We are also a member of several other affiliate networks. The statistics used in the list are valid and, of course, should be taken seriously. I dont go in the city unless Im absolutely forced to or if I have to drive to work. Be confident in where youre going or what youre doing. 1. On the other hand, tourists who are not prepared may find themselves in a bad position. It has the second-highest homicide rate of any U.S. metro area, and the murder rate is only increasing. 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. Take proper precautions when you do visit the Graceland area. The violent crime rate in Memphis is 25.1. 23% of violent crimes were against strangers, suggesting a large majority of violent crimes are among people who know each other. Its a great way to see the city of Memphis from the river and soak in the awesome skyline. Notorious motorcycle gang crews here have a reputation that goes beyond Memphis. Memphis may have received a bad rap by some of the statistics floating around. 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. Meanwhile, the Memphis Tourism Blues Stage on Beale relocates the festival's popular Blues Tent theme to Handy Park, 200 Beale St. 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. 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. Is Mexico Safe to Visit for Spring & Summer 2023. In 2020, that number rose by nearly 100 to 327 homicides. ", " If youre not involved with gangs or drugs, youll avoid a vast majority of the crime thats represented in the crime statistics. I visited 15years ago one of our party got robbed and beaten up . Its not a huge city. As with any other city in the world, stay away from areas deemed to be of ill-repute. I dont know what negative feelings you have, but its false. Green = Good, Purple = Good, Yellow = Precede with caution, Orange = Bad..but not the worst, and Red = Bad and worst. Better off being bored than being robbed or dead though. There are some staples of Memphis tourism that first-timers will want to see: The Peabody Hotel is a historical landmark that went through a major renovation in 2019. An estimated 11 million people visited the Memphis metro in 2022, according to Memphis Tourism. Shelby Farms Park is a 4,500-acre open space on the east side of Memphis. 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. In downtown, the crime rate is 363% above the national average. And to the person who says the area around Graceland is safe to visit you are urging visitors to put their safety in danger. Memphis is the southern location for street gangs throughout Tennessee. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. 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. Yes, Memphis is ranked #1 in violent crime by the FBI. This analysis applies to the . Memphis, Tennessee August 19, 2018: Police car of Memphis park on the road among the building in downtown, USA/Mont592/Shutterstock. There are severe thunderstorms and tornadoes possible, with spring being the highest risk season. Below are some essential things to consider during your time exploring Memphis: Below are answers to common queries you may have if youre considering visiting Memphis: Memphis isnt the safest place to live because of the glaring crime rates. Memphis is safe if you use caution and stay away from unsafe areas. Signature outdoor festivals, the infamous Graceland, and Sun studios are a few reasons why some people will bear the relentless Memphis summer heat to get a taste of what lifes like on this side of the Mississippi river. Stay in the light, and never wander into the wrong neighborhoods. Downtown has the unenviable title of the most dangerous neighborhood in Memphis. This is Elvis hometown and the home where he lived, Graceland, is one of the most visited places in the South. They had 80 freeway shootings on I-240 last year which loops around the city. If you're into country music, Nashville is the obvious choice. Never honk, flip the bird, or flash your lights at anyone since I have seen road rage like no other here. Just to the west of I-240 between Poplar and Walnut Grove are some of the nicest homes in Memphis. Certain areas of Memphis are very dangerous. I still Love and Enjoy my Visits to Memphis!! Not all of Memphis is a high risk either, but it's such a "block by block" danger in some neighborhoods, you deserve to be aware of the higher crime rates here. It also ranked 3rd for highest property crime rate in the country, 6,297.83 per 100,000 residents. The biggest problem you might encounter while visiting downtown are homeless people and aggressive panhandlers, but for the most part they are harmless. A lot of chatter emits from the second-seeded Grizzlies when . Therefore, its easy to lose track and unintentionally end up in a risky area thats crime-ridden. This article is trash. Average murder rates are 52.44 out of 100,000, which includes tourists killed. (11 Reasons Why). Memphis is more than an urban core; its boundaries stretch to the east to include the family-friendly Shelby Farms. Looking at the statistics and taking into accounts the opinions of the residents, Memphis is not a safe place to visit. Neither place is Disney World. The 29-year-old says the situation is complex and a symptom of mass tourism. Generally, Memphis is a safe place for tourists. 2023 Copyright by Travel Safe - Abroad. Daytime or nighttime walking in Memphis is risky. 