Tennessee : Safety by City
- Bell Buckle
- Chattanooga
- Clarksville
- Cordova
- Dyersburg
- Franklin
- Gatlinburg
- Germantown
- Hendersonville
- Johnson City
- Jonesborough
- Kingsport
- Knoxville
- Lawrenceburg
- Memphis
- Murfreesboro
- Nashville
- Pigeon Forge
- Pulaski
- Rogersville
- Sevierville
- Wears Valley
Memphis, Tennessee, sits on the western side of Tennessee along the eastern banks of the Mississippi River.
This area is known as the Mid-South, and Memphis is called The Bluff City since it sits on the bluffs of the river.
This is Elvis’ hometown and the home where he lived, Graceland, is one of the most visited places in the South.
Beale Street brings crowds for live music, Southern dining, and bars galore.
Beale Street is kind of like a smaller version of Bourbon Street in New Orleans.
If you’ve heard the song “Walking in Memphis” by Marc Cohn, you’ll get a sample of what the city has to offer and some of its history.
You’ll likely be humming it by the time you leave if you can get Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Free Bird” out of your head.
The city also was a powerful influence on the Civil Rights Movement, but sadly it was the same city where Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. was shot.
The Lorraine Motel is now part of a larger museum that honors civil rights advocates while educating people on how to stop systemic racism and hope for a more peaceful future.
The Peabody Hotel is a popular place to stay or visit, but this historical building gets upstaged daily by ducks walking through the lobby as a cultural trend woven into the culture of Memphis.
Memphis is more than an urban core; its boundaries stretch to the east to include the family-friendly Shelby Farms.
True story – I lived in Memphis and worked a 4th of July event at Shely Farms.
Eddie Money was the headliner, and his tour van almost slipped into the lake.
We did what little we could to help out.
Warnings & Dangers in Memphis
OVERALL RISK: HIGH
Memphis comes with a high risk, which isn't a ranking we give lightly. Not all of Memphis is a high risk either, but it's such a "block by block" danger in some neighborhoods, you deserve to be aware of the higher crime rates here. Memphis has long been one of the most dangerous cities in America, and in 2021 it had violent crime rates more than six times the national average. It is also a city you shouldn't avoid because of that - you just need to know the information you're researching now.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
Memphis has a public transportation system called MATA. The buses will take you throughout the city, but you're more likely to consider using the trolley that goes around downtown and to the riverfront. The trolley is safer because it's in tourist areas, whereas the buses can go through some rough neighborhoods. Taxis, rideshares, and rental cars are available.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
With more than 24,000 thefts in Memphis in 2021, it's surprising that just 128 of those were pickpockets or purse snatchings. While the risk from the data looks low, it's smart to consider it a medium risk, especially if you're going to "Walking in Memphis" and enjoying the nightlife in the crowded bars and streets.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
Memphis faces a risk throughout the year of different varieties. There are severe thunderstorms and tornadoes possible, with spring being the highest risk season. Flooding can happen with the banks of the Mississippi so close by. Winters can bring blizzards or ice storms. There's also an ongoing risk of an earthquake - and a major quake on the New Madrid Fault line could do major damage in Memphis.
MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
The robbery rate is four times higher than the national average, but it's more likely a home or business will be robbed than a tourist on the street. Just 16% of the robberies in 2021 were related to public street confrontations. As someone who lived in Memphis for several years, I must tell you - do NOT walk in dark streets and alleys. If you are on Beale Street, stay on Beale Street and don't wander block by block. Have someone walk you to your car if you're out at night. Stay away from any kind of confrontation and nicely say "No" to the homeless people who ask for money.
TERRORISM RISK: LOW
While any big city like Memphis will have an elevated risk, there's a much bigger concern about criminals in the city leading to historical violent crime and homicide records than a terror group on the other side of the world.
