Real Estate: Southaven, MS VS. Memphis, TN

Two years ago, I was transferred with my job from north Dallas to Memphis, TN. On the very first visit we made, we drove around the Memphis area and I cried. I did not know what we were going to do. The cheaper homes were affordable, but not necessarily neighborhoods I wanted to live in. The nicer suburbs and areas of town were very expensive - out of my range really. After talking with several people from the area, I was convinced that areas in northern Mississippi would be the way to go - particularly Dickens Place located just south of Church Road and Getwell.

The office I now work at is located in south Memphis - near Winchester and Mendenhall. If I would have chosen to move to Collierville, TN or Bartlett, TN I would be looking at a 40-50 minute commute to and from work every day. In less than ten minutes, I now go the other way (south) towards Southaven. I found the best value for money right on the Southaven/Olive Branch border. My husband and I absolutely love the community that we live in, and are so glad that we took the advice of locals and looked for our first home in this area.

Lets first look at the Pro's of living in northern Mississippi. Property taxes are lower in MS than in TN. Also, the cost of living is lower in general. When I compare my bills (utility) to that of my co-workers, I pay a little less per month for what I have. Although MS is not exactly in the top of the heap in education, the schools are very high quality in Southaven. The neighborhood school, North Desoto schools, is located 1 mile from our house. The elementary, middle and high school are all together. The schools just opened in the four years and they draw good students. All of the parents in the neighborhood are very pleased with the school system. If you live in Memphis, you have to be careful what area you are going to if you have school aged children. Another pro to living in Dickens is that small town feel. Although Southaven is not a small town, the sense of community at Dickens makes it feel that way. Children play in front yards in evenings. Many people walk their dogs and/or run by. Neighbors walk out and chat. Its a nice feeling - a safe feeling as well. The last, and perhaps biggest, pro to living in Southaven is the property value for what you spend. I have a 3 bedroom/2 bathroom (1900 square foot) home. It was built four years ago. The floor is hardwood with ceramic tile. The kitchen and closets are huge - I love my house. If I was to move into an area of TN, I would pay approximately 35% more for my home. I get much more for my money by living in northern Mississippi. And the property value is going up. So many new subdivisions (that are much pricier than mine) are going up all around. In the two years that I have lived in Dickens, the property value has increased quite a bit. For example, a couple across the street moved in the same time I did. One year later, they sold their home and profited almost $25,000. And that was in one year!

Now, lets shift gear and talk about cons of living in Mississippi. The main con is state income tax. While TN does not pay state income tax, MS does. Also, registration for one's car is much greater in MS than TN. In MS, the yearly amount is taken off of the value of the automobile. It comes down approximately 10% each year. The only other con to living in MS is that the superior shopping is a little bit further. Southaven did get a new "mall" last year, but honestly it is not that impressive (and not very high end).

If you are considering a move to the Memphis area, these are the things that you should consider. Honestly, the income tax/car registration in MS is really a trade-off for getting more for your money in real estate. I personally think that Southaven and Olive Branch are nice communities, and I think they are excellent places to raise a family. So, if you are looking, check out Dickens Place (also to include Canterbury Glen and Oliver's Glen). I know you will find it every bit as charming as we do!