Very affordable housing in memphis area with good schools? (Bartlett: real estate, city hall)

[momofadivaX2]

Relocating to Memphis for a job(zip code 38141) I have two children 6 and 2 and need to find a good area with affordable housing (140,000 and under)with good schools. Is this even doable at that price range? Even something outside of TN would be alright as long as its no more then a 45 min commute.
Does anyone have any suggestions on areas?

Thank so much.

[DubbleT]

Inside the city limits? Public schools? Try looking in the 38117 zip, staying in the Richland Elementary school district. Maybe White Station Elementary or Sea Isle districts too, not as sure about those schools though.
If you could give us an idea what part of Memphis you'll be working in we could suggest other areas also. Mississippi vs Arkansas vs Tipton or Fayette counties for instance.

[UofMGrad92]

In Memphis, what DubbleT said. In the suburbs, you can get into Bartlett for sure for that kind of money, and I'm sure you can find something in Tipton or Desoto County for that. Lakeland and Arlington are also possible (and would probably have the best schools of those listed, but the house would be the smallest). Millington and Fayette County (Oakland, TN area) would also be in that range, but the schools aren't considered as good. Marion, Arkansas is another option, but I know next to nothing about that area and can't really give an assessment.

Schools are generally good (for public schools in the South) in the areas listed above (Tipton Co, Desosto Co, Bartlett, Lakeland, Arlington). I would guess that $140,000 would be the bottom end of the range in Lakeland and Arlington, but there are lots of neighborhoods in Bartlett that you can get into for under $140,000, and if you don't mind a bit older house (1970's vintage), you can probably get into a good neighborhood with good schools for $120,000 or less. Bartlett is older (at least as a "suburb") than Arlington and Lakeland, and closer to some areas of Memphis that are in decline. However, the crime rate is low and the Bartlett Police do a great job keeping the riff raff under control.

If you go with Arlington, Lakeland, or Bartlett, make sure you are in the city limits of those towns or in their annexation reserve. Don't believe the real estate agent or ads...verify with the city hall of that municipality.

[strumpeace]

You might be able to find something in Marion within that price range.

Best wishes.

[Shelterdog]

If you are looking for something closer to work I would move to north mississippi. Olive branch or new neighborhoods in southhaven. Watch out in the older ones some are getting rough. Collierville is also semi close and has good neighborhoods. Some can be pricey though, but good schools. If I was you I would take a longer commute (maybe 45 min) and move to bartlett, lakeland, or arlington. You can get a nice home in bartlett prob. 2000 sq. ft. 3-4 bed 2 bath for 140,000. I would stay on the side of bartlett closer to HWy 70. A good real estate agent can help you. Arlington also has houses in this price range, but it is farther out. Lakeland is more expensive, but you can find houses in this range. Good Luck! I would stay out of the city limits of Memphis. As a teacher, I wouldn't send my kids to any of the schools there.