Memphis FBGs - relocation help (1 Viewer)

[krista4]

Definitely not the degen drinker. As happy as they come. Probably the nicest guy I know, actually. Yeah, I think he is. They gave him one hell of a send-off at his "old" bar. WE NEED TO FIND HIS NEW ONE...and maybe an apartment.

Westy's is a very happy (not gay) bar.

Westy's is very dark and full of an older degen crowd whenever I go in there for some reason. I enjoy it for what it is but the place is depressing to me if I'm not already ####faced and actually looking to socialize with the other patrons.

I just find a younger, more energetic/upbeat crowd with more attractive females at some of the other spots downtown. Is your buddy single and looking to drink/mingle with attractive members of the opposite sex?

That said.. definitely worth a look if Krista speaks highly of it.

I generally saw lots of young-ish people there and lots of parties happening, etc. I totally agree he'll find a more attractive crowd in the core of downtown, though. He'll likely wish to move more into the downtown core and make a little trip to Westy's now and then for fun. There's just so much more there--in addition to what you've mentioned, great food at Aldo's, McEwen's, Majestic Grill, Flight (which I stopped going to because they're #######s, but the food really is good), Felicia Suzanne, Blue Fin, etc. etc. etc.

95% of my Westys experiences have been late night so I trust your read bettter than mine.

LOVE McEwens. Have purposely avoided Flight because I've heard that from several other sources. Lot of other places I can drop $150/head on dinner and drinks in this town and not deal with pretentious dickbags.

STILL haven't made it down to Aldo's for some odd reason. Have been spending a lot of time in Overton square this year so far... some really great places sprouting up there.

Interesting about Flight; glad to hear it wasn't just me! I love Aldo's pizza but there's not much of a bar--best to go when you can sit outside and people-watch. I love that Local opened an Overton Square location. The whole area was just going gangbusters when we moved in August (wow, it's been that long!); made me really happy to see that.

 

[Brady Marino]

Definitely not the degen drinker. As happy as they come. Probably the nicest guy I know, actually. Yeah, I think he is. They gave him one hell of a send-off at his "old" bar. WE NEED TO FIND HIS NEW ONE...and maybe an apartment.

Westy's is a very happy (not gay) bar.

Westy's is very dark and full of an older degen crowd whenever I go in there for some reason. I enjoy it for what it is but the place is depressing to me if I'm not already ####faced and actually looking to socialize with the other patrons.

I just find a younger, more energetic/upbeat crowd with more attractive females at some of the other spots downtown. Is your buddy single and looking to drink/mingle with attractive members of the opposite sex?

That said.. definitely worth a look if Krista speaks highly of it.

I generally saw lots of young-ish people there and lots of parties happening, etc. I totally agree he'll find a more attractive crowd in the core of downtown, though. He'll likely wish to move more into the downtown core and make a little trip to Westy's now and then for fun. There's just so much more there--in addition to what you've mentioned, great food at Aldo's, McEwen's, Majestic Grill, Flight (which I stopped going to because they're #######s, but the food really is good), Felicia Suzanne, Blue Fin, etc. etc. etc.

95% of my Westys experiences have been late night so I trust your read bettter than mine.

LOVE McEwens. Have purposely avoided Flight because I've heard that from several other sources. Lot of other places I can drop $150/head on dinner and drinks in this town and not deal with pretentious dickbags.

STILL haven't made it down to Aldo's for some odd reason. Have been spending a lot of time in Overton square this year so far... some really great places sprouting up there.

Interesting about Flight; glad to hear it wasn't just me! I love Aldo's pizza but there's not much of a bar--best to go when you can sit outside and people-watch. I love that Local opened an Overton Square location. The whole area was just going gangbusters when we moved in August (wow, it's been that long!); made me really happy to see that.

You guys are really making me want to make sure I live near Overton Square lol.

Edit: icon, could you add 2150 Washington Ave to the places to check out for me this weekend? I'll make sure to buy you a beer or two if we ever meet up.

 

[krista4]

One more thing for the people moving down there...people are extremely friendly. It's one of the best things about the city, but if you're not used to that it can really take you by surprise when people just start chatting with you when you're walking down the street. We were super-suspicious of everyone at first.

