High Crime (Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga: rentals, crime rate, home)

[carolmora]

Was doing some checking on TN and it seems like it is rated as one of the most dangerous states year after year. Is that due to its larger cities that are just out of control? Does all that crime spill into other areas or are the smaller places safer. I am looking into Cookeville, Crossville Maryville and the Tri-Cities.

[JMT]

Originally Posted by carolmora

Was doing some checking on TN and it seems like it is rated as one of the most dangerous states year after year. Is that due to its larger cities that are just out of control? Does all that crime spill into other areas or are the smaller places safer. I am looking into Cookeville, Crossville Maryville and the Tri-Cities.

Having Memphis in our state really skews the crime stats for all of Tennessee. Nashville also has a pretty high crime rate. Since 1/4 of Tennesseans live in Memphis or Nashville, you can see how those crime stats make the rest of us look bad.

Those towns you mentioned are very safe. Obviously, there's crime everywhere and you should take the necessary precautions no matter where you are, but I wouldn't worry about Cookeville, Crossville, Maryville, or the Tri Cities.

(By the way, I wouldn't worry about Nashville, either. I've never felt unsafe in Nashville, and I've been there probably 1000 times.)

[elgusano]

Chattanooga has a very high crime rate, as well.

Look at the demographics of the places you are talking about.

[carolmora]

I just did a look up on Chattanooga and you are correct. The crime rate is insane.

If the crime in Chattanooga, Memphis or Nashville is just is the "bad" sections of town then I guess it would be no big deal. Is that true or does it spilll out into other areas?

In your opinions what area of TN is the best place to raise a family that is safe, has fun things to do for the family and has a decent cost of living? Safe is my number one priority.

[hiknapster]

I've never felt unsafe in Chatt, but I have in many places in Florida. Knoxville's unsafe area would be a safe area in other cities. Chatt and Knoxville are small cities that rapidly become rural not far from the center.

Memphis crime is so high that it makes the entire state seem crime infested.

Come visit and you will see that is not the case.

[Beretta]

You can check city crime statistics, as well as other information here: http://www.city-data.com/city/Tennessee.html

[hiknapster]

Carolmora: Where do you live now?

[beachbyrd]

We live in Hixson, within city limits. We hear about crime in the news, but have never felt unsafe even at the many events we attend in the urban areas. We like to go to the market and to many places downtown and although an occasional person will approach us and ask for money (benign), we just have not felt like most people or situations are malevolent. I did see the police arresting what I presume was a shoplifter outside of Sam's Club the other day. Can't say I have seen any other things happen here. My supervisor lives in and has rentals in areas of the city with some of the higher crime rates (read urban and lower socioeconomic) and has had people steal the copper from one of her rentals. I did hear about an attempted robbery where a 13-year old was home alone. Turned out well, because him and his father (by phone) thought quick and were able to get help before the robbers got to the room the kid was hiding in. This happened in E. Brainerd.

I just don't see the frequency and severity of crime that I saw when I lived in Ft. Lauderdale, Los Angeles, or St. Louis. I even think there were more severe crimes in Rochester, NY where I am originally from (at least anecdotally without looking at stats -- Maybe the news just focused more on the crime that does happen there!).

We just love Chattanooga and really believe it is a good place to raise our 3-year old daughter. We recently bought a home where there is an awesome elementary school, but not so good for the middle and high school. We will determine what our options are as we go.

You really have to get a feel for the areas of TN that you are considering to make that decision! Hope you are able to figure out what area is right for you! HTH

[46Barb]

I do agree that there is crime all over now. I don't think you can look at the state as a whole but must look into individual areas/towns. There will always be higher crime rates in the big cities.

[hiknapster]

Yeah. I live within the city limits, and the only exciting thing is the cicadas. I'm afraid to turn the stereo too loud and disturb the neighbors.

Knox and Chatt are very small cities. I know that Knoxville feels like a very large town and that is a very good thing.