Relocating from Antioch to Memphis area. Anyone here familiar with the area? (Chicago: income)

[Debra Barone]

We're moving to the Memphis area for my husband's job around June. I've never even been to Memphis and have no idea what towns to look at! He'll be working at the airport.

We know we want to live in Shelby County, TN or Desoto County, MS; not Memphis proper. The town will depend a lot on the schools. The school districts are county wide which is different form here, so it's the neighborhood schools that will be a major part of our decision. Our kids are 10 and 7.

From up north it's hard to tell which towns there are similar to towns I know here.

We're looking to spend about 260,000 for a home.

Thanks so much for any input! It's hard to fly blind while facing such a huge decision.

[Debra Barone]

^^^ bump ^^^

[Steve-o]

I lived in TN for awhile, but not Memphis. We liked it so much that we came back to IL! LOL Seriously, youd have better luck posting this in the TN boards.

[Debra Barone]

Thanks. The reason I posted it here was to get input from people in the Chicagoland area who might be familiar with towns there (in Memphis) so we could hear opinions if Germantown, TN is similar to Barrington,IL or Collierville, TN is like Northbrook, IL and so forth.

Reading the TN forums has been helpful, however "nice and safe" and "beautiful" mean different things to different people. Hard to tell from here which communities in TN and MS are similar to ones I know in IL.

[BMenees]

Just browsing through the forums and saw your post, I'm 31 and have lived in Memphis my entire life, my girlfriend is a guidance counselor for the Shelby County School System.

Any help you need, feel free to ask.

We are actually looking to relocate to Chicago next summer, doing research now to aid in that later.

Looks like schools are a major concern, the girlfriend is asleep but I will find out the scoop when she's up and I'll let you know all I can.

Collierville and Germantown were both mentioned above - both are great neighborhoods, mid-higher income, decent schools, safe.

-Germantown is more central located to Memphis area.

-Collierville is further east out of town, growing by leaps and bounds, interstates have recently been completed making a daily commute to the airport much easier.

-The major movement now is out east just north of Collierville in Arlington, Tn. Will be a bit of a commute to the airport but many housing choices and growing fast. According to the GF, Arlington has the best elementary school in the area according to test scores, etc.

-South in MS has been steadily growing for the past 10-15 years with the introduction of the Casinos in Tunica. Areas like Southaven and Horn Lake are the obvious choices. No income tax in MS either, very convenient to the airport as well.

Love to help if I can, we'll need some advice on Chicago neighborhoods as well

[Debra Barone]

I really appreciate your help and will be happy to return the favor. We may be leaning toward Olive Branch, however I would love to talk to your girlfriend about schools.

I'll direct message you. Thank you so very much