 

[Brady Marino]

One more thing for the people moving down there...people are extremely friendly. It's one of the best things about the city, but if you're not used to that it can really take you by surprise when people just start chatting with you when you're walking down the street. We were super-suspicious of everyone at first.

I chatted up my new boss yesterday on the phone and told her that I was glad to be working in a bigger city for once (in radio, you grind it out in small markets for a while and wait for a break). She laughed and she said: "Wait a second, Memphis is like a giant small town. You'll be shocked how friendly people are here." I liked the sound of that.

 

[krista4]

One more thing for the people moving down there...people are extremely friendly. It's one of the best things about the city, but if you're not used to that it can really take you by surprise when people just start chatting with you when you're walking down the street. We were super-suspicious of everyone at first.

I chatted up my new boss yesterday on the phone and told her that I was glad to be working in a bigger city for once (in radio, you grind it out in small markets for a while and wait for a break). She laughed and she said: "Wait a second, Memphis is like a giant small town. You'll be shocked how friendly people are here." I liked the sound of that.

It is like a big small town, and that is one of the best things about it. Even though I didn't totally love living there, I have great fondness for the city and its people. Congrats on the job, by the way!

Very cool of icon to go look at locations for you.

 

[[icon]]

People are friendly...

Service industry folks (outside of bars and some restaurants) generally act like they're doing you a massive favor by doing their jobs.

And as krista mentioned.... the drivers are horrible here.

You'll also learn to never leave anything of value in your car. Seriously. Not a radar detector. Not a sunglass case. Don't give anyone an excuse... I don't care WHERE you are (outside Cville/Germantown), car break ins are very common. If you're the type of person who leaves crap in your car go ahead and set aside a glass/lock/etc replacement budget because you will need it.

 

[[icon]]

Edit: icon, could you add 2150 Washington Ave to the places to check out for me this weekend? I'll make sure to buy you a beer or two if we ever meet up.

No worries on the beer. You'll be in town for BBQfest, make plans to come by our booth. Trust me... it's the best thing that happens in memphis all year long. Let me and tipsy buy you a beer (or 100).

I've got to be out at Local at 9:30am to set up for the charity thing and have to rush back out east later for a birthday thing.... but I should be able to swing by both spots while on my way in or out...

 

[BRONG]

Okay then, Westy's it is (at least for that first month)! K4, what about his current location (posted above)? Any recommendations?

Whatcha mean re current location?

Here's his location for the first month (no lease, so he can move):

252 N. Lauderdale - Uptown Square Apartments

$800 a month; any chance he could get robbed or something?!

 

[krista4]

He's been eyeing (online) TJ Mulligans and Westy's already...this will be a boon to whichever wins.

Absolutely love Westy's. We were welcomed with open arms immediately and considered "regulars" even if months went by between visits (which rarely happened since we loved it anyway). Reggie Price, the bartender there became a good friend and we went to his wedding. Unfortunately he had a falling out and doesn't work there any more. :( The other bartenders are awesome too, but nothing touches Reggie for entertainment. Anyway, great neighborhood spot.

I went to Mulligan's once; wasn't really impressed. Ferraro's across the street from Westy's has great NY style pizza (rivaling Little Italy for best in city for NY style), but not really a bar.

Uptown is a "transitional" neighborhood. It's OK but on the edge of sketchier places. He'll probably wish to move when he gets a chance.

Oh, OK. See last paragraph above re current location. It's not awful but he probably will wish to move once he gets the lay of the land a bit.

I also saw your edit on his being a big sports fan. Flying Saucer is likely going to be a good spot for him.

 

[[icon]]

Okay then, Westy's it is (at least for that first month)! K4, what about his current location (posted above)? Any recommendations?

Whatcha mean re current location?

Here's his location for the first month (no lease, so he can move):

252 N. Lauderdale - Uptown Square Apartments

$800 a month; any chance he could get robbed or something?!

I had a friend who lived there in that gated apt community... was a little shady inside the gates. Got a lot shady just a little outside. I wouldn't live there.

 

[Brady Marino]

Edit: icon, could you add 2150 Washington Ave to the places to check out for me this weekend? I'll make sure to buy you a beer or two if we ever meet up.

