The second largest city in Tennessee, Memphis is full of things to love. This soulful city will fill your stomach with some of the best bbq, affordable living, top employers, and a network of top notch medical facilities and doctors. Here are 10 things to know before packing your bags for Memphis.
Affordable Living
One of the biggest reasons why people love Memphis is its low cost of living. Based on the most recent report from MAAR data (April 2022), the average home purchase price is $225,000 as compared to the national average of $392,000. Upon moving to Memphis from New York City, my husband and I enjoyed a 50% reduction in cost of living making the move South. As if that doesn’t make your pocket book smile, Memphis also enjoys more sunny days than Orlando.
Top Companies/Job Market
Memphis is home to major employers and corporations, including FedEx, AutoZone, International Paper, and St. Jude giving the city a vaste opportunity of job opportunities. With this, you can find Memphis filled with top business minds and medical talent. If career stability, advancement, and opportunity are what you’re looking for in a city, look no further than Memphis.
Lakes/Nature
With all of the warm sunshine provided by Memphis weather, you’ll want a place to enjoy the outdoors. Several nearby lakes provide the quick getaway or secondary home living to take advantage of. Within Memphis, you can find Shelby Farms, one of the largest urban parks in the nation. You’ll find Memphians at Pickwick Lake, Greers Ferry, Horseshoe Lake, and Tunica Lake many summer weekends taking advantage of the short commute to lake life.
City of BBQ
The smokey aroma of BBQ cooking fills the streets and neighborhoods of Memphis. Don’t believe the hype? Just check with the Travel Channel and the Food Network and come visit us for BBQ in May. A true Memphis stakes their claim on their favorite BBQ joint and argues it with passion. There are over 100 BBQ places to choose from so come prepared to try them all so you can decide who is at the top of your list!
Income Tax Friendly
Everyone hates taxes. Why not live in Tennessee where you pay no state income tax? If you’re retired, that means you pay no state income tax on Social Security benefits, IRA withdrawals from your 401K, and payouts from your pension. Property tax rate for Tennessee homeowners is $636 per $100,000 of the assessed home value. Warm weather, low taxes, and reasonable home prices? Yes, please!
Sports Teams
Memphis Grit and Grind! Be prepared to become a sports enthusiast if you’re not already. Three major sports teams play within a mile of each other and include the Memphis Grizzlies (NBA), Memphis Redbirds (MiLB), and the Memphis Tigers (NCAA). You’ll be swept up in the passion and fun of catching a game at one of these events. And if you’re lucky enough to catch a playoff NBA season, you’ll be swinging a growl towel with the expertise only a Memphian can have.
Medical Care
With St. Jude being headquartered in Memphis, you can count on a great network of doctors, hospitals, staff, and neighbors all looking out for one another. Several Memphis-area hospitals have been recognized by U.S. News & World Report for their high quality of care. Local hospitals are some of the top rated health areas, including colon and lung cancer surgeries, heart attack, heart failure and diabetes care. When you need care, time is important. Having the right people, including health care professionals and neighbor/friend support is crucial.
Family Friendly Activities
Looking for family friendly activities? There are plenty of things for kids and families to do in Memphis! The Memphis Zoo is one of the few US zoos that house pandas. There are over 4500 animals to view and explore. There are also seasonal events to enjoy throughout the year. Bass Pro Shops on the Mississippi River provides an experience that everyone loves full of an aquarium, interactive museum, bowling alley, and archery range. The Children’s Museum and Pink Palace also provide a fun mix of entertainment and historical knowledge.
Memphis In May
Memphis in May International Festival is a month-long celebration of music, food, and diversity. Memphis in May traditionally kicks off with the Beale Street Music Festival. Top music acts descend upon Memphis for a weekend full of music and fun. Next up is the BBQ festival. Teams from all around the world come to compete while others come just to check out the incredible tent setup and savor in the smell. Rounding out the festivities in 2022 are the Great River Run and the International Salute celebrating a different country every year and exploring its diversity.
History/Culture
You can’t mention Memphis without calling out Graceland. Take a tour of Graceland and fully immerse yourself in Elvis’s journey through life. The Stax Museum of American Soul Music is perfect to get a glimpse into the era where soul music started. While Memphis is rich in music history, it’s also home to major historical moments, including the American Civil Rights Movement. Located at the former Lorraine Motel where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, the National Civil Rights Museum is one of the must see things in Memphis. Memphis is also a great place to enjoy all things performing arts, including the Orpheum Theatre and Cannon Center, which bring in major Broadway productions.
Click here to learn more about me and how I can help you with your real estate needs. Whether Memphis or Pickwick, primary home or investment, I’m happy to offer my services. Contact me at 901-468-7030 or Marygrodskyrealtor@gmail.com
Mary Grodsky, Crye-Leike Realtors
E: Marygrodskyrealtor@gmail.com
C: 901-468-7030
O: 901-756-8900
