Memphis is in the headlines far too often. Unfortunately, it’s usually because of situations that have made it one of the most dangerous cities in the country–we’re just going to leave here… But, because we think that Memphis hasn’t always gotten a fair shake, HomeSnacks decided to shed some light on the great things that the Birthplace of Rock-n-Roll can offer: we’ve created a list of the best neighborhoods in Tennessee’s second largest city for 2024.
Memphis might have a naughty side–really, what city doesn’t–but, there are some great neighborhoods that deserve special recognition. But before we begin handing out awards, we need to tell you how we ranked each neighborhood. First, we looked at the latest census data for median income levels and affordability-specifically, how much do homes cost in each neighborhood. We then looked at the things that most people find important when determining where they want to buy their forever home–is the neighborhood safe? Are there jobs? And, is there a lot to do?
We discovered some interesting neighborhood facts that might even surprise the people who currently live in Memphis. For instance, East Memphis-Colonial-Yorkshire might not have a shiny exterior, but once inside this neighborhood, you are greeted with friendly people, great BBQ, and a sense of pride and community. And the Midtown doesn’t need a shiny bow either, because this place has classic, affordable Tennessee homes for less than $100,000, and it’s a great place to catch a jazz festival or take in an art exhibit at Brooks Museum.
So, want to know where it’s safe to “go walkin’ in Memphis”? You can start in Memphis’ number one best neighborhood. But, to get to this list, you’re going to have to keep reading.
Table Of Contents: Top Ten | Methodology | Summary | Table
Where some might see the result of hard times, we see opportunity–a diamond in the rough so to speak. And, folks, what Memphis lacks in fancy, it makes up for with “Grit and Grind–it is, afterall, The Grizzlies’ team motto, and this has carried over into the city. So, if you want to be part of something greater than you–if you’re ready to make your mark, take a look at Memphis’ best neighborhoods.
So, what is the best neighborhood in Memphis? According to the latest data-including our SnackAbility report, that would be River Oaks-Kirby-Balmoral.
Maybe with a little TLC, Memphis can shoot for this list next year. Until then, take a look below at where the rest of Memphis’ neighborhoods ranked.
For more Tennessee reading, check out:
- Best Places To Live In Tennessee
- Cheapest Places To Live In Tennessee
- Most Dangerous Cities In Tennessee
The 10 Best Neighborhoods To Live In Memphis
Population: 44,686
Median Home Value: $184,124 (Second best)
Median Income: $82,462 (Second best)
More on River Oaks-Kirby-Balmoral: Data | Real Estate
Population: 70,645
Median Home Value: $168,247 (Third best)
Median Income: $68,405 (Third best)
More on Cordova-Appling: Data | Real Estate
Population: 2,234
Median Home Value: $286,500 (best)
Median Income: $119,571 (best)
More on Windyke-Southwind: Data | Real Estate
Population: 3,796
Median Home Value: $154,400 (Fourth best)
Median Income: $54,588 (Fifth best)
More on Eads-Fisherville: Data | Real Estate
Population: 104,210
Median Home Value: $147,292 (Fifth best)
Median Income: $60,304 (Fourth best)
More on East Memphis-Colonial-Yorkshire: Data | Real Estate
Population: 66,172
Median Home Value: $105,147 (Eighth best)
Median Income: $49,911 (Sixth best)
More on Hickory Ridge-South Riverdale: Data | Real Estate
Population: 61,886
Median Home Value: $128,531 (Sixth best)
Median Income: $40,518 (Eighth best)
More on Midtown: Data | Real Estate
Population: 58,688
Median Home Value: $81,134 (Ninth best)
Median Income: $41,580 (Seventh best)
More on Raleigh: Data | Real Estate
Population: 32,735
Median Home Value: $61,048 (13th best)
Median Income: $32,973 (11th best)
More on Berclair-Highland Heights: Data | Real Estate
Population: 48,022
Median Home Value: $112,443 (Seventh best)
Median Income: $30,027 (13th best)
More on Downtown: Data | Real Estate
Methodology: How We Determined The Best Memphis, TN Neighborhoods In 2024
To rank the best neighborhoods in Memphis, we had to determine what criteria define “best” and then apply Saturday Night Science to it.
Using FBI crime, Census, and extrapolated BLS data, we arrived at the following set of criteria:
- High incomes
- Low unemployment rates
- Low crime
- High home prices
- High population densities (A proxy for things to do)
We then ranked each neighborhood with scores from 1 to 13 in each category, where 1 was the best.
Next, we averaged the rankings for each neighborhood to create a best neighborhood index.
And finally, we crowned the neighborhood with the lowest best neighborhood index, the “Best City Neighborhood In Memphis.” We’re lookin’ at you, River Oaks-Kirby-Balmoral.
Read on below to learn more about what it’s like to live in the best places Memphis, Tennessee has to offer. Or skip to the end to see the list of all the neighborhoods in the city, from best to worst.
We updated this article for 2024. This report is our tenth time ranking the best neighborhoods to live in Memphis.
Summary: Putting A Bow On Our Analysis Of The Best Neighborhoods In Memphis
If you’re measuring the neighborhoods in Memphis where crime is low and everyone wants to live, this is an accurate list.
The best neighborhoods in Memphis are River Oaks-Kirby-Balmoral, Cordova-Appling, Windyke-Southwind, Eads-Fisherville, East Memphis-Colonial-Yorkshire, Hickory Ridge-South Riverdale, Midtown, Raleigh, Berclair-Highland Heights, and Downtown.
As mentioned earlier, the neighborhoods in Memphis aren’t all good. Parkway Village-Oakhaven takes the title of the worst neighborhood to live in Memphis.
The worst neighborhoods in Memphis are Parkway Village-Oakhaven, Shelby Forest-Frayser, White Haven-Coro Lake, Downtown, and Berclair-Highland Heights.
We ranked the neighborhoods from best to worst in the chart below.
For more Tennessee reading, check out:
Best Neighborhoods To Live In Memphis For 2024 Detailed Data
| Rank | Neighborhood | Population | Home Value | Median Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | River Oaks-Kirby-Balmoral | 44,686 | $184,124 | $82,462 |
| 2 | Cordova-Appling | 70,645 | $168,247 | $68,405 |
| 3 | Windyke-Southwind | 2,234 | $286,500 | $119,571 |
| 4 | Eads-Fisherville | 3,796 | $154,400 | $54,588 |
| 5 | East Memphis-Colonial-Yorkshire | 104,210 | $147,292 | $60,304 |
| 6 | Hickory Ridge-South Riverdale | 66,172 | $105,147 | $49,911 |
| 7 | Midtown | 61,886 | $128,531 | $40,518 |
| 8 | Raleigh | 58,688 | $81,134 | $41,580 |
| 9 | Berclair-Highland Heights | 32,735 | $61,048 | $32,973 |
| 10 | Downtown | 48,022 | $112,443 | $30,027 |
| 11 | White Haven-Coro Lake | 87,467 | $78,449 | $39,603 |
| 12 | Shelby Forest-Frayser | 34,345 | $63,796 | $30,093 |
| 13 | Parkway Village-Oakhaven | 38,591 | $74,096 | $37,738 |