Living in Memphis, Tennessee: 20 Facts You Need To Know

Is Memphis a good place to live? Well, if you would enjoy a bustling, cultural city that’s full of historical importance — not to mention a low cost of living and affordable housing — then, yes, Memphis would be a great place to call home! People are moving to this vibrant city along the Mississippi River because it has a growing economy with jobs available in a variety of sectors, including tech, healthcare, and logistics. And with plenty of family-oriented communities and good schools, families will feel right at home, too. But what’s it really like living in Memphis, Tennessee? We’ve got 20 things you need to know about what makes the Home of the Blues and the Birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll such a special place to live in. 

Memphis at a Glance

• The population of Memphis is around 618,500.
• It’s located right along the Mississippi River across from both Arkansas and Mississippi.
• It is the home of both the blues and rock ‘n’ roll music.
• The Memphis Federation of Musicians, an affiliate of the American Federation of Musicians, was chartered in 1898 and is one of the oldest unions in the country.
• The first Greyhound bus line started in Memphis.
• Memphis is the home of Elvis Presley’s home, Graceland.

20 Things To Know About Living in Memphis, TN

Just like any city, there are certainly pros and cons of living in Memphis, TN. But after seeing all that this city has to offer, we think the pros outweigh the cons — and that Memphis would make a great place to call home for all walks of life.

It was here in Memphis that studios like the Sun Studio first started to record blues musicians like B.B. King and up-and-coming rock and roll musicians like Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Roy Orbison.
(Source: Sun Studio via Facebook)

1. Memphis Is Historically Important.

There is a lot of history in Memphis, and its location along the Mississippi River ensured it was a thriving port during the 1800s. In fact, it was a major distribution center for cotton and hardwood, and when the Union forces captured it, they occupied and controlled it until the end of the Civil War.

You can’t talk about the history of Memphis without discussing its impact on popular music, though. Blues musicians would stop in Memphis in the 1930s and 1940s to play small venues and even give live street performances. And it was here that studios like the Sun Studio first started to record blues musicians like B.B. King and up-and-coming rock and roll musicians like Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Roy Orbison. 

Memphis is also where the civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., was assassinated at the Lorraine Hotel. The city (and hotel) is now home to the National Civil Rights Museum that documents the struggle for civil rights throughout the decades and Memphis’ impact on the movement that ensured that every citizen was treated equally. 

2. The Cost of Living in Memphis, TN, Is Fantastic.

One of the biggest benefits of living in Memphis is how affordable it is. The cost of living in Memphis, TN, is scored at 85.8 compared to the national average of 100. This is lower than the Tennessee cost of living, as well, which is 89.9, and it’s much lower than the cost of living in Nashville, TN, which is 104.7. 

3. There Are Some Pros and Cons of Living in Memphis, Tennessee.  

Pro: Affordability

We know that the cost of living in Memphis is lower than the national average, and that means that you can expect to pay less for essentials like groceries, utilities, healthcare, and transportation. The housing costs are also lower than average (more on that later), and there are a lot of beautiful homes and apartments available at reasonable costs.

Pro: Cultural Attractions

There is something for everyone to enjoy about living in Memphis, TN! Whether you want to explore the live music scene on the famous Beale Street, see what Elvis’ Graceland has to offer, or spend time outdoors at one of the 160 parks and 80 playgrounds in the area, Memphis can deliver. Not to mention you have easy access to the Mississippi River!

Pro: Great Food Scene

Con: Urban Sprawl

A lot of cities that experience quick growth tend to have urban sprawl, which grows the city outward. This increases the commute between destinations and can also lead to bad traffic, which is something that Memphis experiences — in addition to dangerous drivers. There are limited public transportation options, as well, so this city is typically congested with cars. 

Con: Difficult Summers

Thanks to its location, Memphis experiences very hot and humid summers. You can also expect a good amount of rain during the summer, as well as lots of bugs like mosquitoes. The high humidity also leads to air quality concerns, which can be difficult for people who face respiratory challenges. Thunderstorms are also common, and Memphis can even experience tornadoes. 

