We were warned by locals not to go near white haven and not to go down certain side streets. This does not include simple vandalism cases, which are accepted as normal. Its a great way to see the city of Memphis from the river and soak in the awesome skyline. Memphis has the highest violent and property crime rate in the U.S. In 2020, that number rose by nearly 100 to 327 homicides. I Agree!! I'd worry less about being scammed and more about being hustled. They werent aggressive, but it was uncomfortable. Avoid wearing obviously expensive jewelry or calling attention to other expensive items that you might be carrying. Memphis is not entirely safe at night, especially for a visitor that is unfamiliar with the layout of the city. I do not like the Real Estate Economy thereI Sold my properties and Re-invested in Cities of Real Estate Growth!! There are 3,415 cases reported per every 100,000 people. Come to Memphis at your own risk. It seems like all the bad stuff happens after 12am and as long as youre not out that late, you will be fine. Its important to stay in places designated for tourists and keep a low profile while being confident in your movements. Gas pumps have also been an area of interest for scanners that steal your info to use your identity for other purposes. (2022 Crime Rate And Crime Stats), Is Detroit Safe To Visit? Memphis, TN just happen to have the first 48 crime lab here just like Texas and Florida. Especially in the tourist areas like Beale Street, you'll see street performers or gymnasts doing flips and playing music. Know where youre going and at what time. Have someone walk you to your car if you're out at night. Green = Good, Purple = Good, Yellow = Precede with caution, Orange = Bad..but not the worst, and Red = Bad and worst. ", "If you stick to the popular areas like midtown, Cooper Young, Beale Street, Main Street, you will most likely be fine. Heres a map showing you where all the homicides were committed in Memphis in 2020: As of October 14, 2021 there have already been 238 homicides reported in Memphis, which is outpacing 2020, where 232 homicides were reported in the same time frame. No issues in Memphis. But all in all I really fell in love with the place and the people. Crime happens everywhere in Memphis. You may enjoy more safety if youre in a safe neighborhood, but your chances drastically dwindle if you are in a dangerous place. (2022 Crime Rates And Crime Stats), Is Indianapolis Safe To Visit? Youll likely be humming it by the time you leave if you can get Lynyrd Skynyrds Free Bird out of your head. No, the Chamber of Commerce doesn't like to talk about Kelby Shorty, the 7-year-old boy gunned . Yea Im pretty sure Memphis isnt a place anyone should move to. I took that advice for granted when I moved here because I had lived in places where car break ins were fairly rare. Late at night the situation might change when there is not a lot of people around. Im white and live near and shop in a black area and never had a problem. I dont know what negative feelings you have, but its false. | Safety Concerns, The 17 Best Places to Visit in the United States in 2023. Avoid North and South Memphis and you should be fine. I have lived in Memphis for 50 years. I couldnt even sleep at night in the room, with all the hot rodders and drag racers making so much racket. 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. Food was awesome though. But you may have to reconsider visiting this neighborhood if you want to decrease your chances of becoming a crime victim. We shopped at Sears for hours and never felt unsafe. The violent crime for the most part happens in the North and South of the city, where you wouldnt want to go anyways.". 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. Note that fewer people mean enhanced safety for you. Even those sunglasses you left sitting on the dash. And we stayed out until all hours of the morning down Beale Street. Take proper precautions when you do visit the Graceland area. You just dont want to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. ", "Downtown is fine during the daytime. 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. The police have tried to bring sanity into the area by increasing their presence day and night. 23% of violent crimes were against strangers, suggesting a large majority of violent crimes are among people who know each other. Traveling to new places has changed our lives, and we hope to share our experience, insight, and passion with you in order to inspire you to change yours as well! Dont touch the water and certainly dont swim in it. Common criminal cases here involve petty crimes that may not threaten your life as a tourist. Memphis welcomes close to 10 million visitorsannually. You're not guaranteed tomorrow, and, often times, you can buy an international plane ticket for less than a domestic one. Heres a list of the top 10 most dangerous cities in the United States ranked by violent crime rate in 2020. On the other hand, tourists who are not prepared may find themselves in a bad position. Talked to the Memphis Flippers CEO, became friends with the police, and kept our wits about us. If it looks like you shouldnt be there, leave. - Senior Reporter, Silicon Valley Business Journal. Eddie Money was the headliner, and his tour van almost slipped into the lake. Midtown Memphis is home to Overton Square, an entertainment district with theaters, bars, and restaurants in a charming setting. Beale Street brings crowds for live music, Southern dining, and bars galore. CRIME is EVERYWHERE!!!!! Come get robbed for fun. Most tourist attractions and landmarks enjoy enhanced security than other areas in the city. Your description of the hwy is 100% accurate!! Memphis, Tennessee, sits on the western side of Tennessee along the eastern banks of the Mississippi River. I've lived here for 4 years, moving around 3 different areas (Midtown, East Memphis, Germantown), and I don't feel is particularly dangerous. It is a horrible truth that happens daily to people who have no idea what happened until it is too late. We have been downtown for years without any