Considering move from Memphis... (middle-class, real estate, houses)

[ballcoachdave]

As crime, failing schools, and corrupt politics seem to continue dominating Memphis, my wife and I are considering a move to Nashville (also to be closer to family near TN River). Our real estate agent has sent me several homes to look at that are in a subdivision called Abbington Park in or near Donaldson. Since I am not familiar with the area, could anyone tell me more about the subdivision and the area that it's in? Thanks in advance.

[alleycat]

I'm pretty sure you actually mean Donelson.

I don't live there, or get out that way very often any more, so take what I say with a grain of salt. To me, Donelson is kind of a middle middle-class area (I'm only referring to the general income level). Donelson has been an established area for a long time; many of the homes were built in the fifties, sixties, and seventies, which can be both nice (nice-sized lots with lots of trees, better construction than they do these day, etc.) and not so nice (the houses may not be as "modern" as houses in newer areas if they haven't been updated--for example, having window air conditioners rather than a central system, that sort of thing). I don't know Abbington Park; it might be an old subdivision or a newer one. I don't remember there being run-down houses or anything like that in Donelson; most of the house were well-kept. And I don't hear of a lot of bad things happening in Donelson.

The people in Donelson always seemed nice enough to me; friendly but not pushy--in other words, neighborly. I was mainly in the area because I used a doctor there and went to what was then Donelson Hospital. And it's a relatively convenient area. It's not that far from downtown (and near Briley Parkway and I-40 and the I-265 loop) but the river has always made it something of a separate area.

The big negative for me is that Donelson is located close to the airport. Nashville International is a busy airport these days. If you don't mind a little airplane noise from time to time, it might be worth taking a good at.

[ballcoachdave]

Right, Donelson...thanks.

[kcnative]

I too moved here from Memphis (lived there 25 years), and I must say that I'm SO happy I did. I can't speak to the Donelson area, but I can say that you won't be sorry you left. If my family wasn't still there, I would have no reason to return. Nashville is a much nicer city with much less problems than Memphis.

Good luck wherever you end up.