Relocating to Memphis (Germantown, Collierville: homes, neighborhoods, good schools)

[Emuche]

We are relocating to Memphis from the East Coast. I have researched several areas and Collierville seems similar to our present residence. I have read several emails on the forum about Collierville and would like to know anyone's take on this area. While the school system is our main concern, we are also looking for an area that embraces diversity and where the residents are open to people with racially diverse backgrounds.

[Pearlbob]

This has been asked a couple times recently; I don't think any major city/suburb in the US is going to have any overt racism against "diverse" people. Like anywhere in the country, I'm sure you'll find a person or two who gives you sideways glances, but Collierville is a major city next an even more major city If you were moving to a rural area, it might be different.

To me, all of these surburbs are just Memphis. It's all a big metro area; it's not like you leave the Memphis city borders and drive through rural farmland to get to Collierville. Memphis is pretty small, IMO. Not sure what you're used to on the east coast, but I think you might be surprised at how small the area is around here, and how easy it is to drive from one end to the other.

Anyway - I wouldn't worry about racism. Memphis city is..70% black? The suburbs are not, of course, but they are still far less "white" than a lot of suburban areas throughout the country.

[chuck1229]

I am sure you will find Collierville a pleasant place to live. Great neighborhoods, good schools, and it is growing.

You can visit collierville.com, it is the city web site and that will provide some good info. Search Google and it will give you more stuff about Collierville.

[psi2007]

I am partial to Cordova. I am NYC born and raised but have lived in Alabama and Georgia while in the military. Memphis is diverse in appearance but still working on harmony. Collierville is one of its upscale suburbs. The homes are nice and pricey. Germantown also has nice, pricey homes. You will have to find your own niche in Memphis as far as diversity. Memphis has unique politics. Get the Commercial Appeal and the Shelby Sun Times if you can and read them. You can also tune in to WDIA online and WREG. These will give you a great feel for what makes Memphis tick. It is growing and maturing.
Memphis is very affordable. Your kids can get a good education if you do your research. It has lots of good points to consider. Good luck.

[psi2007]

Originally Posted by psi2007

I am partial to Cordova. I am NYC born and raised but have lived in Alabama and Georgia while in the military. Memphis is diverse in appearance but still working on harmony. Collierville is one of its upscale suburbs. The homes are nice and pricey. Germantown also has nice, pricey homes. You will have to find your own niche in Memphis as far as diversity. Memphis has unique politics. Get the Commercial Appeal and the Shelby Sun Times if you can and read them. You can also tune in to WDIA online and WREG. These will give you a great feel for what makes Memphis tick. It is growing and maturing.
Memphis is very affordable. Your kids can get a good education if you do your research. It has lots of good points to consider. Good luck.

WDIA (mornings from 8-12), Afternoons (4:30-6:30)
WREG (afternoons 4-6)

These will give you the best insight to the Memphis political and
social feelings.

[Emuche]

Thanks to everyone that answered by questions about relocating to Memphis and living in Collierville. I will take your suggestion on looking at the Shelby Sun Times and listening online to WDIA. We are a little nervous about the move, however thanks to your guys we are feeling a lot better.

Emuche

[strumpeace]

For a taste of the real Memphis, listen to Thaddeus Matthews on AM 990 in the afternoon. Get ready to hear racial epithets most of us never knew could be uttered on radio.

[rufusknight]

You shouldn't feel better and you shouldn't move there. I lived in Memphis for 40 years, and it's no place to raise kids. I moved away last summer. I lived there in the 70's when you could leave your door unlocked and not worry about it. Now security doors with deadbolts are a must. I wish I could say something nice about it, but nothing but BBQ'd ribs come to mind. AVOID moving there at all costs.

[Pearlbob]

I'd like to know, in what major US city can you freely leave your doors unlocked this day in age??? The 70's were 30-40 years ago!!

I'll be the first to admit that Memphis has it's fair share of problems, but you can't use examples like that to explain the issues. Unless you live in the middle of nowhere, some farm in Montana...you lock your doors. That is just a part of living in 2008 in a major city and not an example of why Memphis is bad.