# Holy Mother Fucking Shit, or... Looks like I'm moving to Memphis, TN. **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [May 21, 2013, 5:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/holy-mother-fucking-shit-or-looks-like-im-moving-to-memphis-tn/658944 "2013-05-21T17:24:06Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![cmyk](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cmyk/32/3353_2.png) [@cmyk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cmyk)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2013, 9:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/holy-mother-fucking-shit-or-looks-like-im-moving-to-memphis-tn/658944/21 "2013-05-21T21:45:47Z")
Very illuminating, **miss\_elizabeth,** thanks so much. I just might take your offer for advice on homes/area when the time comes in the next couple months. I’ve heard of traffic cams, and though I’m a speed demon, I’ve only ever been ticketed the old fashioned way. And, of course, when it comes to crime-ridden areas, I suppose you can say I’m used to it. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Spice\_Weasel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spice_weasel/32/5435_2.png) [@Spice\_Weasel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spice_Weasel)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2013, 9:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/holy-mother-fucking-shit-or-looks-like-im-moving-to-memphis-tn/658944/22 "2013-05-21T21:47:54Z")
Does that mean you won’t be at Christmas Dopefests in the Mitt? ☹ ---
**Author:** ![Duke\_of\_Rat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ad7895/32.png) [@Duke\_of\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duke_of_Rat)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2013, 9:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/holy-mother-fucking-shit-or-looks-like-im-moving-to-memphis-tn/658944/23 "2013-05-21T21:48:45Z")
I have a buddy that lives in the Bartlett/Davies Plantation area, it’s exit 18 or 20 on I-40 depending on which way you’re going. Seems like a nice area, we have no trouble getting to downtown to eat, you’re looking at ~20 miles or so from his place. I know nothing of his neighbors or whether they are rabid tea partiers. I always enjoy going there, I’d just try to get a place reasonably close to where I was going to work and not worry so much about the political affiliation of my neighbors. I know that Hwy 64, the Exit 18 road, is really backed up at evening rush, that’s when you just go to 20 and come in the back way. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2013, 9:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/holy-mother-fucking-shit-or-looks-like-im-moving-to-memphis-tn/658944/24 "2013-05-21T21:51:03Z")
You may want to compare tax rates between Arkansas and Tenn. This article says Tenn is among the 7th highest. > **[Taxes by State](https://www.retirementliving.com/taxes-by-state)** > > You should consider all state taxes when planning your retirement. Depending on where you live when you retire, you may have to pay some or all of these West Memphis Ark is just over the bridge from Memphis. The tax break (state and property taxes) might be worth it. Just a suggestion. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2013, 10:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/holy-mother-fucking-shit-or-looks-like-im-moving-to-memphis-tn/658944/25 "2013-05-21T22:02:51Z")
My wife reminded me that we have friends in West Memphis Ark. Well, they are her friends from before we married. 😉 Near the Mid South Community College and Meadowbrook Country Club area. I only recall visiting them a few times but the houses were really nice. ---
**Author:** ![Queen\_Tonya](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/4491bb/32.png) [@Queen\_Tonya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Queen_Tonya)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2013, 10:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/holy-mother-fucking-shit-or-looks-like-im-moving-to-memphis-tn/658944/26 "2013-05-21T22:06:58Z")
Aww, you guys can’t leave us. ☹ 'Grats on the job opportunity, sounds very exciting. What kind of time frame are you looking at? Maybe we could have a send-off bbq or packing party or something before y’all go. ---
**Author:** ![Spice\_Weasel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spice_weasel/32/5435_2.png) [@Spice\_Weasel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spice_Weasel)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2013, 10:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/holy-mother-fucking-shit-or-looks-like-im-moving-to-memphis-tn/658944/27 "2013-05-21T22:18:34Z")
> [@Queen\_Tonya](#): > > Aww, you guys can’t leave us. ☹ Right? I can’t tell you how disappointing this is. I look forward to that Fest every year and now it’ll be like a giant hole where the Kevin should be. ---
