Opinions on Bartlett, TN (Memphis, Murfreesboro: rent, low crime, daycare)

[syd8706]

I currently live in Milwaukee, WI and I am planning on moving down south. I feel it's a better environment to raise my daughter, plus I'm soooo sick of this cold weather. After doing a lot of research, Bartlett, TN continues to be the best choice. School are fantastic, weather is great, low crime rate, and employment seems to be steady. All the hard numbers look great, but I need an honest interpretation on the lifestyle of Bartlett.

I have some short comings that I understand might not be compatible with some residents. I am a young mother, no college education, not married, come from the city so, I might seem a little rough around the edges to some. I am also African-American. I know some may think that's not an issue. But let's be real here. Even in West Allis, a suburb of Milwaukee, it was an issue. When I first moved there we'd go to parks and within minutes it would be completely cleared out, people wouldn't return our hello's, made every attempt to avoid us. Kids in her school wouldn't play with her after they found out she wasn't Mexican (she's mixed).

I'm not trying to make this a big deal. I understand these things happen pretty much where ever you go. But I don't want it to be so big of an issue that we can not peacefully live there. Where my child would be completely excluded and made to feel like she is less than. I'm just trying to start over new and be a regular family just like everyone else.

If I could could have your complete honest opinions that would be very helpful.


Thank you very much.

[bluffcity]

Bartlett is a suburb of Memphis metro, many African Americans in the metro, so no worries.

[DubbleT]

Bartlett is also a fairly large area so you may want to try to pinpoint specific areas or neighborhoods to find a good fit. My inlaws moved across to the east side of Bartlett a few years ago because crime was spilling over into their old neighborhood from the Raleigh area.

[CristenS]

The race thing will be a non-issue here, from what you are expecting. Memphis is a predominantly black city.

I wouldn't pick Bartlett over the other suburbs though, but that's my preference. Bartlett is a little more 'rough around the edges' than say Germantown or Collierville As previous poster said, the western part of Bartlett has more crime. The Wolfchase area is full of strip malls, which I personally hate. But they did start their own school system this year, to get away from Memphis/Shelby Co, so they have that going for them (as do all the suburbs, which all split off).

If you are a single mom with no college education, I would really think hard about packing up and moving somewhere you've never been. It's hard to find decent jobs here, like anywhere. The city is very poor overall, and the good jobs get snapped up. I would focus on finding jobs, applying, interviewing, and seeing what you are offered before you move.

[syd8706]

Thank you very much. I of course will be doing all of these things. I'm still trying to pinpoint a specific area so I can get a jist of how much I need to save, rent, daycare, all those expenses. Seeing what kind of jobs are available and taking trips to get a good feel for the city. I'm still in early stages, so I don't want to waist my time on one particular place. Now I've seen the suburbs might be a better fit. Could you possibly give me a list of those names? Thanks

[MetropolitanTN]

I traveled to Memphis this week and stayed in Bartlett near the Wolfchase Galleria. I really liked the area. It kind of reminded me of the suburban feeling that Murfreesboro has in my opinion.

[CristenS]

Suburbs in TN: Bartlett, Lakeland, Arlington, Collierville, Germantown. G-town and C-ville are the nicest, IMO. G-town is "old money" and overall a nice, older, wealthier community. C-ville is technically old but it's the "in" place for new build construction and wealthier people to move. The Lakeland and Arlington areas are okay but there's not much going on out there, although Lakeland is getting a Sprouts grocery store soon, which I think will help. Keep in mind, all of these ares butt-up against each other, so it's not like you're super spread out.

Suburbs in MS: Olive Branch, Southaven, Horn Lake. Many people live there, howeve for a new person, I'd recommend against it at first. I'm not a fan of the areas, plus the whole income tax issue you'd encounter.

Suburbs in AR: West Memphis, Marion. IMO, not good towns. I wouldn't waste my time looking there.

Since you have a child, you need to pay close attention to the schools. Memphis City and Shelby Co systems merged this year. The suburbs all broke apart and made their own districts to get away (Memphis/Shelby is one of the worst school systems in the country). You need to make SURE where ever you live, you are zoned for a good school. The suburbs will be okay, but make CERTAIN that where you rent or buy it's actually in a suburb and zoned for the appropriate schools. Many times you'll see a place listed as "Germantown" or "Bartlett" when it's actually not.

Don't get me wrong, there are many, many great neighborhoods in Memphis proper. All sort of people from poor to millionaires. The problem is that for outsiders it's hard to come in and make an educated decision on things like where to live and schools. It takes some time to learn about that stuff and get a correct impression of things.

[jjtempo]

It doesn't really matter the Memphis metro is in the heart of West Tennessee, North Mississippi, East Arkansas that is all you have to say.

[eastmemphisguy]

Sorry if too personal, but a budget would be helpful for advice. Bartlett is fine as far as schools and safety, but it's neither fun nor prestegious.

[luderiffic]

Have a job lined up before moving, that way you can plan you expenses accordingly.