Help with move in August to Memphis (Germantown, Collierville: where to stay, fit in) - Tennessee (TN) - City-Data Forum

tooblessed · 04-30-2007, 05:25 PM

Hey everyone.. Here is the deal. I am a single mom with 3 children. I need to find a area that is safe, affordable, and welcoming to live with children. I also would appreciate information on the public schools for the areas recommended. I am interested in renting a townhome or a house with a moderate commute downtown.

JMT · 04-30-2007, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tooblessed

Hey everyone.. Here is the deal. I am a single mom with 3 children. I need to find a area that is safe, affordable, and welcoming to live with children. I also would appreciate information on the public schools for the areas recommended. I am interested in renting a townhome or a house with a moderate commute downtown.

You might want to consider Marion, Arkansas. It's very family-friendly, and it's just across the river from downtown (10-15 minutes). Or Southaven, Mississippi. Otherwise, the best public schools in the Memphis area are way out in Collierville, Germantown, or even Millington.

There are some decent public schools in the White Station area of Memphis, but that's a pricey neighborhood, and there's no guarantee that those schools will remain good considering the downward spiral in which Memphis schools find themselves.

Precog · 04-30-2007, 09:22 PM

Hello all

I have just accepted a job in memphis, tn and I have been reading post after post and opinion after opinion about where to stay and where not to stay. I have been looking into Marion, Arkansas which seems to be at the top of my list. My question is about how long is the commute to Memphis (Hollywood Drive area Archer Daniels Midland Plant) and how is traffic in the morning and afternoon.

Also, can someone enlighten me on how the tax thing works. If I live in Arkansas, and work in memphis...am I just giving arkansas free money? I am pretty naive when it comes to people making reference to the annexing ect.

From reading all the posts, it seems as if racism is still rolling around heavy in this part of Tn. I am a single 26 yr old African American male looking to move into a family oriented neighborhome (not HOOD). Can someone enlighten me on where I should move at with demographics that will not be skewed.

Thank you to anyone that may offer me advice

Pre'

Pearlbob · 05-01-2007, 08:54 AM

Marion to downtown Memphis is very short. Only problem is when there is a wreck on the bridge...yikes. That can back up traffic for hours. Literally! There are only 2 bridges coming into Memphis, and if they have to shut down one for a wreck, things get bad. But, I have friends that make the commute and they have no problems usually. I don't know anything about the neighborhoods over there though. There's nothing to do in those areas, other than drive into Memphis for things

I don't know about racism...I don't see it. If anything, it's "reverse racism" that I see more. Memphis is about 80% black in the city. so if you are black, you'll fit in fine. I would not worry about it at all. Marion and West Memphis also have a large black population, so again, I wouldn't worry about it.

Pearlbob · 05-01-2007, 08:55 AM

Oh, and as for the taxes, TN does not have a state income tax. So, I believe the way it works is that you don't pay income taxes because you work in TN. But definitely look it up online to double check. Many people do this, so it's nothing out of the ordinary.

Precog · 05-01-2007, 09:23 PM

Thanks alot for your reply. So in your opinion, if I would be working along Chelsea Ave in Memphis, where would you recommend staying. Was my first option, Marion, feasible?

Pearlbob · 05-02-2007, 08:26 AM

Wooo Chelsea. That's a rough area!!!!

Chelsea is a sort of long street, but I assume you mean sort of north of downtown? Marion is about as close as you can get. Remember, most people live much further away and drive 45 min or so to get to and from work each day. So Marion to downtown will be a breeze compared to most people's commutes.

caribstj · 05-06-2007, 12:51 PM

Not knowing your price range, but there are some nice homes and neighborhoods inside the loop. Best bet is along either side of Poplar Ave., generally. Can't beat the area for convenience, charm, sense of neighborhood, culture. My son and his wife bought near Poplar and Highland. A friend just bought a home for her daughter in the Highpoint Terrace area for $150K-- a real buy. Gen X and Gen Y professional are filling up these family oriented neighborhoods. Property appreciation in good neighborhoods inside the loop can't be beaten.