SCAMS RISK: LOW
I'd worry less about being scammed and more about being hustled. Especially in the tourist areas like Beale Street, you'll see street performers or gymnasts doing flips and playing music. Tipping is just an inch away from expected if you stopped to enjoy any of the shows. You might be approached to buy items out of the trunk of a car at a "discount." Don't be a sucker. Mind your own business, and be polite and firm as you walk away from someone trying to hustle you.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Women statistically have a lower risk of being violent crime victims than a man, and a good chunk of the crime here against women is domestic. Women should definitely use caution when out on Beale Street at night. There are a lot of drunk people letting loose and crowded bars where it's not always easy to cover your drink. Use common sense and the buddy system to lower your risk here. Never go to a house party if you are invited - you don't want to walk into a dangerous situation.
TAP WATER RISK: LOW
The tap water provided by Memphis Light, Gas, and Water meets all standards and is in full compliance, according to the 2021 Annual Water Quality Report. If you are staying in an older hotel, let your tap water run for a minute or two before drinking it in case lead or copper pipes are still being used.
Safest Places to Visit in Memphis
Memphistravel.com is the official website for the tourism bureau in Memphis and Shelby County.
Using official tourism sites helps you avoid viruses and phishing for the personal information you can find on third-party websites.
You can also be assured the tourism bureau won’t send you somewhere dangerous.
It might be beneficial to start your Memphis visit with a historical tour.
You can find various walking, trolley, and bus tours on the tourism website.
You can focus on African American history, musical legends, or even a foodie or brew tour.
You can also take a ride on the Mississippi River and the tourism website lists all the options.
Some cruises are just sightseeing for an hour, while others offer several days on the river and take you to different destinations along the way.
It’s a great way to see the city of Memphis from the river and soak in the awesome skyline.
NOTE: In late 2022, the Mississippi River reached historic lows due to a drought in the Midwest. As of this publication, the water levels were not impacting cruises along the Memphis stretch of the river, but check with the tourism bureau or vendor of choice before making plans.
There are some staples of Memphis tourism that first-timers will want to see:
- Elvis Presley’s Graceland: (Even if you don’t visit the museum, you can sign the stone wall outside of Graceland where millions of other fans have done the same thing)
- National Civil Rights Museum: An expansive museum built around the location where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. There are interactive exhibits, historical displays, re-enactments, movies, and inspiration for a better future.
- Stax Museum of American Soul Music
- Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum
- Memphis Music Hall of Fame
- Blues Hall of Fame
The Peabody Hotel is a historical landmark that went through a major renovation in 2019.
This is true Southern elegance.
Set your alarms for 11:00 am and 5:00 pm, because that’s when the resident Mallard ducks take their scheduled treks through the lobby to play in the fountain.
You can even pay a little extra to be the Duckmaster for the day.
Midtown Memphis is home to Overton Square, an entertainment district with theaters, bars, and restaurants in a charming setting.
Midtown neighborhoods can be hit or miss when it comes to safety concerns, so be sure to stick to main roads when you’re driving here.
Just west of downtown, you can head over to Mud Island Park.
This is a green space along the river with a riverfront walk that goes from one side of the island to the other.
There are great Instagram moments – like the massive MEMPHIS sign and perfect views of the skyline.
Shelby Farms Park is a 4,500-acre open space on the east side of Memphis.
You can walk or run along nearly 11 miles of trails and two lakes where you can paddle or canoe.
Anglers can explore 20 fishing holes in the park, but some lakes have different rules so check the Shelby Farm Park website before you cast a line.
NOTE: Shelby Farms is not the same thing as Shelby Forest State Park. The latter is north of Memphis in Millington.
Big River Crossing offers an opportunity to walk or bike across the Mississippi River.
It’s more than a mile across and the lanes are specifically reserved for pedestrians and cyclists – you won’t have to worry about cars zooming right by you.
The bridge has emergency call boxes and is under surveillance 24/7.
