Living in Memphis, Tennessee

Are you moving to Memphis, TN? Make sure you know these ten things about living in Memphis!

Memphis, Tennessee, is located in southwest Tennessee on the Mississippi River and is only about a three and a half hour's drive from Nashville.

Nicknamed "Home of the Blues" and "Bluff City," Memphis is considered one of the best places to live in Tennessee and a good place for young professionals and families due to its affordable housing and abundance of top-notch amenities.

Best known for its music scene, Memphis is most famous as the home of Elvis Presley and the legendary Sun Studios, wheresingers such as B.B. King and Johnny Cash recorded albums.

Boasting a rich history and high ratings regarding housing and healthcare, life in Memphis is exciting since there is always something to do and see without having to venture too far from home.

With its many fun attractions, entertainment options, vibrant culture, and world-class dining, Memphis is worth visiting and moving to if you are looking for a large metropolitan area in the southeastern United States.

So if you are considering relocating to Memphis and want to learn more about the area before packing up all your belongings, then this ultimate moving guide is for you.

Not only do we include information about the cost of living, local schools, weather, things to do with the family, and pros and cons, but our team here at Uphomes is dedicated to helping you along your Memphis home search.

Read on to learn more about life in Memphis, TN!

Here are the top things you should know about life in Memphis, TN!

Affordable Cost of Living

Times are tough right now, so the low cost of living in Memphis is so desirable for many families and professionals.

In fact, with a cost of living that is 15% lower than the national average, Memphis is an excellent option for those living on a budget.

Considered to be the third most affordable metro area in the state of Tennessee, just after the cities of Knoxville and Chattanooga, homeowners should be able to live comfortably with an annual salary of at least $63,595 a year.

With a median income of $39,000, an excellent hourly wage in Memphis for residents is about $18.75 an hour.

As of this year, housing expenses are 23% lower than the national average, utility prices are 13% lower than the national average, transportation prices are 12% lower than the national average, and grocery prices are 9% lower than the national average.

Excellent Job Market and Economy

If you are moving to Memphis in search of part-time or full-time work, then you are lucky since Memphis has seen a job market increase by 2.1% over the last year.

With future job growth predicted to be 36.6% over the next ten years, higher than the United States average of 33.5%, this means more positive outcomes for job seekers.

Some of Memphis's top industries that employ most residents include transportation and warehousing, health care and social assistance, retail trade, manufacturing, accommodation and food services, and administrative and waste management services.

Excellent Schools

Ranked high in education, the Memphis-Shelby County School System is home to top-rated public schools and is the largest public school district in Tennessee.

With more than 214 schools in this school district and serving over 110,500 students in Memphis, school-aged children will be taught a rigorous and engaging curriculum that will prepare them for college and beyond.

For those interested in higher education opportunities, Memphis is home to numerous colleges and universities that offer a variety of degrees and programs, including the University of Memphis, Rhodes College, and Christian Brothers University.

Memphis Loves Barbecue

From pulled pork to beef brisket, Memphis-style BBQ differs from all the other styles due to its distinctive rub that uses up to 40 different spices.

Often served with Memphis BBQ Sauce, a tangy and sweet sauce made using brown sugar, tomato sauce, molasses, and cider vinegar, there is no better way to become well acquainted with Memphis than by trying its beloved barbecue.

Check out these local favorite barbecue restaurants in Memphis:

• Corky's Ribs and BBQ: Open since 1984, this local BBQ chain restaurant is serving hickory-smoked ribs and classic southern sides in a laid-back setting
• The Bar-B-Q Shop: Known for its delicious sauces and dry seasonings, this restaurant has been voted as having the number one best ribs by the Food Network
• Cozy Corner Restaurant: Dine on barbecue ribs, sausages, and chicken dishes in this family-owned restaurant
• Marlowe's ribs and Restaurant: Open since 1974, this BBQ joint is decorated with Elvis memorabilia and is serving up some of the best slow-smoked meats in Memphis
• Central BBQ - Downtown: Enjoy barbecue nachos, pork sandwiches, brisket platters, and southern sides at this award-winning barbecue restaurant

Thriving Music Scene

Well-known worldwide as the "Home of the Blues and Birthplace of Rock 'n' Roll," Memphis is famous for its soul, blues, and rock music that first originated from its city streets.

With multiple music landmarks found here, including the Blues Hall of Fame and the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, there is no better place to listen to live local talent than at one of the city's many music venues.

Check out these local favorite live music joints in Memphis:

• Lafayette's Music Room: Featuring live music throughout the week, this indoor-outdoor club is an excellent place to hang out and is a great spot to enjoy good food and drinks
• Tin Roof - Memphis: This live music bar is known for its excellent local acts, karaoke, southern-style pub grub, and wide selection of draft beer and cocktails
• RockHouse Live Memphis: Open late during the week, this live music grille and venue offers great food, karaoke, and fun times
• B.B. King's Blues Club: Enjoy live blues music and southern food classics in a laid-back space located on Beale Street
• Rum Boogie Cafe: Decorated with celebrity-signed guitars, this live music venue is also known for its tasty barbecue favorites, beer, and rum cocktails

Mild Climate

While most summers are hot and muggy in Memphis, and winters are generally short and cold, the city's temperate climate brings primarily mild weather.

