Originally Posted by
Biage
Hopefully I don't get flamed too much on this one. But seriously, we are probably going to be moving to MEM in the next year and I'm interested in finding out in which areas we should look. Where do most of the pilots (and their families) live? We have two children (toddlers) so good schools are important and my wife prefers a smaller community. Anything within a 45min-1hr drive of the AOC would be preferable. Thanks!
Well Biage. Get an ear full? Sounds like you already made your mind up and want to live on campus. I'm not going down that road on the pros and cons of the commute (you can also search this forum on past threads as well). If you want to spend max time with the family and watch those toddlers grow up I think you are making the right choice.
Most pilots live in the Germantown or Collierville (does this meet your definition of a small community?) the rest on the fringe as stated in other posts. As for schools, public or private? You have a very good selection to choose from in the private sector. The best public elementary schools in Germantown are Dogwood and Farmington. In Collerville Bailey Station. No info on middle schools. The high schools everywhere are
over crowded. Some relief is on the way with a new HS south of Germantown. The commercial appeal (Sunday Jan. 14th edition) has a good break down of the Shelby county school system. Overall the public system in TN, MS or AR are just average to below average compared to the rest of the nation.
As for crime. Not going to sugar coat it. It is on the rise IMO. We had both our vehicles broken into and that was in the burbs during the day. But my wife has not asked for judo lessons or hand gun training yet
. Plus I have 2 retrievers and they can out hunt any lab in New England
. Don't be fooled into thinking if you move across the border to MS that crime will not follow. The growth in Olive Branch, South Haven, Hernando, Lakeland etc.. are experiencing growing pains with traffic and infrastructure, but I think they are just as nice to live in as anywhere around mempho. No doubt the drive to work from all the areas mentioned will fit your criteria.
As for me. Coming on the 11th year. Use to live in Cordova (was going to become a commuter, but got spoiled being a homebody
). Got out of Cordova in time as stated in other posts. Now live on the fringe near Eads. Kid in private school spend lots of time at home yada, yada, yada. Send me a pm if you want more info on the private school system.
Cheers