Places to Avoid in Memphis
As someone who lived in Memphis for two years, worked in Midtown, and enjoyed downtown’s entertainment district, I will admit I lived in nearby Germantown because the crime rates were lower.
Memphis – more so than many other cities I’ve visited – is a block-by-block risk.
You can have stately Southern homes on one block and drive two blocks over to see small “shotgun” homes (the houses that are basic and long, as if a “shotgun blast” could go straight through it) and suspicious activity on the streets.
Memphis also has a homeless problem, and I can’t tell you how many times I went to grab dinner at a fast food drive-thru to see homeless people begging me for money while I was trapped in the drive-thru line.
They weren’t aggressive, but it was uncomfortable.
A lot about the crime risk in Memphis is what you are used to at home.
That said, then neighborhoods east of the airport and north of downtown can have more crime.
If you don’t have business being in a certain neighborhood – do not go there.
Unfortunately in 2022, the city saw even more crime creep into some of the neighborhoods that were deemed safe.
A woman out for a morning jog near the University of Memphis was pulled into a car, sexually assaulted, and killed.
A few days later, a mass shooter randomly drove around shooting people and stealing cars in a crime spree that led to lockdowns, a freeze on mass transportation, and a citywide call to stay inside.
The Mississippi River is not good for swimming, and seeing it at a historic low can give a false sense of safety.
The river is still very muddy.
It still has a strong current.
It still has high levels of pollution.
Don’t touch the water and certainly don’t swim in it.
Safety Tips for Traveling to Memphis
- Store this number in your contact list now – 901-545-2677 (COPS). That’s the non-emergency number for the police department. Do not hesitate to use it if you feel threatened in any way or notice suspicious activity. For urgent matters, you should still call 911.
- Use the “Find My Station” tool on the Memphis Police Department website to find the closest station to where you’ll be staying or visiting. You can call or stop by to ask about recent crime trends and safety advice, as crime trends can quickly change in different neighborhoods.
- Almost half of the thefts in Memphis are due to car break-ins. Don’t leave any personal belongings in your car – not even your GPS stand, which can indicate a valuable item inside. Lock your doors while driving and when you park. Keep the windows rolled up.
- Nobody understands how fun Beale Street can be more than the person writing this article. I spent many nights at Silky O’Sullivans or B.B. Kings. It’s easy to get caught up in the party atmosphere and drink too much or lose your common sense as you dance the night away. Don’t go to Beale Street alone, park in well-lit areas and you can always ask a security guard or police officer to escort you to the car. Always be on the lookout for someone trying to hustle you. If there’s any kind of altercation, don’t get closer to see what is happening. Go the other way.
- If you are visiting Memphis in May, you might see a lot of hotels booked up and higher prices. That’s because the annual Memphis in May festival happens, with a different event each week that brings a lot of tourists to the area. Be especially aware of pickpockets during this time and know that downtown is going to be busier than ever with traffic and pedestrians.
- Download the Memphis 311 app to have a direct line of contact with the city. You can make anonymous reports, but if you want to use some functions of the app you’ll need an account. Just use your hotel address as your local address. This is a great way to report potholes or fallen tree limbs after a storm. You can also get a list of all city departments and contact information.
- StaySafeShelby.us is the emergency management website for Memphis and Shelby County. You can learn about natural disaster risks there and sign up for emergency notifications. Weather risks exist all year long, so you can’t afford to miss warnings about tornadoes or dangerous storms.
- Use the website Go901transit.com to buy passes for the public bus system or trolley. You can pay in cash when you board a bus or trolley, but it must be exact change and you really don’t want to be pulling out a wallet in front of people here.
- There is a special Cyber Watch crime reporting form on the police department’s website used for an activity specifically related to drug crimes and gang activity. Part of what makes these criminals so hard to find is that neighbors don’t want to be targeted by criminals for reporting information. As a tourist, you’ll have a great opportunity to share info without giving your name and not having to worry about long-term implications.
