We looked at 13 different areas in Memphis to discover the worst places to live. If you are traveling downtown in a cab or transport shuttle, you will be perfectly safe, but it is a little different when things turn dark. 332 homicides is the most number of homicides ever recorded in Memphis and shatters the 2016 record of 228 homicides. We deep dived into the statistics, crime reports and talked to the residents of the city to give you a better understanding of how safe the city really is. The biggest problem you might encounter while visiting downtown are homeless people and aggressive panhandlers, but for the most part they are harmless. Memphis is so cool. Some Fentanyl tablets are now made to look like candy. On the other hand, tourists who are not prepared may find themselves in a bad position. Memphis is not entirely safe at night, especially for a visitor that is unfamiliar with the layout of the city. And to the person who says the area around Graceland is safe to visit you are urging visitors to put their safety in danger. We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Generally, Memphis is a safe place for tourists. Memphis comes with a high risk, which isn't a ranking we give lightly. A trip to Memphis is undoubtedly worth your time. This makes criminals more apt to do what they do because they have no fear of consequences. You can also be assured the tourism bureau wont send you somewhere dangerous. However, if you do feel inclined to give, dont take out your wallet to do so. They really tend to congregate around Beale Street, especially as it gets later in the evening. If you go to visit especially in the Elvis Presley Blvd area Be smart Be safe. Just to the west of I-240 between Poplar and Walnut Grove are some of the nicest homes in Memphis. It's lopsided, not in a good way. With Graceland, Beale Street, and a number of other popular tourist attractions, the city sees around 10 million visitors a year. Morgan Stephens has been to 43 countries and counting, and he's never content to stay in one place for too long. (2022 Crime Rates And Crime Stats), The 13 Best Restaurants In Fullerton In 2022, The 16 Best Restaurants In Sherman Oaks In 2022. link to What Ever Happened to Anne Schedeen From ALF? Times are changing, though, which can be shown by the type of drugs in the city. ", "I think its fair to say that large swaths of the city are filled with rough neighborhoods. As soon as I can get out, I will.I have never seen so much depressing things. Read on for an in-depth look at prevalent dangers and tips on what you can do to stay safe. In fact I don't stop in some areas there when I'm driving. Dont touch the water and certainly dont swim in it. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. If youre walking around the city, study and plan your route beforehand so you dont end up in a part of the city you shouldnt be in. We stayed right outside of Memphis in Arlington, TN. Eddie Money was the headliner, and his tour van almost slipped into the lake. For every 1000 people, you will find that 3.37 have been a victim of theft. You'll notice a lot of police presence downtown (especially around Beale Street) in both the day and night, but travelers should still exercise caution in tourist areas, which are known to have a high concentration of panhandlers. Theres nothing dirty and broken in my view. Memphis is a city full of fantastic food, music, and tourist attractions. With more than 24,000 thefts in Memphis in 2021, it's surprising that just 128 of those were pickpockets or purse snatchings. Come to Memphis at your own risk. I have friends who have been carjacked in East Memphis and some in downtown. MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE AUGUST 25, 2017: Blues Clubs on Beale Street at dawn/Sean Pavone/Shutterstock. They werent aggressive, but it was uncomfortable. Graceland is in that area and it's fine during the day but stay away at night. It also ranked 3rd for highest property crime rate in the country, 6,297.83 per 100,000 residents. But always be aware of your surroundings. Ive lived in Bartlett for 13 years and its been VERY safe. Heres a list of the top 10 most dangerous cities in the United States ranked by violent crime rate in 2020. Dont act like a tourist. Especially at night. . Its a number that brings a frown on anyone who may want to explore this area, given how you may not want to end your holiday without properly exploring Memphis. However, downtown and midtown Memphis are now very desirable places to live. To remain safe, stay alert and watch your belongings while paying attention to whos around you. You can practically drive around the city in around 30 mins. The most dangerous neighborhood in Memphis is Shelby Forest-Frayser, due to the higher murder rate and the 1 in 12 chance of becoming a victim of a crime. It was found that in 2020 the incidents went up by over 6% from the previous year. Memphis is great about keeping architectural gems and just rehabbing interiors. Your description of the hwy is 100% accurate!! If youre walking on or around Beale street, youre likely to encounter panhandlers asking for money. Sadly, crime is still common in Raleigh, and that is a testament to how dangerous Memphis is as a whole. So you will see and here about dangerous things in these areas. Mariska is a recovering attorney who gave up her professional job to discover new perspectives of life while traveling in a 2009 Ford Transit. I lived in Memphis for 35 years before I decided that I had had enough of the crime, the prejudice, the bad housing