No worries on the beer. You'll be in town for BBQfest, make plans to come by our booth. Trust me... it's the best thing that happens in memphis all year long. Let me and tipsy buy you a beer (or 100).

I've got to be out at Local at 9:30am to set up for the charity thing and have to rush back out east later for a birthday thing.... but I should be able to swing by both spots while on my way in or out...

Yeah I think I picked a good weekend to have after my first full work week.

I'm thinking the Washington Ave location may be a good one given it's sandwiched between the park and the square.

 

[[icon]]

Edit: icon, could you add 2150 Washington Ave to the places to check out for me this weekend? I'll make sure to buy you a beer or two if we ever meet up.

No worries on the beer. You'll be in town for BBQfest, make plans to come by our booth. Trust me... it's the best thing that happens in memphis all year long. Let me and tipsy buy you a beer (or 100).

I've got to be out at Local at 9:30am to set up for the charity thing and have to rush back out east later for a birthday thing.... but I should be able to swing by both spots while on my way in or out...

Yeah I think I picked a good weekend to have after my first full work week.

I'm thinking the Washington Ave location may be a good one given it's sandwiched between the park and the square.

FYI BBQfest is NOT a weekend event. Look for the BBQfest thread here.... Thursday day...Thursday Night...Friday Day... Friday night are your public fun times. Sat there is a 3-4 hour window to hang after onsite judging and before awards. Otherwise, we shut down early and Sunday is load out.

Every year we have n00bs who come down at 3pm saturday geared up to throw down like their life depended on it and we always just kinda laugh at them. Sat afternoon we're exhausted, and there are no official "Meals"... usually a good bit of the beer/booze is gone or running on fumes, and we shut the booth down and kick everyone out as soon as everyone on the team decides to head home for a shower and good night sleep (usually not long after awards at 6-7pm).

 

[SproutDaddy]

The area where Washington is by the square is a nice location. I dated a girl years ago that lived on that street.

 

[Brady Marino]

The area where Washington is by the square is a nice location. I dated a girl years ago that lived on that street.

(This question is for anyone really)

How quickly does rental properties there move? I won't actually be able to physically to be in Memphis until May 5th at the earliest.

 

[SproutDaddy]

I'm sure they will hold it as long as you pay the deposit and rent.

 

[Brady Marino]

I'm sure they will hold it as long as you pay the deposit and rent.

Not big on plunking down money sight unseen, though.

Yeah, I'm antsy.

 

[SproutDaddy]

I'm sure they will hold it as long as you pay the deposit and rent.

Not big on plunking down money sight unseen, though.

Yeah, I'm antsy.

I completely understand that. I would just contact them and see how they feel about the situation.

 

[[icon]]

If sprout daddy says the area is solid, it prob. is. I'll check it out saturday for sure and snap some pics/videos if I can.

 

[Brady Marino]

If sprout daddy says the area is solid, it prob. is. I'll check it out saturday for sure and snap some pics/videos if I can.

Really appreciate it. If the duplex on Jefferson looks kosher, I may pounce on that. First and only floor with washer/dryer is pretty good, IMO.

 

[[icon]]

If sprout daddy says the area is solid, it prob. is. I'll check it out saturday for sure and snap some pics/videos if I can.

Really appreciate it. If the duplex on Jefferson looks kosher, I may pounce on that. First and only floor with washer/dryer is pretty good, IMO.

Yeah and no joke when I say that if I was in 20's and single I would without a doubt live within a couple blocks of overton square. Blue Monkey (great bar, live music), Boscos (microbrewery w/ solid food), Local (huge hotspot), Bar Louie (fun chain spot), Chiwawa (solid mexican, best patio in Memphis, BB Shop (very good BBQ), Bayou (Solid cajun spot), Chardonnay (nice upscale-sh spot), Restaurant Iris (Best restaurant in memphis), Second line (Kelly English's second spot).... Theater on the square (Small Movie theater that serves beer) Not to mention the german place, the ramen place, etc etc that are all opening up. Murphys Irish pub if looking for a dive bar...

By FAR the highest concentration of solid bars/restaurants in the city IMO.

