Why Memphis is One of the South’s Best Cities to Call Home

Memphis, Tennessee is a historic city along the Mississippi River known for its status as an entertainment and dining hub. Let’s look at some of the traits that make Memphis one of the best places to live in the country. 

For most, the first thing that comes to mind when they think of Memphis is music. Memphis has played an instrumental role in the development of blues, rock and roll, and soul music, with artists including Elvis Presley and B.B. King having spent significant periods of time in the city. Visitors can learn about the city’s association with music at the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum and the Blues Hall of Fame. Its musical legacy lives on today, as it is one of the best cities in the country for live music, housing countless venues and hosting major events, including the Beale Street Music Festival. 

Memphis is also an iconic food destination. Renowned across the U.S. as arguably the country’s barbecue capital, you can taste mouthwatering Memphis BBQ at the many delicious local eateries in the area. The city’s soul food options are also world-class. 

Unlike some other major cities across the country, you’ll be able to find home options in Memphis at affordable prices. According to Redfin, the median sale price for a home in Memphis was $180,000 in March 2023. This is much lower than the national average and significantly lower than the Tennessee state median sales price, which was $384,800 in August 2022, according to Houzeo.com. 

While the Memphis economy has dealt with some ups and downs throughout its history, today, it is a diverse economic hub that is a key part of the Tennessee economy. Memphis has recently diversified its economy and is now an epicenter for manufacturing, finance, and retail. It is home to several headquarters and major operational centers of businesses, including FedEx, Nike, and First Horizon. 

Memphis’s urban environment certainly contributes to its status as one of the best places to live in the South, but it also has a nature-driven appeal that residents and visitors can’t get enough of. Experiencing the beauty of the Mississippi River is easy at Memphis’s waterfront parks and boat launches.

Those in Memphis can also easily immerse themselves in nature at Shelby Farms Park, one of the largest urban parks in the country. It spreads across 4,500 acres, which is more than five times the size of Central Park. Also, Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park is a large natural area along the Mississippi River popular for biking, hiking, and canoeing. For a relaxed and scenic stroll in the city, visit the Memphis Botanic Garden, which has 96 acres of immaculately landscaped public gardens.