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Memphis,TN Neighborhood Guides

Neighborhood Map

Discovering the Charm: A Guide to Memphis Neighborhoods

Memphis, Tennessee, is a city bursting with soul, history, and a rich cultural vibe that’s reflected vividly in its diverse neighborhoods. From the bluesy streets of Beale to the artsy vibe of Cooper-Young, each area has its own unique flavor. Whether you’re looking to move, visit, or just explore, understanding the best neighborhoods in Memphis can help you experience the city like a local. If you’re mapping out your adventure, a detailed Memphis neighborhoods map is an invaluable tool to get a feel for the city’s layout and distinct communities.

Housing, Affordability & Market Conditions

The housing market in Memphis offers a range of options that cater to various budgets. Neighborhoods like East Memphis and Germantown boast well-maintained single-family homes and upscale condos, making them popular among families and professionals. On the other hand, areas such as Midtown and South Memphis offer more affordable housing options, including charming bungalows and historic properties. The market here is known for being relatively affordable compared to other major cities, which makes it an attractive place for first-time homebuyers. According to recent trends, some neighborhoods are seeing a resurgence in property values, especially those close to downtown and cultural hubs.

Crime, Safety & Neighborhood Stability

When considering the best neighborhoods in Memphis, safety is always a key factor. Neighborhoods like East Memphis and Harbor Town are often praised for their lower crime rates and well-established community watch programs. In contrast, some parts of South Memphis and North Memphis have higher crime statistics, although many are seeing community-driven initiatives aimed at revitalization and safety improvements. Stability varies by area, with some neighborhoods experiencing rapid growth and others working hard to overcome economic challenges. It’s always a good idea to consult the latest crime reports alongside your Memphis neighborhoods map to get an accurate picture.

The Structure, Culture & Personality of the City’s Neighborhoods

Memphis neighborhoods each offer a distinct personality shaped by their history and residents. Cooper-Young, for example, is known for its vibrant arts scene, historic architecture, and a tight-knit community vibe. This area is home to the Cooper-Young Festival, which draws crowds every fall with music, crafts, and local food. Downtown Memphis pulses with energy thanks to its music venues, theaters, and the iconic Beale Street. Meanwhile, neighborhoods like Midtown blend old-world charm with eclectic shops and vintage eateries, making it a cultural hotspot. This diversity in structure and culture is part of what makes the city so beloved by both residents and visitors.

Food & Social Scene: Are Some Areas More Popular Than Others, Hotspots

Food lovers and social butterflies will find no shortage of hotspots in Memphis. Midtown and Cooper-Young are famous for their lively dining scenes, featuring everything from classic barbecue joints like Central BBQ to trendy craft cocktail bars and farm-to-table restaurants. Downtown is another popular area for nightlife, especially along Beale Street, where live music and Southern fare create an unforgettable atmosphere. East Memphis offers upscale dining and chic lounges, catering to a more refined palate. These neighborhoods not only satisfy diverse tastes but also provide welcoming social scenes that draw locals and tourists alike.

What Are Some Things People Might Not Know About These Neighborhoods?

Beyond the well-known attractions, many Memphis neighborhoods hold hidden gems that add to their charm. Did you know that the Cooper-Young neighborhood has a secret garden tucked away behind some of its shops? Or that the historic Victorian Village in downtown Memphis features beautifully restored homes dating back to the late 19th century? Some areas, like Binghampton, are becoming a hub for emerging artists and community murals, transforming the landscape with creativity. Exploring a Memphis neighborhoods map can reveal these lesser-known treasures and help you discover the city’s authentic spirit beyond the tourist spots.

Memphis Demographics

Population 630,027
Density (People/sqml.) 2,174
Median Age 34.5
Married Couples
34%
34% of the population of Memphis aged 16 years and older are married.
Have Kids
22%
22% of the population aged 16 years or older have children.

Best Neighborhoods

Hood  Med. Age  Have Kids  Home Price  Med. Income  Affordability 
White Haven-Coro Lake 40 20.1% $93,280 $44,048 2.1
Parkway Village-Oakhaven 32 29.3% $91,109 $42,872 2.2
Berclair-Highland Heights 34 28.8% $109,932 $45,115 2.3
Hickory Ridge-South Riverdale 33.8 27.7% $134,945 $58,611 2.3
Shelby Forest-Frayser 33.5 25.7% $99,876 $43,467 2.4
Raleigh 34.6 30.3% $123,773 $52,811 2.5
Eads-Fisherville 38.3 30.3% $266,289 $109,959 2.6
Windyke-Southwind 42.4 14.5% $365,500 $119,988 2.8
River Oaks-Kirby-Balmoral 40.5 21.8% $274,574 $94,951 2.9
Cordova-Appling 38.8 25.4% $218,676 $78,491 3.0

Memphis neighborhoods bring their own blend of lifestyle, affordability, and long-term appeal, and the data in the table above helps highlight what makes each area stand out. By comparing home prices, median income, average age, families with kids, and housing affordability ratios, you can quickly uncover the best neighborhoods in Memphis—those that balance cost, character, and overall livability. For budget-minded buyers, the table also makes it easy to identify the most affordable neighborhoods in Memphis, where lower home prices combined with local income levels create meaningful value. Families can use the children-per-household data to pinpoint the best neighborhoods for families, revealing which areas offer strong community connections and a family-friendly atmosphere. Meanwhile, adults looking for quieter, age-friendly surroundings can turn to neighborhoods with higher median ages to find the best neighborhoods for retirees, where comfort, stability, and an easy pace of living tend to define the local experience. This data-driven overview offers a clear starting point for understanding how each neighborhood aligns with the lifestyle you want.

Crime in Memphis

Violent Crime 597% Higher than Nat. Avg.
Property Crime 292% Higher than Nat. Avg.
Total Crime 344% Higher than Nat. Avg.
Crime
 
Reported
 
Memphis
/100k
TN
/100k
National
/100k
Murder 249 40.6 7.9 5.0
Rape 429 70.0 37.4 37.5
Robbery 2,138 348.7 58.4 60.6
Assault 12,522 2,042.1 488.6 256.1
Total Violent Crime 15,338 2,501 592 359
Burglary 5,616 915.8 251.8 229.2
Theft 26,978 4,399.5 1,443.6 1,272.1
Vehicle Theft 9,711 1,583.6 336.7 258.8
Total Property Crime 42,305 6,899 2,032 1,760
TOTAL CRIME 57,643 9,400 2,624 2,119

Historical Crime Data

Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2024 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2025; this is the most current data available.