Thinking about moving to Memphis? Bluff City is known for its thriving job market, rich musical heritage, Southern hospitality, and budget-friendly housing—making Memphis one of the best affordable cities to call home. The best neighborhoods in Memphis are known for their low crime rates and affordable housing options. With quick access to excellent amenities, these Memphis neighborhoods offer residents of all ages a high quality of life without breaking the bank. Here are five affordable and safe neighborhoods in Memphis!
| Neighborhood | Cordova | East Memphis | Hickory Ridge-South Riverdale | Midtown | River Oaks-Kirby-Balmoral |
| Median Home Price | $168,247 | $147,292 | $105,147 | $128,531 | $184,124 |
| Median Rent Price | $1,312 | $999 | $1,182 | $871 | $1,159 |
| Safer than % of City Neighborhoods | 77% | 0% | 62% | 0% | 69% |
| Owner-Occupied Household Rate | 55.3% | 54.6% | 50.2% | 44.3% | 47% |
Is Memphis a Safe Place to Live in 2025?
Memphis is a vibrant city that offers areas with varying crime rates. Though the overall crime rate in Memphis is high compared to the national average, the city saw a decrease in crime in 2024. In addition, crime tends to be concentrated in certain areas, like Downtown Memphis. That said, there are plenty of safe places to live in Memphis, such as Cordova, East Memphis, Midtown, and more.
Cordova
Photo via @giniawilliams
- Home Price: $168,247 median purchase price; $1,312 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 77% of Memphis neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Looking for a safe Memphis neighborhood away from the hustle and bustle of city life? Located 30 minutes east of Downtown Memphis, Cordova is a great option! Even though housing prices are on the higher side, they’re still below the national average. Memphis residents can find large Ranches, Neocolonial, and Federal-style houses on good-sized lots, making this neighborhood a desirable option. As a family-friendly neighborhood, Cordova offers close proximity to schools like Cordova Middle School and Cordova High School. But what families really love about living in this neighborhood is access to public green space and the programming at Bert Ferguson Park & Community Center!
Things to Do in Cordova
Shop the latest fashion trends, see a movie, or grab a bite to eat at Wolfchase Galleria, the largest indoor shopping center in Memphis. Go roller skating with friends and family at Cordova Skating Center. Check out a new book, attend Storytime with your kids, or join a book club at the Cordova Library. Order Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dishes such as Baba Ganoush, the Shawarma Platter, or Moussaka, and save room for a piece of Baklava at Casbah Restaurant. Order Memphis BBQ favorites such as the Pork Shoulder + Beef Brisket Combo or the Smoked Pulled Chicken Dinner at One & Only BBQ. Try Crispy Tofu, Pho Bo Vien, or Chicken Vermicelli at Green Bamboo Noodle House. Savor traditional Mexican dishes such as Blackened Fish Tacos, Burritos Verdes, or Carne Asada at My Favorite Place. Fill up on the Chili Cheese Fries or Chicken Philly, and have a Funnel Cake or Pink Lemonade Snow Cone for dessert at Jerry’s Snow Cones.
Q: Where is the most affordable place to live in Memphis?
A: Though Memphis is filled with many affordable neighborhoods, Hickory Ridge-South Riverdale is known for its budget-friendly housing prices and rental rates. Housing costs in Hickory Ridge-South Riverdale fall 23% below the national average, making it one of Memphis’s most affordable neighborhoods. Other areas that offer affordable homes in Memphis, TN include East Memphis, Midtown, and more.
East Memphis
Photo via @frontporchpropertiestn
- Home Price: $147,292 median purchase price; $999 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 0% of Memphis neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Students, singles, young professionals, families, retirees
One of the largest neighborhoods in the city, East Memphis brings the best of suburban living and urban amenities together! Home to the University of Memphis, East Memphis is one of the best places for college students. Slightly removed from the city center, singles and young professionals will like living in this neighborhood for its quick access to the Memphis metro. And residents of all ages will find a variety of affordable housing options ranging from apartments and trendy townhomes to Craftsman bungalows!
