  

• Rome’s investment potential is growing as Berry expands and remote workers move in
  
  

• We’ve helped buyers secure rental-ready homes for under $250K with strong monthly cash flow
  
  

Conclusion: Think Like a Landlord, Buy Like a Local

Buying near a college isn’t just about proximity—it’s about knowing which streets fill up with renters every August and which ones sit empty.

At Hanson Capital Homes, we help buyers like you find profitable properties near UTC and Berry College—without the guesswork. Whether you’re buying your first home or your fifth investment property, we’ll guide you through every decision.

🎯 Curious if a college town investment is right for you? Let’s talk numbers, neighborhoods, and long-term goals. Click here!