Elvis Presley is Memphis’s most famous past resident, and his mansion, Graceland, still attracts over 500,000 visitors a year to this vibrant musical city. Other famous Memphis locals include Morgan Freeman, Justin Timberlake, and Aretha Franklin.
While most of these celebs have moved on to other locations, the city still has plenty of star attractions that make living here worthwhile.
Here’s why living in Memphis is a great idea for almost everyone.
-
Mild Winter Weather
If a freezing white Christmas isn’t your idea of a good time, Memphis is a great destination for you. Memphis boasts exceptionally mild winter weather, with minimal snowfall and average temperatures.
You’ll rarely experience temperatures below freezing on the coldest winter days, and high temperatures at this time often rise well into the 50s.
Summers stretch from May to September, and are hot and balmy, with long days perfect for enjoying some of the city’s many parks, outdoor attractions, and festivals.
You’ll find plenty to keep you busy in Memphis, including hiking and biking trails, horseback riding, and interactive playgrounds for the kids.
On the hottest days, dramatic thunderstorms provide cool comfort from the humidity and heat.
-
Income Tax Benefits
Memphis has no personal income tax. That means you pay no interest on your earnings, whether they originate from your job or investments.
Having no income tax to worry about alleviates a lot of financial stress for many people, and is a huge motivation for moving to Memphis.
No income tax is a fantastic way to ensure you have more of your money left to enjoy your life in Memphis, plus the low cost of living means you get even more bang for your buck when you live in this city.
-
The Low Cost of Living in Memphis
Despite being the second-biggest metropolis in Tennessee, the cost of living in Memphis is 24% lower than in the rest of Tennessee. When you live here, you’ll pay 7% less than the national average for essentials like utilities, health care, and groceries.
Some surveys rank Memphis as the fourth-cheapest place to live in the USA when you take living expenses and taxes into account.
That makes Memphis one of the cheapest cities to live in Tennessee and the USA. Living in a low-cost city simply makes sense, especially when you’re raising a family.
-
Affordable Homes
The average price of a home in Memphis is around 13% less than the median home value in Tennessee and 12% lower than the national average. So, despite the recent upsurge in real estate prices nationwide, it’s still one of the most affordable places to buy a home.
Likewise, rental properties are much more affordable than elsewhere, so if you have a job that pays reasonably well, you can live comfortably in Memphis.
-
A Cordial Work Environment
The top employers in Memphis include the transportation and warehousing industries, as well as healthcare and social assistance.
Although Memphis has had a slow job market for years, things are changing rapidly in the city. Employment rates are steadily increasing in 2022, with five straight months of record increases in employment figures.
This is largely due to an increased demand for tech and construction workers.
Whatever field you choose in Memphis, you’re bound to enjoy your time at the office. The city consistently tops the polls for happiest workplaces in the country.
-
Great Education Opportunities
Memphis boasts an excellent public school education system, especially in the Midtown and East Memphis areas, as well as neighboring Germantown. You’ll find no shortage of private schools to choose from if your budget stretches that far.
What’s more, there’s a great choice of colleges in the area, including:
- The University of Memphis
- Rhodes College
- Christian Brothers University
Thanks to the Tennessee Promise Program, students can attend community colleges free of charge, with the Promise Program covering all their tuition and fees.
This initiative also offers an excellent mentoring program to help children transition seamlessly from high school to more serious higher education opportunities.
-
Fantastic Entertainment
Beale Street is one of the most famous areas in Memphis. Located in the downtown area, it’s widely considered the birthplace of blues music, and it’s packed with pubs, clubs, and cafés celebrating this achievement.
You can also enjoy several museums and theaters dedicated to the art of music, including:
- The Orpheum Theatre
- Stax Museum of American Soul Music
- Cannon Center for Performing Arts, home of the Symphony Orchestra
Every year, the Beale Street Music Festival pays homage to the city’s musical roots with live performances and delicious eats. The Memphis In May International Festival includes a month of musical excellence for locals and visitors to enjoy.
If you ever get your fill of soulful tunes, you’ll find plenty of other activities to keep you occupied, like:
- The Downtown Riverfront
- The Wolf River Greenway
- Shelby Farms Park
- Memphis Botanic Garden and the Memphis Zoo
- Schwab is one of the most iconic stores in America, featuring a huge range of kooky curios and gifts. If you’re looking for souvenirs, trinkets, homemade crafts, or even black magic hoodoo charms, you’ll find them at this incredible family-run store.
Are You Keen to Make Your Move?
Is living in Memphis a good option for you? Most likely it is, although this city, like all others, also has some drawbacks. These include limited public transport options coupled with high sales tax.
If you think these things are a small price to pay for the many benefits of living in this thriving city, why not inquire further about making the move today?
Are you curious to discover more great lifestyle choices? Browse our blog for all the best information on a wide range of topics.
