Advice on relocating / different areas (Memphis: commute, people)

[kmkrhb0722]

Is the commute from Collierville really that bad?

[jabogitlu]

It's 30-45 minutes, depending. Your easiest route is probably to get onto 385, then follow 240 south loop around the city, back up to downtown and exit off onto Union Avenue or maybe 40 west (Depending on where you work downtown).

Anything over a 30 minute commute is just mind boggling in Memphis. (At least, in my opinion...) That's probably why you're feeling a lot of us going "ehhhh....."

My suggestion would be to rent in Collierville, if that's what you're comfortable with, and get a feel for the city before buying. Thousands of families live a hell of a lot closer to their workplace than 30+ minutes in Memphis, and make it work. Just my two cents.

[CristenS]

Tons of people live in Collierville and commute downtown. I guess it depends on what your idea of a bad commute is. Personally I wouldn't like it, but I'm not a suburb person. If you like living in suburbs, having a longer commute comes with the territory no matter what city you're in.

[Boss1234]

If you wanna commute from Germantown or Collierville to downtown, you could take 385 to 240 and either go south by the airport and up to downtown or north to Sam Cooper or follow 40. All of those ways can be a nightmare, especially 240. There is no way I'd do that commute.

[Boss1234]

Originally Posted by eastmemphisguy

There is no such thing as Memphis City Schools. A few of the schools in the city are excellent, though most aren't and there's not as much new construction in older neighborhoods. Not much new construction in Germantown either. A 40 year old house on the west side of Germantown wouldn't be an awful commute and will unquestionably hold its value. I feel like it would take forever to get from Olive Branch to downtown. If you want newish houses near downtown, I'd check out Harbortown.

I kind of knew that. I meant Shelby County Schools. Yes, only like 4. Grahamwood, White Station, Richland, and maybe Snowden. Other than that, stay away from Memphis schools.

[jabogitlu]

Nothing wrong with Peabody, either. I have several professional friends who live in Cooper-Young and send their kids to the neighborhood school.

[CristenS]

Idlewild is another all-optional elementary, in midtown.

[Salmonista]

I know a handful of people who commute downtown from Collierville and Germantown. It's a trek! But if you're moving from somewhere with horrendous commute times, maybe Memphis won't seem that bad by comparison

[kmkrhb0722]

Thanks this is really helpful! I think we may rent in Collierville for a bit just to see how we do with the commute. We are definitely suburb people so we'll see how that goes. We are excited for the move though! Have read some negative things but overall it looks like there are some great areas to explore and things to do so we are looking forward to it

[CristenS]

There are a lot of negative things about Memphis, but there are positives too. Try to focus on the positives. Living in the burbs will help you to do that. Good luck with the move!

Originally Posted by kmkrhb0722

Thanks this is really helpful! I think we may rent in Collierville for a bit just to see how we do with the commute. We are definitely suburb people so we'll see how that goes. We are excited for the move though! Have read some negative things but overall it looks like there are some great areas to explore and things to do so we are looking forward to it