1. Criminals are good at spotting visitors who seem aloof and will easily steal from you. Memphis is ranked as the most dangerous some years because of its murder rate. One street may look friendly, safe, and kempt, and the next street, barely a stones throw away, will be ridden with criminals, dingy neighborhoods, and sketchy people. Using official tourism sites helps you avoid viruses and phishing for the personal information you can find on third-party websites. One spot may be manicured and well-maintained, and a section next to it will be grim and deserted. Why Is Memphis So Dangerous? I walk through downtown Memphis everyday and never have a problem. With more than 24,000 thefts in Memphis in 2021, it's surprising that just 128 of those were pickpockets or purse snatchings. Average tourists ignore their surroundings, especially the people around them. Sadly, crime is still common in Raleigh, and that is a testament to how dangerous Memphis is as a whole. A new report shows the most dangerous cities in the USand the safest places. There are a lot of drunk people letting loose and crowded bars where it's not always easy to cover your drink. Memphis, Tennessee Cleveland, Ohio Baton Rouge, Louisiana Kansas City, Missouri Shreveport, Louisiana Honolulu, the second largest safe city in America. This city has a magical allure that attracts eager tourists looking to experience a different culture and learn about Americas musical history. Memphis, TN just happen to have the first 48 crime lab here just like Texas and Florida. Memphis is considered one of the most dangerous cities in the United States for violent crime. Only tip if you want to, and avoid buying stuff from people that are clearly trying to hustle you. If you look at the crime statistics from the MPD, its one of the safest zip codes in the city. 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. The main problems are related to drug trafficking, vandalism, assault, and robbery. If it looks like you shouldnt be there, leave. Memphis is a beautiful city with a terrific mix of historical interests and new attractions. The city has seen a slight decline in overall crimes but compared to other cities nearby, Memphis still is very dangerous. Be aware of your surroundings. But always be aware of your surroundings. 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. You can have stately Southern homes on one block and drive two blocks over to see small shotgun homes (the houses that are basic and long, as if a shotgun blast could go straight through it) and suspicious activity on the streets. Here is a list of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Memphis that you should avoid. It seems like all the bad stuff happens after 12am and as long as youre not out that late, you will be fine. My name is Mariska and I'm living my best life while living the van life. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. Now to Tennessee we go, and we visit Memphis, the most dangerous city in America. Things seem to have improved today, but in a not-so-distant past, Orange Mound was the most dangerous neighborhood in Memphis. 12,674. The safety of our visitors is our highest priority and the team at Memphis Tourism encourages all travelers to follow guidance issued by public health officials. I visited Memphis June 2-5 of this year 2019. The statistic about Memphis being the third most dangerous city in America says it all. A small portion of the homicides in the town is due to gang activity. The Lorraine Motel is now part of a larger museum that honors civil rights advocates while educating people on how to stop systemic racism and hope for a more peaceful future. If you are on Beale Street, stay on Beale Street and don't wander block by block. The biggest issue in these areas are theft related. The vibrant and culturally diverse hub has recently seen many of its storied neighborhoods spring back to life through regeneration efforts. Memphis has long struggled with violent crimes, generally in minority communities caught in a cycle of poverty. Its no secret that Memphis hasnt had the best reputation regarding crime. Crime in Memphis is significantly worse than in other cities. It can be a safer place to visit at night if you learn which parts of the city you should avoid. Is Memphis Safe For Tourists? The police presence helped make us feel safe. As a result, you can generally . - Data Reporter, Birmingham Business Journal. There are 3,415 cases reported per every 100,000 people. It is popular for music, food, drinks, rare animal sightings, and more. Dont flash your cash or hold your wallet or purse where it could be easily snatched by someone passing by. National Civil Rights Museum: An expansive museum built around the location where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. In 2020 Memphis had a murder rate of 52.44 per 100,000 residents, which is one of the highest in the nation. Absolutely correct!! The "Memphis Tourism Blues Stage on Beale" relocates the festival's popular Blues . If the opinion of the residents is anything to go by, crime reports have much to do with property theft, physical assault, and gang-related activities. Forceful purse snatching, car theft, and larceny make up the highest reported property crime cases. While West Memphis is very dangerous, Memphis has a lot of crime on its own. Read on for an in-depth look at prevalent dangers and tips on what you can do to stay safe. This area is known as the Mid-South, and Memphis is called The Bluff City since it sits on the bluffs of the river. 