7 Reasons Memphis is One of the Best Places to Live in the South
There’s a different spirit that exists in the South. You can stumble upon it in stories, uncover it in treasured traditions, and taste it with a sip of sweet tea. Like every true Southerner knows, once you discover it, it’s hard to call any other region home. And we don’t blame ‘em. Some of the most fascinating cities are situated in the South, offering locals endless areas to explore and embrace with pride.
It’s almost impossible to discuss the South’s greatest cities without mentioning Memphis. Known for its barbecue, basketball and blues music, Bluff City brings its own personality to the land while still honoring the region’s loyalty to hospitality, soul food and storytelling.
Some of the top perks for Memphis residents include:
Cost of living: For years, Memphis has been ranked as one of the most affordable cities to live in on lists by Forbes, Money Crashers, Movotoand Newsmax. With the average price of apartments and house listings being fairly low, Memphis allows you to live in a big city without losing all of your savings.
Beale Street: With all of that “extra money,” it only makes sense to celebrate on the town. Ranked “America’s Most Iconic Street” by USA Today, Beale Street is bustling with locals and tourists every night of the week. Start the evening off right with a greasy delicacy from the world-famous Dyer’s Burgers, then begin bar hopping at the dozens of pubs, tap rooms and clubs that line the spirited street. No night out is complete until you’ve made it to Silky O’Sullivan’s, known for its live entertainment and diver buckets.
Barbecue: While Memphis has a scene to satisfy every food lover, ribs, sausage and brisket are considered the city’s bread and butter. The only issue is making the time to try them all. Hang out on the patio at Central BBQwhile sharing a plate of the oh-so-cheesy pork barbecue nachos, or opt for a more unique atmosphere while you indulge on a rack of ribs at Payne’s, housed in an old gas station. If special sauce is what you’re seeking, head to The Bar-B-Q Shopfor its award-winning, vinegar-based hot and mild sauces, or get your fix of sweet and tangy while licking your fingers from the hand-basted wet ribs at Corky’s Bar-B-Q. Can’t decide where to start? Try a little bit of everything at the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest during Memphis in May.
Music: With nicknames like “Home of the Blues” and “Birthplace of Rock ‘n Roll,” Memphis has been making music its top priority for decades now. After all, a music legend such as Elvis Presley doesn’t build an estate in a city just because. While visitors from all over the world come to visit Graceland, Memphis locals prefer to get their music inspiration at hot spots like B.B. King’s Blues Club,Mr. Handy’s Blues Halland Minglewood Hall. The city also plays host to Beale Street Music Festivaleach year, a celebration of sounds where chart-topping artists including Weezer, Train, Barenaked Ladies, Meghan Trainor and Modest Mouse have taken the stage in years past.
Sports: Seeing live games is easy in this Southern city. Basketball fans can get their fix at FedEx Forum as they cheer on the Memphis Grizzlies to victory, while baseball lovers can keep up with “America’s favorite pastime” by supporting the Memphis Redbirds at AutoZone Park. College football fans are in for a treat as they watch the Memphis Tigers take on high-ranking teams including the Ole Miss Rebels and Houston Cougars this season. In the mood to play some sports of your own? Fresh from a $50 million renovation, Shelby Farms Park offers everything from disc golf and paintball to horseback riding and boating.
Shopping: Locals who consider shopping a sport will find plenty of spots to perfect their skills. Memphis boasts a variety of world-class shopping centers such as Wolfchase Galleria, Carriage Crossing and Shops of Saddle Creek within close proximity to one another, making it easy to comparison shop in a single day. Seeking the name-brands you love at lower prices? Make the short drive to Tanger Outlets in Southaven, Mississippi for discounts on everything from Calvin Klein and Coach to Kate Spade and Tommy Bahama.
Museums: All ages and interests can find their favorite museum in Memphis. Head back into an important part of history as you visit the National Civil Rights Museumat the Lorraine Motel, where the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, or opt for a more upbeat tour as you intrigue your musical side at the Stax Museum of American Soul Musicand Memphis Rock ‘n Soul Museum. Other family favorites include the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, Children’s Museum of Memphisand The Cotton Museum.
Have we tempted you enough yet to make the move to Memphis? If so, contact our friendly team todayand find a Greystar apartment that fits your new Southern lifestyle.
