Your Guide to Relocating to Memphis

Memphis is one of the largest cultural centers in the United States. It’s home to many prolific entertainers —  past and present — plus historic monuments and a thriving local economy. If you’re looking to move to Memphis, read on to learn more about the city and how to find the right property.

Things to Consider When You’re Moving to Memphis

Whether you’re looking to move to Memphis out of necessity or have chosen the city because you enjoy its regional climate and culture, there are some factors you should be aware of before you decide to move. The top things you should think about and plan for include:

• What type of neighborhood you want to move into 
• Your monthly budget for rent, food, utilities, entertainment and transportation
• The cost of living in Memphis to help you determine whether you’re able to live within your budget
• Whether you or your spouse can find employment easily after making your move

Rental Homes in Memphis: A Guide to Memphis Neighborhoods

The cost of living in major cities can vary from one neighborhood to the next, and Memphis has many distinct neighborhoods that each have their pros and cons. Property values, proximity to local attractions and the quality of your local school system may all impact your bottom line. When you’re deciding where you’d like to live, try to balance your needs and wants, so you’re not overpaying.

Here are the most notable neighborhoods in Memphis.

East Memphis

Many people describe this neighborhood as suburbia within a large city. It offers excellent access to education (both public schools and private schools), local shops and entertainment. East Memphis also offers access to public transit if this is a requirement.

Germantown

An official suburb of Memphis, Germantown is one of the area’s most upscale neighborhods and is also home to one of the largest urban parks in the United States. Shelby Farms Park is over 4,500 acres, making Germantown an ideal location for anyone who enjoys outdoor activities and family outings in an urban environment. Learn more about what it's like to live in Germantown, TN.

Midtown Memphis

The Midtown area of the city is less ideal for families and more geared toward young singles. It offers plenty of things to do, from music shows to extravagant restaurants and clubs. It’s also close to Overton Park, which is one of the city’s famous attractions. 

Downtown

Living in downtown puts you at the heart of the action. Properties located downtown are within walking distance of many seasonal events and activities, including food and music festivals. You’re also close to public transportation, shopping centers and some great restaurants. 

Cordova

Cordova is a suburb of Memphis in Shelby County in Tennessee. This couples-friendly town has a population of just over 37,000, with approximately half married. Cordova is home to the Vantage Point Golf Center, a driving range on Macon Road. Home buyers can search the Revid Realty website for Cordova homes for sale. Read more about what it's like to live in Cordova, TN.

Collierville

The Memphis suburb of Collierville is a town with approximately 51,594 residents. It borders Piperton and Germantown, among other neighborhoods. Residents can patronize the businesses on Main Street or spend time at the Morton Museum of Collierville History to learn more about the town, starting at its founding in 1836. Prospective home buyers should expect to pay a median price of $468,200.

Bartlett

Once a stagecoach stop, the town of Bartlett was incorporated in 1866. Today it has almost 60,000 residents. For a full calendar of events year-round, visitors can flock to the Bartlett Performing Arts and Conference Center. Most residents own their homes, with the median price being approximately $306,700. 

Lakeland

Lakeland in Shelby County has a population of approximately 13,772 residents. It’s home to the county’s largest lake — spread out in 241 acres, Garner Lake is a scenic centerpiece. Many homes line the shoreline, indulging residents with a beautiful view every minute of the day. Prospective residents who would prefer to rent can search for Lakeland rentals on the Revid Realty website.

DeSoto County, Mississippi

Just south of Memphis and right across the state line, DeSoto County in Mississippi offers inexpensive housing and plenty of variety in home sizes and features. Cities in DeSoto County include Olive Branch, Southaven, Hernando and Horn Lake.

Things to Do in Memphis: Attractions, Events and Dining

There's plenty to keep you entertained in and around the city of Memphis. You may find yourself discovering something new at every turn for a long time after moving to this cultural center. Here are some of the sights and attractions you should keep your eye out for.

Graceland

Elvis Presley called Memphis home and built a 13.8-acre estate, Graceland, in the city that's now open to the public for viewing. While you’re at Graceland, you can also check out the Elvis: the Entertainer Career Museum. There's an annual vigil each August to honor Presley’s life and career, and you can roll past the large bronze statue of him on Beale Street.

Beale Street and Sun Studio

If you’ve come to Beale Street to view the Elvis Presley statue, you’ll find it impossible to stop there. This street in Downtown Memphis is an official historic landmark and showcases the area’s musical history, with nods to multiple musicians who’ve lived in Memphis over the years. About a mile away from Beale Street is the famous Sun Studio, where an 18-year-old Elvis recorded his first song. 

Iconic restaurants in the area offer unique food, from barbecue to gator gumbo, and you can check out memorabilia signed by artists such as Isaac Hayes, Justin Timberlake, Jerry Lee Lewis and Elvis. You can dine at Memphis institutions such as Earnestine & Hazel’s Bar and Grill or Silky O’Sullivan’s, an Irish pub that also boasts a BBQ menu and a pet goat on premises. 

The Peabody Hotel

While you’re in the area, don’t miss a visit to the Peabody Hotel! Enjoy a cold drink in this legendary hotel’s gorgeous lobby and listen to the player piano. And of course, no visit to the Peabody is complete without seeing the Peabody Ducks in their beautiful marble fountain. The ducks have their own elevator and a penthouse on the Peabody’s roof. 

National Civil Rights Museum

While Memphis is known for its place in the popularization of rock and country music, many of the events that have helped advance civil rights throughout history have a connection to the city. The National Civil Rights Museum allows visitors to see what strides the city and country has made toward an equal and equitable society, while highlighting what progress we still need to make. You’ll find statues, artifacts, newspapers and audio exhibits of important civil rights events here.

Festivals

With its long summer and mild winters, Memphis is home to plenty of fun annual festivals. There’s always a new activity you can bring your family to, such as the Memphis in May International Festival, Beale Street Music Festival and the Rajun Cajun Crawfish Festival. 

Cost of Living, Job Market and Major Employers

Memphis is currently an attractive place for many people to reside due to the low cost of living, affordable housing and growing economy. Employers in the city are expanding and welcoming new workers. This is adding a lot of money to the economy and providing job security.

With cost of living up to 20% lower than the national average, it’s easy to find a rental property for under $1,000 per month. Some of the most prominent employers in Memphis include several national health-care systems, FedEx, International Paper and AutoZone. Small business owners also move here often due to low startup costs and tax advantages. 

Browse Our Rental Home Listings for a Great Selection

If you’re planning to move to Memphis and need a Memphis rental home, take a look at our rental properties. You can search by neighborhood, proximity to local attractions or based on neighborhood safety ratings and schools. Get started today, so you can find your ideal property.