Plus unlike downtown there is a full grocery and other types of stuff (walgreens/cvs/etc) more readily available.

 

[Brady Marino]

If sprout daddy says the area is solid, it prob. is. I'll check it out saturday for sure and snap some pics/videos if I can.

Really appreciate it. If the duplex on Jefferson looks kosher, I may pounce on that. First and only floor with washer/dryer is pretty good, IMO.

Yeah and no joke when I say that if I was in 20's and single I would without a doubt live within a couple blocks of overton square. Blue Monkey (great bar, live music), Boscos (microbrewery w/ solid food), Local (huge hotspot), Bar Louie (fun chain spot), Chiwawa (solid mexican, best patio in Memphis, BB Shop (very good BBQ), Bayou (Solid cajun spot), Chardonnay (nice upscale-sh spot), Restaurant Iris (Best restaurant in memphis), Second line (Kelly English's second spot).... Theater on the square (Small Movie theater that serves beer) Not to mention the german place, the ramen place, etc etc that are all opening up. Murphys Irish pub if looking for a dive bar...

By FAR the highest concentration of solid bars/restaurants in the city IMO.

Plus unlike downtown there is a full grocery and other types of stuff (walgreens/cvs/etc) more readily available.

Yup, all things I've considered. Plus I'll be hanging at Overton Park a lot, too.

 

[[icon]]

If sprout daddy says the area is solid, it prob. is. I'll check it out saturday for sure and snap some pics/videos if I can.

Really appreciate it. If the duplex on Jefferson looks kosher, I may pounce on that. First and only floor with washer/dryer is pretty good, IMO.

Yeah and no joke when I say that if I was in 20's and single I would without a doubt live within a couple blocks of overton square. Blue Monkey (great bar, live music), Boscos (microbrewery w/ solid food), Local (huge hotspot), Bar Louie (fun chain spot), Chiwawa (solid mexican, best patio in Memphis, BB Shop (very good BBQ), Bayou (Solid cajun spot), Chardonnay (nice upscale-sh spot), Restaurant Iris (Best restaurant in memphis), Second line (Kelly English's second spot).... Theater on the square (Small Movie theater that serves beer) Not to mention the german place, the ramen place, etc etc that are all opening up. Murphys Irish pub if looking for a dive bar...

By FAR the highest concentration of solid bars/restaurants in the city IMO.

Plus unlike downtown there is a full grocery and other types of stuff (walgreens/cvs/etc) more readily available.

Yup, all things I've considered. Plus I'll be hanging at Overton Park a lot, too.

Yep overton park is solid. The zoo is actually REALLY solid as well. The levitt shell has tons of free concerts during the summer. Overton Square are having big outdoor concerts on thursday night all summer as well

 

[krista4]

Memphis Zoo is awesome. Good point regarding the groceries; amazingly enough, there is no real grocery in downtown so you have to drive the 10 minutes or so to Kroger in midtown.

 

[Brady Marino]

icon, scratch the Jefferson Ave location, I was informed it was rented today.

Instead, would you mind checking on 53 N Belvedere if it's not too much trouble? As far as I know, 2150 Washington Ave is also in play still.

 

[[icon]]

Bummer on the Jefferson ave going away...

I will do what I can to check out both places but that belvedere place is in the wrong direction and traffic may be kinda nuts down there when I'm gettin out of the fundraiser/festival. will keep ya posted GB

 

[Brady Marino]

Bummer on the Jefferson ave going away...

I will do what I can to check out both places but that belvedere place is in the wrong direction and traffic may be kinda nuts down there when I'm gettin out of the fundraiser/festival. will keep ya posted GB

Thanks man.

 

[Brady Marino]

Ok icon, gonna bug you one more time before tomorrow.

Is 1512 Madison Avenue too far west to be in the bad area?

 

[krista4]

Ok icon, gonna bug you one more time before tomorrow.

Is 1512 Madison Avenue too far west to be in the bad area?

I'm not icon, but Madison is far enough north (but not too far north) that it doesn't really have that bad area. That particular location, however, doesn't have much to walk to--it's in a bit of a tweener neighborhood that's not downtown but not quite heart of midtown either, though I note that the Buccaneer is VERY close and is a good dive bar and music venue. Minglewood Hall is also a very good music venue nearby.

