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.

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. 



 It's the Culture

LookyLOO Review of Memphis

Memphis has some of the most interesting neighborhoods in the U.S. Central Gardens in Midtown is a great example of this with beautiful homes from the early 1900’s, a lively arts and music scene, and the entire commercial district walkable from where you live. You’ll have your pick of several neighborhoods with a similar mix of play and home. 

If you're curious about what the locals in Memphis do in their spare time check out the [**calendar of events**](https://www.memphistravel.com/events).


Eclectic Vibe

Lifestyle

The Memphis economy has been on a growth path since the COVID decline. This stems from a commitment from the Greater Memphis Chamber to add more than 50,000 jobs to Memphis by 2030. 

Much of the growth is coming from the hospitality and leisure industries and education and healthcare industries. The reputation of Memphis as a music and food mecca drives much of the tourism industry. 

The goal of adding 50,000 jobs by 2030 comes out of the Chamber's "Prosper Memphis 2030 plan". Half of these jobs are intended to go to minority populations with a particular focus on a push for 20,000 new STEM graduates each year (with 45% of those from black students).



Worklife

Memphis is part of the [**Shelby County Schools District**](scsk12.org) and receives a [**"C+" on niche.com**](https://www.niche.com/k12/d/shelby-county-schools-tn/). 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**](https://www.memphis.edu/universityschools/) 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. 

Schools

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. 


Why You Should Move Here Now?

**PantherSprings**
Living in Memphis
2y ago
✭✭✭✭


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**](https://lookyloomove.com/locations/memphis/reviews).

Reviews of Memphis from Locals

**The Best Thing About Memphis?** Culture

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 barbeque in the country. If you’re up for great tunes and great eats don’t sleep on Memphis. 

**The Worst Thing About Memphis?** Poverty

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. 

**How You Living?** Eclectically

Memphis has some of the most interesting neighborhoods in the U.S. Central Gardens in Midtown is a great example of this with beautiful homes from the early 1900’s, a lively arts and music scene, and the entire commercial district walkable from where you live. You’ll have your pick of a number of neighborhoods with a similar mix of play and home. 

**Why You Should Move Here Now?** Fun

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. 


Downtown draws a mix of young professionals and empty nesters looking to have an easy walk to work and to the big entertainment district, filled with theaters, bars, restaurants and overall social energy. Crosstown is an up-and-coming neighborhood with a more arts district vibe if you favor a bit more quirk in your area. 
- Downtown
- Crosstown
- Midtown


Young Professionals

Downtown

Midtown is a funkified, artsy neighborhood with huge historic homes and an eclectic bar, music and restaurant scene. One of the most diverse neighborhoods in the city it draws artists and progressives who want something more authentic in their neighbor and nightlife experiences. 
- Midtown
- Cooper-Young
- South Main


DINKs/SINKs

Midtown

Cooper-Young is the center of the city for the LGBTQ+ community in Memphis. Tons of LGBTQ owned and supportive bars, restaurants and night-time entertainment are surrounded by cool iconic housing options. Crosstown also offers nightlife and community-friendly options. 
- Cooper-Young
- Crosstown


LGBTQ+

Cooper-Young

Young progressive families will hang on to their city lifestyle in the Cooper-Young neighborhood. Great bungalow housing pulls them in and the lifestyle keeps them here. Harbor Town is a good option if you want to be near downtown but are ready for a bit more quiet for you and the kiddos. A smaller number of family-friendly restaurants and upscale townhomes and condos pull in both wealthy young families and empty nesters who like overlooking the Mississippi River. 
- Cooper-Young
- Harbor Town
- East Memphis


Families

Harbor Town

Memphis

**12frets**
Living in Memphis
2y ago
✭✭✭

I’m from New York. Loved here just over 2 years ago.

Around 2015 I realized I “had my nyc” and wanted to explore elsewhere.

Lived in DC for a year, didn’t take. Overall, not my vibe but I can see why people would enjoy living there.

Lived in Bmore for a year. Loved it, but I was a contract worker with Under Armour. Once the contract was up, I was out.

Tried Phoenix for year - despised it. It’s a glorified suburb on the crest on the devils asshole. Too many frat bros and their ilk.

Memphis? It’s funky, it’s weird, it’s artistic. It’s affordable enough that if someone wants to give opening a restaurant a try, they can (unlike NYC or DC). If someone wants to just be a dodgy artistic freak and take the income hit to pursue that, they can.

And there’s a shit ton of hometown pride, history, music, food, and more. Easy access to rural communities if you want that.

I’d be happy to stay here long-term. It’s a great, wonderful place.

**PantherSprings**
Living in Memphis
2y ago
✭✭✭✭


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!

**AWindowShopper**
Living in Memphis
2y ago
✭✭✭

It's been interesting.

I've lived in smaller cities, cities about the same size and larger cities than Memphis.

I've lived here going on 4.5 years. I've lived downtown, midtown and now East Memphis.

When I moved here, I explored areas and did activities to meet people. I actually ended mostly vibing with transplants. People here are nice enough, but I've found plenty of cities to hospitable.

I liked living in different areas of Memphis, but none have really had all the amenities I wanted in the same area.

Downtown was nice because I could walk to the waterfront and restaurants, but it lacked things like grocery stores, general stores like a target, bookstores, etc There are a lot of empty storefronts. Ultimately, I moved because I was tired of all the drag racing, drunks fighting on the weekends and panhandlers.

I thought Midtown would be good be a good fit and moved near Overton Park. I think the Park and the Zoo are great amenities. During the pandemic crime felt like it escalated. It seems like there were always car break ins, almost every night you could hear shots. Shady people would be walking through the neighborhood or on the V&E trail. There were some robberies that happened during the day. So I decided to move further East.

Now I'm in East Memphis in a quieter neighborhood and near grocery stores. I can walk to some things, but have to drive to Shelby Farms or Wolf River if I want to go on scenic walks. Even though I don't hear about crime in my neighborhood, it's not far. In Memphis crime seems to be wider spread across the city than other cities I've lived in.

Ultimately, I'll end up moving from Memphis when the time is right.

**What should I know about Memphis before moving family here?**
Living in Memphis
2y ago

I'm also a transplant. Here's what I've found to be most important

Memphis is a 'big city that feels like a small city'. That means you can have a house and yard etc compared with other big cities that are largely apartment living.

If you are moving to the city with a family, stick to East Memphis or Midtown. Highpoint Terrace has lots of nice family houses, but it's expensive

Schools leave a lot to be desired. Campus School is great, but limited in space. I think it's rated as one of the highest in the state of TN. White Station is also a viable option. People do a lot of private schools apart from that, especially if East Memphis

Memphis, Tennessee

Grind City

Looklyloo Score: 80