I only go back to visit my brother and then leave as quickly as I can horribly place to live. Although you will have a higher chance of being a victim if you are in Orange Mound or Frayser. The robbery rate is four times higher than the national average, but it's more likely a home or business will be robbed than a tourist on the street. Despite the recent headlines, there isnt a huge problem with random acts of violence against strangers. Some of the other crimes within the city have been slowly decreasing, but vehicle thefts have been on the rise. It can be a safer place to visit at night if you learn which parts of the city you should avoid. The outdoor retail giant may not be our most ideal use of the facility but developers estimate one million visitors (and their wallets) to Memphis each year. Take a look at some of the possible dangers you might encounter while visiting the city, so that you can stay safe and enjoy your visit. Gun violence, homicides, burglaries, aggravated assault, theft, and gang wars are some of the highest occurrences reported in this category. Memphis has also kept its reputation as one of the countrys most dangerous cities, an aspect of the town that is slowly improving. Average tourists ignore their surroundings, especially the people around them. Your best bet is to keep your locked at all times, whether driving or parked at the hotel. Travel Smarter! The Peabody Hotel is a popular place to stay or visit, but this historical building gets upstaged daily by ducks walking through the lobby as a cultural trend woven into the culture of Memphis. Criminals are good at spotting visitors who seem aloof and will easily steal from you. I have lived here for 40+ years and it just keeps getting worseeven right outside Memphis, I can not wait to retire and leave this area!!! Cancun saw 337 murders in 2021 and 2022 has already started with some horrifying numbers, leading to its homicide rate of 36.81 per 100,000. Its a great way to see the city of Memphis from the river and soak in the awesome skyline. The vibrant and culturally diverse hub has recently seen many of its storied neighborhoods spring back to life through regeneration efforts. You have to be smart about your surroundings. You can even pay a little extra to be the Duckmaster for the day. Memphis is the southern location for street gangs throughout Tennessee. Drive with caution if youre unfamiliar with the area and the local road rules. Until the community and police can work in tandem to fight crime, and heal the wounds of decades, its going to be an uphill battle here. Most unsafe neighborhoods in Memphis are on the citys outskirts. ", "Many residents will downplay the crime in Memphis, but I think everyone should be told up front that Memphis is not a joke and not somewhere you can come and be flippant in regards to your safety. Yea Im pretty sure Memphis isnt a place anyone should move to. Or the income necessary to do so. Talked to the Memphis Flippers CEO, became friends with the police, and kept our wits about us. There's also an ongoing risk of an earthquake - and a major quake on the New Madrid Fault line could do major damage in Memphis. We recommend that you stay in the main areas of downtown and do not wander outside of that area, as it can get desolate and sketchy. Tourist cities are the mecca for people that live their lives scamming others. As a tourist, you must furnish yourself with enough information and master your surroundings to mitigate any challenges likely to crop up. Is Memphis dangerous right now? I did not feel threatened by anyone, nor did I see the streets overrun by homeless people. It has the second-highest homicide rate of any U.S. metro area, and the murder rate is only increasing. However, rising crime levels have made Memphis one of the most dangerous cities in America. The vacant 2 . The rankings are calculated based on the number of violent crimes per 100,000 people for each neighborhood, compared to the Memphis violent crime average. The United States has an average mugging of .73 for every 1000 people. Im not sure what the cops are doing but they sure do not patrol the highways. Memphiss ranked 1st with a violent crime rate of 2,418.24.. The top areas in Memphis you should avoid include: Downtown Memphis has thousands of people crisscrossing the streets, making it the perfect breeding ground for pickpockets and buglers. One thing you may not have even thought of is the natural disasters that happen in Memphis regularly. Whether gang on gang or citizen, they are a contributing cause of why Memphis is dangerous. Be careful when youre downtown crime statistics are covered up to boost the citys image for business and tourism. After controversial Memphis Grizzlies All-Star point guard Ja Morant re-aggravated his already-injured right hand yesterday during his team's first playoff game against your Los Angeles Lakers, LA . Memphis used to be cool. Crime happens everywhere in Memphis. Its no secret that Memphis hasnt had the best reputation regarding crime. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. Memphis has long been one of the most dangerous cities in America, and in 2021 it had violent crime rates more than six times the national average. Travel news, itineraries, and inspiration delivered straight to your inbox. When you want to check out the attractions downtown, youll find that many of them are in close enough proximity to each other to make it practical to walk. (7 Reasons Why). Leading to vicious life cycles. That's not to say crime is not an issue, but as in any metro city, if you exercise caution and common sense, you will be OK. MEMPHIS, TN, USA MARCH 22, 2019/Rolf_52/Shutterstock. I grew up there and am working on moving back there now. I have been in & out of Memphis multiple times and have lived here over 20 years. I visited 15years ago one of our party got robbed and beaten up . Crime rates on the map are weighted by the type and severity of the crime. Are you set to travel to Memphis soon? Living downtown is safe and desirable. As of this publication, the water levels were not impacting cruises along the Memphis stretch of the river, but check with the tourism bureau or vendor of choice before making plans. Stay out of the hood and you will be fine. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. This area has a significantly higher property crime rate as poor peoplewill rob people, break into cars, and homes to steal things that they can sell for a quick buck. Vestavia Hills City Council approved a $6.3 million plan to add a shopping center to U.S. Highway 31. Some cruises are just sightseeing for an hour, while others offer several days on the river and take you to different destinations along the way. No two blocks are the same. The crime index here is at a high level. Crime in Memphis is significantly worse than in other cities. But don't take our word for it. If you are thinking about visiting Memphis and have qualms about the safety of the city, we go you covered. Ive worked with a lot of people retire and move elsewhere because of the crime even though this was their birthplace. Many big cities are seeing violent crime surge across America. 2023 Copyright by Travel Safe - Abroad. It is a horrible truth that happens daily to people who have no idea what happened until it is too late. Note that fewer people mean enhanced safety for you. We will not be backEVER!! You can expect mugging to be a problem in most large cities across the nation, and they are, for the most part. This combination leads to a lot of homeless people and a lot of beggars in the street. Everybody and their brother is trying to rip everyone off, and thats putting it extremely positively given the reality of it. Dont stop at gas stations with a bunch of people loitering outside. Memphis also has a homeless problem, and I cant tell you how many times I went to grab dinner at a fast food drive-thru to see homeless people begging me for money while I was trapped in the drive-thru line. Flooding can happen with the banks of the Mississippi so close by. Stay away from any kind of confrontation and nicely say "No" to the homeless people who ask for money. This includes parked cars and carjackings on the road. However, there are cabs and trolleys that will get you safely to your destination as well. If you're into country music, Nashville is the obvious choice. I am telling you that the safest place in Memphis are tourist attractions; there are cops everywhere. 72 years. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Shelby Farms Park is a 4,500-acre open space on the east side of Memphis. I visit Memphis Often to visit my Family and Friends!! ", "There are a lot of homeless in downtown and they be pretty persistent but you shouldnt worry about them. I tried telling Mum we should check out the Elvis stand-alone store on the other side of the highway and we started walking until she got freaked out and wanted to turn around. Never had any issues living in Bartlett. Memphis Warnings and Dangers Memphis is a beautiful city with a terrific mix of historical interests and new attractions. Midtown neighborhoods can be hit or miss when it comes to safety concerns, so be sure to stick to main roads when youre driving here. I was born there and raised there till I was 13 and moved to SC its crazy in Memphis but I miss my home town, Yall are crazy Memphis is always ranked 3 are higher in America but it is a big city so of course they drag it to say its not dangerous for money and house owners to real people in to come here yall crazy if yall believe thats true the crime rate its crazy and its not changing. Start Here North America Tennessee Is Memphis Safe to Visit in 2023? Big River Crossing offers an opportunity to walk or bike across the Mississippi River. Most people may differ as to whether Raleigh belongs on this list because a good fraction of Memphis consider this area the safest in the city. That said, then neighborhoods east of the airport and north of downtown can have more crime. That is done by working on why it is so dangerous and addressing one problem at a time. 12,674. Never go to a house party if you are invited - you don't want to walk into a dangerous situation. Big mistake. Use common sense and the buddy system to lower your risk here. Car break-ins are not uncommon, and leaving an expensive item like a cell phone or camera on the front seat may inspire a robber to break your window, even if your car is securely locked up. Last year, St. Louis, Missouri was named the most dangerous city in America. We walked around a lot, especially down Main Street. Girls wearing bonnets out in public like its a hat. When it comes to rock n roll, blues, and soul, no talent from anywhere in the world can match that of Memphis. There are some neighborhoods you never go to, and there are some you only go to during daylight. I am a female who lives in North Memphis and have not once ever felt unsafe or in fear of my life. Memphis has long struggled with violent crimes, generally in minority communities caught in a cycle of poverty. If you have traveling companions, its