Moving to Memphis

Memphis, Tennessee, is a beacon of cultural heritage, celebrated for its pivotal roles in the evolution of blues and rock 'n' roll, having fostered the careers of legends such as Elvis Presley, B.B. King and Johnny Cash. Beyond its musical acclaim, Memphis is known for its unique geographical layout, straddling the eastern bank of the Mississippi River amid a series of natural bluffs. These soaring cliffsides have earned Memphis the nickname 'Bluff City', and its strategic location makes it a vital regional hub that connects Arkansas, Mississippi and Tennessee.

Memphis's blend of small-town feel amidst big-city amenities, along with its historical and contemporary attractions, from Beale Street to the National Civil Rights Museum and Shelby Farms, offers a diverse and enriching experience for all who visit or reside here.

Cost of living in Memphis

The cost of living in Memphis is notably lower than both the state and national averages, making it a compelling option for individuals looking to maximise their finances. Memphis offers a 13 percent lower overall cost of living than the US average, with specific savings in housing, utility and transport expenses.

In terms of housing, Memphis presents an attractive picture for potential residents or investors, and the housing market in this city is generally considered affordable.

The quality of life in Memphis is a draw, and the city boasts a vibrant cultural scene rich in history, music and cuisine, contributing to a unique and enriching living experience. The city's affordability, coupled with efforts to improve community health and infrastructure, suggests that residents can enjoy a quality of life that balances cultural richness with ongoing opportunities for improvement.

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• For more detailed information on the cost of living in the Volunteer State, see our page on the Cost of living in Nashville, Tennessee.

Travel in Memphis

Memphis offers diverse transport options, catering for the needs of its residents and visitors alike. The Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) serves as the backbone of public transport in the city, providing fixed-route buses, paratransit, trolleys and on-demand services. With an average one-way commute time of 22 minutes, Memphis boasts a quicker journey compared to the national average, making daily travel less of a hassle for its inhabitants.

For those who prefer to drive, Memphis is easily accessible via major interstates, including I-40, I-55 and I-69, allowing easy access to nearby cities and attractions. In addition, a variety of taxi and ride-hailing options are available for both locals and tourists.

Commuting from the suburbs to downtown Memphis is efficient, with average commute times ranging from 24 to 32 minutes during non-peak hours. Downtown Memphis' accessibility is enhanced by its shorter-than-average commute times, making it attractive to professionals working downtown.

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• For more information on getting around in Memphis, visit MATA's official website.

Healthcare in Memphis

The city of Memphis has a well-established healthcare system, with several prominent medical facilities to meet the diverse needs of its residents. With six hospitals, outpatient and diagnostic centres and an extensive network of physician practices, Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare is an outstanding integrated healthcare system. Additionally, Saint Francis Health System offers full-service hospital care, and Baptist Memorial Health Care provides compassionate healthcare through its hospitals and medical clinics in the Mid-South.

For health insurance, Memphis residents have access to numerous reputable providers. Of particular note is BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, which covers a significant portion of the state's active health insurance plans and offers a variety of coverage options to meet the needs of individuals and families. Other recommendations include American Exchange and Farm Bureau Health Plans.

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• Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare
• Saint Francis Health System
• Baptist Memorial Health Care
• To learn more about health insurance options in Memphis, check out BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee.

Schools in Memphis

Families in Memphis have access to a variety of schooling options for K–12 children. The largest educational body in the area is the Memphis-Shelby County Schools, which delivers a wide spectrum of learning opportunities, ensuring students receive a quality education tailored to their needs.

Additional options for parents seeking an alternative educational environment include charter schools such as the Soulsville Charter School, Power Center Academy and Memphis School of Excellence. These schools operate with greater autonomy from the district and often emphasise innovative teaching methods and specialised curricula.

Private education is also a thriving sector in Memphis, with a mix of religiously affiliated and secular institutions. Lausanne Collegiate School and Memphis University School are notable secular schools known for their rigorous academic programmes. For families seeking an international curriculum, some schools offer International Baccalaureate programmes and other college preparatory options.

Special educational needs are well catered for by both the public school system and private institutions dedicated to helping children with special needs. Montessori schools in Memphis, such as Maria Montessori School and Olivia’s Montessori Preschool, offer child-centred educational approaches that foster natural learning processes and the child's holistic development.