- If you are not familiar with this area and you see the map shows West Memphis in Arkansas and think “That’s a cheaper place to stay and so close!” – don’t stay there. It’s a very dangerous area with little to do for an average tourist. You don’t want to stand out as a potential victim. Read our article about West Memphis, Arkansas for more information about that.
So... How Safe Is Memphis Really?
Memphis has long struggled with violent crimes, generally in minority communities caught in a cycle of poverty.
The poverty rate here was nearly 25% in 2020.
Many big cities are seeing violent crime surge across America.
Memphis was already a dangerous city and now it’s getting worse and covering a more broad area.
The stench of civil rights injustices still lingers in the air, and there’s as much affluence as there is poverty in a minority community – sometimes in the same zip code.
In October 2022 a former police officer was sentenced to 12 years behind bars for violating civil rights during an arrest.
Until the community and police can work in tandem to fight crime, and heal the wounds of decades, it’s going to be an uphill battle here.
One thing about Memphis is the tenacity of its people and the love of Memphis.
The people who live here see the crime, but also the history and beautiful opportunities that exist.
The city might look a little gritty in places and dynamic in others.
It’s important to stay in places designated for tourists and keep a low profile while being confident in your movements.
Don’t get into verbal altercations and don’t go looking for recreational drugs.
Not only is that dangerous, but there’s also a Fentanyl outbreak that causes overdoses and deaths at an alarming rate.
Some Fentanyl tablets are now made to look like candy.
By the number from 2021, here are some of the risks in Memphis:
- 24% of robberies were “highway robberies,” meaning they happened on a public street.
- 23% of violent crimes were against strangers, suggesting a large majority of violent crimes are among people who know each other. Despite the recent headlines, there isn’t a huge problem with random acts of violence against strangers.
- 67% of violent crimes happen in public places, and 78% percent of robberies happen outside homes, so use caution when you choose a place to get food, get gas, or stop to check directions. You just don’t want to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Memphis has too much history to be considered too dangerous to visit, but you need to have all your safety skills, awareness of the crime issues, and common sense at every step.
How Does Memphis Compare?
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Memphis | 54 |
| Deadwood | 80 |
| Sturgis | 80 |
| Pierre | 81 |
| Spearfish | 80 |
| Hill City | 83 |
| Sevierville | 73 |
| Temuco (Chile) | 31 |
| Puno (Peru) | 45 |
| Nara (Japan) | 88 |
| Kanazawa (Japan) | 83 |
| Hammamet (Tunisia) | 78 |
| Sidi Bou Said (Tunisia) | 42 |
Useful Information
Visas
You can use the U.S. State Department's Visa Wizard program to tell you the type of Visa you'll need (ie. Work, Travel) and you should start the process several months ahead of time. It can take weeks to get an appointment at the embassy. You can get through Customs at the airport without a visa and passport.
Currency
You can only use the U.S. Dollar here and avoid using cash if you can. Don't use public ATMs either. I've mentioned several great apps and websites where you can purchase things in advance to avoid having to pull out your wallet while visiting here.
Weather
You'll need to dress seasonally appropriate. Winters might require a thick coat, but generally, a regular coat will be fine. Spring and fall can have fluctuating temperatures, so pack layers of clothing. Avoid high heels or sandals, as you'll be doing a lot of walking. Beale Street is also pretty grimy and you should wash your feet and shoes when you return from a night there. Bring bug spray in the summer and use a citrus-based cologne or perfume to help keep the mosquitoes away.
Airports
Memphis International Airport is just south of I-240 and 12 miles from downtown. If you are returning a rental car, fill up before you get to the airport neighborhoods, which can be more dangerous.
Travel Insurance
We always suggest travel insurance to protect against unforeseeable issues. Severe weather can cancel or delay flights, and even a health visit is going to cost you a lot of money out of pocket if you don't have insurance in the U.S.