Con: Economy Not As Diverse

While there are a lot of jobs in the tech, healthcare, hospitality, and logistics sectors, if you’re looking for jobs in other fields, you may find it more difficult. However, a lot of residents find good-paying jobs working for companies headquartered in Memphis, including FedEx, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, and AutoZone.

The average home value in Memphis is much lower than the U.S. average, making it a great place to buy a house.

4. The Memphis Housing Market Is Very Inclusive…

The average home value in Memphis is around $145,900, which is much lower than the U.S. national average of around $357,500 and the Tennessee state average of around $315,300. Home costs in Memphis have decreased by 0.6 percent over the past year, and as you can see, Memphis would be a great place to buy a house! You’ll find a variety of architectural styles in Memphis, including one-story piano box houses, colonial revivals, ranches, and country-style homes. 

5. … and So Are the Rentals in Memphis. 

If you’re more interested in renting, then you’re in luck there, too, because it’s also very affordable to rent the apartment of your dreams in Memphis. The average rent in the city is around $1,100 for a one-bedroom apartment that averages 908 square feet. And rents have stayed around the same in Memphis for the past three years, allowing folks to save more of their money for other expenses. And the ratio of renters to homeowners in Memphis is just slightly higher — 53 percent of the city rents while 47 percent of the city owns. 

6. Here Are the Best Places To Live in Memphis.

Germantown

If you’re a family that’s interested in living in Memphis, TN, then you can’t go wrong finding a place in Germantown. Located just under 30 minutes from downtown Memphis, this safe area offers a lot of family-oriented activities, like at Cameron Brown Park, which borders the Wolf River and offers a ½-mile lighted hiking trail, eight pickleball courts, and a three-acre fishing lake. Families also love the tree-lined streets and appreciate the “A” rating the Germantown Municipal School District received from Niche.

Crosstown

One of the best places to live in Memphis for young professionals is the Crosstown area of the city. Here, you’re in the heart of Memphis, and young adults have easy access to fun amenities like Crosstown Concourse, which is a multi-level building full of shopping, restaurants, art galleries, live music venues, salons, and fitness opportunities. You’re also close to Overton Park and cultural events at the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art.

Windyke/Southwind 

Looking for a safe place in Memphis? Then look no further than the Windyke/Southwind area. According to AreaVibes, this quiet spot is the safest part of Memphis and has 87 percent less crime than the rest of the city. Here, you are surrounded by tranquil neighborhoods and green spaces, including the Nonconnah Creek, but still close enough to shopping options at the Centennial Commons and popular restaurants like DWJ Korean BBQ.

7. Memphis Transportation Options Are Lacking.

Memphis is a larger city, but they have not invested as much money in their public transportation system to make it as useful as it could be. The Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) operates both buses and trolleys, but riders consistently say that the buses are late a lot of the time and don’t come as frequently as they want. The bus and trolley routes that do function well are the ones that traverse the older parts of the city that have the infrastructure from the street car system to use. Most folks in Memphis need to rely on a car, thanks to the significant urban sprawl and lack of consistency with public transportation. 

8. Schools and Higher Education in Memphis Are Plentiful But Varied. 

If you’re a family interested in living in Memphis, Tennessee, you should know that the schools in the Shelby County Public School District vary widely when it comes to academic achievement. In a 2023 review by the state, the majority of the schools received a “C” rating; however, there are schools that received an “A” rating, including White Station High School (which also received an “A” rating on Niche), University Middle School, Richland Elementary, and Winridge Elementary School.

There are plenty of higher-education opportunities available in the city, as well, and you’ll find well-respected institutions that offer students a variety of majors to study including:

• The University of Memphis
• Rhodes College
• Christian Brothers University

Memphis has a professional NBA basketball team, the Grizzlies, that play in the FedExForum and always give fans a great show.
(Source: Memphis Grizzlies via Facebook)

9. There Are Popular Sports Teams in Memphis.

If you’re a sports fan, you’re definitely going to fit right in when you call Memphis home. Memphis has a professional NBA basketball team, the Grizzlies, that play in the FedExForum and always give fans a great show. The University of Memphis also has popular football and basketball teams, and you can always gather with friends or family to check out an exciting Tigers game. Like soccer? Then you’ll be pleased to know that the Memphis 901 FC is there to thrill fans, as are the Memphis Redbirds, which are a Triple-A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals. 