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• For more information about schooling options in Memphis, including details on specific programmes and enrolment procedures, visit the official website of Memphis-Shelby County Schools 
• The Memphis School Guide is an excellent tool for parents researching schools in the city

Weather in Memphis

Memphis experiences a humid subtropical climate, marked by four distinct seasons. Spring, the wettest season, sees around 25 rainy days over three months, contributing to Memphis's average annual precipitation of about 51 inches (1300 mm). It also hosts vibrant events like the Southern Hot Wing Festival and the Overton Square Crawfish Festival.

Summers in Memphis are long, hot and muggy, with daily average high temperatures often exceeding 83°F (28°C), making it an ideal time for visiting parks like Overton Park, enjoying live music events and participating in water sports at Shelby Farms. Late April to early June and late August to September are particularly recommended for these warm-weather activities.

Winters are cold, wet and windy, with average temperatures around 41°F (5°C). Despite the chilly weather, this season still offers opportunities for outdoor tourist activities, with the best times for visiting being the warmer months of late April to early June and again from late August to September.

Fall is celebrated for its pleasant weather, enabling visitors to enjoy the Mid-South Renaissance Faire, 30 Days of Opera and the Zoo Brew at the Memphis Zoo.

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• See Trip Report's page on Climate and Weather in Tennessee

Working in Memphis

A significant portion of the workforce in Memphis is employed in a wide variety of industries. The leading sectors are transportation and warehousing, healthcare and social assistance, retail trade, manufacturing and educational services. The city's strategic location makes it a hub for logistics and distribution, which significantly benefits the transportation sector.

Major developments, including Ford's recent investment into an electric battery and vehicle manufacturing campus, point to a promising future for job creation and cultural enrichment in Memphis.

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• For more information on working in Memphis, visit the official website of the City of Memphis Business section
• The Bureau of Labor Statistics is an excellent resource for those seeking the latest employment data

Accommodation in Memphis

Memphis provides a diverse range of accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets. The cost of living in Memphis is notably lower than the national average, making it an attractive location for residents and newcomers alike. The median rent for all bedroom counts and property types in Memphis is USD 1,200, 37 percent lower than the national average.

For those looking for a peaceful neighbourhood with access to urban amenities, Downtown, Midtown, Cooper-Young, East Memphis and Cordova are great options. They are known for their diverse communities, proximity to parks and convenient shopping and dining. Families, in particular, may find Cordova, East Memphis and Downtown appealing for their safety, family-friendly environments and availability of schools, parks and recreational activities.

Lifestyle in Memphis

Memphis blends local boutique experiences and mainstream retail at destinations like Laurelwood Shopping Center, Overton Square, Oak Court Mall, Poplar Plaza and Southgate Shopping Center. The Memphis Antique and Design District and the South Main Historic Arts District cater for those interested in antiques, vintage items, art galleries and boutiques, and Broad Avenue and the Shops of Saddle Creek in Germantown offer a mix of local and international brands. Memphis Farmers Market, Cooper-Young, and South Memphis Farmers Markets are worth checking out.

In terms of sports, Memphis hosts professional teams such as the MiLB Memphis Redbirds, the NBA Memphis Grizzlies, the University of Memphis Tigers and the USL Memphis Sabercats. The city boasts major sports facilities like FedExForum, Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium and AutoZone Park, and it hosts significant events like the Liberty Bowl and the Southern Heritage Classic.

Memphis boasts a dynamic nightlife scene that mirrors its deep-rooted musical heritage. Beale Street, the 'Home of the Blues', is a quintessential destination, offering iconic venues such as Club 152 and B.B. King's Blues Club. Others, like the Prohibition Lounge and CC Blues Club, also cater for a range of musical tastes and atmospheres, from rooftop bars to intimate speak-easy vibes.

In terms of things to see and do, Memphis is rich in cultural, historical and entertainment attractions like Graceland, the National Civil Rights Museum and Sun Studio. Shelby Farms Park and the Memphis Zoo provide outdoor and educational experiences, and the Stax Museum of American Soul Music delves into the history of soul music.

Memphis's vibrant festival scene is home to events like the Beale Street Music Festival and the Memphis in May International Festival, which includes the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest and facilitates cultural exchange by honouring a different country each year.