How is Somerville,tn?

[Smtchll]

I'll second Shelby Forest. It's very rural and there's not a lot of growth there. It's right outside of Millington, and it's also pretty close to Memphis, but it doesn't have much crime.

[rhodesj]

Thanks for the info...schools will definetaly be a factor as I have two small children, most likely the deciding factor. I'll have to do my research on both. Somerville was lagging behind until the last two years but seems to have improved. Covington's Austen Peay looks very good on paper. Perhaps I'll just have to drive over and visit both. I'm moving in from Spring Hill which is only about 2.5 hrs.

[TN-rox]

Originally Posted by rhodesj

Thanks for the info...schools will definetaly be a factor as I have two small children, most likely the deciding factor. I'll have to do my research on both. Somerville was lagging behind until the last two years but seems to have improved. Covington's Austen Peay looks very good on paper. Perhaps I'll just have to drive over and visit both. I'm moving in from Spring Hill which is only about 2.5 hrs.

Visiting would be a great idea. Austin Peay is a good school. As for the middle and high school of Covington, not so much. The smaller towns and large zones of Tipton County make it pretty easy to transfer into Brighton, just south. Brighton has better schools. Covington is not that great asthetically but youll find that its not as bad as it appears. A lot of run down buildings and homes, but the square is amazingly well kempt and beautiful. Of course its country and the rundown look doesnt mean more crime.
Also, Covington is much larger than somerville, around 10,000 people. What I like about it is that its a very old town, and it has its own identity, its not just another suburb. Its far enough away from the city to retain its own independent town feel. The commute would be easier from covington than somerville.
Shelby Forest is great. Its still amazingly rural, being so close to Memphis, and it will stay that way since it has the state park and laws. Its technically part of Millington, so the commute is less than twenty minutes depending on how far out you live. You would be in Millington schools, the "worst" in the county. The elementary school in the forest, E.E. Jeter, however is one of if not the best elementary school in the county. One of the smallest schools in the county as well, about 250 kids. The middle school (Woodstock) is however the lowest ranked in the county, and Millington Central is the lowest ranked high school in the county.

[mzloolue]

There is also the rural reserve area of north Shelby county.
It has a rural feel.
All individually built houses, so great diversity.
And a quick and easy drive to Millington.

[worried4kids]

Somerville is Fayette County. I live in Oakland which is in Fayette County. Your taxes are super low, which is nice. But getting into middle schools and high schools....those are bad schools. Terrible. Fayette Ware is awful. Oakland is about 5-10 min. from Somerville. There's not much there, it's "small" to me, but I'm just fresh from IL only 4 months now. Oakland is a simple drive to Cordova, and just a little bit further to Memphis. It's not bad, but being in Somerville will add about 10 min atleast to that drive, depending on where you're at. So far, it's been very safe, no major complaints here....

[medusa67]

Sommerville has a lot of farm land with a quaint little historic downtown area. Very few ammenities but Oakland who has a Kroger and Super Walmart is only 15 minutes to its west. Fayette County has a reputation for poor public schools but Somerville is the location for the private school (Fayatte Academy)that most folks with some means manage to send their kids to. It also has a very strong Police presence. Hope this helps.

[rhodesj]

Thanks for the input. Unless my house sells in Nashville this may be a moot point.

[jnr4411]

I live in Oakland, and while I agree that there are some beautiful old, historic homes in Somerville, that is about all it has to offer. Oakland is growing pretty quickly (maybe too quickly). I like Fayette Co. because the taxes are lower and I like being outside of Memphis. I have found, however that public schools in Fayette Co are horrible. I am looking to move for that reason. Don't know if that is an issue for you, though. If it weren't for the schools, I would stay in Oakland. I really like it.

[UofMGrad92]

Oakland's problem (as well as the problem for the rest of Fayette County), is the public schools system. I have friends who have moved out there hoping and believing the school district would improve. So far, the are disappointed and they are paying for private schools that cost more than the property taxes they would have paid to live in Arlington (the closest Shelby County Suburb to Oakland). Oakland Elementary is supposed to be okay, and I've heard from some that West Junior High in Oakland is okay, but the rest of the system is not good.

The friends I have that moved to the area and are most happy are those who have no kids, home school, or were already in private school. They don't like paying the high property taxes for the school systems in Shelby County when they don't use the public schools. However, at some point the bad schools are going to limit growth in Fayette County and make resale values lower for folks who have moved out there.