east memphis vs. germantown questions

[strumpeace]

Originally Posted by chellebk

Does Germantown have any older neighborhoods with mature trees?

Absolutely. Plenty of trees. That's one great thing about Memphis and its suburbs -- Most areas have lots of mature trees. Just based on personal observation, Collierville and Southaven are probably the most barren-looking suburbs, and even they look great compared to the suburbs of most large cities.

[ColliervilleMom]

Be very careful about not being too close to the train tracks on Poplar. I live several miles north of Poplar in Collierville, and sometimes 5 trains pass through with very loud whistling during the night. I would imagine in Germantown it's worse. I know people say you get used to it, but it's been 5 months, and they still wake me up every night.

[chuck1229]

Originally Posted by considering-amovetomephis

Be very careful about not being too close to the train tracks on Poplar. I live several miles north of Poplar in Collierville, and sometimes 5 trains pass through with very loud whistling during the night. I would imagine in Germantown it's worse. I know people say you get used to it, but it's been 5 months, and they still wake me up every night.

The late landing jets are way more noisy than any train, and they fly over from all sorts of directions.

[ColliervilleMom]

I don't hear them....probably because they pay my mortgage
:-)

[JMSTiger]

I live in older East Memphis (closer to the University of Memphis) and love it.

Just know that if you live in East Memphis you will pay higher property taxes because you would be a resident of the city of Memphis. Germantown has the highest municipal property tax rate in Shelby County outside of the city of Memphis, but it is only about 1/3 of Memphis'.

As far as public education, as has been stated, White Station Middle and High School are extremely good schools. WSHS is one of the best high schools in the state, public or private. There are also a handful of good elementary schools as well (Grahamwood, Richland, the Campus School, White Station Elementary and maybe one or two others).

Crime in most parts of East Memphis is very low, especially the further east you go. I don't think it would be a stretch to say that crime in most of East Memphis is as low as in most of Germantown.

Property values in East Memphis are very strong, some would say ridiculously so, especially in High Point Terrace (probably the highest property values per square foot in all of Shelby County). The White Station area, River Oaks, Red Acres and many other neighborhoods are also very strong. There also has been a great deal of infill projects with new McMansions popping up in East Memphis, but that has slowed with the housing slump.

In my opinion, you can't go wrong with East Memphis. The only big negative is the fact that we are part of the city of Memphis and thus have high property tax rates. It would be nice if we could somehow secede from the city of Memphis. If that could happen, East Memphis would make for a nice, well-off city, just as good as Germantown or Collierville, maybe better.

[bjh]

Pearlbob,

I remember you mentioning the tracks on the Umem campus. Is there no people bridge over them?

[tigergal]

Originally Posted by bjh

Pearlbob,

I remember you mentioning the tracks on the Umem campus. Is there no people bridge over them?

There is no people bridge over it. They've been "working on it" since my mom went to college there back in the early '60's.

BTW, if you're coming here to the University, don't call it Umem. They'll eat you alive. It's the U of M.

[ivyfan]

Which would you say is better in terms of the following:

1. property value
Germantown

2. high school (germantown, or, ridgeway, or white station optional program)
White Station Optional Program

3. crime
Germantown

4. proximity to cultural events, good restaurants, etc...
Same

5. proximity to open minded, well rounded people, more transplants like us.
Not sure. Perhaps East Memphi?

[ShannonLazek]

I would choose Germantown if you are sending your children to public. If you are sending your children to private schools, choose East Memphis.

[GTownBoy]

Quick and thorough answer!!! City of Germantown: Lower Taxes, better schools(both pulic and private), Commute is about 5 minutes longer to downtown, convenience to grocery, dining, interstates, parks. There are more children in Germantown which helps with making friends faster. We moved to Germantown from DC and many of these things helped us with our decision. I hope i was able to help you with yours.