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. 
Does that mean you won’t be at Christmas Dopefests in the Mitt? 
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.
You may want to compare tax rates between Arkansas and Tenn. This article says Tenn is among the 7th highest.
West Memphis Ark is just over the bridge from Memphis. The tax break (state and property taxes) might be worth it. Just a suggestion.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Cardboard cutouts work just fine. 
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.
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.
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!
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!
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…
“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?”
…
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.
I didn’t see that. From this section of the article:
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
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.
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!
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.
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.)
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!