Toronto to...Memphis?! (Collierville, Midtown: car rental, amusement park, health insurance)

[strumpeace]

There is a Buddhist temple in the area. If I remember correctly, it's past Lakeland on Highway 64 going toward Fayette County.

[Pearlbob]

Strumpeace - this person specifically said she wanted to live downtown because it was the "hip" area of Memphis and wanted to be within walking distance of things to do. Thus is why we have all suggested areas near bars.

[defiepilex]

Originally Posted by strumpeace

There is a Buddhist temple in the area. If I remember correctly, it's past Lakeland on Highway 64 going toward Fayette County.

yes the temple is on the right headed east on 64.

[AznTO]

Well...I am a city girl...I enjoy downtown and the life around it - I like immersing myself in culture, good food, music...dancing...although age is catching up...haha.

FYI - I'm not religious, I don't go to church or temples, I was merely wondering whether or not there is a big enough Chinese community that a temple may exist. Chinese Baptists are not Buddists...different religions. Speaking of which, I hope I don't get people trying to convert me to Christianity or whatnot...

Ok, so no Claridge.

[pharmchick007]

I am a 27yo living in downtown memphis. I live in uptown square apartments (uptownsquareapartments.com) and I love it although I am looking to move further downtown or midtown. I am looking to move NOT because I do not like where I am living, I just want something bigger, I may even end up renting a bigger apartment here at uptown square. The property is gated and I have not had one problem since living here 2 years. I am leasing a 1br townhouse for $770 a month. Uptown offers great specials so you can check with them on that. Paul Ryburn is a downtown memphis resident who writes about his downtown experiences which you undoubtedly would not find in collierville as previous posters have stated. When/If I decide to leave uptown square, I will be looking at South Bluffs, Number 10 main, Central Station, etc. Check out :: Memphis Tennessee : Hotels : Real Estate : Restaurants and Virtual Office of Paul Ryburn and :: Memphis Tennessee : Hotels : Real Estate : Restaurants and you can go to Memphis Commercial Appeal - Memphis' Source for News and Information (memphis newspaper) and click on classifieds for rentals. Since I am planning to move in the next 2 months or so I have been checking these sites daily. I would never consider living in germantown, collierville, cordova or anywhere east for that matter. Downtown/Midtown is so cultural and diverse as opposed to the supposed well-to-do out east, it's a no-brainer for me. Downtown/Midtown all the way.

[Pearlbob]

I don't think any of us were trying to convert you to Christianity, the point is just that given there are at least a couple very large Asian churches here, then obviously there must be a somewhat substantial Asian population in Memphis.

This is the bible belt, so yes, people will ask you to go to church with them. That's just the way it is. However, given you are not white and that you are a religion so extreme from Baptist, I imagine most people will consider you a lost cause and not push it. (not to be rude, i'm definitely not religious either, but a lot of southern baptists are very unwelcoming to non-christians). Just ignore it.

Given that....you will find that people downtown are less likely to give a darn about church. Out in the burbs it is much different...families to go church, there are large churches everywhere. Downtown and midtown are more "alternative" in the sense that many people aren't so gung-ho about religion.

[defiepilex]

hahaha religion is one thing that may be a huge culture shock to you here in the "bible belt". as Pearlbob stated, most people in downtown/midtown aren't too pushy about their beliefs. within the first week of living in collierville, we had three churches stop by and try to get us to come to their church. one guy was the pastor of his church and was just really pushy and asked tons of uncomfortable questions. nothing against any type of religion, (i have a few friends who are in seminary school and lots that are hardcore christian) but i just love (read: sarcasm) the attitude of christians in the south.

[Pearlbob]

Exactly. I think it will be much easier for a Buddist though to state: "No thanks, I'm Buddist." Than for the rest of us who hem and haw and have to say, "Uh....no thanks...I just don't go to church...no thanks....no, I don't want to try it....no, I'm well aware of the religion, I just don't go....no..."

Everytime I move to a new address, I start getting letters in the mail from the local churches asking me to attend. I still get them. I somehow got placed on some church newsletter and I get that every month. I just throw it all away and ignore it.

People here can be very hateful regarding christianity. If you are not christian and if you do not go to church, you are a sinner and should be shunned. However, again, if you are Buddist I bet a lot of people will view that as soooo extreme that they won't even know what to think. They'll just forget about it with you and move on.

And of course, this is not everyone. It's mainly southern baptists, and just some of them. But if you live in the burbs you'll see it more. Things aren't open on Sundays, alcohol is not sold on Sundays, etc etc. It was a culture shock for me many years ago and is still a nuisance at times. But there is no need to complain or whine about it...this is just how it is in most of the south.

[AznTO]

Well...I'm coming to Memphis July 11th or so to check out the 'scene'

Memphis will either make it or break it I guess...I need a hotel - the company's paying

I will check out midtown and downtown...

Muchas Gracias!

[Pearlbob]

Get a hotel downtown. A nice one! Will they pay for anything? There's a brand new Westin right on Beale.

Keep in mind, Beale is touristy and loud. The rest of downtown is where the local people hang out (check out the Flying Saucer for instance).

Will you have a car then? Downtown is completely walkable, but midown is a drive away and not walkable - it's a huge area of the city. Midtown also doesn't really have a "center" spot like downtown; it's mainly residential with pockets of businesses here and there.

Please post anymore questions you have before you come!! We're all glad to help out.

(11th is a Wednesday....just in town for one night? Or through the weekend?)