Memphis 70 Good
Memphis Livability #56 ranked city in Tennessee#7,235 ranked city in the USARanks better than 75% of areas

Memphis, TN - Home of the Blues

Memphis, TN, known as 'Home of the Blues,' offers a unique blend of musical history and Southern charm. Located in southwestern Tennessee, Memphis is a large city that serves as a major cultural and economic hub. Major nearby cities like Southaven and Germantown enhance its status as a central point in the region. Memphis's blend of live music, historic landmarks, and urban amenities creates a distinctive living experience.

Memphis is home to several iconic landmarks, including Graceland, the former home of Elvis Presley, the National Civil Rights Museum, and Beale Street, known for its vibrant nightlife and live music. The city offers a variety of attractions, from the beautiful Shelby Farms Park to the bustling Memphis Zoo. Memphis's dining scene is renowned for its barbecue and soul food.

Annual events such as the Beale Street Music Festival and the Memphis in May International Festival highlight the city's vibrant cultural scene and provide unique entertainment opportunities for residents and visitors. These events celebrate Memphis's rich cultural heritage and community spirit. Prestigious institutions like the University of Memphis and Rhodes College contribute to the city's academic and cultural vibrancy, fostering a thriving intellectual community.

The arts and culture scene in Memphis is dynamic and diverse, with numerous theaters, music venues, and art galleries. The Orpheum Theatre and the Stax Museum of American Soul Music are just a few of the cultural landmarks that showcase the city's commitment to the arts. Living in Memphis provides ample opportunities to engage with art, music, and history, making it an exciting place to call home.

Memphis’s community is welcoming and diverse, creating a friendly environment for newcomers. The city is home to professional sports teams like the Grizzlies (NBA) and the Redbirds (MiLB), providing plenty of excitement for sports fans. Major industries in Memphis include logistics, healthcare, and education, with significant employers such as FedEx and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital driving economic growth. The city has extensive public transit options, including buses and a developing trolley system, making it easy to navigate the city.

Pros and Cons of Living in Memphis

PROS
  • Commute

    High scores in the commute category could indicate that this area offers short commute times to work and readily available public transportation options.

  • Cost Of Living

    Residents in this area benefit from an affordable cost of living. This includes goods and services, transportation, housing, utilities, groceries and healthcare.

  • Housing

    The housing category in this area boasts higher than average scores, likely influenced by a positive home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.

  • Health & Safety

    Earning a high health and safety score depends on factors such as good air quality and the availability of essential health facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors, and fire stations.

CONS
  • Crime

    High crime rates per 100,000 people are reported in this area, potentially indicating that it is an unsafe place to live. These statistics consider both violent and property offenses.

  • Employment

    The combination of low income levels and high unemployment rates contributes to a low score in the employment category, which could make it challenging to secure well-paying jobs.

  • Schools

    Factors such as lower than average graduation rates, lackluster reading and math scores and the limited accessibility of local elementary and high schools could contribute to the low schools score.

  • Ratings

    Polls and surveys done by AreaVibes among area residents did not yield positive feedback when it came to the walkability of amenities, safety, nearby parks and the overall sense of community.

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What's it like Living in Memphis?

Memphis is a big city located in the state of Tennessee. The city has a population of 650,910 people. All the single ladies and all the single fellas might want to take notice as only 40% of the Memphis population is married.

Without the right tools, moving to any new city can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Memphis, Tennessee could be a fulfilling experience for anyone who puts in the effort to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. With useful information like amenities, crime, education and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Memphis and in the areas around Memphis is a much easier task.

Memphis, TN receives 69 out of 100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #58 in Tennessee and #6,870 in the USA. For each of the livability categories, we can establish that Memphis ranks very well for amenities (B) and housing (A-). On a less positive note, Memphis does not have favorable scores for the following: crime (F), education (F) and employment (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.

If you're living in Memphis, you can expect to enjoy a multitude of local amenities, mostly thanks to the strategic placement of essential services such as grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops, parks and various shops. If you're contemplating a move to this locale with the intent of establishing it as your permanent residence, you'll be pleased to find an extensive array of amenities and recreational opportunities within easy reach, either on foot or via a brief commute. This wealth of accessible amenities not only enhances the livability of the area but also ensures that you can enjoy a rich and fulfilling lifestyle, making Memphis an attractive destination for those seeking a vibrant and well-served community to call home. Some of the interesting things to do and attractions include: Graceland, Sun Studio, and Beale Street.

A healthy real estate market serves as a key economic indicator. It could signify overall local economic strength, stability and reflects consumer confidence in the area. Based on multiple factors including: median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability, Memphis has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.

Memphis real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Memphis. Median real estate prices in Memphis come in at $107,100, which is 26.6% lower than the Tennessee average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Memphis, the home price to income ratio is 2.6, which is 16.1% lower than the Tennessee average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Memphis

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Compare Memphis, TN Livability

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      Memphis transportation information

      Statistic Memphis Tennessee National
      Average one way commute22min25min26min
      Workers who drive to work81.6%83.6%76.4%
      Workers who carpool10.4%9.2%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit1.3%0.8%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.2%0.1%0.6%
      Workers who walk1.4%1.4%2.8%
      Working from home3.8%3.9%4.6%
      Source: The Memphis, TN data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).