always safer to go walking with a friend than by yourself. My Mum and I visited in 2014, for her 50th (complete Elvis fan), I found Beale Street to be clean and the locals to be very welcoming. There are 3,415 cases reported per every 100,000 people. The trolley is safer because it's in tourist areas, whereas the buses can go through some rough neighborhoods. Memphis, Tennessee is the most dangerous city in America. The tricky thing about Memphis is that the city is very block by block, meaning one street is nice and the next street over is crime-ridden. If you find yourself in Spawn, beware of people standing on the street corners, even if they appear to be kids. In order to find the most dangerous tourist attractions on Earth, 24/7 Tempo . I wouldnt let the crime necessarily scare you off, just be vigilant, keep your eyes open, dont walk too far at night, stay out of trouble and be ready to fight if you need to. Memphis is not a safe place to visit. Athens to Rome: Luxe, 7-Night Mediterranean Memphis Things To Do Attractions & Must See, Tennessee Things To Do Attractions & Must See. East Memphis defines a broad area, but there are some very safe and nice areas in East Memphis. You should also take special precaution as a solo traveler as you are more vulnerable to becoming a victim of crime. Memphis may not be the safest vacationing spot in the world, but there are things you can do to avoid compromising yourself. Is Memphis dangerous for tourists? True story I lived in Memphis and worked a 4th of July event at Shely Farms. The statistic about Memphis being the third most dangerous city in America says it all. Plan your vacation to Memphis during spring or fall to avoid high accommodation rates and large crowds. We made a visit in 2008 and again in 2022the decline of the city and safety is astounding!! I stayed a couple of nights at the Peabody Hotel in downtown Memphis. pay for content, product research, guides, and more). Not sure thats going to change anytime soon. One friend was shot in killed. I do not like the Real Estate Economy thereI Sold my properties and Re-invested in Cities of Real Estate Growth!! Tourists are as much a risk as the locals because criminals will target vulnerable people. Still, the area has a whopping 3,800 reported cases of violent crimes reported per every 100,000 people. This does not include simple vandalism cases, which are accepted as normal. ", "I have lived in downtown for the last 3 years and have never felt in danger. City prosecutors are the top dogs when it comes to fighting crime within a city, and they are the ones that put the criminals where they belong, behind bars. The city ranks in the top fiveof most dangerous cities in the U.S. Memphis has a thriving food, art, and music scene. The main problems are related to drug trafficking, vandalism, assault, and robbery. ", "You should be fine visiting the touristy parts of town. Also following the safety tips posted above will help you mitigate your chances of becoming a victim. ", "A lot of the residents will say that crime is isolated and that you wont be victim of crime if you are just aware of your surrounding and dont be stupid, but a hospital nurse almost got carjacked 2 days ago while leaving work and then, "It is hard to make blanket statements about certain areas, because Memphis has good streets and bad streets, where one street will be an affluent neighborhood and next street will be a sketchy area. The poverty rate here was nearly 25% in 2020. The 29-year-old says the situation is complex and a symptom of mass tourism. Midtown has made headlines for murders, violent crimes, and among other issues, theft. 1 of 11 Los Angeles Lakers' Anthony Davis (3) celebrates his dunk as Memphis Grizzlies' Jaren Jackson Jr. (13) falls to the court during the second half in Game 6 of a first-round NBA basketball . Why have 3 major malls have been shut down? There are severe thunderstorms and tornadoes possible, with spring being the highest risk season. It might be beneficial to start your Memphis visit with a historical tour. Unless you know the layout of the city you can easily end up in one these sketchy neighborhoods. Some of these comments from long-time residents? Memphis is considered one of the most dangerous cities in the United States for violent crime. I moved here less than 1yr ago. However, Midtown is one of the few places at the heart of Memphis that is significantly safer than surrounding neighborhoods. This article is trash. You're not guaranteed tomorrow, and, often times, you can buy an international plane ticket for less than a domestic one. There is a significantly high number of homeless shelters /people in Memphis, which can attract addicts and gang members who seamlessly blend in. Average murder rates are 52.44 out of 100,000, which includes tourists killed. Just say "no" and keep walking. And Alyssa Nakken was ready to rumble. While West Memphis is very dangerous, Memphis has a lot of crime on its own. Act like you know where you are and dont be constantly looking lost or out of place. Memphis has long been one of the most dangerous cities in America, and in 2021 it had violent crime rates more than six times the national average. Avoid North and South Memphis and you should be fine. However, there are a few safe neighborhoods where you can find secure accommodation, but many are super expensive. By the way, the local food is terrific. Its no surprise to park your car at a particular point you consider safe only to come back to find a car that has been broken into or, worse, an empty