Should we move to Marion, AR? (Hot Springs, West Memphis: housing, rent, income)

[KCMO-MMD]

We currently live just outside Kansas City, MO. This is where I grew up and I like it here. However, my husband is from Memphis and would like to move back when he graduates from college in May 2008. I am OK with moving, but want to make sure we make the best decision for our family.
I've been researching places to move that would be easy for him to commute to Memphis to work. We've decided not to move to Olive Branch, MS for personal reasons. We've also ruled out Oakland, TN because we've heard the public schools there are terrible. We talked about West Memphis, but I've heard mixed reviews of their schools and also that it smells. Anyway, we have been hearing good things about Marion, AR.
Basically, we want a small town (around 10,000 people) with close proximity to Memphis. We want good public schools and a friendly atmosphere. We have two kids (8 and 3). We want a good place to raise them.
Marion seems to be able to provide all that.
I've heard a couple of negative comments regarding it being on a fault line and also about train noise. Are there any other negatives? I'm looking for honest feedback....should I move my family to Marion???
Thanks!

[alwaysmelb]

Based on the pros and cons of your post - I think a move to Marion would be a wise choice for you and your family. I agree with all the observations you have made. Having been born in West Memphis and then moving out to Marion 12 years ago, I think this is a great location for many reasons. You do have the small town feel, the lower crime rate, and the quick easy access to Memphis for the opportunities, diversity and choices only found in larger cities. To my way of thinking, it's the best of both worlds. The only con's I can think of would be the late July - early Sept. heat/humidity and the mosquitoes. Oh well, you can't have everything. The people are extremely friendly and helpful. As far as the school situation is concerned - although I am a product of West Memphis schools, I definitely prefer the Marion School District and all three of my daughters graduated from Marion. Please feel free to e-mail with any other questions you have and I will be more than happy to pass on any information I have and my opinions <for whatever they may be worth> Libbi

[North Pulaski Player]

Well sounds to me that Marion is the area that you want to live in. Great school district, small-town feel, and only 10-15 minutes from downtown Memphis (depending on traffic of course). If I moved to the Memphis Metro, Marion is where I would move to. West Memphis, AR really does literally stink and to this day I do not know what it is! Also West Memphis schools are not too great. I would not recommend anywhere inside the Memphis city limits or any unincorporated area that could possibly be annexed by Memphis to ANYONE! The suburbs out east like Bartlett, Germantown, and Collierville are fine but they are too far from downtown. From what you are looking for, Marion is your best bet.

[KCMO-MMD]

Well, only two replies but both seem to point in the same direction...this follows what I've read in some other threads too.....Looks like we'll be moving to Marion. We have a trip planned in October to go to Memphis so we plan to drive around Marion to 'get a feel for it' and that will probably be when we make our final decision.
Now I have questions about housing. We'll be looking for something between $200-250,000. It has to have 4 bdrms and 3 baths and a decent sized garage (3 or more - preferably detached). We also HAVE TO HAVE a basement (well my husband does). Can you get a house with a basement in AR? I've found some good houses in our price range, but I'm having trouble finding websites that tell you if the house has a basement or not. We don't care if we're in a 'neighborhood' or in the country(as long as it's Marion schools), but we want a lot that isn't barren...we have to have trees and landscaping. So maybe brand new isn't a good option? Any hints on where we should live (neighborhoods)? Keep in mind we also want to be away from the train noise too.
Am I asking for too much? Does this type of home exist in our price range?
Thanks for all your help!

[TimtheGuy]

Originally Posted by KCMO-MMD

We currently live just outside Kansas City, MO. This is where I grew up and I like it here. However, my husband is from Memphis and would like to move back when he graduates from college in May 2008. I am OK with moving, but want to make sure we make the best decision for our family.
I've been researching places to move that would be easy for him to commute to Memphis to work. We've decided not to move to Olive Branch, MS for personal reasons. We've also ruled out Oakland, TN because we've heard the public schools there are terrible. We talked about West Memphis, but I've heard mixed reviews of their schools and also that it smells. Anyway, we have been hearing good things about Marion, AR.
Basically, we want a small town (around 10,000 people) with close proximity to Memphis. We want good public schools and a friendly atmosphere. We have two kids (8 and 3). We want a good place to raise them.
Marion seems to be able to provide all that.
I've heard a couple of negative comments regarding it being on a fault line and also about train noise. Are there any other negatives? I'm looking for honest feedback....should I move my family to Marion???
Thanks!

I would definitely check out Deosoto Co. Missippi before Marion, AR. Have you looked at Hernando?

[TimtheGuy]

You are on the wrong side of the river for commuting to Memphis IMO. If something happens to one of the 2 bridges (construction, barge hits it, structual deficiency) you are screwed.

[btoverdrive]

You probably will not be able to find a house with a basement unless you find or build one on a lot with a front to back slope where you can have a walkout. Normally homes in Arkansas are either built on a raised foundation (crawlspace) or slab.

I have had homes with basements for the last 20 years and I will miss having one when I move to Hot Springs Village in 3 years.

[TimtheGuy]

Almost no homes with basements in the area (AR, TN or MS)

[TimtheGuy]

Originally Posted by TimtheGuy

You are on the wrong side of the river for commuting to Memphis IMO. If something happens to one of the 2 bridges (construction, barge hits it, structual deficiency) you are screwed.

I just read on AOL that the I-40 bridge has been temporarily closed with a sagging issue. Not good for commuting through trucker central.

WEST MEMPHIS, Ark. (Aug. 27) - Officials shut down a major Mississippi River bridge Monday after a pier under a small approach span settled nearly 4 inches during the night in a construction zone.

[memphis2]

Blue collar people perfer MS, at least in the early 200s. I am not sure of anyone who seeks out Crittenden County, AR, unless they have ties to the state. It is growing slower population wise than Shelby County, TN, even though Shelby has over 900K to Crtittenden's 50K. Of course, objectively, TN easily bests MS or AR, so the individuals with the education and income to live in the non-crime Memphis areas will choose there, as is why Fayette County (where Oakland is located) is growing 20 times faster than Crittenden County AR, even though farther away from the city center.

But you seem to want to live in a town under 10K, so you have eliminated most of the cities except there and Oakland, which won't be under 10K for long, and Marion certainly beats say West memphis or Horn Lake.