Did you know? Atoka, Tennessee, has its very own true-blue war hero. Joseph B. Adkison was a sergeant in the 199th Infantry during World War I. Not only was Adkison awarded the Medal of Honor in 1919, he also later received the Italian War Cross, the Great War of Civilization Medal, the Republic of Portugal Medal, the Silver Star and the Purple Heart. Atoka honors its war hero with a monument in his honor, located in a park that bears his name -- Adkison Park.
Atoka is a fast-growing small town about half an hour outside Memphis. When we say fast-growing, we mean it -- in the past twenty years, Atoka has gone from 659 inhabitants at the 1990 census, to 8,387 at the 2010 U.S. Census, a twelvefold population increase. Atoka is going places, and it wants you to come for the ride!
Moving to Atoka
If you're thinking of moving to Atoka, here are a few tips to get you on your way.
Budgeting
Atoka has a low cost of living compared to the national median, while at the same time, it has a high income per capita. This is good news for your budget, and may just mean you'll be able to stretch it just a wee bit more for that extra-special studio apartment or 3 bedroom house than wherever you hang your hat at this point in time. Look for rental homes with all-inclusive rental contracts to save even more by having one set amount for your rent and utilities -- no surprises come bill time!
Have a Good, Solid Car
Atoka is growing, but it is still a relatively small town. Living in a small town generally means that only a limited number of industries are represented within the town, and only a limited number of jobs are available. This means that you may have to commute to one of the surrounding towns or even to Memphis on a regular basis, both for work and for access to those things Atoka does not offer. You'll need a truly reliable car to be able to commit to a commute, as well as a sizable gas budget.
Research, Research, Research
Atoka has an amazingly large number of neighborhoods for a small town, so it pays to do your homework and narrow your search area down to a handful that have whatever it is you're looking for.
Atoka Neighborhoods
Did we mention Atoka has an amazingly long list of neighborhoods for a small town? Here is a quick rundown of the main ones.
Blaydes Estates: This large, rural neighborhood is one of the largest in Atoka and there are a good number of apartments to rent. It is made up mostly of large single-family homes with large yards. Walker Park, sandwiched between Blaydes Estates and Templeton Farms, provides access to a splash pad, dog parks, sand volleyball court, soccer fields and more. Blaydes Estates also gives easy access to Pioneer Park, which has a walking track, picnic tables, playground and fish pond with fountain. There are not a large number of rental homes available here as 95% of homes are owned, not rented, however, it is worth checking out.
Templeton Farms: Templeton Farms is a medium sized, suburban neighborhood adjacent to Blaydes Estates. There may not be many one bedroom apartments or apartment complexes, but it is made up for the most part of large, brick homes on relatively big plots of land. It is only a mile from the main shopping area of Atoka. Walker Park is easily accessed from Templeton Farms, as are several local golf courses. There are not a huge number of rental homes available here, but enough to be worth a look.
Rosemark Civic Club: Rosemark Civic Club is a large, rural neighborhood with easy access to several golf courses and a school. Houses here are large and spacious, and most are owner occupied properties, however there is a small percentage of rental houses, as well as some rental apartments.
Tipton Lake: Tipton Lake is a medium-sized, suburban neighborhood, close to schools and golf courses. Homes are mostly single family homes with medium sized yards. The Playland Party Zone amusement park is just minutes away, and Tipton Lake has plenty of rental property, so it's worth checking out.
West Road: West Road is a medium-sized, rural neighborhood populated largely with large homes on sprawling plots. The so-called "Holiday Beacon," a home on Cheyenne Road that is spectacularly dressed in a multitude of lights on holidays, is a popular attraction in this part of Atoka. Most homes here are owned, but there is a small percentage of rental properties.
Williamsburg Estates: One of Atoka's largest neighborhoods, Williamsburg Estates borders Blaydes Estates and Sterling Ridge. It is an upmarket area populated with large, sprawling homes on big plots. Pioneer Park is a popular attraction in this neighborhood.
Life in Atoka
Atoka offers the best of both worlds -- small-town atmosphere, with the big-city amenities of Memphis just a stone's throw away. Living here you'll get to enjoy a rural lifestyle, with plenty of space around homes even in the suburbs, lots of trees and yet, a tight-knit community all around you.
A weekend in Atoka itself can see you enjoying the many local parks or visiting the Mid South Military Museum, spending the day at the Playland Party Zone amusement park, then enjoying the barbecue at Paradise Grill or the chicken fajitas at Los Reyes Mexican Restaurant. Atoka has plenty of things to offer, and more in the works, with work on the Atoka Greenway Trail being planned to start in the near future.
When you feel like stepping it up a notch, just a half hour drive to Memphis opens up all the big city entertainment for you, with all the live music and shows you could possibly wish for and much, much more. Though it may be a bit of a tourist trap, a visit to Memphis must of course come with a visit to Graceland, at least once; and a visit to the Orpheum Theatre Memphis is definitely also in order. That said, it's Memphis, there's tons to do, and that's for another article. In the end, when you're done traipsing around the big city, it's back home to relax and enjoy the small-town atmosphere and get settled in your new community. Who says you can't have your cake and eat it, too?
