Music lovers, this one’s for you!
If you’re thinking to relocate, then you might want to consider the birthplace of rock-and-roll, the home to music legends including Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash, the one and only ….
*drumroll* ……………………………. Memphis!
Don’t worry, even if you’re not that huge of a music fan, Memphis has got so much more to offer!
Stick around to find out some rock-solid reasons why people are moving to Memphis TN, so that you know what to expect when you’re living in Memphis, Tennessee!
1. Because Of The Arts And Culture
You’re probably here because arts and culture excite you, right? Well, the various forms of arts you can find in Memphis might just be up your alley!
Let’s Start With Artworks And Murals:
At Broad Avenue Arts District, you’ll be able to find innovative public art displays, including the mural of the water towers (believe it or not, this mural is the tallest artwork erected in Memphis so far!).
This district is no doubt vibrantly coloured and will give you lots of photo opportunities, so don’t forget your cameras!
If you’re more into fine arts, then you’ll probably like Dixon Gallery and Gardens! At this public museum, you’ll be able to observe various German and English porcelain artefacts as well as French and American impressionism paintings.
Unlike your typical museum, Dixon Gallery and Gardens also holds garden exhibitions where you can find various flowers, including dahlias, water lilies, celosias!
Next, Performing Arts:
Widely known for producing major Broadway productions such as Hamilton and Anastasia, The Orpheum Theatre also holds various kinds of performing arts.
This includes poetry slams, comedy shows, concerts, films, as well as live shows for families such as “Peppa Pig Live! Peppa Pig’s Adventure”, happening in October 2021.
On the other hand, the Cannon Centre is home to the Memphis Symphony Orchestra and hosts a multitude of other events, including ballet, opera, pop and jazz concerts, children’s theatre and more.
2. Because There Are Many Neighbourhoods To Choose From
Memphis has several neighbourhoods, each with its own unique charms and characteristics. Before moving to Memphis, you need to have an idea of where you want to live.
Let’s introduce you to some Memphis neighbourhoods and what you can expect if you choose to live there:
Central Gardens
If you’re looking for a quiet residential district, check out Central Gardens.
Located in the heart of Midtown Memphis, this neighbourhood is home to a mixture of people ranging from young professionals to high-rolling CEOs.
It especially fits for those who appreciate architecture as it is one of the older neighbourhoods in the country, and the houses feature a fascinating array of architectural styles, from Mission to Queen Anne and Tudor Colonial Craftsman.
Central Gardens offers its residents a convenient location as it is only
- minutes away from many great restaurants, parks, museums and universities,
- 10 minutes away from Downtown, and
- 15 minutes away from Memphis International Airport!
Binghampton
Just 5 miles east of the downtown is the Binghampton neighbourhood.
Largely settled by Black immigrants and refugees in the 19th and 20th centuries, Binghampton today is now one of the most diverse neighbourhoods in Memphis.
This neighbourhood houses an abundance of hip bars and eateries, especially along Broad avenue, so residents won’t have to travel far to enjoy delicious coffee and beer.
Home to 4 parks equipped with walking trails and basketball courts mean that Binghampton residents get to enjoy outdoor recreation conveniently!
East Memphis
Those who are thinking of moving to Memphis with a family should definitely consider East Memphis!
In general, this neighbourhood consists of a quiet community.
However, it has a ton to offer in terms of amenities, making it perfect for anyone regardless of interest!
East Memphis offers its residents the following amenities:
- a bunch of top shopping centres such as Laurelwood Shopping Centre and Eastgate Shopping Centre for those in need of retail therapy 😉
- Memphis Botanic Gardens for those who appreciate plants and flowers or simply parents who want to let their kids play at the parks and playgrounds there
- the Shelby Farms Greenline, where you can cycle along the 10.65-mile paved, urban trail that runs from Midtown to Cordova
- the Memphis Zoo, just 20 minutes away from East Memphis
Cooper-Young
If you’re a hip and artsy person looking for a hip and artsy neighbourhood to live in, check out Cooper-Young!
A historic neighbourhood with century-old buildings occupied by quirky stores selling rare vinyl, handmade chocolates, custom drum kits and vintage fashion, Cooper-Young is one of those neighbourhoods you’ll never get bored of!
If you’re a foodie, try the artisanal coffee spots or have a drink at craft beer bars!