10. Memphis Weather Can Get Rough.

We mentioned earlier that the summers in Memphis can be tough and long. From May to September, you can expect highs in the 80s and 90s with high amounts of humidity. In the summer, you can also expect rain and thunderstorms — and potentially tornadoes. High levels of pollen and ozone are common, as well, creating air quality issues. And the winters? They’re cold and wet. From November to February, you will see highs in the 50s and 40s and lows in the 30s. 

11. The Memphis Crime Rate Is Very High — in Certain Areas. 

The Memphis crime rate is not stellar, and NeighborhoodScout rates it a 0, which means it is safer than 0 percent of other U.S. cities. Your chances of becoming a victim are 1 in 10, and both the rates of violent and property crime are higher than both the Tennessee state average and the U.S. average. However, as with all cities, the crime is typically more concentrated in certain areas. Some of the safest areas include Windyke/Southwind, Eads/Fisherville, Germantown, and Collierville. 

12. The Job Market in Memphis Is Booming in Certain Industries.

Memphis is home to major corporations like FedEx and AutoZone, as well as healthcare facilities like St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, and all offer good jobs. It also has an abundance of jobs in sectors like logistics and shipping, as it has one of the largest trucking corridors and busiest cargo airports. However, according to U.S. News & World Report, Memphis has a less-than-healthy job market compared to other cities its size. And the unemployment rate in Memphis as of October 2024 was 5.3 percent, compared to the national unemployment rate of 4.1 percent.

13. The Local Memphis Food Scene Can’t Be Missed.

One of the major benefits of living in Memphis is having all sorts of delicious places to eat right at your fingertips! Thanks to its location on the river and history of immigration from different areas in the U.S. (and other countries), you can expect to find a variety of top-notch cuisines from around the world. 

Trying Memphis-style BBQ is a must, though, and you’ll find a lot of places offering all your favorites like ribs, brisket, and chicken.

• The Rendezvous
• Central BBQ
• Uncle Lou’s Fried Chicken

• Grab upscale Southern favorites in Germantown at Southern Social.
• Have delicious Italian at Cocozza in Harbor Town.
• Check out Bala’s Bistro for West African Creole.
• Or try Sabor Caribe for Venezuelan Arepas or Caribbean Cuisine.

14. The Memphis Beverage Scene Holds Its Own, Too.

While the food scene may get a lot of press, the Memphis beverage scene is nothing to sleep on! Memphis is home to lots of places serving up amazing cocktails in ambiances that can’t be beat.

• If you’re looking for something low key and right on Beale Street, then you’ve got to stop in the Absinthe Room. Located above the King’s Palace Cafe, this spot doesn’t take reservations but offers great drinks and a lovely view.
• Belle Tavern is the spot for the best happy hour in Memphis, as well as classic cocktails like Manhattans and new favorites like the Red Bird.
• Check out the Peabody Hotel Lobby for upscale cocktails and a great view of the daily Peabody Duck March.

Memphis also has some breweries that are worth checking out, including:

• Ghost River Brewing Co.
• Crosstown Brewing Co.
• Grind City Brewing

Take a walk down Beale Street and you’ll find a variety of bars and venues that have live music acts any day of the week.
(Source: B.B. King's Blues Club Memphis via Facebook)

15. Nothing Compares to the Live Music Scene in Memphis.

The city that calls itself the home of the blues and birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll is definitely going to have a top-notch live music scene, and Memphis does not disappoint. After all, this is where Elvis was first recorded (and lived!) and is home to Sun Studio, which ushered in recordings of other rock ‘n’ roll, blues, gospel, R&B, and soul artists. 

Take a walk down Beale Street and you’ll find a variety of bars and venues that have live music acts any day of the week, such as B.B. King’s Blues Club or Rum Boogie Cafe. So whether you want to hear up-and-comers in rock, country, soul, jazz, hip hop, indie, or anything in between, this is the place to do it. 

Can’t miss: The Beale Street Music Festival is the iconic music festival that takes place over three days in Memphis and offers music lovers a chance to see local and national recording artists.