With an average annual temperate of 62 degrees Fahrenheit, most residents can be found hanging out on the patio for nine months throughout the year.

Only receiving an average of three inches of snow per year tops and lots of sunshine, Memphis is the perfect landing point for those who want to escape colder weather.

Explore the Iconic Beale Street

Definitely, worth the visit, Beale Street has a fascinating past and is recognized as one of the most iconic streets in America since it is known for its live music and late-night partying.

Even though its heyday was in the roaring 20s, many nightclubs, restaurants, bars, theatres, and shops can still be found here.

Check out these fun things to do on Beale Street:

• Memphis Music Record Shop: This store is a must-visit and offers an excellent selection of records to add to your collection
• Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum: Learn about the history of rock and soul music and the artists who shaped the legacy that is now referred to as "Memphis Sound" through exciting exhibits and memorabilia
• A. Schwab Dry Goods: This family-owned general store and soda fountain first opened in 1876 and is famous today for carrying clothing, souvenirs, candy, and other items
• Dyer's Burgers: Dating back to 1912, this popular diner is known for using the same grease to deep fry their burgers and fries
• Beale Sweets Sugar Shack: Not only is this modern candy store nostalgic for the kids at heart, but there is a large variety of candy and sweet treats available for purchase, including fudge, glazed nuts, cotton candy, and oversized bars

Family-Friendly Things To Do

Whether you have little kids or are just now thinking about starting a family, there is more to Memphis than live music joints and a booming bar scene.

From museums to beautiful quiet parks, there is always something cool to discover in Memphis that all ages will enjoy.

Check out these local favorite family-friendly things to do in Memphis:

• Fire Museum of Memphis: Located in Fire Engine House No. 1, this museum educates the public about fire and life safety and is only $10 admission for adults, $9 admission for students, $9 admission for seniors, and $8 admission for children
• Children's Museum of Memphis: Featuring multiple hands-on interactive exhibits, programs, and creative learning opportunities for children and their families is a fantastic experience for only $15 per person
• Shelby Farms Park: This public park is 4,500 acres in size, which is five times larger than the area of Central Park in New York City, and features up to 10.65 miles of urban trails and plenty of green space
• Memphis Zoo: First created in 1906, this zoo is home to more than 3,500 animals, including panda bears, monkeys, hippos, and lions
• Wolf River Greenway: This 26-mile paved pedestrian walkway is perfect for walking the dog, running, and biking

Festivals

Memphis always has something exciting going on, offering many festivals and events throughout the year that celebrate the city's history, arts, culture, and holidays.

Check out these favorite local festivals in Memphis:

• Bluff City Balloon Jamboree: Featuring hot air balloon displays, carnival attractions, and live music at Shelby Farms Park
• Memphis Chicken and Beer Festival: Enjoy delicious chicken dishes, local craft beer, and live music
• Beale Street Music Festival: Grab your tickets now for this famous three-day music festival
• Elvis Week: This week-long festival honors the king of rock 'n' roll himself by hosting an Elvis tribute Artist Contest
• Great American River Run: Sign up to run a 5k, 10k, or half marathon that starts on Beale Street and progresses past some of the most iconic Memphis landmarks

Learn About Civil Rights History

Majorly involved in the civil rights movement, which was the organized effort of Black Americans to end racial discrimination from 1954 to 1968, Memphis is home to The United States Civil Rights Trail, which are important historical landmarks where activists fought to advance social justice and racial equality during this period.

Check out these local favorite Memphis historical sites:

• National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel: Learn about the civil rights movement through the museum's 260 artifacts, more than 40 films, oral histories, interactive media, and exhibits
• Clayborn Temple: Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979, this temple served as the headquarters and rallying point for civil rights leaders during the Sanitation Workers' Strike in 1968
• I Am A Man Plaza: Located on Hernando Street next to Clayborn Temple, this was an essential location for the Sanitation Workers' Strike of 1968
• Mason Temple: This historic site is where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gave his famous "Mountaintop" speech on April 3, 1968, which turned out to be his last ever address before his assassination at the Lorraine Motel the next day
• WDIA: Founded in 1947, this Memphis radio station became the first radio station in the country to be wholly dedicated to African Americans

Pros and Cons of Living in Memphis

Pros:

• No state income tax
• Low cost of living
• High-quality public education
• Great job market
• Delicious food and barbecue
• Thriving music scene
• Rich historical background
• Mild climate
• Friendly people
• Lots of entertainment

Cons:

• Hot and humid summers
• Limited public transportation
• High crime and poverty rates
• Excessive property and sales taxes

Moving to Memphis, TN - Final Thoughts

Whether you are moving to Memphis for work or want to check out what it offers, Memphis is a great place to call home that will appeal to many different lifestyles and cultural backgrounds.

Since it is no secret that living in Memphis is fun thanks to its variety of dining options, live music venues, exciting nightlife, hip bars, and fantastic southern cuisine, Memphis is an excellent place for all ages.

Even though Memphis may have its fair share of pros and cons, the pros outweigh the cons regarding this beautiful Tennessee city.

While we love helping you learn about living in Memphis here at Uphomes, our website also features other local area guides, including up-to-date information about moving to Tennesseeand moving to Nashville.

If you are interested in buying a home, please contact us today so we can connect you with one of our Realty Specialists who can help you throughout your home-buying journey. We are always here to help and are available to answer any questions you may have!