Just got a job in Memphis (Bartlett, Brownsville: apartments, for rent, home)

[jsg85]

I just got a job in Memphis and all of a sudden I have to find a place to live. I know virtually nothing about Memphis, but there's so much negative stuff out there that I'm getting kind of worried--people who've had good experiences, this is your cue!
My budget is about 600-750 and I'm looking for an apartment that is in a safe, quiet neighborhood. When I come home from work, I don't want any serious additional stress. I don't mind where it is. I used to live in St. Petersburg (ex-Leningrad) and so commutes are no problem for me.
I'm also going to be working for Memphis City Schools, which is another thing I can't seem to find any information on. How are the schools? How are the kids?
Basically, if you have any information on living in Memphis, I'd be really happy to hear it. Thanks in advance.

[JoeCartpath]

Are you working for a particular school, or will you be at the administration building?

Even though you're used to a commute, why not try to minimize it....especially with gas prices this high!

[simcity]

I'm also going to be working for Memphis City Schools, which is another thing I can't seem to find any information on. How are the schools? How are the kids?

Here's good summary of a Memphis City School from the perspective of a student:
http://www.city-data.com/forum/memph...hs-hell-k.html

We need to know your location of work before we can advise on the ideal residential area that is within your budget.

[jsg85]

Okay, I'm going to be working at Brownsville Road Elementary and would prefer to live in the North Shelby County area, though like I said, if I can keep the commute under an hour, I'd be fine with any place. I've got no kids, no pets, no one else living with me at the moment (though not opposed to roommates) and I don't plan on staying forever. One, the job might not be there forever (they're trying to start a K-12 Russian program...who'd have thought?) and two this isn't where I'd like to end up working--nothing against teaching, it's just I want to work in government. Hope this helps.

[JoeCartpath]

I'd start your search in the Bartlett area for an apartment - and avoid Raleigh. Sorry I don't have anything more specific, but it's been years since I've shopped for apartments...

[Pearlbob]

Bartlett and Cordova will have some inexpensive apartments, but $600 might be pushing it. Stay in eastern Bartlett, as mentioned. Away from Raleigh.

Overall, the Memphis City Schools are some of the worst in the country, academically and safety-wise. However, a school on Old Brownsville is probably better overall (I'm surprised that is Memphis City vs Shelby Co).

[JoeCartpath]

Lots of changes are going to be made at MCS in the near future due to the new Superintendent. Lets hope it makes a big difference....

[DubbleT]

Originally Posted by JoeCartpath

Lots of changes are going to be made at MCS in the near future due to the new Superintendent. Lets hope it makes a big difference....

Hmmm... didn't they say the same about Carol Johnson? Only time will tell I suppose. Fingers crossed.

Memphis schools run the gamut from fair, to bad, to really bad. The type of atmosphere described in the link Simcity provided is nothing like you will experience.
Brownsville is a fair K-5 school that is part of the MCS "school within a school" optional program, focusing on enriched academics. I have not been involved at Brownsville personally, but I am familiar with Grahamwood and Snowden, which run the same type of optional program. The school within a school design has some problems, but overall I think it is beneficial to all the students.
Along with the local neighborhood students there will be a good number of students that have transferred in from other parts of the city in order to take advantage of the optional program. I'm not quite sure how to say this, but I think that having so many students and parents placing importance on 'doing well academically', that have chosen to take part in the optional program, makes the learning environment more positive for the entire school. There isn't the same stigma attached to being smart, like I have seen at some schools. Many of those parents will also be very actively involved with the school in a positive manner, again benefiting all the students.

I've heard bad things about lots of different schools, but I've not heard anything bad about Brownsville. OTOH if they mention Craigmont (which does/did have an international studies program, including Russian)... run!!!!

[bjh]

I was in the same place you are a few months ago: looking forward to moving to a city I liked and then taken aback by all the stuff here and elsewhere.

I have moved out to the burbs and have no worries. It is like every other city, use common sense and you'll be okay.

[CarnivalofSins]

Look at the apartments called Crescent at Wolfchase at Cordova/Appling. It has extremely positive reviews at apartment ratings and seems like a nice place.

Crescent at Wolfchase Apartment Ratings, Reviews, Map, Rents, and other Memphis apartments for rent from ApartmentRatings.com