Yes, Memphis, Tennessee can be a good place to live, depending on what you’re looking for.
The cost of living in Memphis is generally lower than the national average, making it more affordable and there is a strong community feel. If that’s what you are looking for then you won’t regret moving to Memphis.
On the other hand, there are some things like higher crime rates that are a huge drawback.
If you’re wondering whether Memphis is the right city for you here are the top pros and cons of living in the heart of the Mid-South.
Contents
- Pro: Rich Musical Heritage
- Pro: Cultural Landmarks
- Pro: Affordable Cost of Living
- Pro: Mild winters with no extreme cold
- Pro: Enjoy Southern Cuisine
- Pro: Great Outdoor Activities
- Pro: Growing job opportunities in various industries
- Con: High Crime Rates
- Con: Education quality varies across schools
- Con: Extreme Weather
- Con: Limited Public Transportation
- Con: Inadequate healthcare access in some neighborhoods
- Con: High Poverty Levels
- Con: Bugs
- Con: Flooding risk due to proximity to the river
- Is Memphis a Good Place to Live?
Pro: Rich Musical Heritage
Memphis is where blues music was born and rock ‘n’ roll took its first steps. With iconic spots like Beale Street and Sun Studio, it’s where legends like Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis made their mark.
Living here means diving deep into a lively music scene and tapping into the rich roots of American tunes. Whether it’s a night out at a live music venue or grooving at a music festival, Memphis always has a beat that music enthusiasts can dance to.
Pro: Cultural Landmarks
Memphis is rich with cultural landmarks that tell stories of the city’s past and its influence. The National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel stands out, marking the spot where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. met his tragic end.
It’s a moving journey through the U.S. civil rights movement and a testament to strides towards equality. And then there’s Graceland, Elvis Presley’s former home. It’s a magnet for both tourists and locals, shedding light on the life and legend of one of the globe’s musical giants.
Pro: Affordable Cost of Living
Memphis offers a more affordable lifestyle than many big U.S. cities. With living costs about 12% below the national average, both renters and homebuyers can find good deals.
A family of four might expect monthly expenses to be around $3,500, not including rent.
This budget-friendly environment, combined with the city’s urban perks and culture, makes Memphis a great spot for individuals and families, especially those wanting a nice place to raise their kids without overspending.
Pro: Mild winters with no extreme cold
The winters here are more about chilly breezes and occasional cold snaps rather than freezing temperatures. It’s a kind of season where a warm jacket and a cup of hot coffee are enough to keep you comfortable. You won’t typically see the city blanketed in snow, so it’s easier for day-to-day life like commuting or outdoor activities.
Pro: Enjoy Southern Cuisine
If you’re a food lover, Memphis is your kind of town. It’s best known for its finger-licking barbecue and rich Southern dishes. With its own twist on slow-cooked meats paired with zesty sauces and spice rubs, Memphis-style barbecue is a treat you won’t forget.
And the fun doesn’t stop there!
The city throws epic events like the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest and the Memphis in May International Festival, turning up the heat and flavors. Beyond the world of barbecue, Memphis has a broad culinary landscape that’s sure to satisfy any palate.
Pro: Great Outdoor Activities
In Memphis, you won’t be short of chances to get outside and move. Nestled by the Mississippi River, the city flaunts picturesque parks and trails ideal for soaking in the views. Fancy a river walk or a bike ride? The Mississippi Riverfront’s got you covered.
And if you’re up for more adventure, Shelby Farms Park, one of the biggest urban parks around, has everything from hiking and biking to horseback riding and fishing. Plus, with its mild winters and warm summers, Memphis is pretty much perfect for outdoor fun all year round.
Pro: Growing job opportunities in various industries
From healthcare to logistics, and from education to music and entertainment, there’s a variety of fields flourishing in Memphis. This growth is attracting people with different skills and backgrounds. Big names like FedEx have their roots here, boosting the logistics and transportation sector.
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Con: High Crime Rates
Memphis does have a rep for its crime, with rates hitting 81 incidents per 1,000 folks. Despite the city working hard to up its safety game, there are areas with high crime rates. But it’s not all gloomy — there are plenty of safe areas in Memphis too. When deciding where to live, a bit of research goes a long way.
Practical moves like getting a security system, being aware of your surroundings, and staying out of known trouble zones can help. So while staying alert is part of the Memphis experience, there are definitely pockets of the city where you can feel more at ease.
Con: Education quality varies across schools
Like many cities, Memphis has a mix of schools—some are known for high academic standards and strong programs, while others face challenges and might not have as many resources. Parents and students often find that they have to really look into each school to understand what it offers.
There are standout schools with great reputations, but also ones that are working hard to improve. This variation in education quality means that the experience can really depend on which neighborhood you’re in or which school you choose.
Con: Extreme Weather
Memphis usually has a pretty chill climate, but it’s got its wild days too. Summer here can crank up the heat, with some days going past 90 degrees, and the thick humidity doesn’t help.
For folks not cool with intense heat, it can be a bit much. And then there’s the occasional rough weather, like big storms and even tornadoes, which can shake things up.
Con: Limited Public Transportation
Memphis doesn’t have the slickest public transportation compared to some cities. Here, buses are the go-to for getting around, but they might not come around as often or get you everywhere you need to go.
For folks without their own wheels, this can be a pain, whether it’s getting to work or just hanging out with friends.
Con: Inadequate healthcare access in some neighborhoods
In certain neighborhoods, finding good healthcare can be tough. Some areas don’t have enough clinics or hospitals nearby, which means people might have to travel further for medical help.
This is especially hard for those who don’t have a car or can’t take time off work easily. Also, in these areas, there might not be as many doctors or specialists, so getting an appointment can take a long time.
Con: High Poverty Levels
Like many places, Memphis has its wealth gaps. Some neighborhoods have it tough, grappling with limited resources and opportunities. About 22.6% of folks here live below the poverty line, and it’s even rougher for kids, with 32.7% growing up in poverty.
This isn’t just numbers; it means challenges in getting good education, healthcare, or jobs. And for many, escaping this poverty loop isn’t easy.
Con: Bugs
Memphis’ warm and muggy weather is a playground for bugs and mosquitoes. The heat makes it easy for these little critters to thrive, and boy, can they be annoying.
Mosquitoes aren’t just pesky; they can also carry nasty stuff like West Nile Virus. Folks in Memphis gear up with bug zappers and repellents to fend them off, but if you’re hoping for a totally bug-free place, this might take some getting used to.
Con: Flooding risk due to proximity to the river
During heavy rain or when the river levels rise, certain parts of Memphis can be more prone to flooding. It’s not a constant worry, but it’s definitely something residents keep in mind, especially in certain areas near the river.
The city has systems and plans in place to manage and reduce flood risks, but it’s still a natural factor that comes with being near such a major river.
Is Memphis a Good Place to Live?
Memphis is a nice place to live, especially if you have a steady job or a good income. One of the biggest perks is the low cost of living. If you’re considering a move, just go for one of the safer neighborhoods like Windyke or Cooper-Young.
Cooper-Young, in Midtown, is a favorite among younger folks with its unique shops, bars, and a limited number of chain establishments. Families often lean towards East Memphis because of the friendly neighborhoods, affordable homes, and schools right around the corner.
On the flip side, some areas like North Memphis and the surroundings of the airport have a higher crime rate. Places like Frayser and Raleigh in North Memphis have some challenges, and Hickory Hill has its own set of reputations.
All things considered, Memphis has a lot to offer, but if you’re looking for a city with fewer challenges, Chattanooga is the best city in the entire state.
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