Relocating: Help with Place to Live (near UofM)

[one opinion]

I think Tigertate read the question more closely...I didn't realize you said new homes until just now...the homes in Germantown and East Memphis won't be new, but many will be updated. If there are any new homes in Germantown or the part of East Memphis I described, they will be expensive because the land itself (excluding the home) is more pricey because of its location. I did want to correct my earlier post where I said that you likely won't be able to buy anything between poplar and walnut grove in your price range because I did come across two listings: http://www.trulia.com/property/10705...mphis-TN-38117 and http://www.trulia.com/property/10794...mphis-TN-38117 .

Arlington and Lakeland are newer areas and you will be able to buy more house for your money, but are relatively further from the city and UofM. You also won't have some of the entertainment that exists in the more established neighborhoods. Bartlett is a better suburb than arlington and lakeland, but not as good as Germantown. The part of East Memphis I described (Richland, the optional programs at Grahamwood Elementary, White Station Middle and White Station High; have to be specific when talking about Memphis city schools) and Germantown will have better schools and is one of the reasons homes there are priced higher per square foot. Bartlett is probably right behind these two, followed by the pair of arlington and lakeland.

Personally, I would try to buy an updated home in Germantown or East Memphis over a new home in Arlington, Lakeland, or Bartlett, because of their location, but Tigertate answered your question more accurately. Although I do believe he will agree with everything I've said.

[(901)]

Originally Posted by one opinion

4800 Barfield Rd, Memphis, TN 38117 MLS# 3211712 - Zillow

This one would be my choice

[strumpeace]

RE Arlington, Lakeland, Bartlett

Personally, I prefer Bartlett over the other two. Bartlett is on the edge of Memphis, much closer to everything. It's a perfectly safe community, and there should be plenty of homes in plenty of neighborhoods in the price range you listed. Schools in Bartlett are good, though some are better than others, of course. (To get to the U of M from Bartlett during rush hour, your best bet is to take Bartlett Rd to Summer, then Summer to Highland. The only hangup is at Summer and I-240, but even in a heavy rush, you can through there in 5 minutes or so. It's a great route because it's quick, and you don't have to get on the freeway.)

Lakeland isn't really a town in the traditional sense of the word. It's a bedroom community and really nothing more. Unlike Bartlett (and even Arlington to an extent), there's just not much in Lakeland. There are some nice neighborhoods there, though, and Lakeland is served by good schools. Depending upon where you live, the drive to the U of M could take a while.

Arlington is further away from Memphis proper than the other two. It's a strange (imo) and funky mix of old farms, trailers, and new upscale homes. Weird. Good schools. But it's quite a haul to the U of M.

So is it obvious which one of the three I favor?

Best wishes.

[one opinion]

Once you decide on an area, should you decide to rent, one of the best places to look for rental listings is the local paper:
Rental Property Listings :: Memphis TN Homes :: Real Estate, Rentals, MLS

This is just for home or condo rentals as their apartment search has never worked.

[Tigertate]

Originally Posted by one opinion

I think Tigertate read the question more closely...I didn't realize you said new homes until just now...the homes in Germantown and East Memphis won't be new, but many will be updated. If there are any new homes in Germantown or the part of East Memphis I described, they will be expensive because the land itself (excluding the home) is more pricey because of its location. I did want to correct my earlier post where I said that you likely won't be able to buy anything between poplar and walnut grove in your price range because I did come across two listings: 5199 Juniper Avenue, Memphis TN - Trulia and 433 South White Station Road, Memphis TN - Trulia .

Arlington and Lakeland are newer areas and you will be able to buy more house for your money, but are relatively further from the city and UofM. You also won't have some of the entertainment that exists in the more established neighborhoods. Bartlett is a better suburb than arlington and lakeland, but not as good as Germantown. The part of East Memphis I described (Richland, the optional programs at Grahamwood Elementary, White Station Middle and White Station High; have to be specific when talking about Memphis city schools) and Germantown will have better schools and is one of the reasons homes there are priced higher per square foot. Bartlett is probably right behind these two, followed by the pair of arlington and lakeland.

Personally, I would try to buy an updated home in Germantown or East Memphis over a new home in Arlington, Lakeland, or Bartlett, because of their location, but Tigertate answered your question more accurately. Although I do believe he will agree with everything I've said.

Yep