Memphis is part of the Shelby County Schools District and receives a "C+" on niche.com. Some of the performance struggles come from underfunding at the county and state level and some come from the increasing division of funds between the emerging public charter schools and the traditional public schools.

One unique characteristic of public school options in Memphis is the University Schools group connected to the University of Memphis. The University Schools include six schools, from kindergarten through high school, attract students from all over the Memphis area, and are some of the highest-performing schools in Tennessee. Although there are no admission tests for University, parents work hard to gain admission. Most students are children of teachers at UofM, other spots go most often to those who live close to the schools, or via a lottery.

After the last year and change it seems clear that we should be enjoying ourselves more. We should be living in a city that gives us a break from the loneliness of our work-from-home culture. Memphis is the city to provide you that break and we encourage all who seek a healthier dose of fun in their lives to put it on your list of cities to consider.

PantherSprings
Living in Memphis
2y ago
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Been living in Midtown for about two years now, originally from city of 1.5 million. First few months I was here, I made a SERIOUS effort to get out, do things, meet people. I think that made all the difference. My second family is now in Memphis and they made it a difficult decision but ultimately made me decide against going back home to blood family.

1 thing that first drew me to Memphis was the hospitality. I'm from a hospitable place so I think it just made it feel more like the home I knew. Several people I've met through activities and through friends are always inviting me to have dinner with their family, looking out for me when I am sick, and helping me hunt for a new apartment. Others' kindness has really inspired me to be kind in turn.

1 thing that continues to draw me to the Memphis scene is the accessibility to artists. The art scene is so much more open here compared to what I knew back home. In Memphis, I have visited so many studios, talked to many local artists, don't feel out of place at art openings (other cities' art scenes give very high horses to their best and brightest). Memphis hosts a special environment for people like me who love art but don't have the time to make it - I just like appreciating other people's!

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