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. I stayed a couple of nights at the Peabody Hotel in downtown Memphis. Why Are Asian People So Smart? We will not be backEVER!! (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? | Safety Concerns, Is Norway Safe to Visit in 2023? ", "Downtown is objectively one of the safest places you can be in the city. Apparently shootings had been under reported for 2019. The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico have issued a new warning to visitors of Cancun and the Mexican state of Quintana Roo over a potential conflict between taxi drivers and ride-hailing service companies which has caused many tourists to wonder is Quintana Roo safe. You are advised to park your car in a safe area with better security and to keep your pricey belongings safely tucked away when in Whitehaven. Memphis used to be cool. Yea Im pretty sure Memphis isnt a place anyone should move to. They are feared and best avoided. About every other episode is from Memphis tn. That wasnt the case 20 years ago. The city ranks in the top fiveof most dangerous cities in the U.S. Memphis has a thriving food, art, and music scene. The contrast couldnt be more dramatic. Heres your data: https://data.memphistn.gov/. Is Memphis safe? It will be open to the public and offered free of charge. 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. You can even pay a little extra to be the Duckmaster for the day. You must have visited on a good day, there was another shooting at Cars on Sam Cooper, I was stuck in Traffic then I saw Blue Lights and a car with window shot out. 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. Drive with caution if youre unfamiliar with the area and the local road rules. 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. If you're an Elvis fan, BBQ lover or into blues music, Memphis is the obvious choice. This charming city has kept its old charm and style throughout the ages. East Memphis is safe enough as well. 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. Is Fort Lauderdale Safe to Visit in 2023? But they are boring places if youre in your twenties/thirties and single. Spawn is one of the most picturesque areas in Memphis. Set your alarms for 11:00 am and 5:00 pm, because thats when the resident Mallard ducks take their scheduled treks through the lobby to play in the fountain. Is Memphis Safe to Visit in 2023? You can also be assured the tourism bureau wont send you somewhere dangerous. I know of several people living in $500k to $1M East Memphis houses who have been robbed in their driveways, so dont let the C&VB and the foolish millennials from other places say that crime is hyped. What is the most dangerous place in Memphis? Girls wearing bonnets out in public like its a hat. The vacant 2 . As someone who lived in Memphis for two years, worked in Midtown, and enjoyed downtowns entertainment district, I will admit I lived in nearby Germantown because the crime rates were lower. 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. Memphis is generally a safe city for tourists. Memphis is great about keeping architectural gems and just rehabbing interiors. Memphis comes with a high risk, which isn't a ranking we give lightly. MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE AUGUST 25, 2017: Blues Clubs on Beale Street at dawn/Sean Pavone/Shutterstock. Sign up for our free newsletter. The city might look a little gritty in places and dynamic in others. The last count showed over 102 gangs in the city, with over 13 thousand members. getty 15 Safest Large Cities in the US. The largest lessons provided by the Memphis city schools is the lessons of hard knocks. The stench of civil rights injustices still lingers in the air, and theres as much affluence as there is poverty in a minority community sometimes in the same zip code. There is danger in the city due largely to the presence of organized crime. If youre walking on or around Beale street, youre likely to encounter panhandlers asking for money. Report inappropriate content FGrantWhittle Memphis, Tennessee Destination Expert for Memphis Level Contributor You never honestly know what Mother Nature has in store for you, but it boosts the citys danger levels. Memphis even when I was a child was a dangerous place. ", "Keep in mind is Memphis is like 12 miles x 12 miles. Despite its alarming levels of violent crimes, tourists can feel more secure in Memphis if they stay away from dangerous areas. ", "I have lived in downtown for the last 3 years and have never felt in danger. The violent crime for the most part happens in the North and South of the city, where you wouldnt want to go anyways.". If you visit the Wolfchase mall area, be very careful. Avoid wearing obviously expensive jewelry or calling attention to other expensive items that you might be carrying. However, as long as you stick to the touristy areas, youre in the best position to have a safe to and fun vacation. 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. Over the last 10 years, it consistently ranks in the to 3 5 most violent cities in the USA. We did get laughed at by the locals when we said we went to the bus station to get a bus and were strictly warned to never do that again (we stood out like sore thumbs) and were even told by a local theyd give us their car keys before we ever did that again we visited the Peabody and stayed in The Hampton Inn and a few other spots and the level of care and friendliness from the staff in hotels was astounding. If you walk, be alert and aware of your surroundings. Eddie Money was the headliner, and his tour van almost slipped into the lake. A few days later, a mass shooter randomly drove around shooting people and stealing cars in a crime spree that led to lockdowns, a freeze on mass transportation, and a citywide call to stay inside. Murder rates in Memphis are high, ranking in the top 5 most dangerous cities in the United States year after year. Here are the most dangerous neighborhoods in Memphis for 2023. Hence the City of Memphis Tennessee. Some areas of the city you can visit during the day time with no problems, but at night time that changes. The worst neighborhoods in North Memphis are Frayser