**Author:** ![miss\_elizabeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/838e76/32.png) [@miss\_elizabeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/miss_elizabeth)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2013, 10:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/holy-mother-fucking-shit-or-looks-like-im-moving-to-memphis-tn/658944/28 "2013-05-21T22:27:29Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > You may want to compare tax rates between Arkansas and Tenn. This article says Tenn is among the 7th highest. > [http://www.retirementliving.com/taxes-by-state](http://www.retirementliving.com/taxes-by-state) > > West Memphis Ark is just over the bridge from Memphis. The tax break (state and property taxes) might be worth it. Just a suggestion. I have little experience in West Memphis Arkansas, but the experience I do have has been extremely bad. What I’ve seen of the city is incredibly run down, full of meth-heads and prostitutes. But, I haven’t spent a lot of time over there. If you really don’t want to live in the state, I’d go to Mississippi before Arkansas. But again! these are my personal observances and experiences. ---
**Author:** ![samclem](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a9a28c/32.png) [@samclem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/samclem)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2013, 10:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/holy-mother-fucking-shit-or-looks-like-im-moving-to-memphis-tn/658944/29 "2013-05-21T22:27:51Z")
> [@olivesmarch4th](#): > > Right? I can’t tell you how disappointing this is. I look forward to that Fest every year and now it’ll be like a giant hole where the Kevin should be. Cardboard cutouts work just fine. 😛 ---
**Author:** ![notfrommensa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/f14d63/32.png) [@notfrommensa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/notfrommensa)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2013, 10:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/holy-mother-fucking-shit-or-looks-like-im-moving-to-memphis-tn/658944/30 "2013-05-21T22:32:48Z")
If you like gambling, Tunica, MS has a handful of large casinos about 30 miles South of Downtown. They don’t get the A-List entertainment, but definitely B-Listers. Harrahs, Horseshoe, and Gold Strike are probably the nicest casinos. I live about 3 hours away and I go down 2 or 3 times per year. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2013, 11:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/holy-mother-fucking-shit-or-looks-like-im-moving-to-memphis-tn/658944/31 "2013-05-21T23:04:34Z")
If the OP has teenagers then Ole Miss is only 80 miles from Memphis. It’s in Oxford Miss. A very historic college. Some of those small towns in Miss are close to Memphis and pretty nice. That also gets the parents a in state tuition rate for Ole Miss. A big savings. ---
**Author:** ![cmyk](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cmyk/32/3353_2.png) [@cmyk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cmyk)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2013, 12:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/holy-mother-fucking-shit-or-looks-like-im-moving-to-memphis-tn/658944/32 "2013-05-22T00:07:13Z")
> [@olivesmarch4th](#): > > Does that mean you won’t be at Christmas Dopefests in the Mitt? ☹ I certainly hope not! Too much family to get away with not coming home for the holidays. The annual Xmas Dopefest is my favorite part! > [@Queen\_Tonya](#): > > Aww, you guys can’t leave us. ☹ > > 'Grats on the job opportunity, sounds very exciting. What kind of time frame are you looking at? Maybe we could have a send-off bbq or packing party or something before y’all go. Thanks, Tonya. Hard to say for sure, but we’re aiming for end of August, early September. We’d totally be down for a BBQ Fest though! > [@olivesmarch4th](#): > > Right? I can’t tell you how disappointing this is. I look forward to that Fest every year and now it’ll be like a giant hole where the Kevin should be. Awwww shux! Felt the same way when you and Dom had to flee for greener pastures, but I’m positive I’ll be back three or four times a year. We must synchronize our calendars to avoid a 3-human-sized hole at future Dopefests. It could be enough to collapse into a blackhole where not even bad De Niro impressions can escape… ---
**Author:** ![cmyk](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cmyk/32/3353_2.png) [@cmyk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cmyk)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2013, 12:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/holy-mother-fucking-shit-or-looks-like-im-moving-to-memphis-tn/658944/33 "2013-05-22T00:13:24Z")
> [@samclem](#): > > Cardboard cutouts work just fine. 😛 “Is Kevin okay? He’s barely said a word or touched his food?” “I know! Isn’t it nice? No obnoxious and embarrasing behavior or eating habits.” “Forsooth!” [in unison] “HAHAHAHAHAHA!” … “Could you pass the salt, please?” … ---
**Author:** ![Oakminster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/77aa72/32.png) [@Oakminster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oakminster)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2013, 12:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/holy-mother-fucking-shit-or-looks-like-im-moving-to-memphis-tn/658944/34 "2013-05-22T00:19:03Z")
You may want to look at Southaven, MS. Right across the border. A lot of professional types live there and drive in to the city to work. ---
**Author:** ![StGermain](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stgermain/32/2868_2.png) [@StGermain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StGermain)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2013, 1:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/holy-mother-fucking-shit-or-looks-like-im-moving-to-memphis-tn/658944/35 "2013-05-22T01:16:34Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > You may want to compare tax rates between Arkansas and Tenn. This article says Tenn is among the 7th highest. > [http://www.retirementliving.com/taxes-by-state](http://www.retirementliving.com/taxes-by-state) > > West Memphis Ark is just over the bridge from Memphis. The tax break (state and property taxes) might be worth it. Just a suggestion. I didn’t see that. From this section of the article: > [@](#): > > Tax Burden By State > > If all other things