Things to Do in East Memphis
Shop handmade goods for men, women, and kids at City & State, a retail and craft coffee store. Relax by the lake, play a game of tennis at the Leftwich Tennis Center, or visit the Memphis Botanic Garden at Audubon Park. Gaze at the stars at the Planetarium, tour the Pink Palace Mansion, or marvel at dinosaur skeletons at the Memphis Museum of Science & History. Let the kids dig for dinosaurs, stock the shelves at the grocery store, or learn about the Mississippi River at The Children’s Museum of Memphis. Dig into Cinnamon Roll Pancakes, Biscuits & Gravy, or the San Diegan Open Face Omelet paired with Cafe Au Lait at nationally-acclaimed breakfast diner Brother Juniper’s. Order French-Creole dishes like a bowl of Charred Sweet Corn & Jalapeno, Crab Au Gratin, or a Smoked Pork Loin Sandwich at Iris. Grab a seat on the patio and devour homestyle eats like Chicken Tenders, Mushroom Swiss Sliders, or the Club Sandwich at Patrick’s. Or for classic Italian dishes with a southern flair, order Chicken & Dumplings, Collards + Hominy, or a Red Eye Pizza at Hog & Hominy.
Q: Is Memphis safe?
A: While Memphis may not be as safe as other Tennessee cities, there are still a variety of neighborhoods with low crime rates you can settle down in, such as East Memphis, Hickory Ridge-South Riverdale, River Oaks-Kirby-Balmoral, and more. As with any major city, some parts of Memphis experience higher crime rates than others—so it’s best to research safe Memphis neighborhoods before moving.
Hickory Ridge-South Riverdale
Photo via @alancrenshaw1
- Home Price: $105,147 median purchase price; $1,182 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 62% of Memphis neighborhoods
- Perfect for: Singles, young professionals, families
Looking for a safe neighborhood that won’t break the bank? Check out Hickory Ridge-South Riverdale! Close to the Tennessee-Mississippi state line, this southern Memphis neighborhood is a bit removed from the city center, making it a quiet place to live. This affordable area offers a variety of housing styles ranging from apartments and townhomes to Colonial and American Foursquare homes. And with the Memphis International Airport about 15 minutes away, Hickory Ridge-South Riverdale is a great spot for frequent travelers!
Things to Do in Hickory Ridge-South Riverdale
Watch the kids ride the carousel or go shopping at Hickory Ridge Mall. Play 18 holes or learn how to perfect your swing with golf lessons at The Links at Fox Meadows. Play a game of tennis, swim laps in the indoor pool, or enjoy a picnic with the family at Hickory Hill Park & Community Center. Play a game of football or basketball at Arthur Halle Stadium, or let the kids burn some energy on the playground at Flowering Peach Park. Try Fried Green Tomatoes, a Hand-Breaded Shrimp Po-Boy, or a Grilled Country Catfish Fillet paired with Fried Okra from A&J’s Catfish Station Memphis. Stop by Chicken Coop—known for having the best hot wings in the Memphis area—to snack on Honey Hot or Mango Habanero Wings. Savor a Meat Lover Pizza or Philly Steak Sub from East Memphis Pizza & Subs. Experience fine dining in Memphis by ordering Rack of Lamb, Shrimp & Grits, or a Ribeye at Prive.
Q: Is Memphis or Nashville more affordable?
A: Living in Memphis is significantly less expensive than living in Nashville. The cost of living in Memphis is 14% lower than the U.S. average, while the cost of living in Nashville is 8% higher than the national average. Despite being a relatively big city with plenty of amenities, Memphis has a wide range of budget-friendly housing options and is considered one of the most affordable cities in the U.S.!
