So, you think you know Memphis.
Birthplace of blues, soul and rock’n’roll. Legendary BBQ. Beale Street. Home to Elvis, Ida B. Wells, B.B. King, and beyond.
But that’s just the start of our story. Memphis is also the #1 metro for black entrepreneurship. The most giving city in America. Home to St. Jude Research Hospital and FedEx. And our artists and producers dominate the Billboard charts to this day, from Moneybagg Yo and Tay Keith to Julien Baker and beyond.
The magic of Memphis is its intersections—of people, identities and ideas, coming together to create something exceptional. Some call it culture. We call it soul.
Let us tell you about that Memphis—and why it just might be the perfect place to start your business, buy your home, embark on your career, or pursue your art.
Memphis Cost of Living: Serious Savings
Feeling the pinch of those Atlanta prices?
Here in Memphis, we’re pulling off what few cities can: a thriving culture with everything on offer, PLUS affordable cost of living and housing prices.
Let’s take cost of living: we’re enjoying prices 22% below ATL’s, and over 20% below the national average. That puts us in the top 10 for best cost of living nationwide. In other words, you can afford a whole lot more of whatever you love (and we’re sure Memphis has plenty of it!).
If it’s homeownership you’re after, things look even better. Head-to-head with ATL, we’re talking about a whopping 37% average savings in housing prices. But no matter where you’re coming from, your dream can be a reality: we're top three in the nation for first-time homebuyers.
Top 3
City for first-time buyers
#7
Best cost of living nationally
Do More in Memphis:
37%
Lower median home price
10
Minutes faster for average commute
$56
Average savings on NBA tickets
$11.50
Average savings on concert tickets
SOURCES: NerdWallet,
Wanderu, Best Places
Job Opportunities: A Nationwide Leader
In a Time Magazine study, Memphis ranked fourth on the list of the top 25 cities where millennials are moving. Part of what makes Memphis a great place to live is that there are job opportunities that allow young professionals the opportunity to advance their careers and gain meaningful work experience - in fact, Glassdoor says Memphis is among the top cities in the country for job opportunities in 2020. Top companies and organizations like FedEx, Autozone, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital being headquartered in Memphis are just a glimpse at the job potential this city has.
Exceptional Entrepreneurial Spirit
Sure, anyone can start a business. But, in Memphis, we build empires. Our city’s grit and grind attitude isn’t just responsible for bringing new ideas to life, but it also takes entrepreneurship to new heights.
Don’t just take our word for it. As our city distinguishes itself as an exceptional place to launch a business, the world’s taken notice.
From top-tier organizations, like Afrotech, highlighting Memphis as one of the Top Markets for Black Entrepreneurs to national media outlets celebrating our locals' innovative concepts, Memphians aren’t just front and center on the world’s stage—they’re setting trends, making change, and blazing trails.
#1
Best city for Black-owned companies
#1
Nationally for Black-owned businesses (43%)
#4
Highest-earning female entrepreneurs
Thank you
A Diversity Powerhouse
In Memphis, “diversity” isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a fundamental part of who we are.
Rather than overlooking our rich Black culture and heritage, we embrace it. We celebrate the Memphis-made music that has inspired worldwide trends for generations. We savor the uniquely Memphian cuisine that makes mouths water across the globe. And we honor the Black entrepreneurship, industry, and activism that has always made Memphis thrive.
We're also home to a proud and growing Latin(e/x/o) community. They enrich our city with exceptional creative arts contributions, advocacy programs, and entrepreneurship that expands our city with new flavors and style. We proudly amplify their unique stories through Somos Memphis, our partnership with Latino Memphis.
This is just the beginning of cultural representation in our city, which is home to immigrants from more than 20 different countries. Mix it all together with Southern hospitality and soul, and you’ve got Memphis.
We wouldn’t have it any other way.
Less Commuting, More Living
How’s that Atlanta rush hour treating you?
Compared to ATL, Memphians spend 10 fewer minutes commuting every single workday. That’s a whopping 40 hours NOT spent commuting each year—equal to an entire week off!
Less commuting, more living. It’s simple. And it’s better.
