Memphis, Tennessee

Very few cities are as renowned as Memphis for its music-centered nightlife. As the home of the Blues and the birthplace of Rock and Roll, Memphis has sustained and even burnished its reputation for some of the best live music on the planet. Surrounding all this music nightlife are amazing restaurants serving arguably the best bbq in the country. If you’re up for great tunes and great eats don’t sleep on Memphis.

Here's a review from a local of what they think of Memphis:
We’ve lived in Memphis since 1989. While it has its problems, Memphis has been very good to my family and me. We enjoy our midtown neighborhood and all the amenities that surround it - Overton Park, Overton Square, Crosstown, good schools and hospitals, a neighborhood with sidewalks, bike lanes, and friendly neighbors. Additionally, Memphis has a very low cost of living compared to other cities of similar size. There is a vibrant music scene with many free concerts at the University of Memphis, Rhodes College, and the Levitt Shell. I’m not sure you could ask for a whole lot more in the way of restaurants in a city this size either. The food selection is great. And if none of that appeals, you can always go watch the sun set over the Mississippi River and be awestruck every time.

For more reviews of what living in Memphis is like from locals check out: The Reviews.

Memphis is one of the poorest cities in the country. While all major cities suffer from some poverty it is more obvious when you live in Memphis. Property crimes are a consistent problem, and pockets of the city are dangerous and best avoided. As noted all cities have similar challenges but they plague Memphis more than others.

Here's a local with a balanced pov on the poverty in Memphis:
Memphis is a poor city. It is a nice place to live though.

The upshot, as it were, to the poverty is the low cost of living. Housing stock in Memphis is very cheap compared to the national averages and incredibly cheap if you're moving from a high cost of living area.

For more reviews of what living in Memphis is like from locals check out: The Reviews.