Paris or savannah (Memphis, Union City, Martin: credit, safe area, elementary school)

[aircum]

Please give your opinions on the two areas. Schools are very important as we have a 9 year old. We are looking for a safe area, with access to many outdoor activities. Any and all advice is welcome


Thanx

[alleycat]

There is certainly a lot of outdoor activities available near Paris. I have no idea about the school system there; I would guess it's not the best, nor the worst in the state.

[Mike in TN]

Neither school system is anything to be desired.

With the exception of catfishing, anything Savannah can do, Paris can do better.

[JMT]

Originally Posted by Mike in TN

Neither school system is anything to be desired.

With the exception of catfishing, anything Savannah can do, Paris can do better.

I agree 100%.

To the OP: if schools are such an important factor, why did you choose Savannah and Paris? Generally if you want really good schools in Tennessee, you're going to have to get out of West Tennessee.

If you don't have any compelling reasons to be in Savannah or Paris, let us know what else you're looking for and maybe we can help with some suggestions.

[aircum]

Thanks for all the help so far. Unfortunately I work in Memphis. I no longer want to raise my family in the Memphis area, however need to be able to drive there at least once a week. I realize that eastern TN is so much better, but that just will not work.

[JMT]

Originally Posted by aircum

Thanks for all the help so far. Unfortunately I work in Memphis. I no longer want to raise my family in the Memphis area, however need to be able to drive there at least once a week. I realize that eastern TN is so much better, but that just will not work.

Ok that makes sense! I used to live in Memphis and love the city, but I can understand that it's not the best place to raise a family.

Wouldn't Savannah be closer to Memphis than Paris?

How about Martin? It's got a university so, in theory, its schools are probably a notch better than in other small West Tennessee towns.

[strumpeace]

Excellent advice, JMT, re Martin. Lovely little town. One of the best in West Tennessee, imo.

If Paris and Savannah were my only options, I would go with Paris in a heartbeat. (I have some prejudice on that, I admit. My mother's family goes back some five generations in Henry County.)

If I was not limited to Paris and Savannah and was able to choose any small West Tennessee town, I would look at Atoka/Munford, Henderson, Milan, and Martin. I know first-hand that the schools in Tipton Co., Henderson, and Milan are all decent quality (especially for West Tennessee, where the standard for 'good' is significantly lower than in the rest of the state). I suspect the schools in Martin are good, as well, seeing that many/most of the teachers there are likely grads of UTM's school of education, which has a great reputation. My little brother (now 26) went to elementary school in Martin -- and he turned out ok. (He went to high school at Craigmont in Memphis. After that experience, I can understand your hesitation toward keeping your child in the MCS system.)

Best wishes.

[beachmouse]

Glad to hear UTM's school of education has turned things around. When we were there, they had a 100% turnover in faculty every two to three years, and they were kind of nervous about keeping their accreditation. It was kind of impressive to watch in a trainwrecky sort of way.

While schools in Martin are probably better than what you'd find in Union City or Dresden or such, they still aren't great by Northeast-Midwest standards. Also really pretty much nothing in the area in terms of outdoor recreation once you got out of your own yard. You have to drive to either LBL or Reelfoot Lake, which are both 45 minutes plus away.

If your heart's set on West Tennessee and with the requirements listed, I'd go with Paris because LBL is so close by and then assume I'd be supplementing your daughter's educaton is various ways.

[Live~Oak]

I agree with the above opinions. Savannah is just a stone's throw away from Clifton in Wayne County. It is an absolutely beautiful area but the culture and people who live in it are not. Here is an example of the Clifton area:

Child Molester living in Clifton! - Topix

The schools in this area are poor to mediocre. There is a LOT of local corruption and drug related crime. With time (read 5 to 10 years) this area will hopefully improve and be a great place to live as the "outsiders" move in and outnumber the local inbreds.

[aircum]

Well we went all over this weekend and decided we really like the charm of Savannah. Now where to look, any opinions on Adamsville schools vs Hardin County schools.