"I was walking in Memphis, walking with my feet ten feet off of Beale. Walking in Memphis, but do I really feel the way I feel?" Marc Cohn
Bartlett is technically a suburb of Memphis. Most people dont realize its its own city, though, since the area blends in seamlessly with the big city around it. However, Bartlett has its own distinct history and government, and it also has its own feel -- which is a little bit country and a little bit redneck. Bartlett was once an area called Union Depot and Green Bottom. It was a train stop on the way west from Nashville. In 1866, the town became its own city, even though it had less than 100 people living there. Today, Bartlett remains a small, country town, and it retains a lot of its original feel of a southern railroad town.. Bartlett has its own schools both public and private its own parks, libraries and arts institutions, too. In fact, you wouldnt even need to leave the area to live well and be entertained, even though you might want to, since nearby Memphis offers so many amenities and Bartlett is small enough that you might want some bigger fish to fry after a few years here.
Moving to Bartlett
The reasons that people move to Bartlett? Quietness and affordability. The area is a lot cheaper than nicer Memphis areas and suburbs nearby, so people choose it if they dont want their rent to break the bank. The area does have a lot of rental options, as well as single family homes. But dont expect big city living here. You wont be able to walk anywhere, and if you do live in an apartment, youll even have to hop in your car to get groceries.
If you do want to rent in Bartlett, you shouldnt have too hard of a time finding a place. Its really not the most desirable Memphis suburb, so you wont have to fight with anyone to make sure you land your dream home. When you do begin your apartment search in Bartlett, be sure to come prepared. Bring your financial documents like pay stubs, bank statements, tax returns, letters of reference from landlords, and more. Also, be prepared -- mentally and physically -- to pay a couple months rent and a security deposit.
One thing to keep in mind when you begin your search in Bartlett is that the weather in Memphis in the summer is literally oppressive. Temperatures reach higher than 100 degrees, and the humidity is often 100% for days in a row. So, if you want to find your Bartlett home, youll want to start looking in one of the more milder seasons. Spring and fall here are both beautiful and temperate. Check with a realtor to see what the availability is and make your appointment to tour some apartment complexes and condos for rent in the area.
Neighborhoods
Memphians would tell you that Bartlett is just a neighborhood, but since Bartlett has its own government, its considered a city. Therefore, the city of Bartlett actually has its own neighborhoods, and you should know a little bit more about them before you choose where to settle down.
Western Bartlett:The Western edge of Bartlett borders Raleigh a pretty rough neighborhood in Memphis. Thus, the crime and run-down feeling sort of spills over into Bartlett here, and its not the safest or most idyllic place to live. If you want somewhere cheap, this is definitely the place to look for apartments for rent. The northern part of western Bartlett is also home to Quail Ridge Golf Course, so if you like playing rounds, it could be convenient for you to call this neighborhood home. $
Eastern Bartlett:Eastern Bartlett is far away from Memphis-proper, and its country-country. That is, the houses are spread far apart, yards are big and green, and people still have tractors. You can find cheap houses for rent here and also expensive housing its a good mix, depending on what youre looking for. Its popular with people who like the outdoors and a quiet life near a big city. $$$
Northern Bartlett:The northern part of Bartlett has the nicest subdivisions and neighborhoods, particularly in the eastern part of Bartlett. Its popular with families, so if you want gated communities, pools, parks and playgrounds, definitely choose this area. $$$$$
Living in Bartlett
The best part of Bartlett is that it s near Memphis one of the most exciting up and upcoming cities in the country. Youll have to drive to get into Memphis, so youll want to have a car. Bartlett is connected to the city by interstate and big highways, so youll have easy road access. But once you get into town, there is plenty to keep you busy. Visit downtown Memphis to see world-famous Beale Street. Beale Street is blocked off to traffic, and its home to a ton of restaurants, bars, music venues, shops and more. Its a great place for dancing, drinking and revelry. At the end of Beale Street is the FedEx Forum, where the Memphis Grizzlies (the NBA team) and Tigers (college basketball team) play. You can catch a top-notch ball game there, as well as some of the worlds most exciting musical artists touring through. At the other end of Beale Street is the Orpheum Theater, a majestic old Opera House that now hosts touring Broadway Musicals, childrens theater, and classic movies. Memphis is also home to Graceland Elvis home. If youre a music lover, go check out the big mansion where the King lived, or check out the Stax museum, the place where artists like Al Green, Otis Redding, The Staples Singers, and Tina Turner once wrote and recorded their music.
So Memphis is great, but what about Bartlett? Bartlett has its fair share of amenities, too, even though you would never recommend anyone visiting the area to check out anything in Bartlett, per se. However, the area is historic, and it has a lot of historic sites for people interested in local legacy. Davies Manor Plantation is a historic home and gardens that used to be a working plantation in the area. You can go check out the grounds and tour the buildings on the property to see how plantations worked in the antebellum south. The Nicholas Gotten House is home to the Bartlett Museum, a place filled with information about the areas past. You can tour the house built in 1871 and learn more about its unique saltbox frame.
If historys not your thing, theres still more to do in Bartlett. Its home to a recreation center, which houses a swimming pool, racquetball courts, basketball courts, a track, a gym and more. If you like the arts, Bartlett has its own theater the Bartlett Performing Arts Center. Its home to concerts (the first one was Art Garfunkel!), symphonies, dance shows and more. People can rent the facility out for their own private events, too.
When youre not taking advantage of Bartletts activities, theres plenty of real-life stuff in Bartlett, too. There are tons of churches there Catholic, Baptist, Methodist, Mormon, and even more. There are also schools, which are part of the county school system in the area (though not for long, since theyre trying to establish their own school system). In addition to several public schools, the area also has two private schools.
If youre looking for cheap, quiet country living near Memphis, Bartlett might be a good option for you. Moving there can afford a really high quality of life for a low price as long as you dont mind rednecks and a sort of hick-vibe in your neighborhood.
