Memphis is the second-largest city in the state of Tennessee. It lies in Southwestern Shelby County and has a population of 651,073. Memphis is a regional center for commerce, education, media, art, and entertainment. It has long had a prominent music scene and is considered by many to be the home of blues. Home to Tennessee’s largest African-American population, Memphis played a prominent role in the American civil rights movement. Read on to know more about the city and where to find apartments for rent in Memphis.
Getting to know Memphis
The first European explorer to visit the area of present-day Memphis was Hernando de Soto in 1541. Modern Memphis was founded in 1819 by three prominent Americans: John Overton, James Winchester, and future president Andrew Jackson.
Weather wise, Memphis has a humid subtropical climate and is extremely hot and humid in the summertime. This may be something you’d like to keep in mind if you plan on moving and finding rooms for rent in Memphis. Late autumn is rainy and cooler, while winters are mild to chilly.
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Finding rooms for rent in Memphis
Although downtown Memphis has experienced quite a rebirth in the last few years, the center of the city is older. Downtown houses a large portion of Memphis’s population. As a result, many commute to work in other parts of the city. Here are some of the best places to find rooms to share or apartments for rent in Memphis.
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Top neighborhoods in Memphis
- Downtown: Home to the Beale Street Entertainment District, Downtown is a lively entertainment district with many restaurants and bars. It is a great place to find rooms for rent in Memphis or even rooms to share for the young, hip crowd. And it’s just a few blocks from the calm quiet of the Mississippi River.
- University District: A great place to find rooms to share or rooms for rent in Memphis for students. This neighborhood surrounds Memphis’s largest public university, the University of Memphis. Filled with cafes, bars, it’s a lively place for students to find apartments for rent in Memphis.
- Crosstown: An art district that is home to many young professionals, many artists and musicians live in the area. It’s also home to the Crosstown Concourse, a medical, arts, and education center. If you want to live in a charming and vibrant neighborhood, this can be a great place to find rooms for rent in Memphis.
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Average rent in Memphis
| Rooms for Rent in Memphis | Average Rent |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment in Memphis | $670 |
| 2 Bedroom Apartment in Memphis | $1,600 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment in Memphis | $2,460 |
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University life at Memphis
Memphis can be a great place to study if you enjoy dynamic and diverse city life. Memphis has a rich history and culture. There are great options for higher education or research as well. You can find rooms to share or rooms for rent in Memphis as a student. Here are the average living costs in Memphis.
Average cost of living in Memphis
| Particulars | Cost Per Month |
| Rent | $850 |
| Travelling | $120 |
| Food | $2200 |
| Utilities | $60 |
| Health Insurance | $100 |
Top universities in Memphis:
- University of Memphis
- Rhodes College
- Christian Brothers University
- Mid-South Christian College
- Strayer University
How transit friendly is Memphis?
Other than downtown, not much of Memphis is walkable. You will need a car or public transportation to get around the city. You may want to check bus and trolley availability before finding rooms for rent in Memphis. Memphis is laid out in a more or less east/west fashion. Roads primarily go east/west and north/south. The expressway cuts directly through the city.
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1. Buses in Memphis
Buses are the most common form of public transportation in the city. At nights and weekends, some buses take a different route than during the day. This is something to keep in mind when planning your commute. The buses accept cash fares and passes. But be sure to check the routes and availability before finding rooms for rent in Memphis.
2. Trolley in Memphis
A trolley operates around downtown and into Midtown. The trolley services are mostly for the benefit of tourists. Along with the buses, the trolleys are also operated by the Memphis Area Transit Authority. (MATA) If you are finding rooms for rent in Memphis Downtown, the trolley may be an option. You can check the trolley routes and find more information on their website.
3. Taxis in Memphis
Taxis are easily available in Memphis and can be useful at odd hours. The basic fee is $1.60, the kilometer price is $1.00. For standing and waiting time, $20.00 is charged per hour. Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft are also available. They can be great if you are looking for rooms for rent in Memphis in a more out-of-the-way area.
Cultural activities in Memphis
- Beale Street: It is the ‘Home of the Blues’ with an abundance of live music and bars. At night the street is closed to vehicles, but you can grab a beer with friends and take a walk.
- Mississippi River: River tours are available on most days here. The many viewpoints and dining options along the riverside provide stunning views.
- National Civil Rights Museum: A museum built out of the Lorraine Motel where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was fatally shot in 1968, it displays the city’s role and history in the National Civil Rights Movement.
Dining in Memphis
- The Arcade: A classic diner with traditional diner food along with pizza and hummus sandwiches. Featured in several movies, including Mystery Train.
- Bardog Tavern: A great bar with awesome food that you have to drop by for. It is also cheaper and has better value than the more popular joints. It’s also a great budget hangout for University students and young professionals.
- Pearl’s Oyster House: This one has some of the best New Orleans/Florida Panhandle-influenced seafood. With two bars and patio out back with a casual atmosphere, it’s pretty easy to get here as it is on the trolley line.
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