Maybe moving to Memphis Need Advice

[pooh101]

Husband, myself and our 2 children may be moving from PA to Memphis area.
Was kinda excited about housing prices in Cordova till I found out about the "annex". Anyone have first hand experience? Any suggestions on locations to look for a home? Our children are school age--we can't afford to send them to a private school. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[caseywirth]

I'm from Memphis, and my family still lives there. I'll go for a visit but I would never live in Memphis again. You need to go east, germantown, collierville, arlington...etc. I love my hometown, but it's a completely different town from when I grew up there (70s-80s).

 

[pooh101]

I'm from Memphis, and my family still lives there. I'll go for a visit but I would never live in Memphis again. You need to go east, germantown, collierville, arlington...etc. I love my hometown, but it's a completely different town from when I grew up there (70s-80s).

I've heard similar responses from others. Wanted to get opinion of a fellow DISer. Thank you.

 

[agentpleakley]

I'm from SW PA and now live 1 hour from Memphis -- can I tell you NOT to move here. The schools are terribly behind PA schools. I had a better education with better facilities 20 years ago in PA. Memphis is also terribly crime-ridden --

I honestly do not know any person in Shelby County who sends their children to public schools. (That is, the ones that still live there).

If you have to move to Memphis -- you may want to look at living in Mississippi.

 

[SnowWhite12]

Don't move to the Cordova area. There are some pretty houses there, and it used to be one of "the places to live". But resell is awful there!!! Too many houses for sale now because it used to be County and now city of Memphis has taken it over. And there taxes doubled, and kids now have to go to Memphis City Schools. I live in Arlington. Love, love Arlington. But it is a drive depending on where you work. Shelby county schools (which is Bartlett, Arlington, Germantown, and Collierville) are wonderful. Ranked very high. Living here I would never dream of sending DD to a private school. Don't know of a single person living in the county district that does. Memphis City Schools are horrible! (And I am an employee). (PM me if you need more private details---I don't want to get in trouble with work.) My parents live in Desoto County (which many from Memphis are moving to). It is in Mississippi but right over the border, and no farther away than where I live, depending on where he'll be working. But my honest opinion overall: I have been begging my DH to let us move somewhere far away. Can't stand it in the Memphis area. It has gotten so dangerous (esp. in the city, but I know it can happen anywhere). It just seems "dirty-looking" to me compared to other big cities. But believe me, I know you have to live wherever your job takes you. I hate to discourage you, because I am happy with my life here, just not happy with where it has left us. If I never had to live Arlington where we live, I'd love it. Please feel free to ask me any questions, on here or through PM.

 

[*KeepMovingForward*]

We have friends that work in Memphis (pilot that flies out of there), but they live in Mississippi. I think they are about 1/2 hour away from Memphis. The housing prices are awesome, but than, this is coming from someone who lives in NJ and it seems ANYONE'S housing prices are better than ours. The schools are good in their area and they have even told me there are areas that have no property taxes (I just about cry hearing that since we have the highest in the nation). I would definitely check out the options around Memphis. I know that my friends were very nervous once they visited Memphis itself and that hastened their decision to go over the border into Mississippi. Good luck.

 

[agentpleakley]

Another reason to stay away from Memphis : 43 capital cases pending in the Shelby County Criminal Courts. If it wasn't for Shelby County -- I doubt that Tennessee would be ranked the 9th MOST DANGEROUS state to live.

Pull up the Commercial Appeal online --

I've lived in Pittsburgh, Richmond VA and here --- Memphis is the only place I have been scared. If I could find a job back in PA - I would be gone in a minute.

There is also a site ranking Tennessee public schools -- forgive me - it alludes me at the moment (I'm sure if you google it you can find it) -- Memphis schools consistently rank at the bottom.

 

[2tinkerbells]

I live in Germantown (just outside Memphis) and it is a great place for you to raise kids. The other recommendation would be Collierville. Although housing is more expensive than Cordova, the quality of education is alot better. I went to Houston High School (a Shelby County school) and have been successful. I am planning to send my children to shelby county elementary schools and I am not concerned at all. There are alot of private schools in the area also but they are expensive. If you want to pm me with any questions I will be happy to answer them for you. Good luck with your new move.