Moving to Memphis but dont bombard me with warnings...too late, I already took the job (Jackson: apartment, high crime)

[Exec Libra]

Diane,
I like your attitude! Memphis is a great city albeit with challenges not unlike those of other older cities.

The places you mentioned would all be good choices. But do let's talk about security just a bit inasmuch as you are single (I assume living alone). Of the areas you mentioned White Station would in my view be safest. It's East Memphis which is mostly executives and offices -- as you move east crime decreases. Also, many businesses in the area employ private security who patrol parking lots. Just a little further east is Shady Grove area, then Germantown (has its own police force and is always on the watch for anything suspicious). G-town has a number of decent apartment complexes and G-town also has its own community center, theater and good shopping. I work in the area and chose to live here.

Midtown is a fun area with both cultural diversity and tolerance (not universally found in Memphis). Arts festivals in the summer, good restaurants.

Check out craigslist.com for rentals, by the way. Also, check out Crye-Leike realtors (largest realtor in Memphis) with its own apartment rental website: www.cryeleikerentals.com

EL

[Jadastwin]

Hello gcdiane,

My family will be relocating to the Northern Mississippi area. We stayed with family in Memphis while we where searching for a new residence during the holidays and they reside in the Hickory Hills area and we had a ball. We went to Memphis Nites during Happy Hour and stayed until 12pm. It was great as well as the people there. Basically they were coming in to have a drink or two after work. They were good people and I can say if I were to move to Memphis, Hickory Hills was great. I'm sure the locals can provide you with more details of certain areas there. I currently reside in Chicago and we were number one in crime a year or two ago and I've never had any problems with it. We just stayed away from the high crime areas. Next month we will be moving to Northern Mississippi based on the high taxes, gas and utilities going up at the speed of light here in Chicago; but our salaries are not so we must move on.

I did my homework and based on the profession that my husband and I are in, we would make out great there. Good luck to you gcdiane you sound like a trailblazer that will make the most of it.

[Pearlbob]

Hickory Hill has the highest growing rate of crime in the Memphis area. It's become a gang and crime zone in the last 10 years. No local would ever recommend moving there.

Originally Posted by Jadastwin

Hello gcdiane,

My family will be relocating to the Northern Mississippi area. We stayed with family in Memphis while we where searching for a new residence during the holidays and they reside in the Hickory Hills area and we had a ball. We went to Memphis Nites during Happy Hour and stayed until 12pm. It was great as well as the people there. Basically they were coming in to have a drink or two after work. They were good people and I can say if I were to move to Memphis, Hickory Hills was great. I'm sure the locals can provide you with more details of certain areas there. I currently reside in Chicago and we were number one in crime a year or two ago and I've never had any problems with it. We just stayed away from the high crime areas. Next month we will be moving to Northern Mississippi based on the high taxes, gas and utilities going up at the speed of light here in Chicago; but our salaries are not so we must move on.

I did my homework and based on the profession that my husband and I are in, we would make out great there. Good luck to you gcdiane you sound like a trailblazer that will make the most of it.

[naughtycookie]

It depends on where you work.

[newplace1]

Good luck on the apartment search. I don't agree with Memphis the comments regarding bad or good areas. It depends on your standard of living and outlook on life.

Also you may want to consider renting a house. Many people don't realize that real estate companies also have homes to rent. If you decide to stay longer I would be happy to assit you in buying a home.

Again, good luck!

[OrgasmicSVT]

Pembrook Square would be a great place to rent if you wanted to live downtown. Parking is easy and on the weekends you don't even have to worry about driving everything you need is in walking distance including some of the better resturants in Memphis.

[Kabluey]

Originally Posted by Pearlbob

I completely agree.

Personally, I would never live in Uptown. It is RIGHT on the border of one of the most dangerous areas of Memphis. Now, if you're talking about the apartments that are right near St. Jude/the Marriott....those are okay. But if you are talking about the new homes that were built (cheaply, might I add) further north....no way.

Almost anything in Central Gardens will be fine. Just pay attn if the place is ACTUALLY in CG or they are faking it for advertising. CG is a historic community with a very strong neighborhood association, therefore you're not going to find bad areas. Of course, some streets might be a little better than others, but it won't be unsafe or dangerous.

There's an uptown message board out there, for any who might be interested . . .

[canynracer]

Originally Posted by London79

Get ready for the culture shock.

you can say that again!!! I moved 4 yrs ago after living in CA my whole life...I am still not used to it...neither is my family...we live in Lakeland, and LOVE the people...we dont go downtown much because our area has everything we need...

I did get a Handgun permit for the occasional trip downtown at the advice of my Shelby County Sheriff friends, but for the most part, I feel ok going to the greater areas...course having a bunch of cops hanging around you tends to give you a little more confidence.

We love living here, the people are AWESOME, and very friendly..of course there are the few, but they are NOT the "norm"

Housing prices are VERY affordable, I would NEVER be able to afford to own a house in CA, and I own a 2500 sq foot home in Lakeland. 2500 isnt that big, I know, but compared to CA, it is a Castle!!

[Pearlbob]

Who on earth are these people who carry handguns just to go downtown?? THat's absolutely laughable. Insane, and laughable.

[canynracer]

sorry, I dont JUST carry downtown, I carry wherever I go (except work)... I should have been clearer...my apologies