[calyaz]

My husband and I recently relocated to Memphis for his job. Right now, we are in Midtown Memphis. While there are things we love about Midtown, we can't afford private schools so that pretty much rules out buying a house here. We are are trying to make a decision between Bartlett, Desoto County, and Marion.
Some questions if anyone can help me-
Can you get a house for around $150,000? We are looking for 3 bedrooms -about 1600-1700 square feet.
Are there good daycares or people that watch children in their homes that are reasonable? (125 or so a week)
Are the school systems good?
Property Taxes high? Average?
Police Department? City Services?
Who is the utility provider and how do the rates compare to other areas?

I work downtown and my husband works at the Nike Northridge Distribution Center.
Thanks for any input you can give me.

[TN-rox]

I wouldnt choose Bartlett, its kind of the older development, growth shifting to surrounding counties, and not if you have the other choices you mentioned. I dont know too much about marion, but I do know the school system is good. Some friends of mine had their kids in the schools. It is a pretty safe, smaller town. Good choice...

[memphis2]

I wouldnt choose Bartlett, its kind of the older development, growth shifting to surrounding counties, and not if you have the other choices you mentioned. I dont know too much about marion, but I do know the school system is good. Some friends of mine had their kids in the schools. It is a pretty safe, smaller town. Good choice...>>

Bartlett has its old sections but I wouldn't say that it is in decline. It has higher incomes, tons more amenities and services, and just as good schools as Marion. You also don't pay a state income tax.
If you want a smaller town with less congestion, then Marion could be the better choice. Your commute would be shorter in Marion, your husbands would be about the same. You probably could find more house for your money in Marion, but right now there are deals everywhere.

[TN-rox]

Bartlett has its old sections but I wouldn't say that it is in decline. It has higher incomes, tons more amenities and services, and just as good schools as Marion. You also don't pay a state income tax.
If you want a smaller town with less congestion, then Marion could be the better choice. Your commute would be shorter in Marion, your husbands would be about the same. You probably could find more house for your money in Marion, but right now there are deals everywhere.[/quote]

Its not in decline, but in the near future it could start. Shelby County is losing people, thats a fact. The higher income residents are leaving. Bartlett will not be able to keep up with surrounding areas in growth and development. At this moment it does offer more in terms of services/amenities, but the newer areas are catching up and passing Bartlett. You have to look at long term.

[Rita Fong]

I am a Realtor in Marion with MOD CUT: No references to RE firms allowed per TOS. I don't know too much about the other choices of yours, but I can help to answer some of the questions about Marion for you.
1. Yes, there are plenty of choices in your price range, from brand new to pre-owned, a few subdivisions to choose from.
2. I am not sure about babysitting at their home, but there are a few churches provide good daycare, and their charges is very reasonable.
3. We have a lot of relocations coming to Marion for the school. Our school has expanded so much and fast in the last few years, we have our brand new Junior High building getting ready to be finished in a few months.
4. The property tax on a $150,000 house will be approximately $1,400 per year.
5. I know the personal property tax is not high here, I have to get back with you on this one. I know someone told me MS is high in personal property tax.
6. Police service is excellent here, anytime, if there is something happen, 2-3 police cars will come to the spot in minutes.
7. Light by Entergy, Gas by CenterPoint, Cabel tv by Comcast, City water and sewage.

For more informations about the school and Marion, please go to my website MOD CUT: No references to RE related websites representing only one firm or a coalition of firms, I have added different links for viewers to check Marion out. If you have further questions, feel free to contact me, I will be glad to answer and help you. My contacts are on my website.

I hope this helps.

[Rita Fong]

Hi, Calyaz,
About the personal property tax, from Marion Chamber of Commerce, it shows $9.29/$1000, let say if the value is $15,000, the tax is approx. $140.00.