Whats it like living in or near Chattanooga, TN?

I'm considering moving to somewhere near Dalton, GA. But I have family there that says its awfully boring. And I don't want to live TOO close to family where people can just drive by and what not unexpectedly. I've heard Chattanooga is like the city over there. I've lived in north NJ all my life so I need to be around city-like areas. I probably would get bored of the rural/country life real quick. Is chattanooga still country? Is It anything like NJ suburbs or cities? Are people really racist? I know racism exists everywhere but would I catch bullshit if I'm just minding my business walking around a store or something? Is it more expensive to live in chattanooga than the more country surrounding towns?