Where to move in Desoto? (Southaven, Olive Branch: apartment, to rent, crime)

[the4pits]

My family may be relocating to the Memphis area for my employer and have been looking in Desoto County at homes. We visited the area for a couple of days, and really liked Desoto much better than Shelby Co. We really liked a home in southern Hernando, and liked the space it had to offer. My concern was with having 2 children, that they would not have many friends in the are because it was so rural. Can anybody suggest a good area in Desoto with good schools, lots of GOOD children(ha), but still not in cookie cutter subdivisions? We are on a budget of around 150000-175000 whch may force us to a popular subdivision, which im not apposed to but would still like a little space. Thanks

[Jadastwin]

Hello 4p...

I'm in the same boat. We're looking to relocate in the same area, however, our concern is jobs and we would like to rent a home before we buy. Can you tell me a little bit more about your visit? My husband and I are going down there in November. We will be relocating at the end of this year.

[SassyGirl2]

Well here is my IMHO. I have friends in the area, have worked in the area and have lived in Mississippi all my life. Hernando is a great place to live, good schools and you can find either city or county life advantageous. Hernando is as far south as I would consider in a move. Horn Lake and Olive Branch are closer to Memphis and either would be a good choice. However, because Memphis is spreading south into Mississippi, these two cities are now considered southern suburbs of Memphis on the Mississippi side which means heavy traffic in the area. The schools are good and you also can chose close knit neighborhoods or rural environments and be happy with your choice. Much better shopping in Horn Lake/Olive Branch area than Hernando. The traffic on I-55 from Hernando to Memphis will be very heavy during daily commutes for work days. Personally, I would not consider Southhaven but that is just me.

You will also have to consider taxes (for Tennessee, not Mississippi) you will incur if you live in Mississippi but work in Tennessee. Hate to be so negative but stay out of Memphis and the surrounding areas (in Tennessee). You will have property tax breaks in Mississippi that you will not have in Tennessee. If you do more research on the cost of living, you will both pros and cons but I think the pros will favor Mississippi more so than Tennessee.

Hope this helps somewhat.

[tennreb]

Originally Posted by SassyGirl2

If you do more research on the cost of living, you will both pros and cons but I think the pros will favor Mississippi more so than Tennessee.

That really depends on what you are looking for and what your income is. If you are looking for a middle class home in a safe area with decent schools that offers a lot for your money, then DeSoto is a good choice. If you have a higher income and a more expensive home ($250k+), there are communities in Shelby that are nicer and offer a lot more. Also, the taxes are much lower in TN if you have a higher income, and TN has lottery scholarships. If you have either a middle or high income, and you value unique shops/restaurants, beautiful neighborhoods, and diversity, then Midtown is really the only good choice. For the average middle-income American who has 2.5 kids and loves suburbia, then DeSoto is a great choice.

[memphis2]

I am not so sure that the pros of Mississippi outweigh Tennessee at all.

True I am a young professional that has a much higher income than normal, but most of these people in this category would much prefer to live in Tennessee than Mississippi.

As a matter of fact you can look at the income levels of the cities in Tennessee and Mississippi, and Germantown, Collierville and East Memphis and compare that to Horn Lake, Southaven, in Mississippi and it is not close.

Now that Fayette County is emerging as an alternate county suburb, it appears the higher income folks are chosing that when compared to DeSoto County as well.

When you compare the states objetively, as far as population, employment growth, things to do, etc., Tennessee blows Mississippi away.

However, if your are middle class with a family, can't afford private schools, and need a house for under 150K, DeSoto County may be for you. You can't find that in the nice metro parts of Tennessee. If you are a country person or have family ties to Mississippi, then rural areas of Tate County or Mashall County are probably for you over Tennessee.

[Starshine480]

I'm sorry Memphis2, but I really don't understand how you can stand to live in Memphis with the drugs and crime. Albeit, the problem is everywhere, but Memphis was recently ranked #1 in the nation for crime. It may not always be #1, but it ranks right up there. I live in NW Mississippi and don't worry about my personal safety, my property, etc. constantly.

[lildebbie]

We just moved into Olive Branch and we like the area, and its close to Memphis, but its a completely different feeling, no crime and it seems pretty quiet down here

[golphin]

Thanks, I am seeking for find a place that is nice and comfortable for me and my child. I will be looking to move by the first of June this year. I may have to move into an apartment. Any suggestions?

[ColliervilleTN]

I live in Collierville, work for the government here, and am from Mississippi so I will try to give you the unbiased opinion based on your criteria. In a range of 150-175K you aren't going to find much in the Shelby County areas of Germantown and Collierville. You can find a few older homes that aren't in "cookie-cutter" subdivisions that could get you into these school districts. The going rate for a new home starts at 300K in these areas.

Don't move to Marshall County MS or Fayette County TN with kids if you are looking for a good school district. Fayette is also newly developing and has poor public services such as emergency response.

I would stick with Olive Branch or Hernando. Everything is moving towards Hernando since people want to stay in Desoto instead of Marshall county. As far as Memphis, the only good city school is White Station, mid-town is fine but not what you are looking for. The positives and negatives almost negate each other...TN = no income tax, MS = lower property tax and more house for the money.

If you need any specifics, ask and I can get them here at work.

[ColliervilleTN]

The average income in Desoto County is higher than in Shelby, you can't pick and choose...yes Germantown and Collierville are nice but they make up very little of Shelby County. The average 2500 square foot home in those is about 350-400K instead of 175-200K in Olive Branch so you definitely pay for this.