issues. We were told by locals and hotel workers not to walk around alone at night and keep valuables in room! Violent crimes include murder, rape, robbery and assault. Hince the fact that every other episode of first 48 is in Memphis tn. For nearly six decades, classic gothic soap opera Dark Shadows has haunted and entertained global audiences. However, most tourists will not experience any problems if they follow . Travel news, itineraries, and inspiration delivered straight to your inbox. I was there in June of 2021, ate at kooky kanucks, right across from the Peabody first night in town, there was a shooting right outside the restaurant while we were eating, many people ran to the back of the restaurant (I had some drinks and was feeling bulletproof so I just stayed at the bar). Stay out of the hood and you will be fine. Ive lived in and around Memphis for my entire life. Tourists are as much a risk as the locals because criminals will target vulnerable people. Tourists are prime targets for their criminal activities. Memphis is a beautiful city with a terrific mix of historical interests and new attractions. Or the income necessary to do so. Trying to commute to work is a nightmare. It would even be ranked at the top of the most dangerous cities in the United States. Over the last 10 years, it consistently ranks in the to 3 5 most violent cities in the USA. That was in the sixties. All Rights Reserved. A lot of chatter emits from the second-seeded Grizzlies when . Generally, Memphis is a safe place for tourists. Most unsafe neighborhoods in Memphis are on the citys outskirts. Living there, I knew there were just parts of town I wouldn't drive through. Its not a huge city. Memphis is a city that is full of heart and soul and is rich in culture and history. When you park your car make sure NOTHING can be seen inside the windows. Everybody and their brother is trying to rip everyone off, and thats putting it extremely positively given the reality of it. I did not feel threatened by anyone, nor did I see the streets overrun by homeless people. Ive had friends get broken into because they left a few quarters in the cup holder or had some books in the backseat. If we link to any product, you should assume that we'll receive a commission when you buy it, at no extra cost to you. I was much more comfortable walking the streets of Baghdad after dark then I am walking the streets of Downtown Memphis and/or Beale Street at any time of the dayAll cities have their problems but with Memphis staying at or near the top of the list for violent crimes for the past 20 years or so it is a city to be wary of if visiting or relocatingIt is easy to do your own research for the FBI keeps records of every city in America, take a look and decide for yourself, I visit Memphis every year in August and walk from Graceland down to Marlows and and even down to Wal-Mart without any problems at all I love Memphis and am planning on moving there when I retire in 3 years time from NEW ZEALAND, Well you were lucky Not safe I was born in Memphis Nowhere is safe anymore there If anyone tells you different then I would take it with a grain of salt. Absolutely correct!! ", "I have lived in downtown for the last 3 years and have never felt in danger. This is how we keep the lights on (i.e. Use common sense and the buddy system to lower your risk here. Lots of cops on Beale at night which made me feel better. Its no secret that Memphis hasnt had the best reputation regarding crime. This includes parked cars and carjackings on the road. ", "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. 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 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. Memphis, Tennessee August 19, 2018: Police car of Memphis park on the road among the building in downtown, USA/Mont592/Shutterstock. 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. I grew up and graduated from HS in Memphis, I Loved Memphis and then I moved to California and really fell in Love with CALIFORNIA!! Downtown has the unenviable title of the most dangerous neighborhood in Memphis. Memphis has a public transportation system called MATA. Start Here North America Tennessee Is Memphis Safe to Visit in 2023? 2023 Smarter Travel Media LLC. I dont go in the city unless Im absolutely forced to or if I have to drive to work. You have to be smart about your surroundings. The city has seen a slight decline in overall crimes but compared to other cities nearby, Memphis still is very dangerous. If you notice a drastic change in your surroundings or something seems odd, head back. Daytime or nighttime walking in Memphis is risky. Yes, Memphis is ranked #1 in violent crime by the FBI. 342 people in Memphis were murdered last year. Dont stop at gas stations with a bunch of people loitering outside. . I felt safer in Memphis than I did in New York. link to Whatever Happened To Alexandra Isles, 'Victoria Winters' From Dark Shadows? Memphis Metro is in the 16th percentile for safety, meaning 84% of metro areas are safer and 16% of metro areas are more dangerous. Mind your own business, use common sense when you go out like you would anywhere else hopefully, and you will be fine. Nor with a education capable to enter college. Stay away from any kind of confrontation and nicely say "No" to the homeless people who ask for money. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Memphis faces a risk throughout the year of different varieties. 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. It is also a city you shouldn't avoid because of that - you just need to know the information you're researching now. Dont act like a tourist. The city itself will get $1 million each year in tax revenue or 2% of Bass Pro sales, whichever is larger. Is Fort Lauderdale Safe to Visit in 2023? Also, watch out for taxi drivers or vendors who will overcharge to get more out of you unscrupulously. In addition to the above, other safety concerns for visiting Memphis include: Theres cause for concern among tourists traveling to Memphis regarding their safety and well-being due to the rising criminal cases reported daily.