Memphis is a thriving city overflowing with culture, award-winning restaurants and entertainment for the whole family. The city has an allure that attracts roughly 10 million visitors each year, and it’s no surprise that some decide to relocate and call Memphis home. The “Home of the Blues” is more than its rich music history and unrivaled barbecue cuisine. It’s a city that, despite its former rough reputation, is an ideal place to raise a family.
Memphis is home to numerous welcoming and safe neighborhoods for families, whether you love urban living or are seeking a quieter life in the suburbs. Areas such as Cordova, Evergreen and East Memphis offer excellent schools, family-friendly attractions and low crime rates.
There are countless reasons to move to Memphis. Learn more about what makes the area so special, as well as the best neighborhoods in Memphis for families.
Benefits of Family Life in Memphis
Life in Memphis is unlike anywhere else in the world. Tourists flock to the city to see Graceland, the former home of Elvis Presley, and Sun Studios, where Johnny Cash and B.B. King recorded albums. The music history still floods downtown streets day and night.
However, there’s far more to Memphis than rock and roll. The city offers countless benefits to families who call it home, including an affordable cost of living, a comfortable climate, excellent schools, a thriving job market and more.
Memphis’ Low Cost of Living
Many families do not consider moving to cities because of the higher cost of living. Memphis’ overall cost of living is 13% below the national average. Healthcare costs in Memphis are 12% below the national average, and housing costs are a remarkable 20% below the national average. Relocating is a practical financial choice for many families.
A Mild Climate
An active and healthy lifestyle can be difficult for families living in extremely hot or cold climates. Memphis generally sees mild weather, with 62 degrees Fahrenheit as the average annual temperature. July and August can be hot and muggy, but the surrounding months are ideal for enjoying all the area’s outdoor activities.
Excellent Schools
Parents will be happy to know that the Memphis-Shelby County School System is Tennessee’s largest public school district and is home to numerous top-rated public and private schools. The average number of students per classroom in the district is just 17.
Memphis offers many opportunities for higher education, including the University of Memphis, Christian Brothers University, Rhodes College and the University of Tennessee Health Science Center.
Thriving Job Market
Memphis’ job market was 2.1% higher in 2022 than the year prior, and job growth is expected to rise 36.6% in the next 10 years. Popular industries in the area include manufacturing, retail, health care, social assistance, and accommodation and food services, among others. Families can feel confident about joining Memphis’ thriving job market.
Family-Friendly Attractions
Many tourists head to Memphis for the music, but they come back for the city’s countless attractions. You’ll quickly realize the “Birthplace of Rock ‘n Roll” is a surprisingly family-friendly city.
Beyond Graceland and Sun Studios, there’s the Memphis Zoo, National Civil Rights Museum, Children’s Museum of Memphis, Fire Museum of Memphis and the Shelby Farms Park Conservancy. There are countless museums, entertainment centers, sporting events and outdoor spaces for families to explore.
The Best Neighborhoods for Families
The best Memphis neighborhoods for families have low crime rates and excellent schools. Many families also search for neighborhoods with parks, family-friendly entertainment options and nearby amenities such as grocery stores and restaurants. The following neighborhoods are some of the best for families moving to Memphis.
Cordova
Cordova is widely known as one of the best Memphis suburbs for families. The esteemed Memphis School of Excellence is here, as well as many family-friendly attractions, including the Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park and the Cordova Skating Center. Cordova has a low crime rate and shopping centers to run almost every errand without heading into the city center.
East Memphis
East Memphis is a favorite neighborhood among families and retirees for its low crime rate and upscale feel. Some of the city’s best restaurants are in East Memphis, as well as the Memphis Botanic Garden, Children’s Museum of Memphis and the University of Memphis. Here, you’ll find gorgeous ranch-style homes, Whole Foods, upscale shopping centers and the scenic Shelby Farms Greenline, leading to Shelby Farms Park.
Evergreen
Evergreen is less suburban than the neighborhoods listed above and is a favorite among young families. Its central location makes it easy for professionals to get to the University of Memphis, downtown and the Medical District. The Evergreen Historic District is home to historic, single-family homes ideal for raising a family close to parks, the zoo, and downtown.
High Point Terrace
High Point Terrace is another favorite neighborhood among families for its walkability and easy access to beloved city sights. It’s a short distance from the Memphis Botanic Garden, the University of Memphis and the zoo. High Point Terrace is one of the most expensive neighborhoods in the city, but its central location between Shelby Farms Park and downtown is worth the price to many Memphis residents.
Big League Movers is a full-service moving company ready to take the stress out of your move to Memphis. Let us handle the packing, loading, unloading and more, so you can enjoy all your new city has to offer.
Contact us for a free estimate today!