Map of Memphis Tennessee Area | What is Memphis Known for?

Blues Clubs on Beale Street at dawn
Blues Clubs on Beale Street at dawn

Map of Memphis Tennessee Area

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Standing on the corner in Memphis Tennessee under the famous neon sign, the one that says Welcome to World-Famous Beale Street, Home of the Blues, Birthplace of Rock n’ Roll, it’s hard not to feel a little rhythm.

But Memphis is more than great music and BBQ (Though one should never take either for granted) Memphis is the heartbeat of the south. Literally overflowing with heritage and culture, a visit to this little old river town should be on everyone’s bucket list.

Where the heck is Memphis?

The roots of ‘Bluff City’ run very deep, its borders framing the southwestern edge of the state. Arkansas lies just across the river to the immediate west and the state of  Mississippi is just below the city’s southern line.

When it comes to real estate, location is everything and Memphis is no different. The whereabouts of Memphis have been occupied by settlements of one culture or another for thousands of years. 

Riverfront location and natural flood insurance provided by the geology of the bluff have always made Memphis a major hub of civilization and trade. In fact, Memphis is the second-largest inland port on the Mississippi River and the 5th largest inland port in the country.

How big is Memphis?

The second-largest city in the state and the 28th in the US, Memphis boasts a population of about 600,000.  Memphis is a sprawling city, home to colleges, universities, cutting-edge hospitals, and more.  When it comes to actual size, Memphis occupies 325 square miles. That’s 2 and a half times the size of Detroit and three times more than 3 times the size of Knoxville.     

Is Memphis a good place to live?

Wondering if Memphis would be a good place to live? The answer is an unequivocal yes. Memphis has everything you could ask for in a city. With 360 degree access to culture and the outdoors, Memphis is quickly becoming the new “it” spot. 

Millennials are flocking to Memphis as well, representing almost 10% of the population.  Several sources rank Memphis as one of the most popular destinations to live and work. With so many resources at your fingertips, it’s easy to see why.

If you are looking for a place with all the comforts of a big city but the slow charm of the southern pace, Memphis is the ticket. Long considered a hotbed of creative energy and talent, more and more entrepreneurs are calling Memphis home every day. 

There are lots of great companies calling Memphis home too. FedEx has called Memphis home since the 70s and maintains its headquarters right alongside the likes of Autozone, Servicemaster, International Paper, and more. 

Speaking of cool places to live, check out these great neighborhoods in Memphis

With a median home price of around $160,000, there are a ton of affordable housing options in the area which means you can take your time and pick the neighborhood that fits your lifestyle perfectly. Let’s take a look at a few incredible options.

Head to Midtown

If hip and happening is the vibe you’re after, look no further than the Midtown neighborhood. The bar and restaurant scene is always jumping and all the sites and sounds are right outside your door. 

For remote workers, this neighborhood has everything, affordable rents, low home prices, and plenty of entertainment.

You won’t find too many new homes here, but if charm is what you’re looking for, this place oozes it on every corner. From the stately southern city homes to vintage apartments and more than a few modern condo conversions, you are sure to find the perfect space.

Downtown

The rental price is slightly higher here but the perks are off the charts. The central location of this neighborhood means easy access to all the best that Bluff City has to offer. A bustling hub of professional activity during the day, Downtown is great for career-minded up-and-comers. 

At the end of the day, the lights come on and Downtown really shines. From five-star restaurants to the amazing music scene, there’s always something begging for your attention.  

Oakland

If you are raising a family, look no further than Oakland for a little rural feel within the metro area. Oakland has a relatively small population and the lowest crime rate in the area. The schools are amazing and access to the city is just a short ride in the car or with public transportation.  

What is Memphis known for?

From the legendary music scene to some of the best home-cooked food in the south, Memphis has plenty to sink your teeth into. 

The birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Memphis is home to Sun Studios, the place that started it all. Walk in the footsteps of legends like B.B. King, Howlin Wolf, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Johnny Cash. 

When it comes to music, it’s hard to mention Memphis without talking about Elvis. He made his first professional recording at Sun Studios and of course, this is where you’ll find his incomparable Graceland.  

If it’s food your after Memphis has something for every palette. Located right along Front Street, Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken has been serving up its unique and savory fried chicken for years. 

For a taste of slow-smoked southern pride in every bite, try Central BBQ. Ribs that fall off the bone and all the ‘fixins’, dry rub is the only way here.

If you need to entertain the family, Shelby farms park is a perfect outing for any number of outdoor activities. Take a trip to the Memphis zoo or any one of the cities great museums for a fun way to spend the day.

The Wrap

When it comes right down to it, Memphis has a lot to offer visitors and residents alike. It’s no wonder Memphis has caught so much buzz lately, an amazing array of cultural, social, and professional opportunities is just waiting to be discovered. 

Y’all come on out and pay Memphis a visit on your next vacation, you’re sure to have an experience that’ll leave you wanting more. Come and see what everyone’s talking about.

See Also

US CITIES MAPS

5 Interesting things to know about Memphis Tennessee

What is Memphis, Tennessee Known for?

What Is Memphis, Tennessee Famous For?

Hi and welcome to my travel blog! Based in London, I work in investment banking in a quantitative field and although I am not part of the travel industry, I have a ton of passion for travel. My blog is a reference guide for my fellow travelers with the same passion as me. Hopefully the blog is easy to navigate and my aim is to bring the most relevant and interesting information before you begin your journey!