Those from the LGBT community may also find Cooper-Young to be a suitable neighbourhood as it is home to the Memphis Gay and Lesbian Community Center, which allows LGBT visitors and allies to interact.
3. Because Memphis Knows How To Celebrate Festivities!
If you’re moving to Memphis to leave behind the mundane life, then you’re doing it right! The people of Memphis are always looking out to celebrate! Where else would a city dedicate a whole month for festivities?
Memphis In May
Memphis in May may not sound THAT exciting, but in reality, it is a week-long international festival that celebrates food, music and diversity.
Festivities for Memphis in May includes
- The World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, one of the country’s most prestigious BBQ cooking competitions
- Great American River Run, where you can choose to take part in a 5k, 10k or a half-marathon
- Beale Street Music Festival, and
- The International Salute, where the city of Memphis celebrates a country so that attendees get to learn about and honour the country for that year. In 2022, Memphis will be honouring the history and culture of Ghana.
Beyond Memphis in May, the Memphis Zoo also drape lights and prepare an ice rink in the winter season in order to put everyone in a festive spirit!
4. Because The Cost Of Living Is Affordable
Managing your finances is an essential part of planning for a relocation. We have compiled the necessary information you may need, so you know how much to expenses to anticipate when you’re living in Memphis.
Image Credit: Unsplash
According to Payscale, the cost of living in Memphis is generally 17% lower than the national average! Let’s break this down a little bit more.
In terms of transportation, expenses like bus fares and gas prices are a whopping 11% lower than the national average. The cost of groceries is similar, where prices are about 9% lower than the national average.
Although expenses on utilities are 3% higher than the national average, this is compensated by the housing costs and expenses in Memphis, which are 34% lower than the national average.
If you are considering between Nashville or Memphis, we would recommend Memphis as the cost of living in Nashville could be slightly higher on the budget.
According to Numbeo, you would need around $3,974.94 in Memphis, TN to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $5,100.00 in Nashville, TN.
5. Because Memphis Is Home To A Diverse Set Of Key Industries
Located on the Mississippi River, Memphis has historically been one of the largest shipping hubs in the Mid-South. Now, the city is home to the second-largest cargo airport in the world (Memphis International Airport) and the world’s busiest domestic airport with 3.9 million metric tonnes.
As Memphis has been such an important city for transportation and shipping, the transportation and logistics industry is clearly one of the key industries in the city. Other key industries are:
- Agribusiness and Technology
- Food and Beverage Processing, and
- Medical Devices and Innovation
Due to Memphis being a transportation hub, it is attractive to businesses including 3 Fortune 500 companies, namely FedEx, AutoZone and International Paper Co..
As such, job opportunities are anticipated to be positive if you are living in Memphis so you don’t have to worry.
Conclusion About Moving To Memphis
So there you have it! The top 5 reasons why people are moving to Memphis! From the neighbourhoods and economy to the arts and festivities in the city, now you can make an informed decision about living in Memphis!
Whenever you’re ready to move, Sanelo is ready to serve you!
Thinking of finding out more about other nearby cities first? Read up on our guides to moving to St Louis and Kansas City!
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving To Memphis
What Is The Weather Like In Memphis?
Memphis has a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons.
During the summer, you can expect brief but frequent thunderstorms in afternoons and evenings.
Winters are mild to chilly, with a January daily average temperature of 42.1 °F (5.6 °C).
From late April to early June and from late August to mid-October, Memphis weather is perfect for warm-weather activities!
What Public Transportation Options Does Memphis Offer?
In Memphis, public transportation options include the trolley line and the Citywide Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) bus system.
The trolley line consists of 3 routes and can get you to Downtown Memphis and across the riverfront, while the MATA bus system runs 42 routes and connects neighbourhoods and the airport to downtown.
You can be assured that you will be able to access important destinations when you’re living in Memphis, even without a car.
Should I Engage A Professional Mover When I Move To Memphis?
Yes! Although it is convenient to travel to and from the Memphis International Airport, engaging a professional mover would still be best as they have been trained to handle your logistics with care. At Sanelo, we offer shipment protection so you’ll have peace of mind during your move!
How Much Does It Cost To Move To Memphis?
The cost of moving depends on many factors, including whether it is an international moving or a local moving. For a more accurate gauge, we suggest you contact us directly.