Ever hear of McMinnville? (Knoxville, Murfreesboro: lease, crime rate, mobile home)

[NJFreedom]

Is anyone familiar with McMinnville? I'd never heard of it before. I was contacted by a homeowner answering my ad for lease/with an option property; and his property is in McMinnville.

I've never heard of it, and have been doing a bit of research, but want to know more from "the locals".

Is it child friendly? Good schools? Safe? Convienient to large shopping areas? Anything else you can tell me would be great... and photos would be wonderful!

[alleycat]

There are some threads on McMinnville over on the main Tennessee forum.

[Pimpy]

McMethville? I've heard the biggest industry over there involves aerosol cans and crushed up Sudafed tablets.

[Steve_TN]

McMinnville is full of plant nurserys. I think it has a reputation for being somewhat of a strange town, but I am just saying that based on what I have heard.

[JMT]

Pimpy and Steve are right on. Even McMinnville's own newspaper has referred to the town as McMethville.

There are lots of nurseries there, and they just spruced up their little downtown a bit. But it's still a dumpy town with lousy schools and very little industry. A huge Carrier a/c plant closed there a couple of years ago taking 2,000 jobs, and the town is still not recovered. The only shopping in town is a Wal-Mart. KMart closed last year. I think there's a small JCPenney that's still hanging in there. Blockbuster video and Ryan's steakhouse have also closed.

I'm sure the town is kid friendly, as are most towns in Tennessee. McMinnville's crime rate is a little higher than the national average.

But it's in a beautiful area and is only 35 minutes to Cookeville and 40 minutes to Murfreesboro which both have MUCH better schools and a ton more shopping.

[RS-1080]

Originally Posted by JMT

Pimpy and Steve are right on. Even McMinnville's own newspaper has referred to the town as McMethville.

There are lots of nurseries there, and they just spruced up their little downtown a bit. But it's still a dumpy town with lousy schools and very little industry. A huge Carrier a/c plant closed there a couple of years ago taking 2,000 jobs, and the town is still not recovered. The only shopping in town is a Wal-Mart. KMart closed last year. I think there's a small JCPenney that's still hanging in there. Blockbuster video and Ryan's steakhouse have also closed.

I'm sure the town is kid friendly, as are most towns in Tennessee. McMinnville's crime rate is a little higher than the national average.

But it's in a beautiful area and is only 35 minutes to Cookeville and 40 minutes to Murfreesboro which both have MUCH better schools and a ton more shopping.

They also have a decent Mall in M'ville.

[JMT]

Originally Posted by RS-1080

They also have a decent Mall in M'ville.

The Three Star Mall? That's the only mall in McMinnville I'm aware of. Locals affectionately call it the Three Store Mall. It's where KMart used to be. JCPenney is still there, as is a small Kroger and a Goody's, Radio Shack, Dollar Tree, a shoe store, and a couple of other stores. I remember when that mall was first built, it was the nicest one around. Now it's just sad.

[NJFreedom]

Wow, thanks for the info... I'm dishearted at the least to hear about the sad state of the town--- I researched the schools, and wasn't impressed---though we are spoiled with the extremely good school district here ;-|

It's a shame about the town, because I received the photos of the property,and it would be absolutely perfect for my needs. Going to check out the town for myself before I totally write it off (planning a property hunt in the spring), though.

Thanks again for all the input!

I'm looking for a small house to rent (mobile home would be fine,as long as its clean and in good condition) with a large backyard (I train dogs professionally).

Good schools are a must, and I would love a family friendly neighborhood where my daughter could play with friends close by (we have to drive for playdates where we are now, and I dream of having kids on her own block to play with, as it was for me when I was growing up).

I'm looking to lease with an option to purchase. Middle TN is where I'm concentrating my search (Murfreesboro, Hendersonville, Madison, Goodlettsville, ect...) If anyone knows of such a place, or know of other areas that might be better suited, please pass on the information.

Thank you!

[yank283]

Someone mentioned Cookeville. You might want to look there. The cost of living is one of the lowest in the state, pretty scenery, quite a few amenities (resteraunts, shopping) and the school system is much better which probably has to do with the fact Tennessee Tech is located there. So you would also have access to many amenities that a college provides a town. Plus it's only about an 1 hour and 15 minute drive to Nashville and two hours to Knoxville.

[firechick1721]

I am from McMinnville. It is a small town.. School systems are ok.. The mall is small, but has stores like Roses, JC Pennys, Goodys, Hibbits, Claires, Radio Shack, Bookland, and maybe a few others.. (i dont shop there enough to know what all is there..) You can drive in 45 minutes either direction to reach towns with bigger shopping areas.. It depends on where you live in the county as to where the crime is.. In some places it is higher than others. There is some crime, but not much.. you can go to this site to see some of the things about the city, there is also a web cam of downtown you can access from this site.. Main Street McMinnville

if i can help you with anything else, just ask!!