Please tell me about TN, Memphis in particular

LisiLynn · August 2012

Hi there,

DH is being recruited for a position in Memphis and its enticing with a higher salary and lower cost of living than where we currently live in a suburb of Portland, OR. I'm torn, I look forward to an adventure and have always wanted to live someplace else just to experience what the rest of the country has to offer. However I've talked about it with so many people who have lived elsewhere and the tell me I'm crazy, that The NW is the best place there is. I just want to find out for myself but am scared of making a decision I'll regret. Granted we'd do a test visit before moving but regardless, I'm curious. What are the high and low points of Memphis? Are the people nice, open and friendly in general? Is it safe, good schools? Green parks? Lots for kids to do? Theatre, boutique restaurants and shops? Any fun pockets of town? What's the crime like there? Are there a lot of Mommy groups?

poetmom · August 2012

I love Tennessee, but I think you would regret moving to Memphis. Memphis currently ranks as the #2 most dangerous city in America (I think right after Detroit...). The schools are terrible; I used to teach at a public school in Memphis before we moved to the Nashville area (HIGHLY recommend Nashville!). I actually have a relative who lives in Memphis currently and used to live in Portland and she is constantly talking about how she wishes she were still in Portland. If it were a position in Nashville, I would have so many great things to say, but Memphis is an unsafe, poor city with high crime rates and low quality of life (it's also the most obese city in America).

LisiLynn · August 2012

Wow, sounds horrible! Thank you so much for your candid response. We will NOT be further pursuing this position. I really do live in a great place and both sides of our huge families live relatively close so we have a lot of support. I know I'm a bit crazy to even consider moving (we're expecting #3 in January) but I have ants in my pants. I'm sure when the economy improves we'll have plenty of opportunities to live elsewhere but it sounds like Memphis just is not the place for us.

BLPL101 · August 2012

LisiLynn:
Wow, sounds horrible! Thank you so much for your candid response. We will NOT be further pursuing this position. I really do live in a great place and both sides of our huge families live relatively close so we have a lot of support. I know I'm a bit crazy to even consider moving (we're expecting #3 in January) but I have ants in my pants. I'm sure when the economy improves we'll have plenty of opportunities to live elsewhere but it sounds like Memphis just is not the place for us.

Everything she said is true. I would never, ever live there.

babymck2013 · August 2012

I currently live here in Memphis. I have been here for 4 years and I absolutely love it! There is so much to do and see. There is always a festival, concert or event going on. Yes, Memphis is ranked #2 for the most violent, but that is mainly because of gang crime, but it only occurs in certain areas. When you get here you will learn which areas not to visit and then you have nothing to worry about. I lived downtown when I first moved here and i never felt scared of my surroundings. If you need any help please feel free to message me. Again, I love Memphis and many people judge this city just from its reputation.

webletmom · August 2012

Glad you asked before you made the trip. I have lived in a suburb of Memphis the majority of my life and I can honestly say that Memphis is a dying, dangerous city. (think Detroit on a smaller scale) Crime is high, schools are terrible, and people are incredibly apathetic. We also lived in Seattle several years ago, and could not believe the difference. I really wish we had never moved back to Memphis. If someone offered me the opportunity to move back to Seattle, I would leave now, even though our son is due in September.

runninggal13 · August 2012

Memphis is horrible. I grew up there until grade 6 then moved back after a divorce. The crime is rampant and the city schools are embarressing. I moved to Nashville 2 years ago and have been back only twice. I'm trying to get my parents out of there asap. Good luck!

iggles09 · September 2012

I've been in Memphis just over a year due to DH's job. I am counting down the days until we can leave and never come back! Even though we live in the suburbs (collierville), the schools are going down hill, the crime is increasing, poverty is increasing and with the number of cheap houses they are building everyday in the suburbs, more and more people are moving out of the city and bringing the crime with them!

I have never lived in the NW although I am from the NE and being from nice, affluent areas as those, Memphis will more than likely be a huge disappointment for you and your family.

cvstable · September 2012

I am from Seattle and moved to Memphis several years ago. The pace is slower, but crime and the school systems are horrible. We moved to North MS recently and are much happier. Private schools are in our future but the cost of living is way cheaper than the NW. Also, one can actually own land, not just a postage size lot! I get home sick, but that is what frequent flier miles are for! This area is what you make of it.

jvu0215 · October 2012

I spent 2 years in CA and I absolutely loved and miss it! I agree with the other ladies; however, I do have a suggestion, try Olive Branch or Southaven , MS... I live right outside of Memphis in Olive Branch, MS. I really like it and you're close enough to Memphis, however, my DH commutes and it takes him about 30 mins each way.

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