are equal, a state with a lower burden is a more attractive place to retire than a state with a higher one. To get a true sense of which state is less expensive, you need to look at state and local tax burdens. Only then do the low tax states stand out. > > State-local tax burdens measure the percentage of income that taxpayers in each state pay in state and local taxes. Every tax that is collected on both the state and local level is included in the calculation: income taxes on individuals and businesses; general sales taxes; product specific taxes such as those levied on gas, cigarettes and alcohol; property taxes on individuals and business; and a multitude of other taxes. The tax burden for each state is presented for 2010 by the Tax Foundation in Washington, D.C. in this report (Click here). This is the latest year for which data is available. > > **The states with the lowest state and local taxes are:** (1) Alaska (lowest), (2) South Dakota, **(3) Tennessee,** (4) Louisiana, (5) Wyoming. > > States ranking highest in state and local taxes are: (1) New York, (2) New Jersey, (3) Connecticut, (4) California and (5) Wisconsin. Tennessee does have a relatively high sales tax rate (almost 10% in most counties) but no income tax. Shelby County (Memphis) ranks 508th in the nation for property tax rates, surrounding counties much less. StG ---
**Author:** ![Tom\_Tildrum](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e95f7d/32.png) [@Tom\_Tildrum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tom_Tildrum)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2013, 1:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/holy-mother-fucking-shit-or-looks-like-im-moving-to-memphis-tn/658944/36 "2013-05-22T01:29:26Z")
West Memphis, Ark. is a wasteland with a dog track. Cross it off your list. Memphis city schools … well, coming from Detroit, let’s just say they’ll be a lateral move. The city school board wants to vote itself out of existence, but the county doesn’t want them. Lots of good restaurants (assuming you’re not vegan). Come back for recommendations once you’re actually there. Lots of live music, of course. The minor league baseball stadium is fun, and basketball is big. Some good art and good theater. ---
**Author:** ![Faelyn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/c77e96/32.png) [@Faelyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Faelyn)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2013, 1:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/holy-mother-fucking-shit-or-looks-like-im-moving-to-memphis-tn/658944/37 "2013-05-22T01:38:00Z")
Another Memphian here 🙂 Though I live more in the University area instead of Midtown, I’ve never had any problems here. Sure there’s going to be crime in all cities, but as long as you stay alert and don’t go flashing money around or leaving valuables in sight in your car, I think you’ll be just fine. The summers are terrible, but those brief, blissful spring days make up for it. And I’d also be interested in a Memphis dopefest! ---
**Author:** ![cmyk](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cmyk/32/3353_2.png) [@cmyk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cmyk)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2013, 1:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/holy-mother-fucking-shit-or-looks-like-im-moving-to-memphis-tn/658944/38 "2013-05-22T01:54:03Z")
Yay, Memphis Dopefest! Not too worried about crime-rates, unless there’s some area that’s out of Mad Max or something. 😉 however my wife is currently trying to untangle the whole “which school district” mess. We have a (going on), 15 yo daughter and 11 yo son, although we homeschool our daughter which probably won’t change after the move. ---
**Author:** ![aurora\_maire](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aurora_maire/32/328_2.png) [@aurora\_maire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aurora_maire)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2013, 1:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/holy-mother-fucking-shit-or-looks-like-im-moving-to-memphis-tn/658944/39 "2013-05-22T01:54:11Z")
The winters have been pretty mild for the last several years. A dusting of snow once in a while and maybe an inch or so on occasion. But beware! As soon as those flakes start falling people freak out. They rush to buy bread and milk as if they will be snowbound for a week. **Never** go to the grocery store when it first starts to snow. And when the streets start getting slushy, people drive like they’ve never come across such alien precipitation. Don’t think for a minute that because you know how to drive in snow that you will be fine. It’s everybody else you have to watch out for. 🙂 (Not me, of course. I know better than to be out there.) ---
**Author:** ![cmyk](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cmyk/32/3353_2.png) [@cmyk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cmyk)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2013, 2:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/holy-mother-fucking-shit-or-looks-like-im-moving-to-memphis-tn/658944/40 "2013-05-22T02:06:00Z")
Ha… Good point, **aurora.** I’ve heard that before about warmer climates that get a freak patina of snow. In fact my friend down there, whom I’ll be partnering with is originally from North Dakota, and said the same. I’ll try and not let my cockiness get me killed! [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/holy-mother-fucking-shit-or-looks-like-im-moving-to-memphis-tn/658944.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/holy-mother-fucking-shit-or-looks-like-im-moving-to-memphis-tn/658944.md?page=3)