Memphis Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C |
10 | 13 | 18 | 23 | 27 | 32 | 33 | 33 | 30 | 24 | 17 | 12 |
| Low °C |
1 | 2 | 7 | 12 | 17 | 21 | 23 | 22 | 19 | 12 | 6 | 2 |
| High °F |
50 | 55 | 64 | 73 | 81 | 90 | 91 | 91 | 86 | 75 | 63 | 54 |
| Low °F |
34 | 36 | 45 | 54 | 63 | 70 | 73 | 72 | 66 | 54 | 43 | 36 |
Tennessee - Safety by City
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Bell Buckle | 79 |
| Chattanooga | 69 |
| Clarksville | 72 |
| Cordova | 62 |
| Dyersburg | 62 |
| Franklin | 75 |
| Gatlinburg | 82 |
| Germantown | 70 |
| Hendersonville | 79 |
| Johnson City | 68 |
| Jonesborough | 78 |
| Kingsport | 52 |
| Knoxville | 57 |
| Lawrenceburg | 77 |
| Memphis | 54 |
| Murfreesboro | 78 |
| Nashville | 58 |
| Pigeon Forge | 78 |
| Pulaski | 79 |
| Rogersville | 76 |
| Sevierville | 73 |
| Wears Valley | 78 |
Just chill Memphis is fine
I visited Memphis June 2-5 of this year 2019. I did not feel threatened by anyone, nor did I see the streets overrun by homeless people. To me Memphis was beautiful and I will be moving there soon.
Amen
You must have visited on a good day, there was another shooting at Cars on Sam Cooper, I was stuck in Traffic then I saw Blue Lights and a car with window shot out. Apparently shootings had been under reported for 2019.
Chill in Memphis!!
I Agree!! Chill!! CRIME is EVERYWHERE!!!!!
I’m staying in my hotel. No tours
After reading all these horrific things about Memphis, I think I’ll just stay in the hotel for the 3 days we were suppose to be here. I’m now dreading this trip with my Grandson. Thanks for the info.
Have u ever watched first 48? About every other episode is from Memphis tn
Facts
I was there in June of 2021, ate at kooky kanucks, right across from the Peabody first night in town, there was a shooting right outside the restaurant while we were eating, many people ran to the back of the restaurant (I had some drinks and was feeling bulletproof so I just stayed at the bar).
Next day, in broad daylight some guy came out of a back alley on Beale street, with his eye cut open bleeding all over himself. Lots of cops on Beale at night which made me feel better.
This was my only time in town, but both days I saw some violent crime… cool town though, didn’t stop me from going to be bb kings the second night, great music. All in all I’d go back, Graceland was cool. I wouldn’t let the crime necessarily scare you off, just be vigilant, keep your eyes open, don’t walk too far at night, stay out of trouble and be ready to fight if you need to.
1000% Disagree...it's not safe
Completely disagree…you must’ve been walking around with your eyes closed….filthy, trash ridden, and homeless everywhere. We were told by locals and hotel workers not to walk around alone at night and keep valuables in room! Everything everywhere is run down, or broken for the most part. Food was awesome though.
uhhh….no it is not!
Safe place to stay near Memphis
Found a safe place to stay!!
We stayed right outside of Memphis in Arlington, TN. Safe area-more residential and quiet. We stayed in the Fairfield Inn there-it was clean, beds were comfortable and they had great breakfast options and amazing coffee-highly recommend!
Memphis is NOT safe
I have lived here for 40+ years and it just keeps getting worse…even right outside Memphis, I can not wait to retire and leave this area!!!
Memphis is extremely dangerous
I’ve lived in and around Memphis for my entire life. 72 years. Over the past 30 years Memphis has degenerated into an extremely violent third world cesspool. It’s heartbreaking to see what’s become of this once proud, beautiful city. I’ll be retiring in the mountains soon far from Memphis where there’s very little concern about getting carjacked, mugged and shot. The statistic about Memphis being the third most dangerous city in America says it all. This article is quite misleading. Come to Memphis at your own risk.
