Possible move to Memphis (Germantown, Midtown: apartments, rentals, condos)

[indigo18]

There's a possibility that my husband and I will be moving to Memphis. We're currently interested in downtown or midtown. We're in our 40's and don't have children. I have a several questions.

What are some nice apartments or condos? (Looking for 2 bed/2 bath $1500-2k range, preferably with covered parking)

What's the quality of life like downtown and/or midtown? Is it active or is it quiet in the evenings after business hours? Are there quality grocery stores or farmer's markets? Is it like a community or more touristy?

We've lived in an urban center before so I expect there might be panhandlers and such. If so, how bad is it?

Are there other areas in Memphis you would recommend? if so where and why?

[eastmemphisguy]

It differs a lot based on where exactly in Midtown or Downtown you are looking. A few blocks can make all the difference in the world. Entertainment districts (Beale, Cooper-Young, Overton Square) are frequently busy at night. Pretty quiet elsewhere. Your budget is really good for Memphis , so I think the next step is to ask if you prefer something historic or a newer unit. We have both. Also, do you prefer a truly urban/mostly concrete area or something leafier? Very little of Memphis is truly "urban" in a big city sense, but the core of Downtown is. Most of Midtown has an early 20th century, small yards and bungalows/four squares feel. Downtown is very lacking in grocery options. No large supermarket. There are good options in Midtown though. I suspect it may not be for you because you seem mostly into Downtown and Midtown, but I like living in East Memphis. It's more central to the overall metro and offers more stores and businesses. The feel is more preppy/country club.

[indigo18]

Thanks for that info. It’s very helpful. We’d like to live in a newer place. We’re open to a less urban area if it has more amenities. If we do relocate the job would be downtown. How long would a commute be from East Memphis to downtown?

[eastmemphisguy]

Originally Posted by indigo18

Thanks for that info. It’s very helpful. We’d like to live in a newer place. We’re open to a less urban area if it has more amenities. If we do relocate the job would be downtown. How long would a commute be from East Memphis to downtown?

It's less than 30 minutes from East Memphis to downtown. I'd recommend Arbors of Rivers Oaks, Madison Humphrey Center, or the Edge of Germantown, all in East Memphis. You could also very easily rent a whole house in your price range if that appeals to you.
As far as downtown goes, take a look at Harbortown aka Mud Island. Upscale, masterplanned community just across a small bridge from downtown. Wasn't developed at all until the 90s. Some properties are even newer than that. It gives you the best of both suburban life and proximity to downtown with killer river views. They do have a boutique grocery there, but downside, again, is distance to a large supermarket or Target or so on.

[Mississippimarkus]

I can't answer the question regarding the condo rentals but areas like Cooper Young in Midtown are pretty nice and have some restaurants to walk to.

But you always have to drive in Memphis. So you should look in East Memphis to and maybe also think about renting a house if you don't want to buy anything.

One thing I personally don't like about mid town is the air traffic. You will always have a lot of noise from the planes. That is not an issue in East Memphis.

The only Farmers market I know of is:
Cooper - Young Community Farmers Market
8-1pm on Saturdays right now at 1000 S. Cooper St