Possibly moving to Shelby County what are the safest areas to live in ? (Memphis: apartments, violent crime) - Tennessee (TN) - City-Data Forum

curbysgal · 01-06-2008, 09:32 AM

My fiance' I and our 18 month old daughter are considering moving to Shelby County.. We are from a very country like small town setting, and advice on where to live that will be safe enough and offer family oriented things to do? Is the crime really as bad as people say? The crime could be enough to deter our move so PLEASE be HONEST!!

Pearlbob · 01-06-2008, 10:44 AM

Well, crime is really bad in Memphis, yes. Out in the county of course, not so much. Although basically all of Shebly is "city" now, not rural. Why do you want to move here? Like I just replied to someone else, Memphis seems like such an odd choice if you don't already have a job lined up here, or you don't have family here. If you enjoy rural, country life...Memphis will probably not make you happy. It's very urban.

There are plenty of upscale places to live in the suburbs. Some can be very costly though. Germantown, Collierville, Lakeland/Arlington even. These are all eastern suburbs. Maybe even live in AR or MS and commute, if you plan on working in Memphis.

chuck1229 · 01-06-2008, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pearlbob

Well, crime is really bad in Memphis, yes. Out in the county of course, not so much. Although basically all of Shebly is "city" now, not rural. Why do you want to move here? Like I just replied to someone else, Memphis seems like such an odd choice if you don't already have a job lined up here, or you don't have family here. If you enjoy rural, country life...Memphis will probably not make you happy. It's very urban.

There are plenty of upscale places to live in the suburbs. Some can be very costly though. Germantown, Collierville, Lakeland/Arlington even. These are all eastern suburbs. Maybe even live in AR or MS and commute, if you plan on working in Memphis.

I never hear much about getting out of the county, east of Collierville. Rossville and Piperton are worthy of consideration and much more rurual, and with the new opening of I385 at the Piperton Exit, it opens up a commute into the city if needed.

I-385 is open up in the Arlington area as well and gives good access to the Interstate.

Yes getting more east in the county provides a shelter from some of the crime in the city. I am sure you can find suitable options in those areas mentioned in earlier posts. Not sure about AR and commuting in from there although many do. Just too many trucks on those roads and bridges.

Pearlbob · 01-06-2008, 01:50 PM

If you're not dead-set on Shelby Co (??? why) you can easily live in a close county and commute. A lot of people do that.

chuck1229 · 01-06-2008, 02:40 PM

Thought these may add to this thread and anyothers that are looking into areas around the county. I may not be totally accurate on the descriptions but they do show the flat terrain, all pretty good areas to live.

South View, taken from Goodman Road/Germantown Road South in Olive Branch MS, looking east towards Memphis, about 30 miles from the city

http://www.laj-bus-assoc.com/posts/southcounty.jpg (broken link)

East View, taken from the Collierville/Piperton exit on I385, looking north towards Arlington, about 35 miles from the city.

http://www.laj-bus-assoc.com/posts/eastcounty.jpg (broken link)

North View, taken from Route 64 and Houston Levee Road, looking east. About 25 miles from the city of Memphis

http://www.laj-bus-assoc.com/posts/northcounty.jpg (broken link)

UofMGrad92 · 01-06-2008, 04:10 PM

How much are you wanting to spend for housing? If you are buying, you can get more options at a lower cost in Bartlett than in Lakeland/Arlington/Germantown/Collierville. There are some more high dollar areas ($250,000 to $400,000) in Barlett, but there are plenty of homes in safe neighborhoods for $120,000 to $200,000. Bartlett is closer in to Memphis than Arlington and Lakeland and does border some areas of Memphis that are getting sketchier. You would be more likely to experience some property crime issues there, but it is certainly not a regular occurance and I don't know anyone who lives in those areas who feel unsafe in their neighborhoods.

If you want to avoid that, it would be wise to avoid the areas to the along the west and southwest sides of Bartlett. The northwest side also borders Memphis, but that area is pretty sparsely populated on the Memphis side. Again, I know people who live in those areas, love their neighborhoods, and have no concerns (at least not any more than anyone in the suburban areas) about being a victim of crime.

If you want a more rural feel, then Arlington or parts of Millington in Shelby County would be better, as would Tipton County, Fayette County, or Desoto County (outside of Southaven).

Pearlbob is right about the crime though. I don't know of any place you can live in this area and not hear about an occasional burglary (home, business, or vehicle) in your general area. The violent crime is usually in areas far away from the suburbs and the better parts of Memphis, but it still is a part of life and does occasionally visit all of the suburbs. I can vouch for the fact that the Bartlett Police Department is ever vigilant and very responsive to criminal activity.

JDB22 · 01-06-2008, 06:37 PM

In regards to curbysgal. The job is for the city of memphis fire department. Thats why the move is being considered.

UofMGrad92 · 01-06-2008, 07:21 PM

I know several Memphis Fire Fighters who live in Bartlett and Arlington. No doubt there are some in the other suburbs as well. If you take the job, I'm sure they could let you know what they think of the area and where to live. Am I correct in assuming you have to live in Shelby County to work for the Fire Department?

JDB22 · 01-06-2008, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UofMGrad92

I know several Memphis Fire Fighters who live in Bartlett and Arlington. No doubt there are some in the other suburbs as well. If you take the job, I'm sure they could let you know what they think of the area and where to live. Am I correct in assuming you have to live in Shelby County to work for the Fire Department?

yea, u do. and its a matter of finding a place rather quickly. we've considered "the preserve at southwind" for a starter apartment for a year to feel out the area. just want to make sure its a good choice, some from memphis have recommened cordova and such apartments.

curbysgal · 01-06-2008, 08:52 PM

Thank you to everyone for responding.. and the honesty is greatly appreciated I have found in searching for apartments in Shelby County when I ask about the safety I keep getting the response, "Well, crime is everywhere".. This is alarming to me that they can't even tell me they are generally safe places.. Can you tell me if you think Germantown is safe? That is the general area of the Preserves at Southwind, which I am told is considered Memphis and exactly how close to the city crime is that?