Gay & moving to Memphis (Knoxville, Chattanooga: apartment, violent crime, houses)

[KenAtlanta]

Well, it has happened. I am a gay male & and my partner has taken a job promotion that will move us from Atlanta to Memphis. I grew up in Nashville and I am well aware of the rivalry between the 2 cities. I lived in Chattanooga for over 14 years, we used to joke the state wanted to give Memphis to Arkansas or Mississippi and they declined. The cities woes are well documented here on City-Data.

I gotta embrace this move & be supportive. Since we currently live in Atlanta, no, not Alpharetta or Smyrna, we live in the city so, I know about the crime element. I also know is segmented and it's a large city. There is gonna be crime. It is my understanding that the Gay population lives in Midtown Memphis. I am torn between living near 'my kind' or forced to live in the burbs for a sense of safety. Is Memphis really that bad?

We have a 4 yr old house here & wanna repurchase again. I am guessing we will stay in the $200-250,000 price range. Will that put us at the bottom or near the middle if we deceide to live in midtown or, just and move way east of the city? HELP!

[Capt. Dan]

You will be the first gay people to EVER live in Memphis! Just kiddin! Midtown should be right for your budget. The further east you go-Germantown or Collierville-the housing costs elevate. Midtown IS NOT that bad crime wise. Good luck!

[Pearlbob]

All of midtown is not gay, so don't think that way. Tons of upper class "southern" families live in the area and have for 100 years in the same home. It has several national historic districts. It's a very ecclectic area, and people like that about midtown. The crime near midtown can be bad, but if you get a house in a good area, on a nice street, you'll be fine. You mentioned you are used to city life, so it shouldn't be a shock to you.

[tennreb]

Definitely live in Midtown or Downtown. The crime is not that bad. The vast majority of violent crime is against those involved in the criminal world. Midtown has a lot of property crime, but it doesn't feel dangerous.

[JMT]

When I lived in Midtown just about everyone in my apartment building was gay. Several gay couples lived in homes in the neighborhood, too, as well as some old-money Memphis families that Pearlbob mentioned. Everyone seemed to get along just fine. Gay parents walked their kids to the neighborhood elementary school (Idlewild) right alongside the conservative Christians.

If you're a city dweller, you'll feel very comfortable living in Midtown. I wish I could transplant Midtown Memphis to Knoxville. This town really needs something like Midtown Memphis.

There's always a trade-off, however, and Midtown does have a bit more property crime than other areas of Memphis. However, to me it was worth it. You just have to do things a little differently than if you were out in the exurbs: always keep your doors locked and garage door closed, and never ever ever keep anything valuable on your front porch (and you will have a front porch). After my bike was stolen from off my balcony, for example, I learned to keep the new one inside my apartment which was no big deal.

I hope you enjoy Memphis as much as I did.

[mjtinmemphis]

One of the biggest keys to enjoying Memphis as well as any other place is to plant yourself in a community where people actually have fun. IMO, that would be midtown.

Most people in the suburbs seem so disconected from each other and their city. So many people get so wrapped up into the news and all the bad things that go on in Memphis they don't enjoy their city.

Because you are already have accepted the shortcomings of the area, you may even learn to like it.

[dxfret]

If I were gay and had to relocate to Memphis I would likely choose Midtown. But Midtown is dicey, some nice areas and others are not so good. Unfortunately, crime is the issue. Even lovely Hein Park, right next to Rhodes College, has crime issues, all the houses have alarms and car break-ins are common. Sorry, but this is just the reality of living in Memphis. Another issue that you will have to get used to in Midtown is the constant noise from aircraft, particularly at night. Thanks FedEx!

East Memphis is much safer, but far more bland and boring than Midtown. I would never choose to live in downtown Memphis--not much of a sense of community there and few amenities for the activities of daily living -- and its a long way to a grocery store.

Good luck in the Bluff City!

[Mike Dunn]

You may want to contact the local gay and lesbian community center and talk to some people there. Here's the link for the one in Memphis.

Memphis Gay & Lesbian Community Center | WELCOME HOME!!

[saintlover313]

First of all, good luck with your move! Second of all, I think Midtown would suit you well. In my opinion, I think midtown has more culture, more activities, more FUN than downtown. There's just more going on in Midtown, period. There is crime, but it's not THAT bad. If you live in Atlanta, it's not like you're going to be shocked or anything. I just always have the mindset to be aware of my surroundings, wherever I live, and put a security system sign in front of your home, whether you have a security system or not. It will deter potential theft. I think you will have tons of fun in Midtown, it's a nice place to live.

[striker217]

KenAtlanta,

Have you considered downtown Memphis. I am Moderator cut: removed text and not gay. I grew up in Memphis and would have never considered downtown until the last few years. It is very diversified in nature.......and believe it or not........a now very safe place to live. This is not a solicitation for business.......only my comments.

Sincerely,

striker