ETA: I'd keep it on your list, but also note that Madison is one of the main east-west arteries, and it could be a bit loud there if that bothers you.

 

[Brady Marino]

Ok icon, gonna bug you one more time before tomorrow.

Is 1512 Madison Avenue too far west to be in the bad area?

I'm not icon, but Madison is far enough north (but not too far north) that it doesn't really have that bad area. That particular location, however, doesn't have much to walk to--it's in a bit of a tweener neighborhood that's not downtown but not quite heart of midtown either, though I note that the Buccaneer is VERY close and is a good dive bar and music venue. Minglewood Hall is also a very good music venue nearby.

ETA: I'd keep it on your list, but also note that Madison is one of the main east-west arteries, and it could be a bit loud there if that bothers you.

Good point on the noise. I'll have to ask the landlords about soundproofing.

 

[JohnnyU]

Omg the humidity is horrible.

 

[Brady Marino]

Omg the humidity is horrible.

I grew up in St. Louis. I'm 100% used to it.

 

[Brady Marino]

I think I found my place. 964 Meda Street, under 2 blocks from the intersection of Cooper and Young.

K4/Icon, thoughts?

 

[krista4]

I think I found my place. 964 Meda Street, under 2 blocks from the intersection of Cooper and Young.

K4/Icon, thoughts?

Great location. I had a friend who lived on that street.

 

[Brady Marino]

I think I found my place. 964 Meda Street, under 2 blocks from the intersection of Cooper and Young.

K4/Icon, thoughts?

Great location. I had a friend who lived on that street.

Great to know.

Location, situation, and price is right.

 

[BRONG]

Congrats. How much? Is that an area my buddy should target?

 

[Brady Marino]

Congrats. How much? Is that an area my buddy should target?

$800/mth for a well maintained 2 bedroom duplex with washer/dryer.

K4/Icon can speak more on the area. I'm single and in my late 20s.

 

[BRONG]

Wow, that sounds great, nice work. How far is it from the arena?

 

[Brady Marino]

Wow, that sounds great, nice work. How far is it from the arena?

I think it's about 10-15 minutes east.

 

[Fiddles]

Ornamental metal museum still have concerts? That was a good time.

 

[krista4]

Ornamental metal museum still have concerts? That was a good time.

Yes! Love that place.

 

[krista4]

Wow, that sounds great, nice work. How far is it from the arena?

I think it's about 10-15 minutes east.

Yep. I'm going to say 12 minutes by car.

 

[Tusken Raider]

Memphis homer here (East Memphis/High Point Terrace area). Cooper/Young is pretty much the residential highlight of Midtown Memphis. I lived in Midtown about ten years ago before I bought my current home. CY is a solid area, & Overton Square is an easy bike ride/quick drive from there. Hell, I've walked between the two areas before. One thing I've learned from living here is that buffer zones tend to help when choosing a place to live. For example, from the area you're looking at (Meda), I'd stay north of Walker (away from Southern Ave - pretty ghetto), west of Philadelphia/Bruce (North Parkway is a busy street), and east of McLean. Pretty much any area north of there until you reach Poplar is fine. CY/Central Gardens has a great mix of hipsters/young money/professionals/elderly to make for a great area to live in. Good restaurants & bars, and a really nice festival in the fall. I assume you're looking to rent at first?

I'll also echo the sentiments of icon & Krista: don't let the talk about crime scare you away. Don't make yourself a target, be smart, and know (learn) your surroundings here. Big city with a small town vibe sometimes. Easy to drive around from area to area (pretty straight main corridors to navigate, and very few interstates to learn.) Holler if you need any more ideas/advice, & welcome!

 

[[icon]]

Hey man sorry but I was running late that AM, then my buddy got way too wasted at the festival so I got stuck driving his car back with GF and her friend following us so never got to swing by :(

I can try to get by there this week if ya need.

 

[Brady Marino]

Hey man sorry but I was running late that AM, then my buddy got way too wasted at the festival so I got stuck driving his car back with GF and her friend following us so never got to swing by :(

I can try to get by there this week if ya need.

