Marion, Arkansas, is home of the Annual Esperanza Bonanza. It is a non-profit, all-volunteer organization responsible for planning and organizing a yearly festival. In addition to the festival, Esperanza Bonanza gives back to the community and local charities, causes, and projects.
Located right next to Tennessee's largest city, Marion enjoys an overflow of big city madness while maintaining its sanity with its own brand of small community feel. It's got a history that eclipsed the town's official incorporation, dating way back when land titles in the area were from the Spanish Land Grants. The community survived various changes of names and it stood witness to the Trail of Tears, the forced relocation of Native Americans.
These days, no one can dare force anybody to relocate, but if that be your quest here, finding rental homes in Marion should be first in order. In which case, this city guide should shed some light.
Tips to Make the Move Easy Peasy
Apartment hunting is a tedious task. But bear these tips in mind and the task will be considerably easier. No, not handed-on-a-silver-spoon easy, but pretty close.
How long to look for an apartment? Marion's location makes it one of the most convenient communities to be living in for people working in Memphis. For this reason, expect to compete with a pack of renters out to hunt for an excellent dig in this side of the Mississippi River. Give it at least 2 months before your expected move-in date if you don't want to go cursing landlords and the lack of suitable homes.
Whatcha gonna need to bring? If you want landlords to give you the time of the day, you need to bring requirements that make you a suitable applicant. If you've been renting before, documents needed to start the application process in Marion are pretty standard. You know, your latest pay stubs or employment verification (to prove you're not a bum), picture ID (you're not an impostor, are you?), and credit check (to prove you've never had a shady past.)
Marion Neighborhoods
Don't be deceived into thinking that with its size, one neighborhood is just as good as the other. Some communities could feel like home while others will make you feel like you're a fish swimming in the wrong pond. To make sure you don't go through that frustration for the entire duration of your lease agreement, have a look at the city's different neighborhoods and their various characteristics.
City Center: Living in Marion's city center will put you on the banks of the Mississippi River, right across Tennessee, and in the thick of the action within the city. A quick drive down to I-40 will take you to Memphis in a matter of minutes. New and single detached apartments for rent are quite the staple in this part of town. And although commuting is a cinch in this neighborhood, you still need your wheels to get anything done in this area.
Blanton: With I-55 and I-40 right on its border, living in Blanton is like being handed a break from long commute times. Aside from 3- to 4-bedroom homes, businesses like Fidelity National Bank, Fred's Pharmacy, various services, and diners are strewn all over this neighborhood.
I-55 / S Service Rd: This neighborhood serves as a gateway with I-55 coursing through this part of Marion. Several establishments like the Marion School District Association, US Consolidated Farm Services Agency, Marion Elementary School, as well as businesses and restaurants call this area home. If you like to join this pack, have your choice of places for rent, from a studio apt for rent to the small or medium-sized family homes that are available in this neighborhood.
Gavin / Presley Junction: If living in a mobile home is something you're seriously considering, join the tribe here. Mobile homes dominate the real estate landscape of this area, followed closely by single detached homes. This neighborhood is also largely an industrial area with businesses like Hino Motors Manufacturing USA, H & M International Transportation, and Union Pacific Railroad setting up camp in this neighborhood.
L H Polk Dr / S Service Rd: This neighborhood is jam-packed with schools like Jasper Elementary School, Marion Middle School, and Intermediate School, to name a few. Likewise, this area is the home of Marion Golf and Colonial Park so recreation is a part of everyday life for most residents here. If that sounds like the ideal lifestyle for you, have your pick of living in an apartment complex or a single detached house, as these are the common rental options in this neighborhood.
What's it like Living in Marion?
Marion has something for everyone. Avid fans of the outdoors can revel in the wide open space at the Wapanocca National Wildlife Refuge and Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park, which are located less than 10 miles north of the city limits. The Mississippi River, Horseshoe Lake, and Oxbow Lake add some water fun to the mix and will have avid anglers rejoicing.
If you opt for a more sedate kind of fun, taking part in Marion's own festival, Esperanza Bonanza, may be more appropriate for you. The fest showcases a barbecue competition, live music, and just about everything that can grab the interest of adults and kids alike. In addition, the city also hosts the Scarecrow Contest every October, a festival that could get everyone scrambling to create the most embellished scarecrows ever.
Of course, for those who can't live without the glamour of big-city lights, Memphis is just a few minutes away. Translation: theaters, shopping, delectable dining options, and hang-outs for night owls are just minutes away. Elvis's playground (Graceland, to you non-fans) as well as the Memphis Grizzlies' NBA home and the Carolina Panthers' NFL stadium are both a short drive away as well.
Moving up and about around town
If you are going to live in Marion, you might just as well accept the fact that you're chained to that steering wheel if you want anything done. Of course, with the government's initiative of implementing a pedestrian and bicycle plan, putting those calf muscles to good use might be a good alternative. But don't count on public transport to get you anywhere in this town as it's basically nonexistent here. The closest thing to a public transport is the Amtrak Station in Memphis.
So if you're amenable to maneuvering that steering wheel, time to hit the gas pedal and head over here.