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Moving to the Memphis Area
Everything a relocating buyer needs — the best suburbs, school districts, cost of living, and a REALTOR who does this every week.
A big share of my clients are moving to Memphis from somewhere else — for FedEx, St. Jude, the hospital systems, or just a lower cost of living and a slower pace. Relocating is equal parts exciting and overwhelming, so here's the honest, on-the-ground guide I give every mover.
Which suburb is right for you?
The Memphis metro isn't one place — each suburb has a distinct personality. A quick orientation:
- Germantown — the prestige pick: top-rated GMSD schools, established estates, strongest resale.
- Collierville — Tennessee's #1-rated schools and a charming historic Town Square.
- Bartlett — established, family-oriented, and the best value of the close-in suburbs.
- Arlington — fast-growing and full of new construction on the northeast edge.
- Eads — acreage and custom homes for buyers who want land and privacy.
- Memphis — Downtown lofts, Midtown character, East Memphis family streets, and strong rental returns.
For most movers, schools come first
If you have kids — or plan to — the school district usually drives the whole search out here, and the map is trickier than it looks. Start with my school-zone guides for Germantown, Collierville, Bartlett, and Arlington, and read the districts explained (including the Germantown-schools mix-up that catches newcomers out). The golden rule: confirm the assigned schools by exact address, never by the city name — and I do that for every home we tour.
What your money buys
This is the happy part of moving to Memphis. Compared with most major metros, your dollar goes a long way here — and Tennessee has no state income tax, which is a meaningful raise for a relocating household. I break down home prices, property taxes, and the everyday math on my cost-of-living page, and you can model a real monthly payment with my mortgage calculator.
A relocation timeline that actually works
Here's the rhythm I run with out-of-town buyers: (1) a get-to-know-you call to nail down your must-haves and budget; (2) a video tour of neighborhoods so you can picture daily life; (3) a lender pre-approval so you're ready to move; (4) a focused in-person tour weekend where we see the right homes, not everything; and (5) an offer and a smooth close, with me handling the details locally. Plenty of my relocation clients buy without ever touring in person more than once.
Work with someone who does this every week
Relocating means trusting someone who knows the difference between two streets that look identical online. That's the whole job for me — school zones, commutes to the FedEx hub and the medical district, HOAs, flood zones, and which neighborhoods hold value. Tell me your situation and I'll take it from there.
FAQ
Relocation questions, answered
What's the best Memphis suburb for families relocating?
It depends on your priorities and budget. Germantown and Collierville lead on schools and resale value; Bartlett offers the best value close-in; Arlington is booming with new construction. I'll match you to the right fit based on schools, commute, and budget - and confirm the exact school zone for any home.
Can you help me before I move to Memphis?
Absolutely - most of my relocation clients start entirely remote. I'll do neighborhood video tours, send curated listings, coordinate a lender pre-approval, and plan a focused tour weekend so you see the right homes. Many buy after just one in-person trip.
Does Tennessee have a state income tax?
No. Tennessee has no state income tax on wages (the old Hall tax on investment income was fully phased out in 2021). For a relocating household, that's a real, ongoing boost to take-home pay - one of the quieter perks of moving here.
How far are the suburbs from downtown and the FedEx hub?
Most of the core suburbs sit roughly 20-30 minutes from downtown Memphis and the medical district, with the FedEx World Hub near the airport on the south side. Commutes vary by suburb and time of day - I'll walk you through the real drive times for your specific job site.
Work With Me Directly
Matt Mitchell, REALTOR®
I'm a REALTOR® and part of a third-generation Memphis-area real estate family. I confirm the exact school zoning for every home my clients tour — no guessing, no surprises. I'm the one who answers the phone.
Relocating to Memphis?
Let me be your guide on the ground.
Tell me where you're coming from and what matters most — schools, commute, budget — and I'll build you a shortlist before you ever get on a plane. Call or text (901) 701-8738.