Yeah, it was good you didn't get to the other ones because I think the 964 Meda St property is going to be the winner here, depending on how utilities run there.

 

[Brady Marino]

Memphis homer here (East Memphis/High Point Terrace area). Cooper/Young is pretty much the residential highlight of Midtown Memphis. I lived in Midtown about ten years ago before I bought my current home. CY is a solid area, & Overton Square is an easy bike ride/quick drive from there. Hell, I've walked between the two areas before. One thing I've learned from living here is that buffer zones tend to help when choosing a place to live. For example, from the area you're looking at (Meda), I'd stay north of Walker (away from Southern Ave - pretty ghetto), west of Philadelphia/Bruce (North Parkway is a busy street), and east of McLean. Pretty much any area north of there until you reach Poplar is fine. CY/Central Gardens has a great mix of hipsters/young money/professionals/elderly to make for a great area to live in. Good restaurants & bars, and a really nice festival in the fall. I assume you're looking to rent at first?

I'll also echo the sentiments of icon & Krista: don't let the talk about crime scare you away. Don't make yourself a target, be smart, and know (learn) your surroundings here. Big city with a small town vibe sometimes. Easy to drive around from area to area (pretty straight main corridors to navigate, and very few interstates to learn.) Holler if you need any more ideas/advice, & welcome!

Yeah, looking to rent at first. I'm one of those people that are not very useful with a hammer, so I like the protection I get with renting if something breaks.

 

[Brady Marino]

How is the area in southeast Memphis? I'd still like Midtown but I'm finding that landlords there and in Cooper Young are rather impatient when you tell them you won't be able to physically see their properties until next week.

 

[[icon]]

How is the area in southeast Memphis? I'd still like Midtown but I'm finding that landlords there and in Cooper Young are rather impatient when you tell them you won't be able to physically see their properties until next week.

Define southeast memphis... you referring to the edge of germantown near 385/250 area just outside the loop?

Honestly I enjoy it but it's probably not what you're looking for. DEFINITELY not anything close to the Overton Square / Cooper Young vibe.

 

[Brady Marino]

How is the area in southeast Memphis? I'd still like Midtown but I'm finding that landlords there and in Cooper Young are rather impatient when you tell them you won't be able to physically see their properties until next week.

Define southeast memphis... you referring to the edge of germantown near 385/250 area just outside the loop?

Honestly I enjoy it but it's probably not what you're looking for. DEFINITELY not anything close to the Overton Square / Cooper Young vibe.

Gotcha. If I can't live in C-Y/Overton, I figure I'd try east Memphis or somewhere close to work (Poplar and 240 area).

 

[[icon]]

How is the area in southeast Memphis? I'd still like Midtown but I'm finding that landlords there and in Cooper Young are rather impatient when you tell them you won't be able to physically see their properties until next week.

Define southeast memphis... you referring to the edge of germantown near 385/250 area just outside the loop?

Honestly I enjoy it but it's probably not what you're looking for. DEFINITELY not anything close to the Overton Square / Cooper Young vibe.

Gotcha. If I can't live in C-Y/Overton, I figure I'd try east Memphis or somewhere close to work (Poplar and 240 area).

That area is fine but more businesses and crap... less fun bars/restaurants. You should be able to find something in OS/CY... just keep looking. I'm sure inventory is turning over all the time.

 

[Brady Marino]

How is the area in southeast Memphis? I'd still like Midtown but I'm finding that landlords there and in Cooper Young are rather impatient when you tell them you won't be able to physically see their properties until next week.

Define southeast memphis... you referring to the edge of germantown near 385/250 area just outside the loop?

Honestly I enjoy it but it's probably not what you're looking for. DEFINITELY not anything close to the Overton Square / Cooper Young vibe.

Gotcha. If I can't live in C-Y/Overton, I figure I'd try east Memphis or somewhere close to work (Poplar and 240 area).

That area is fine but more businesses and crap... less fun bars/restaurants. You should be able to find something in OS/CY... just keep looking. I'm sure inventory is turning over all the time.

Right. The Meda one is still in play, but the landlord is also big-timing me trying to get me to plunk down a deposit sight unseen. Told him I'd get back with him Friday, but I did that kinda figuring something else will pop up.