Moving to Memphis but dont bombard me with warnings...too late, I already took the job (Jackson: rentals, crime)

[gcdiane]

I'm sure this question has been put out here a squillion times. But, I want tailormade answers...

Mid-thirties, single, African American woman moving to Memphis area in January to do some educator administration stuff. I've been looking at the Midtown, White Station and Downtown areas to rent for about 6 months to a year. Are there any other areas I need to consider?

Are there any places to look that may not be in the traditional classified listings? Ive done Commercial Appeal, Memphis Flyer and some local websites.

Thanks

[Pearlbob]

I think those are good areas for a single person looking to rent. I take it you have no kids? Now, the only main comment I have is that White Station is more residential family oriented, whereas downtown and midtown are the areas where single people live. That is a generlization of course, but White Station is out in east Memphis. Very good area, but isn't near a lot of "night life" so to speak. Downtown is walkable, midtown is walkable in some areas, but in east Memphis you'd have to drive everywhere. You probably wouldn't be living near a lot of other single young people (are you thinking of renting a house out there?)

I have absolutely no warnings for you Obviously you know of the crime problem here. If you have no kids, you don't have to worry about schools. You want to rent, and you've picked some good potential areas.

The only thing is many times in midtown, people do not advertise in the paper. You'd have to drive around and look for "For Rent" signs in yards. Midtown has a ton of rentals in certain areas, so owners don't need to pay to advertise in papers; they rely on word of mouth, foot traffic, etc.

[strumpeace]

Sounds like you are in good shape! The areas you mentioned are all very good. You might also look around the University of Memphis, particularly the Joffre, Normal, and High Point Terrace neighborhoods.

Best of luck to you.

[gcdiane]

I appreciate your replies. I'm coming to town on Monday and will stay until Wednesday. So, the plans are to get out and about after Monday and ride through some of those neighborhoods. Pearlbob, I'm very much aware of the crime situation. After living in New York, Columbus, Ohio, Atlanta and Jackson, MS - I've learned that you just need to know where and where not to go and not ignore the warnings and stats.

In spite of it all, I'm looking forward to Memphis.

I'm hearing a lot about Desoto County. Should that area be considered?

[Pearlbob]

I personally don't know anything about that area. I never travel into MS (other than Tunica!)

[Streetchie]

You'll enjoy your time in Memphis. It's a cool city. If I were you, I'd focus on renting downtown. There's always something to do, tons of diversity you can walk pretty much anywhere. Midtown comes in a close second because you could rent a cool bungalow and have a yard. Have fun.

[London79]

Get ready for the culture shock.

[London79]

Originally Posted by Streetchie

...tons of diversity you can walk pretty much anywhere. Midtown comes in a close second....

I hardly consider downtown diverse. Midtown is way more diverse.

[gcdiane]

London79,

I did not mention that I spent some years in Clarksdale, MS - if I can get over the shock of the Mississippi Delta, Memphis will be a breeze.

[Pearlbob]

Just a thought, I take it you will be working in the city? If you plan on renting just for 6 months before purchasing a home, I would suggest getting something close to your work (ie, not in MS). That way you will have one less stress in a new city: no commute. You can spend your 6 months getting to know the city better and figuring out where you really want to live; and if you learn more about MS suburbs in that time, you can move there at that point. That area will be vastly different than Midtown or Downtown Memphis. Complete opposites.