A Foodie’s Paradise
What would a city be without a vibrant and thriving food scene? Whether it’s James Beard Award nominated chefs or a food truck with a cult-like following, Memphis has it all. Part of the fun of moving to Memphis is finding your favorite food spots. There’s the legacy food institutions, like the soul food famous Four Way and world-renowned Rendezvous barbecue, but there are also newer spots popping up every day with unique dining experiences and exquisite food.
Unparalleled Music History and Scene
Whether you realize it or not, Memphis changed how the world hears music, and no discussion about Memphis would be complete without noting its most legendary and iconic music scene. Some of the world’s greatest musicians of all time have called Memphis home. From Elvis Presley and B.B. King, to Three 6 Mafia, Valerie June, Justin Timberlake, and Julien Baker, moving to Memphis means joining a community rich in musical history. And while there’s no shortage of history to learn about Memphis’ music scene, there’s also no shortage of contemporary music to hear and experience either. Memphis is a mecca for musicians, and as a resident of this city, you can expect to hear some of the greatest sounds pouring out of a bar on any given night. Outdoor concerts, open mic night, intimate house concerts, free shows in the park – Memphis is a music lovers paradise.
Visit our music page for more!
A Thriving Place for the Arts
One of the greatest culture amenities big cities have is their arts scene, but moving to Memphis doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice that. Unbeknownst to many, Memphis is actually a hidden gem for the arts, offering a variety of cultural institutions to soothe the cravings of any art-lover. In fact, Memphis has year-round access to some of the most diverse art institutions in the country. Ballet Memphis boasts one of the most diverse dancer populations in the country, Hattiloo Theatre is the only freestanding Black repertory theatre in five surrounding states – the list goes on. From museums and performing arts to local galleries and exhibits, there’s something new to see or experience everywhere you look.
MEMPHIS IS NOW
The Bluff City on the Mississippi is known as the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll, home of the blues and ground zero for some of the nation’s best barbecue. It’s also got an ambitious artisan food scene and...
Born between 1965 and 1980, many members of Generation X are in their peak earning years. Memphis has the largest share of Gen Xers making purchase requests - In Memphis, 33.42% of purchase requests came from Gen Xers.
Memphis is laying the foundation for how other cities across the country should support Black entrepreneurs and businesses. The pathway to entrepreneurship in the city is paved with an ecosystem of opportunity, resources, and programs, unlike any other in the nation.
A Spirit of Generosity
More and more, people are prioritizing philanthropic efforts in their jobs and personal life. It’s not enough to do well and climb the ladder anymore, people - especially young professionals - want to know they’re making a difference and giving back. This is part of what makes Memphis a great place to live. In The Chronicle of Philanthropy Memphis is ranked the most giving city in America. People and organizations alike are giving their time, money, and energy to philanthropic causes, and it’s part of what’s driving an exceptional quality of life here in the Bluff City. Among the 50 largest regions in the U.S., Memphis is #1 in the number of non-profit organizations per 10,000 population.That means if you’re in the business of helping others, Memphis is the place for you.
A Leading Tourist Destination
Looking for a place to live that your family will want to visit all the time? Look no further, moving to Memphis is right for you. Memphis is one of the world’s leading tourist destinations, with more than 12 million people visiting each year to explore over 60 different attractions - and the list keeps growing every day. An award-winning zoo, international festivals and competitions, professional sports teams anchored by NBA giants, and much more.
The best areas to live in Memphis
Where’s the best place to live in Memphis? Everywhere! Memphis has a lot of different neighborhoods with different charms and benefits of living there. Want to be close to the action, bars and nightlife? Try Midtown or Downtown for cute houses (or condos) with lots of historic charm and in walking distance to some of the best bars, restaurants, and venues in the city.
Memphis has plenty of affordable, family friendly neighborhoods too. Frayser and Whitehaven are just two areas that feature large, family size housing that are close to schools, parks, and other family friendly amenities.
Further out east, Memphis’ up and coming Sea Isle neighborhood is experiencing rapid growth, and is very popular with new young families and couples. Wherever you decide to live, Memphis has the place for you to grow and flourish inside the city. Here’s a list of some of the other best places to live in Memphis.
Emerging Projects
Memphis Riverpark
The Edge District
One Beale
Memphis International Airport