Lord help us!
Absolutely correct!! Everybody and their brother is trying to rip everyone off, and that’s putting it extremely positively given the reality of it. Memphis used to be cool. No more.
It's truly not safe
I’ve lived here for nearly 34 years. You have to be smart about your surroundings. It’s definitely become less safe since I moved here in 1985. There are some neighborhoods you never go to, and there are some you only go to during daylight.
I know of several people living in $500k to $1M East Memphis houses who have been robbed in their driveways, so don’t let the C&VB and the foolish millennials from other places say that crime is hyped. A lot of the millennials who think it’s cool have moved here from better cities because they couldn’t get jobs in their hometown cities. I know this because they talk about it.
Stay in Germantown, Collierville or East Memphis, and you will most likely be fine. Be careful when you’re downtown – crime statistics are covered up to boost the city’s image for business and tourism. I don’t know why you’d want to visit Bartlett or Cordova, but they are okay, but be smart because they still have murders and theft.
If you visit the Wolfchase mall area, be very careful.
Here’s your data: https://data.memphistn.gov/
I’ve worked with a lot of people retire and move elsewhere because of the crime even though this was their birthplace. People don’t leave cities they love if they can help it.
Memphis is a decent city
I’ve lived in Bartlett for 13 years and it’s been VERY safe. We have been downtown for years without any issues. Of course, there are some areas you should avoid–just like OTHER cities. I moved here from Germany, which is safer than any area around here. Never had any issues living in Bartlett. We visit downtown on family outings every month. No issues in Memphis. I have students who are Engineering majors at UofM. I don’t know what negative feelings you have, but it’s false. You’re giving the city a bad reputation. If anything, the news stations here HYPE up crime all of the time, so I do not understand why you say “cover up.”
I agree Memphis id my home anf i live here I’ve been to Nashville – Virginia- Las Vegas and Jacksonville- Olive branch , Missippissi wit no problem //But i love Memphis TN ??
You live in la la land and have been lucky. Why have 3 major malls have been shut down? It’s been downhill since the 90’s. I won’t go to Memphis without a legal gun.
This article is trash. As with any other city in the world, stay away from areas deemed to be of ill-repute. Memphis is as safe as any other city in the world, and a beautiful place to live and work.
I agree
Safe City... I don't think so...
I was much more comfortable walking the streets of Baghdad after dark then I am walking the streets of Downtown Memphis and/or Beale Street at any time of the day…All cities have their problems but with Memphis staying at or near the top of the list for violent crimes for the past 20 years or so it is a city to be wary of if visiting or relocating…It is easy to do your own research for the FBI keeps records of every city in America, take a look and decide for yourself…
I visit Memphis every year in August and walk from Graceland down to Marlows and and even down to Wal-Mart without any problems at all I love Memphis and am planning on moving there when I retire in 3 years time from NEW ZEALAND
Well you were lucky
Not safe…
I was born in Memphis
Nowhere is safe anymore there
If anyone tells you different then I would take it with a grain of salt.
Memphis even when I was a child was a dangerous place. That was in the sixties. If you go to visit especially in the Elvis Presley Blvd area
Be smart
Be safe
I loved Memphis
My Mum and I visited in 2014, for her 50th (complete Elvis fan), I found Beale Street to be clean and the locals to be very welcoming. Talked to the Memphis Flippers CEO, became friends with the police, and kept our wits about us. We were warned by locals not to go near white haven and not to go down certain side streets. We walked around a lot, especially down Main Street. I felt safer in Memphis than I did in New York. And we stayed out until all hours of the morning down Beale Street. The police presence helped make us feel safe. We shopped at Sears for hours and never felt unsafe. The only place I felt slightly unsafe in was up from Graceland along that main road. I tried telling Mum we should check out the Elvis stand-alone store on the other side of the highway and we started walking until she got freaked out and wanted to turn around. I’m from Australia and still think we will go back for Mums 60th. We did get laughed at by the locals when we said we went to the bus station to get a bus and we’re strictly warned to never do that again (we stood out like sore thumbs) and were even told by a local they’d give us their car keys before we ever did that again – we visited the Peabody and stayed in The Hampton Inn and a few other spots and the level of care and friendliness from the staff in hotels was astounding. We did have one of the hotel workers escort us across the street just to go to the convenience store and I guess that’s when it set in that we can’t be out at night. But all in all I really fell in love with the place and the people. There’s good and bad every where, just like here in Australia, lots of knife crime and gangs etc, but I still feel safe because I know the spots to avoid etc.
