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Memphis, TN

Frequently asked questions

Memphis, TN

Memphis is a city in the U.S. state of Tennessee. It is the seat of Shelby County in the southwest part of the state; it is situated along the Mississippi River. With a population of 633,104 at the 2020 U.S. census, Memphis is the second-most populous city in Tennessee after Nashville.

Memphis is the fifth-most populous city in the Southeast, the nation's 28th-most populous overall, as well as the largest city bordering the Mississippi River and third largest metropolitan statistical area behind Greater St. Louis and the Twin Cities on the Mississippi River. The Memphis metropolitan area includes West Tennessee and the greater Mid-South region, which includes portions of neighboring Arkansas, Mississippi and the Missouri Bootheel. One of the more historic and culturally significant cities of the Southern United States, Memphis has a wide variety of landscapes and distinct neighborhoods.

The first European explorer to visit the area of present-day Memphis was Spanish conquistador Hernando de Soto in 1541. The high Chickasaw Bluffs protecting the location from the waters of the Mississippi was contested by European settlers as Memphis developed. By 1819, when modern Memphis was founded, it was part of the United States territory. John Overton, James Winchester, and Andrew Jackson founded the city. Based on the wealth of cotton plantations and river traffic along the Mississippi, Memphis grew into one of the largest cities of the Antebellum South. After the Civil War and the end of slavery, the city continued to grow into the 20th century. It became among the largest world markets for cotton and hardwood.

Home to Tennessee's largest African-American population, Memphis played a prominent role in the American Civil Rights Movement. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968 after activities supporting a strike by the city's maintenance workers. The National Civil Rights Museum was established there and is a Smithsonian affiliate institution.

Since the civil rights era, Memphis has become one of the nation's leading commercial centers in transportation and logistics. The largest employer is FedEx, which maintains its global air hub at Memphis International Airport. In 2021, Memphis was the world's second-busiest cargo airport. The International Port of Memphis also hosts the fifth-busiest inland water port in the U.S. The Globalization and World Cities Research Network considers Memphis a "Sufficiency" level global city as of 2020.

Memphis is a center for media and entertainment, notably a historic music scene. With blues clubs on Beale Street originating the unique Memphis blues sound, the city has been nicknamed the "Home of the Blues". Its music has continued to be shaped by a multicultural mix of influences: country, rock and roll, soul, and hip-hop.

The city is home to a major professional sports team, the Grizzlies of the NBA and the Memphis Showboats of the UFL. Other attractions include Graceland, the Memphis Pyramid, Sun Studio, the Blues Hall of Fame and Stax Museum of American Soul Music. Memphis-style barbecue has achieved international prominence, and the city hosts the annual World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, which attracts more than 100,000 visitors each year. Higher-level educational institutions include the University of Memphis, Christian Brothers University and Rhodes College.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 324.0 square miles (839.2 km²), of which 315.1 square miles (816.0 km²) is land and 9.0 square miles (23.2 km²), or 2.76%, is water.

Memphis places a strong emphasis on health and wellness to its residents. St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare offer comprehensive health services, including wellness check-ups and preventive care programs. ATC Fitness offers comprehensive fitness programs including cardio, strength training, and group exercise classes. Start with a revitalizing session at Envision Memphis, known for its comprehensive fitness programs and personal training. Yoga enthusiasts can find their center at Sana Yoga, which offers a variety of classes in a heated environment.  Outdoor lovers can explore the scenic trails and beautiful landscapes at Shelby Farms Park, perfect for hiking, biking, and picnicking. InsideOut Gym offers a supportive community and diverse fitness classes, including weight training and cardio workouts.

Top sites in Memphis TN are National Civil Rights Museum, Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum, and Memphis Zoo

Population: 618,639 (2023). ZIP codes: 38109-38120. Area code: 901. Elevation: 337 ft (103 m). Area: 302.55 sq mi (783.60 km²).

FAQs

What is Memphis, TN known for?

Memphis is known worldwide as the "Home of the Blues & Birthplace of Rock 'n' Roll - not to mention gospel, jazz, R&B, rap and soul. Close to 20 percent of the earliest inductees (24 of the 97) in the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame have come from within a 100-mile radius of Memphis. Home to Graceland, home of Elvis Presley, the second most visited private home in the United States next to the White House in Washington, D.C.

Is Memphis, TN a good city to live in?

Yes, Memphis is considered a good place to move to, especially for its rich cultural history, affordable cost of living, and friendly community. Living in Memphis is kind on your wallet. The cost of housing is significantly lower than the national average, which means you can get a lovely home without breaking the bank. This affordability extends to everyday expenses like groceries, utilities, and entertainment, making it easier to enjoy life without financial stress.

How far apart are Nashville and Memphis, TN?

Memphis is approximately 212 miles (341 Km) from Nashville. The driving distance can vary slightly depending on the route, but it usually takes 3 to 3.5 hours of drive time. Traveling between Nashville and Memphis offers various options, each with pros and cons. Overall, driving is going to be the best choice for most people, because it is affordable and the fastest option.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Memphis

The Wendy Thompson Team

Southeast Travel Guide

Memphis Travel

National Civil Rights Museum

Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum

Memphis Zoo

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare

ATC Fitness

Envision Memphis

Sana Yoga

Shelby Farms Park

InsideOut Gym 

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.