Madison vs. Memphis (Jackson, Ridgeland: estate, homes, crime)

[memphistransfer]

We are considering moving to Madison. I am from the Jackson area and my husband is from Madison so it's not a great adjustment. I have always said that Memphis is simply a big Jackson. We have lived in Memphis for the last 4 years though, and we wonder if we are simplifying what it will be like to live in the Jackson area. I have not lived in Jackson in 8 years, but visit family frequently in the area. We are moving because we would like to raise our children around family (especially my mom). What type of entertainment exists in the Jackson area for a young 30 something couple? In Memphis, we have the theater (plays), lots of nice restaurants & concerts. There's not "tons" of things to do, but I am thinking it is a lot more than what Jackson has to offer. Any input is appreciated!

Thanks!

[mswebb06]

As a Ridgeland resident I am 27 and my wife is 26, we enjoy going out to restaurants, going to the movies (great new malco grand view theatre in Madison just opened), going out to the reservoir in the boat with friends and family, we also enjoy going to Mississippi Braves games.

Now, you will find very friendly people in the Jackson area, If I made up a list of places I would like to live Jackson, would probaly not be one of them. Just my opinion you may be different.

[ella345]

I wouldn't move to the Jackson area due to the high level of crime. I would suggest moving to Madison instead. You'll still be closer to your relatives than you are in Memphis.

[DoIStayOrDoIGo]

Comparing Memphis to the Jackson area, is like comparing apples and oranges. Stay in Memphis, and get your family to come up and see you... Its only 3 hrs. away..... Jackson, is Jackson.... I feel very unsafe there, but Memphis is not actually the safest place to live either---- Jackson has no pizzaz, plain and simple. BORING! The restaurants are sad, poor service, etc....... It wants to be a "big" city, but it can hang it up!

[mswebb06]

During a normal day I see people from all over the Metro Jackson area and I visit the homes in Hinds, Rankin, and Madison county everyday. In Hinds I see everything from Million dollar estates to very very poor crime infested homes. Rankin and Madison counties are more the Suburban areas, but even as nice as they are from being in the "Jackson, Mississippi" area the crime is slowly migrating those ways. In 5-10 years these areas will not be near as nice as they already are. I would rate my neighborhood about a 7, and it has gone down considerably. While Madison, is very nice today it will not stay that way forever, I will really second guess moving here if I were in your shoes. I do not plan to live in the Jackson area for the remainder of my life.