and Raleigh and Hickory Hill, which has the nickname of Hickory Hood.", "The east side of the city is the safest part of Memphis and is a completely different experience. We visit downtown on family outings every month. The bridge has emergency call boxes and is under surveillance 24/7. I moved here from Germany, which is safer than any area around here. Those ordinary people are committing crimes at an increasing pace just to get the drugs that their bodies are now addicted to. I did not feel threatened by anyone, nor did I see the streets overrun by homeless people. If you find yourself in Spawn, beware of people standing on the street corners, even if they appear to be kids. If you do walk, make sure to keep your wallet in your pocket or carry your purse close to your body. Im white and live near and shop in a black area and never had a problem. The trolley is safer because it's in tourist areas, whereas the buses can go through some rough neighborhoods. NOTE: Shelby Farms is not the same thing as Shelby Forest State Park. I do believe that INVESTORS RENTALS are the way to go as you earn equity with each rental payment because at the end of the day, Property Values will depreciate, my personal experience!!! They werent aggressive, but it was uncomfortable. Memphis has a public transportation system called MATA. It has a violent crime rate of 1901 per 100,000 people. Many big cities are seeing violent crime surge across America. The city itself will get $1 million each year in tax revenue or 2% of Bass Pro sales, whichever is larger. In 2019, there were 237 homicides. Currently, there are no travel advisoriesthat the government has put out on Memphis. 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 . Living downtown is safe and desirable. I was warned by locals to not leave the hotel at night. 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. Or the income necessary to do so. If you want to see the world, go see it! There are interactive exhibits, historical displays, re-enactments, movies, and inspiration for a better future. Dont talk on the phone so much you dont notice your surroundings. You may enjoy more safety if youre in a safe neighborhood, but your chances drastically dwindle if you are in a dangerous place. Memphis has also kept its reputation as one of the countrys most dangerous cities, an aspect of the town that is slowly improving. Memphis more so than many other cities Ive visited is a block-by-block risk. Its safer to give loose change from your pocket or avoid giving money to panhandlers entirely. Crime is everywhere in Shelby County and the peripheral areas. Tipping is just an inch away from expected if you stopped to enjoy any of the shows. Hince the fact that every other episode of first 48 is in Memphis tn. There is a significantly high number of homeless shelters /people in Memphis, which can attract addicts and gang members who seamlessly blend in. Stay out of the hood and you will be fine. You can be a victim almost anywhere. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. The violent crime and the property crime rate is among the highest in the nation. (9 Reasons Why), Why Are Netflix Originals So Bad? Its just neighborhoods with mainly drug or gang related crime. Its safer to use a cab or trolley at night, rather than walk too far through the downtown area, especially if youre alone. If you are little cautious and avoid visiting dangerous or deserted areas, then . Memphis is, and continues to be, slow, broke, dirty and going nowhere. We were told by locals and hotel workers not to walk around alone at night and keep valuables in room! Memphis has the highest violent and property crime rate in the U.S. Just west of downtown, you can head over to Mud Island Park. Even when the police haul people in for sentencing, the prosecutors prefer to plead the cases out. ", "Ive lived in Memphis for the last 12 years and to be honest, it is more dangerous than other cities that I have lived. Big River Crossing offers an opportunity to walk or bike across the Mississippi River. That was in the sixties. You can focus on African American history, musical legends, or even a foodie or brew tour. However, there are cabs and trolleys that will get you safely to your destination as well. Memphis was already a dangerous city and now its getting worse and covering a more broad area. It seems that crime here isnt isolated to just a few areas. Property Crimes can jeopardize the safety of the neighborhood and the city overall. A woman out for a morning jog near the University of Memphis was pulled into a car, sexually assaulted, and killed. Memphis is also ranked with the second highes By Max A. Cherney. They are focusing on the attractions, making them oblivious to the person snatching their wallet or grabbing their purses. The downtown area of Memphis is located along the Mississippi River between Interstate 40 to the north, Interstate 55 to the south, and I-240 to the east. Downtown has a permanent resident population of 48,441. By the way, the local food is terrific. While the risk from the data looks low, it's smart to consider it a medium risk, especially if you're going to "Walking in Memphis" and enjoying the nightlife in the crowded bars and streets. Unfortunately in 2022, the city saw even more crime creep into some of the neighborhoods that were deemed safe. It consistently ranks in the top positions for most dangerous cities in the United States. Ended up moving here. ", "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. You have to be smart about your surroundings. Midtown has a population of over 62,700 and a violent crime rate of2,967 per 100,000 people. cicero the republic sparknotes, rebecca sarker sister sunetra,