If you are thinking about moving to, planning to move to, or already packed and ready to move to Memphis, you’re making a fine choice. Music, food, entertainment, and all with one of the lowest living costs across the United States.
They say that every day in Memphis is a holiday, with Blues clubs and Rock ‘n’ Roll available just about every night of the week, 365 days a year. The birthplace of both music types, Memphis has music running through its very soul. Even if you’re not a music lover (and Memphis might just change that) then there’s so much more on offer. Affordable housing, a temperate climate, incredible events year-round, no income tax, and did I mention the food?
Memphis really does have an incredible amount to offer, time to pack your bags.
Best Neighborhoods in Memphis
The beauty of Memphis is that there’s a neighborhood for everyone. If you want a buzzing atmosphere with people and events all week long, it’s there. If you’d prefer the quiet suburban lifestyle, that’s there too.
Midtown
Diverse, hip, and funky. This is the neighborhood with towering townhouses on one street, and dilapidated apartment blocks on another. If you align yourself as a hipster, a creative, an artist, or a progressive, chances are Midtown is a great place to call home. There’s a huge selection of bars and restaurants, and the huge 342-acre Overton Park is perfect for leisure time. The food options here are wildly varied, with traditional Memphian fare, Asian classics, Italian, and hundreds more options.
Average one-bed apartment rent: $650/mo
Cooper-Young
Historic, iconic, and hip. Almost all residential with a few local coffee joints, restaurants, and pubs. Everything is relaxed here, it’s packed with young families with kids, hipsters, and a growing LGBTQ+ community.
Average one-bed apartment rent: $680/mo
Downtown
Busy, eclectic, and the middle of it all. Downtown is office-centric during the daytime but becomes an exciting entertainment district in the evening. Young, affluent professionals choose to live here alongside the down-sizing older population who are opting for condos over suburbs. There’s the whole Beale Street entertainment zone but if you’re living in Memphis you might find this a bit contrived and tourist-focused. That said, the river cruise that leaves from Beale Street Landing is a must-do for any Memphian.
Average one-bed apartment rent: $1100/mo
East Memphis
Home to Memphis’ only Whole Foods, that sums up East Memphis quite well. It’s home to affluent and middle-income families, a large number of conservatives, and many families looking to avoid inner-city schools. The housing is primarily 1950s homes built in a ranch style. There are plenty of restaurants dotted around and you can enjoy the Shelby Farms Greenline which provides a 10.8-mile green space to enjoy.
Average one-bed apartment rent: $760/mo
Memphis Food and Drink
Memphis has food weaved right into its heart and soul. The birthplace of the dry-rubbed rib racks and so much more, Memphians are spoilt for choice when it comes to traditional barbecue joints.
Beyond the ribs, you’ll find various other barbecue fayre and also Memphian inventions such as spaghetti as a side to barbecue pork, and chopped pork shoulder (rather than pulled). If you’re looking to explore the Memphis food scene outside of the exquisite barbecue then you’ll be thrilled to find a huge variety of world foods on offer, especially in Downtown.
Things to Expect When Moving to Memphis
Memphis is something of a unique place to move to, it feels like more than just a city. Almost as if Memphis is a person that you’re moving in with. The city is everywhere, it’s in the food, the music, the streets, and its influence can be felt in everything you do. And that’s no bad thing.
There are a few things to bear in mind when moving to Memphis:
- Events: Memphis plays host to events all year round, from music to fashion, tequila to Pride. Get used to something always happening.
- No Income Tax: There’s no state income across Tennessee, but you will pay a 6% tax on interest and dividends, plus a 7% tax on sales.
- Affordable Homes: One-bed houses start from $770 a month, with three-bedrooms starting at around $1,240 a month. Housing here is among some of the cheapest in the country.
- Four Seasons: The weather in Memphis follows four typical seasons, meaning you’ll enjoy a proper Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall. Just beware of thunderstorms and the potential for tornadoes.
Key Takeaways
Taking the leap and moving to Memphis will create an adventure you’re sure to enjoy. With endless music, soulful food, and a population willing to welcome you, there’s not much not to love here.
- Be sure to visit before moving if you can, check out the neighborhoods, and feel the vibe for yourself.
- Make sure you move with a car, everyone drives everywhere here.