Midtown
Photo via @frontporchpropertiestn
- Home Price: $128,531 median purchase price; $871 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 0% of Memphis neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Students, singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Midtown in Central Memphis is one of the best neighborhoods in Memphis for singles and young professionals. Located just east of Downtown Memphis, this artsy neighborhood is full of nightlife and restaurants, making it a great option for those who want to live, work, and play close to the city center. This urban area also has plenty of room for outdoor recreation thanks to Overton Park, a 342-acre community space. Midtown housing options range from apartments to Craftsman-style bungalows. The neighborhood is also a prime spot for college students pursuing an education at Rhodes College, as well as healthcare professionals studying or working in the Memphis Medical District.
Things to Do in Midtown
See cheetahs and red pandas, walk through the aquarium, attend a sea lion show, and view over 4,500 other animals at the Memphis Zoo. Tour Sun Studio to see where Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley recorded their albums. Attend professional plays like Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 and Jersey Boys at local Playhouse on the Square. Gather a group for karaoke, attend trivia night, or catch incredible drag shows at LGBTQ-friendly Dru’s Bar. Listen to live music while enjoying Jambalaya Pasta, Shrimp and Grits, or a Griddle Burger at Lafayette’s Music Room. Start your morning with a Dancing Cappuccino, Grit Bowl, or Brioche French Toast from Cafe Eclectic. Grab a Cup of Crawfish Etouffee, a Fried Gulf Oyster Poboy, or Creole Ratatouille with Rice at Cajun-Creole spot The Second Line. Get your fix of Latin-American cuisine at Babalu with a Roasted Chicken Taco or Shrimp & Chorizo Skillet paired with a Spicy Guava Rita.
Q: Is Memphis a safe place to live for singles and young professionals?
A: Memphis can be a safe place for singles and young professionals to live, but some areas are safer than others. Neighborhoods like Hickory Ridge-South Riverside and River Oaks-Kirby-Balmoral offer quick access to top amenities while boasting relatively low crime rates, making these areas ideal for young residents.
River Oaks-Kirby-Balmoral
Photo via @hobson_realtors
- Home Price: $184,124 median purchase price; $1,159 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 69% of Memphis neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Right off I-240, River Oaks-Kirby-Balmoral offers easy access to the Memphis metro but is far enough from the busy city center to give residents a true suburban feel. Households of all sizes can find housing options ranging from apartments to large Colonial-style homes. Professionals working in the healthcare industry will appreciate living close to Saint Francis Hospital, and families looking for highly-rated private schools in Memphis can take advantage of opportunities at Memphis University School and Westminster Academy. Locals also appreciate having easy access to community events like the Memphis Bacon & Bourbon Festival at the FedEx Event Center!
Things to Do in River Oaks-Kirby-Balmoral
Go horseback riding, ride your bike along the trails, or spend a day out on the lakes at Shelby Farms Park—one of the largest urban parks in the U.S.! Learn how to rock climb, take a strength and conditioning class, or relax with a yoga class at High Point Climbing and Fitness. Walk the hiking trails while admiring native plants and trees or learn about local wildlife at Lichterman Nature Center. Play a game of soccer at Walter May Park, or sign the whole family up for tennis at Wolbrecht Tennis Center. Grab brunch favorites, from French Toast to Biscuits & Gravy at Amerigo. Stop for Salmon BLT, Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes, or a Tenderloin French Dip at River Oaks Restaurant. Try dishes like Edamame, Chicken Tempura Udon, or a Philadelphia Roll at Red Koi Japanese Cuisine. Or indulge in a Banana Nutella Cream Pop or a Cranberry Lemonade Fruit Pop at Mempops.
Q: What is the safest neighborhood in Memphis?
A: Cordova, East Memphis, Hickory Ridge-South Riverdale, Midtown, and River Oaks-Kirby-Balmoral are some of the safest neighborhoods in Memphis. These areas are known for having friendly communities, excellent amenities, and low crime rates.
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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
