Memphis Warnings and Dangers
Memphis is a beautiful city with a terrific mix of historical interests and new attractions. Take a look at some of the possible dangers you might encounter while visiting the city, so that you can stay safe and enjoy your visit.
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Beale Street
If you’re walking on or around Beale street, you’re likely to encounter panhandlers asking for money. There are signs in the downtown area requesting that you do not give money or change to panhandlers. However, if you do feel inclined to give, don’t take out your wallet to do so. Most panhandlers are harmless, but there are thieves that will snatch your wallet if you bring it out. It’s safer to give loose change from your pocket or avoid giving money to panhandlers entirely.
Graceland
Graceland is a must-visit site for Elvis fans and history buffs, but the area can be dangerous, especially at night. Choose a hotel or motel in a safer part of the city, and plan a visit to Graceland during the day.
Take proper precautions when you do visit the Graceland area. If you drive, make sure to lock your car doors and don’t leave any valuables in plain sight inside your car while it’s parked. Car break-ins are not uncommon, and leaving an expensive item like a cell phone or camera on the front seat may inspire a robber to break your window, even if your car is securely locked up. If you walk, be alert and aware of your surroundings. If you have traveling companions, it’s always safer to go walking with a friend than by yourself.
Walking Downtown
When you want to check out the attractions downtown, you’ll find that many of them are in close enough proximity to each other to make it practical to walk. However, there are cabs and trolleys that will get you safely to your destination as well. It’s safer to use a cab or trolley at night, rather than walk too far through the downtown area, especially if you’re alone.
If you do walk, make sure to keep your wallet in your pocket or carry your purse close to your body. Don’t flash your cash or hold your wallet or purse where it could be easily snatched by someone passing by. Avoid wearing obviously expensive jewelry or calling attention to other expensive items that you might be carrying.
Driving
Drive with caution if you’re unfamiliar with the area and the local road rules. Keep your eyes open for drivers who run red lights, or who drive too slowly in the fast lane of the interstate. Staying aware of what other drivers are doing can help you avoid accidents.
By approaching your visit to Memphis with some commonsense precautions, you’ll avoid trouble and be able to spend your time enjoying your visit to the city.
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Editor’s Note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about warnings and dangers in Memphis.
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FAQs
Be aware of who's around you, keep an eye out for any suspicious activity or people, and trust your instincts if something doesn't feel right. Avoid walking alone at night: If you're going out at night, try to go with a group of people or take a taxi or ride-share service.
Is Memphis TN a safe place to live? ›
The Memphis Police Department oversees law and order, and they have a busy job keeping citizens safe – Memphis is safer than only 0.6 percent of the cities in the nation and you have a 1 in 13 chance of being a victim of crime here.
What is the safest part of Memphis? ›
Check out these five safe, affordable neighborhoods in Memphis!
- Cordova.
- East Memphis.
- Hickory Ridge-South Riverdale.
- Midtown.
- River Oaks-Kirby-Balmoral.
The city has seen a slight decline in overall crimes but compared to other cities nearby, Memphis still is very dangerous.
What do I need to know before moving to Memphis? ›
If you're thinking of moving to Memphis, here are 15 things you should know first!
- An affordable cost of living. ...
- The city is income tax-friendly. ...
- Lots of good educational options. ...
- You get to enjoy good music. ...
- There's plenty to keep the family entertained. ...
- The great outdoors are waiting. ...
- There are tons of festivals.
Having said that, the main tourist zones – Beale Street, South Main, Graceland – are usually well policed and as a visitor you are unlikely to get into trouble provided you take care at night, taking taxis and avoiding empty streets. In general, Downtown, Midtown, and East Memphis tend to be safer than South Memphis.
Is downtown Memphis safe at night? ›
Is Downtown Memphis Safe At Night? Walking around alone at night in downtown Memphis is not recommended, especially if you are a visitor to the area. Although there has been a major resurgence in police presence, late at night and early morning hours seem to remain prime times for increased criminal activity.
What is the safest city near Memphis? ›
- 5 Best Places To Live Near Memphis. Thinking about living in Memphis? Check out these places near Memphis that are considered best for living. ...
- Germantown, TN. Key Stats: Unemployment rate: 4.5 percent. ...
- Collierville, TN (tie) Key Stats: ...
- Arlington, TN (tie) Key Stats: ...
- Lakeland, TN. Key Stats: ...
- Hernando, MS. Key Stats:
Nashville- 70.42 safety score. Chattanooga- 60.54 safety score. Memphis- 58.47 safety score.
What is the most common crime in Memphis? ›
In addition, NeighborhoodScout found that a lot of the crime that takes place in Memphis is property crime. Property crimes that are tracked for this analysis are burglary, larceny over fifty dollars, motor vehicle theft, and arson.
Gangs in the Memphis area are concentrated in high crime black neighborhoods like College Park, Hollywood, Hickory Hill, Parkway Village, Westwood, Raleigh, Frayser, Orange Mound, Whitehaven, Binghampton, Klondike and Smokey City; their presence is also felt in the suburbs of Tipton County, Tennessee.
How safe is Beale Street? ›
Don't go to Beale Street alone, park in well-lit areas and you can always ask a security guard or police officer to escort you to the car. Always be on the lookout for someone trying to hustle you. If there's any kind of altercation, don't get closer to see what is happening. Go the other way.
Is Memphis safer than Chicago? ›
The homicide rate there is 17.9 per 100,000 people. Using Memphis' numbers and the same math... Memphis far exceeds the windy city with 23.5 per 100,000 people. All of this means five more people are killed in Memphis per 100,000 than in Chicago.
Why are houses in Memphis so cheap? ›
Because much of the Memphis population are renters, there is a low vacancy rate. Once you've purchased a property, you will likely find tenants easily and benefit immediately from the rental by charging more than the mortgage payment.
Is Graceland in a safe area? ›
Graceland. Graceland is a must-visit site for Elvis fans and history buffs, but the area can be dangerous, especially at night. Choose a hotel or motel in a safer part of the city, and plan a visit to Graceland during the day.
Is Memphis a healthy city? ›
Memphis was the unhealthiest Tennessee city, ranking at 148 out of 150 overall. The study found San Francisco to be the country's healthiest city. The least healthy city is Detroit.
