suggestions of where to live in west tn (Memphis, Knoxville: apartments, to rent)

[sally'smom]

Hi Everyone,
I am considering a job relocation to west TN. I have been reading this forum for some time and have found everyone to be very helpful. I'm hoping you can help me.
Here is my situation: I have lived the same place my entire life so this is a huge move for me. I currently live in a tiny rural town about 30 minutes outside of Cincinnati. I love living in the "country" but still like to be somewhat close to conveniences. I can live anywhere in west TN with this job, but it would be best to be within 1-1 1/2 hours from Jackson and not too far east of Madison Co. Safety is a concern for me, I'm a little scared after reading the forums. I'm also looking to rent either a condo or apartment for the first year, so any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Everyone seems so nice so I'm hoping it will feel like home in no time. Thanks for the help.

[alleycat]

I don't have a lot of expertise about the best places to live around Jackson, but I might start looking in Milan. It's a small town (less than 10,000 people) but it's within a fairly short drive to Jackson (about a half-hour drive +/-). A little closer, and even smaller, is Medina. Medina is just over the county line in Gibson County.

I suspect you might have limited choices in apartments or condos once you get very far from Jackson. You might also consider a small house to rent.

Other option could be Dyersburg. That would be a longer drive to Jackson however.

[vivelafrance]

I would recommend Martin, TN. It's the home of the University of Tennessee at Martin so there are more activities and events in the city than most small west TN towns. It's about 1 hour from both Jackson, TN and Paducah, KY for bigger city amenities.

[jabogitlu]

I strongly suggest you visit before you take the job offer and relocate. *Many* people find west TN to be impalatable.

[beachmouse]

The southwestern suburbs of Nashville. I'm serious. West Tennessee is the ugly part of the state.

[sally'smom]

Which southwest suburbs of Nashville do you suggest, beachmouse?

[sally'smom]

I am planning on visiting before I accept the offer, but seriously I am kind of surprised about all the bashing on west TN. I have visited TN many times and found it to be a beautiful state and the locals friendly and helpful. I will admit I have only been to Memphis once. I don't remember being particularly frightened when I was there. I do remember when I visited Nashville I thought there were an unusual amount of homeless people sleeping in the streets. ALL cities have their share of problems, crime, drugs, etc. I don't want to live in the city, that's why I'm asking for advice. Is west TN really that bad that I should reconsider a wonderful job opportunity? Surely there are people who enjoy living there!

[sally'smom]

Thank you vivelafrance for the suggestion I will check it out. Actually a college town might be the right fit for me. I don't know that I would call Paducah a "bigger town" though.

[beachmouse]

West Tennessee just lacks so much of what makes the rest of the state an interesting and beautiful place to live. Add in the chronic poverty and crime issues around Memphis and surrounding areas, and the resentment of outsiders getting the 'good' jobs when it's hard for many locals to find employment in an area where their family has lived for generations, and it's just a case that you can probably do better elsewhere.

We worked for the UT system for a couple years in the 90s. If we'd been in Knoxville or Chattanooga, we'd probably still be there. Instead, we could not get out of Martin fast enough, and husband will only set foot in the state to change planes at the Memphis airport.

As for Paducah, it feels bigger than the raw population numbers suggest because it serves as a regional shopping/medical care/media hub for a four state area. We used to end up there on weekends quite a bit because the mall there was better than the one in Jackson. (Though Jackson had a pretty good Davis-Kidd bookstore back then)

[NY Annie]

Originally Posted by beachmouse

The southwestern suburbs of Nashville. I'm serious. West Tennessee is the ugly part of the state.

Then you definitely haven't been south of Jackson. It's as pretty as NE TN or Nashville or upstate NY. Absolutely beautiful. You shouldn't make such all-inclusive negative comments about a place you've never been, obviously.

Jackson TN has everything you could want, great shopping, colleges, country 5 min out of the main area; there's even a small university 20 min south of Jackson - Freed-Hardeman. I think the area between Jackson and Selmer is just gorgeous. We just bought our retirement house in the area and I am already packing up for the move - I can't wait!