COMMENT BY
Giddings from Oakland, TN
COMMENT ABOUT PLACE
Oakland, TN
COMMENT
Memphis Metro Area Improving a little
I researched the Memphis metro area before moving here, and after living here for 5+ years, it is a decent place to live. The core city offers almost everything you'd find in other comparable metro areas like Birmingham, Nashville, or Austin. I find the people to be kind, down to earth, and respectful. Job growth is slow and "good" opportunities can be hard to find. Hi-Tech jobs would help the area grow more and attract more talent, entrepreneurs, and corporations to the Memphis metropolitan area.
The cityscape is both historical and somewhat modern. The cost of living is lower than average compared to other top 50 metro areas. The relative quality of life (especially the suburbs), and the positive direction of the area, make Memphis metro area a good place to live for those looking for good mixture urban and country living at a good price. The crime and poverty rates are higher in certain areas, and the education level is lower than average, but needs to improve in technology and the basics (reading, writing, and arithmetic and economics.)
Most of the suburbs are relatively safe especially 25 minutes east of downtown. All in all - decent place to live if you like green space, lower cost of living, easy going atmosphere, and diverse population (with challenging crime issues). The political class in Memphis supports a "progressive" or Leftist governing style and their approach to law enforcement is not aggressive, so the crime and murder rates are higher than average (police force is understaffed but good). When the ruling class decides to get serious about law enforcement and creating a business friendly environment, crime will decrease and economy will improve.. Poverty will be overcome with more business opportunity and appropriate education. There are great things about the area, and it is on the upswing, but persistent problems (poverty, crime, lack of GOOD jobs) slow the progress!
Some backwards thinking exists from a racial and business standpoint, but IMO most people are friendly and want the best for the city and metro area. Facts don't care about our feelings. Memphis will change when the citizens start dealing with facts instead of feelings and elect competent people regardless of race or economic status. We need forward thinkers that are serious about stopping crime instead of making excuses for it. Education will change for the better when The Family is restored to its traditional form (Mom, Dad, and children), and we respect ourselves and others by fearing and serving God!