If you’re considering a move to Memphis, TN then you’re onto the right track. Memphis truly does have something for everyone. There’s world-famous music, delectable food, and endless entertainment options. Plus you’ll benefit from living in one of the more affordable cities to live in. 

So if you’re looking for a city that’s vibrant and flows to its own rhythm, Memphis might just be for you. You’ll find a warm welcome from the “Home of the Blues.” Looking for more reasons to make your move to the crown jewel of the South? These 5 will have you ready to ring the realtors.

Affordability

Everyone’s budget is stretched at the moment. All-time high mortgage rates, squeezed pay packets, and rapid inflation aren’t helping anyone. It’s no wonder that people are looking to move to places with a lower cost of living and Memphis certainly fits that bill.

If you compare the cost of living in Memphis against the average across the country you’ll find it’s a whopping 15% lower. Memphis is also one of the cheapest metro areas to live in within Tennessee itself. 

The median income for a Memphis resident is $39,000 a year which is enough to live comfortably. Everything, including housing, utilities, transportation, and groceries is considerably lower priced than the national average.

Schools

If you’re a family, schooling is going to be an important factor wherever you move. Memphis itself is home to the highest-ranked schools in Tennessee. There’s plenty of choice too with 214 schools delivering a top-quality curriculum. There are also multiple further education options with a good number of universities and colleges.

Food

Memphis is home to some of the best food you’ll find in the country. This is barbecue country, but it's barbecue in a different way from what you might be used to. Don’t expect your meat to be slathered in sauce. Memphis-style requires a dry rub to be applied to the meat and that’s it. You might find pit masters using a vinegar-based mop sauce, but the meat is definitely served sauceless.

There are hundreds of different barbecue joints to pick from, many of whom deliver their own special dishes created in-house. Expect to see a lot of pork on the menu, especially ribs. You’ll also find there’s a lot of pulled pork too. 

Music

The “Home of the Blues” and the “Birthplace of Rock and Roll,” Memphis certainly has a serious musical history and that vibrancy hasn’t slowed down in modern times at all. Thanks to the sparkling Memphis music scene you could happily go to an event or gig every night of the week all year round. 

If you’re a history buff, then you’ll love visiting the Blues Hall of Fame and the Stax Museum of American Soul Music. Prefer the live stuff? You have a choice of dozens and dozens of dedicated venues, and then there are the bars and clubs that regularly have music on too. You’re certainly not going to be short of choices.

Climate

If you prefer things temperate and warm, Memphis is going to be a winner. The winters are short and cold. Suffice it to say, you’re not going to be fighting against snow drifts and having to use a snow plow. The summers are hot and humid, that’s not to everyone’s taste but the locals are used to them and if you moved to the city you’d find them tolerable too.

The year-round sunshine makes for plenty of opportunities to explore the city’s outdoor spaces, especially Beale Street and the vast parklands.

Key Takeaways

Moving to Memphis is more than just moving somewhere affordable with a good job market. It’s about moving to a place that has a living soul. A soul nourished by delicious food and breathtaking music. There certainly are far worse places to consider moving to, but there aren’t many that are better.

• You’ll find Memphis one of the most affordable cities to live in.

• The food and music alone are enough to warrant moving here.

• Schools and work rank highly across the state.