parking space. YES!!! They are feared and best avoided. No more. Drugs have always been a problem in Memphis, and it has no signs of decreasing. It has a violent crime rate of 1901 per 100,000 people. Taxis, rideshares, and rental cars are available. Violent crimes include; homicides, rape, robbery and aggravated assaults and the violent crime rate is calculated by dividing the number of reported crimes by the total population; the result is multiplied by 100,000. Its more than a mile across and the lanes are specifically reserved for pedestrians and cyclists you wont have to worry about cars zooming right by you. While both cities can be considered dangerous in comparison to the national average, Memphis is a top five dangerous city, while Nashville ranks just outside the top 50. It is also a city you shouldn't avoid because of that - you just need to know the information you're researching now. Here is a list of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Memphis that you should avoid. St. Louis, Nashville, Detroit, Baltimore, and Milwaukee all have similar violent crime rates as Memphis. Here are the most dangerous neighborhoods in Memphis for 2023. Heres your data: https://data.memphistn.gov/. Certain areas of Memphis are very dangerous. To learn more, you can also read our posts on why Anchorage is so dangerous, why St Louis is so dangerous, and why Oakland is so dangerous. That means Memphis is rough. Downtown has a permanent resident population of 48,441. It may have apopulation of slightly over 39,400 people, but Parkway Village has an exceptionally high rate of violent crimes. Click here to get an offer for travel insurance, Elvis Presleys Graceland: (Even if you dont visit the museum, you can sign the stone wall outside of Graceland where millions of other fans have done the same thing). Anne Schedeen is an American actress who is best known for her role as Kate Tanner in the TV series "ALF" (1986-1990). The buses will take you throughout the city, but you're more likely to consider using the trolley that goes around downtown and to the riverfront. Its not a racial thing its a poverty thing. Memphis Metro is in the 16th percentile for safety, meaning 84% of metro areas are safer and 16% of metro areas are more dangerous. According to crime statistics released by the FBI, Memphis ranked 4th for highest violent crime rate in the country in 2019, 2,003.32 incidents per 100,000 residents. | Safety Concerns, Is Riviera Maya Safe to Visit in 2023? Earlier in the week stayed in Santa Fe NM in a historic hotel. Dont do anything stupid and youll be fine. We have beautiful buildings and houses that are 100+ years old. Politely decline and firmly walk away from people forcefully trying to sell you stuff. And when I say leave I mean in your car, quickly. NOTE: In late 2022, the Mississippi River reached historic lows due to a drought in the Midwest. (11 Reasons Why), Why Are Harleys So Expensive? If you are staying in an older hotel, let your tap water run for a minute or two before drinking it in case lead or copper pipes are still being used. You can walk or run along nearly 11 miles of trails and two lakes where you can paddle or canoe. We did have one of the hotel workers escort us across the street just to go to the convenience store and I guess thats when it set in that we cant be out at night. Out of 1,000 people, you can see that 39.9 of them fall victim to some type of property crime, including home invasions and break-ins. On the other hand, vendors will try to convince you to buy stuff from the trunk of their cars at incredible discounts.. Generally, Memphis is a safe place for tourists. If you are a tourist, this will not affect you, but if you live in Memphis, this is a huge problem you must consider. The 15 Best Hotels in Hawaii in 2023 | For All Budgets, The 15 Best Places to Visit in Hawaii in 2023, Is Hawaii Safe to Visit in 2023? Common crimes ailing Memphis are violent crimes and property crimes. Property Crimes can jeopardize the safety of the neighborhood and the city overall. Whitehaven has a very black-and-white appearance. Those ordinary people are committing crimes at an increasing pace just to get the drugs that their bodies are now addicted to. Our recommendation when visiting Memphis is to learn exactly which areas of the city are safe and which are not. Memphis, Tennessee August 19, 2018: Police car of Memphis park on the road among the building in downtown, USA/Mont592/Shutterstock. Avoid wearing obviously expensive jewelry or calling attention to other expensive items that you might be carrying. CBS News named it the third most dangerous city in the nation. As a result, you can generally . Food was awesome though. Midtown has a population of over 62,700 and a violent crime rate of2,967 per 100,000 people. Theres a few places to go out in Cordova but honestly Cordova is not that safe either. You dont want to get lost in Memphis. Memphis is the one city that everyone else in Tennnessee AVOIDS. I haven't seen it mentioned yet, but keep all items out of sight in your car, no matter where you are. Top safety concerns in Memphis you should know about include the five below. A good portion of the town is safe, but some parts have a heavy gang presence. Take a look at some of the possible dangers you might encounter while. Memphis is the largest city in the top ten, and it's also the most violent of all the cities we're going to talk about. Of course, there are some areas you should avoidjust like OTHER cities.
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