It's Really Not That Serious
Honestly the only people who feel like Memphis is dangerous is older white people who are afraid of black people, considering that most of the black people in the entire state of TN reside in Shelby County. I am a female who lives in North Memphis and have not once ever felt unsafe or in fear of my life. Mind your own business, use common sense when you go out like you would anywhere else hopefully, and you will be fine.
Are you black? I’m white and live near and shop in a black area and never had a problem.
I Love My Memphis Family!!
I grew up and graduated from HS in Memphis, I Loved Memphis and then I moved to California and really fell in Love with CALIFORNIA!! I visit Memphis Often to visit my Family and Friends!! I’ve Never Been had any problems or been a Crime Victim!!! I still Love and Enjoy my Visits to Memphis!! I do not like the Real Estate Economy there—I Sold my properties and Re-invested in Cities of Real Estate Growth!! I do believe that INVESTORS RENTALS are the way to go as you earn equity with each rental payment because at the end of the day, Property Values will depreciate, my personal experience!!!
I lived in Memphis for 35 years before I decided that I had had enough of the crime, the prejudice, the bad housing I only go back to visit my brother and then leave as quickly as I can horribly place to live
Memphis is amazing
This article is trash. I walk through downtown Memphis everyday and never have a problem. If you are just visiting, you would have no reason to go to North Memphis anyway. It’s just neighborhoods with mainly drug or gang related crime. Don’t do anything stupid and you’ll be fine.
Don't raise your children in Memphis.
We are a product of our environment. That being said, Memphis city schools are not providing skills/educations needed to prepare children for a prosperous life, Unfortunately. Nor with a education capable to enter college. Or the income necessary to do so. The largest lessons provided by the Memphis city school’s is the lessons of hard knocks. Leading to vicious life cycles. It’s not a racial thing it’s a poverty thing. Making the city less livable. Hence the City of Memphis Tennessee.
I was born there and raised there till I was 13 and moved to SC it’s crazy in Memphis but I miss my home town
It’s dangerous asl
Y’all are crazy Memphis is always ranked 3 are higher in America but it is a big city so of course they drag it to say it’s not dangerous for money and house owners to real people in to come here y’all crazy if y’all believe that’s true the crime rate it’s crazy and it’s not changing
Niagara falls
Memphis is so cool. Come get robbed for fun.
Memphis, Tn First 48
Yea I’m pretty sure Memphis isnt a place anyone should move to. Hince the fact that every other episode of first 48 is in Memphis tn.
Memphis, TN just happen to have the first 48 crime lab here just like Texas and Florida. So you will see and here about dangerous things in these areas. If every state had a first 48 crime lab there you would see all the dangerous areas it would take over the news, tv shows, commercials, etc.
Some of these comments from “long-time” residents? I have been in & out of Memphis multiple times and have lived here over 20 years. Over the last 10 years, it consistently ranks in the to 3 – 5 most violent cities in the USA. Crime is everywhere in Shelby County and the peripheral areas. Memphis is, and continues to be, slow, broke, dirty and going nowhere. Sure it has a few nice areas, but crime is higher than the national average in those areas too. Unless your job has your assigned here, there is ZERO reason to be or stay here.
