After waking up to an alarm, commuting, and walking into the same workplace every day for decades, retirement is exciting for many Americans. It means having more free time to spend with loved ones, travel, or explore your city.
New retirees may struggle to occupy the time they once spent at work, especially if they live somewhere with little to do, a high cost of living, or an undesirable climate. Memphis, TN, is growing in popularity because it ticks all the boxes as an ideal retirement destination.
Memphis offers a lively downtown area with award-winning restaurants, boutiques, cultural landmarks, and live music venues. Outside the city center, you’ll find over 100 shopping centers, malls, and markets, the 4,500-acre Shelby Farms urban park, and dozens of walking trails. Memphis’ affordable cost of living and mild climate allow retirees to enjoy all the city’s best aspects.
Benefits of Retiring in Memphis
Memphis is the largest city in Tennessee. It sits along the Mississippi and Wolf rivers and offers residents and visitors countless opportunities for enjoyment. That’s why it’s quickly becoming a hotspot for individuals over 60.
Here are a few reasons why more and more people choose to retire in Memphis:
- Countless sights and activities to stay entertained
- A surprisingly low cost of living despite being the largest city in the state
- A mild climate ideal for getting outside in all seasons
- Convenient transportation options
- An impressive healthcare system
- Safe and desirable neighborhoods for retirees
Endless Entertainment
Memphis offers something for everyone. Retirees can explore the National Civil Rights Museum, iconic Sun Studio, Graceland, and all the action along Beale Street. The city is also home to over 150 parks, occupying 5,600 acres of land. Whether you’re looking for an unforgettable meal, live music, a round of golf, or outdoor adventures, Memphis has it all.
Low Cost of Living
A significant reason why retirees ask, “Is Memphis a good place to retire?” is because cities often have a higher cost of living than smaller towns. The cost of living in Memphis is 13% below the national average, and housing is 20% below the national average. You can stretch your retirement dollars farther in the city known as the “Birthplace of Rock ‘n Roll.”
Mild, Comfortable Climate
It’s challenging to fully enjoy your retirement years if the weather is often too cold to go outside. Memphis has a humid subtropical climate, meaning hot, humid summers and short, mild winters. Some days in July and August can be discouragingly hot, but most of the year offers comfortable weather for getting outside and enjoying all the city and its green spaces offer.
Numerous Transportation Options
Getting to and from Memphis is easy via Memphis International Airport, offering direct flights to dozens of cities throughout North America. Memphis also sits along an Amtrak route, traveling from Chicago to New Orleans. Greyhound and Megabus connect residents and visitors to numerous other destinations throughout the country.
The Memphis Area Transit Authority also makes moving throughout the city easy and affordable. Buses and vintage rail trolleys service 280 square miles throughout the city. You don’t have to drive to explore and sightsee in Memphis if you don’t want to.
World-Class Health Care
Health care is a common area of concern among retirees. Memphis continuously ranks as one of the top health care cities in the country. From dentistry to heart health, mental health, and orthopedics, Memphis is home to the doctors, hospitals, treatment centers, and private clinics to help you live your retirement years to the fullest.
The following are some of the most esteemed medical facilities in the city:
- The University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC)
- St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
- Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis
- Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center
- Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital
- Memphis Mental Health Institute
Neighborhoods for Retirees
Memphis welcomes retirees with open arms; however, some neighborhoods are ideal for retired individuals. These areas offer an affordable cost of living, easy access to medical care, and various amenities directed toward seniors.
East Memphis
Retirees can’t go wrong when choosing East Memphis as a settling place. This upscale neighborhood is its own miniature city with commercial areas, top-rated restaurants, and unique sights. Families enjoy visiting the Children’s Museum of Memphis, exploring the University of Memphis campus, and perusing the Memphis Botanic Garden. East Memphis is a safe and activity-packed community with quiet residential areas perfect for retirees.
River Oaks
River Oaks is one of the nicest and safest neighborhoods in Memphis. This quiet community is home to about 42,000 residents and is known for large estate homes, outdoor recreation areas, and spacious wooded lots. Living in one of the most exclusive and secure neighborhoods in the city comes with a price tag, as home prices average $600,000.
Southwind
Southwind is a picturesque gated community that is also one of the most prestigious in the city. Home prices range from $200,000 into the millions. However, the safety and lively community feel are what attract most residents. Southwind is home to the TPC Southwind golf course and the Windyke Country Club, where retirees can play tennis and golf or take part in various social activities.
Big League Movers is here to help you relocate to the charming, warm, and affordable city of Memphis. We’re a full-service moving company specializing in residential and commercial moves of all sizes. Let us take care of the packing, heavy lifting, and other stresses of moving, so you can start exploring your new city.
Request your free quote today!