Not just unsafe in the city, unsafe on the freeways too
They had 80 freeway shootings on I-240 last year which loops around the city. 80! Trying to commute to work is a nightmare. Never honk, flip the bird, or flash your lights at anyone since I have seen road rage like no other here. Homeboys driving over 100 mph, weaving thru the freeway traffic, no regard for human life. They have terrible wrecks all the time and you can still see the scars on the retaining walls all through the city and outskirts of the city where vehicles have burned up from high-speed impacts. And I have only seen cops pulling people over one time. I’m not sure what the cops are doing but they sure do not patrol the highways. I guess the cops are busy responding to all the other crime. All you have to do is Google Memphis and it’s always in the top 10 in violent crime. Not sure that’s going to change anytime soon.
I don’t go in the city unless I’m absolutely forced to or if I have to drive to work. The suburbs like Germantown and Collierville are great places to live, very safe and beautiful plus have a high police presence. But they are boring places if you’re in your twenties/thirties and single. Better off being bored than being robbed or dead though. There’s a few places to go out in Cordova but honestly Cordova is not that safe either. But it’s mostly petty crime there, a lot of car break ins.
Stay away
YES!!! Your description of the hwy is 100% accurate!! We made a visit in 2008 and again in 2022…the decline of the city and safety is astounding!! We will not be back…EVER!!
I stayed a couple of nights at the Peabody Hotel in downtown Memphis. I was warned by locals to not leave the hotel at night. I couldn’t even sleep at night in the room, with all the hot rodders and drag racers making so much racket.
Memphis is a very depressing city.
Wrong move
I moved here less than 1yr ago. It was the biggest mistake! My job is horrible, the area is horrible. I don’t know why anyone would move here. As soon as I can get out, I will….I have never seen so much depressing things. Girls wearing bonnets out in public like it’s a hat. Slippers like it’s bed time. I have never been so ashamed.
is what it is
Have visited Memphis quite a bit over the past few years, as wife is a native Memphian. Ended up moving here. Spend most of my time outside of Memphis in Baltimore as I have family there.
Neither place is Disney World. But both have their charms.
Sad, awful decline
Theft from our hotel room while staying at the Peabody. Dirty streets… overflowing garbage in the historic areas. Guess the revival of the 1990s is truly faded away. Earlier in the week stayed in Santa Fe NM in a historic hotel. The contrast couldn’t be more dramatic.
Downtown and Midtown Memphis are Desirable Living Locations
Yes, Memphis is ranked #1 in violent crime by the FBI. However, downtown and midtown Memphis are now very desirable places to live. That wasn’t the case 20 years ago. Memphis is great about keeping architectural gems and just rehabbing interiors. We have beautiful buildings and houses that are 100+ years old. At least 20 nee hotels have gone in downtown in the last 10 years, 5 in the last 6 months. People are investing in midtown and downtown Memphis and I find both areas to be relatively safe. The biggest issue in these areas are theft related. Avoid North and South Memphis and you should be fine. There’s nothing dirty and broken in my view.
Use common sence
I have lived in Memphis for 50 years. As long as you stay in the tourist areas like Beal Street, Downtown, Fed Ex Forum, and Graceland, you will be fine. I am telling you that the safest place in Memphis are tourist attractions; there are cops everywhere. Living downtown is safe and desirable. By the way, the local food is terrific.
Dangerous city
I visited 15years ago one of our party got robbed and beaten up . Visited again 2022 with family and our car got stolen!!
Would never go anywhere near again
Avoid Memphis
Memphis is the one city that everyone else in Tennnessee AVOIDS.
It is crime-filled. And to the person who says the area around Graceland is safe to visit… you are urging visitors to put their safety in danger.
The mention of natural disaster risks like flooding and tornadoes is something I hadn’t considered. It’s a good prompt to check weather forecasts and be prepared, especially if traveling during storm seasons.