Discover our neighborhoods

Downtown

image of downtown Memphis and Mississippi River
The Memphis skyline, from the river looking east.

Situated on the East banks of the Mississippi River, Memphis’ Downtown is home to several vibrant neighborhoods including Harbor Town, the Pinch District and South Main. Downtown is a hub for businesses, anchor institutions, cultural landmarks and a variety of entertainment venues, as well as Memphis’ famous Beale Street.

Just a five-minute drive from St. Jude, Downtown offers convenience, culture and year-round fun for sports and music fans, history buffs, foodies and fitness aficionados alike. The Memphis Grizzlies take the court at nearby FedExForum while the minor-league Redbirds swing for the fences at AutoZone Park. The National Civil Rights Museum and Memphis Rock ‘N’ Soul Museum are both a short stroll away, and buzzworthy restaurants, community-focused cafes and hotel bars attract diners and happy hour crowds with standout cuisine, inspired coffee concoctions and craft cocktails. And for those who want to take in river views while breaking a sweat, several nearby trails and bike paths deliver.

image of downtown Memphis and Mississippi River
The Memphis skyline, from the river looking east.

I love the flavor of the neighborhood. There’s always something to do and it feels like I’m five minutes away from everything.

line drawing of Kevin Brooks

Kevin Brooks

Videographer

Downtown

See what's Downtown

The neighborhoods: 

Harbor Town

Pinch District

South Main

Parks/Gardens

Aerial view of Tom Lee Park under redesign

The riverfront city park is scheduled to reopen in Spring 2023 after a major multi-year renovation; four reimagined sections will include nature trails, recreation areas and spaces for community activities and events.

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Memphis sign with sky scrapers in the background at Mud Island River Park.

A short walk from Downtown, Mud Island Park sits on a peninsula in the Mississippi River and features incredible views of the city skyline, plus a 50-foot “Memphis” sign perfect for Instagram selfies.

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Aerial view of a tug boat on the Mississippi River in Memphis with buildings in the background. To the right is a walkway along the river.

The two-acre park is situated along Riverside Drive and features a Mississippi River overlook and grassy areas perfect for a picnic or an easy stroll with the dogs.

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View of Hernando De Soto Bridge in Memphis with trees in the foreground.

The urban greenspace includes plenty of space for quiet contemplation. Head here to stroll on a paved walking trail or take a rest on a bench in the shade.

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River Garden Park with dining tables, walking paths and a river view in Memphis

The one-acre city park features an all-ages treehouse, children’s play areas and a pavilion for picnics and get-togethers. A bike-share station is located on-site, and group fitness classes are held here.

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Ida B. Wells entrance park with statue behind fence

Standing at Beale and Fourth streets is the only life-size statue in the country of Ida B. Wells, honoring the pioneering journalist, educator, and civil rights advocate. The statue sits adjacent to the original office of Wells' The Free Speech and Headlight newspaper. The Memphis Memorial Committee, in partnership with the Neshoba Community Resource Center, aims to shed light on her legacy, and are in the process of further developing the plaza around her.

Learn more
Aerial view of Tom Lee Park under redesign

The riverfront city park is scheduled to reopen in Spring 2023 after a major multi-year renovation; four reimagined sections will include nature trails, recreation areas and spaces for community activities and events.

View Website
Memphis sign with sky scrapers in the background at Mud Island River Park.

A short walk from Downtown, Mud Island Park sits on a peninsula in the Mississippi River and features incredible views of the city skyline, plus a 50-foot “Memphis” sign perfect for Instagram selfies.

Explore Website
Aerial view of a tug boat on the Mississippi River in Memphis with buildings in the background. To the right is a walkway along the river.

The two-acre park is situated along Riverside Drive and features a Mississippi River overlook and grassy areas perfect for a picnic or an easy stroll with the dogs.

Learn more
View of Hernando De Soto Bridge in Memphis with trees in the foreground.

The urban greenspace includes plenty of space for quiet contemplation. Head here to stroll on a paved walking trail or take a rest on a bench in the shade.

View Website
River Garden Park with dining tables, walking paths and a river view in Memphis

The one-acre city park features an all-ages treehouse, children’s play areas and a pavilion for picnics and get-togethers. A bike-share station is located on-site, and group fitness classes are held here.

Learn more
Ida B. Wells entrance park with statue behind fence

Standing at Beale and Fourth streets is the only life-size statue in the country of Ida B. Wells, honoring the pioneering journalist, educator, and civil rights advocate. The statue sits adjacent to the original office of Wells' The Free Speech and Headlight newspaper. The Memphis Memorial Committee, in partnership with the Neshoba Community Resource Center, aims to shed light on her legacy, and are in the process of further developing the plaza around her.

Learn more

Restaurants

Photo of midtown Huey's at corner of Tucker and Madison

Burgers, beers and live music are on tap at this Memphis institution, serving up casual fare and no-frills good times since the ‘70s.

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Endive and radish salad with bread crumbs, cheese and salad dressing at Catherine & Mary's Restaurant in Memphis

Tuscan and Sicilian fare make Catherine & Mary’s a standout in Memphis’ dining scene. Head here for incredible pastas, authentic polenta and meatballs as good as grandma made.

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Four beer glasses in a flight sitting on a table.

The Main Street restaurant and wine bar offers flights of everything from wine and bourbon to seafood and soups, and the menu offers suggested wine pairings with dinner entrees.

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Golden beer being poured into a glass at a bar.

Dubbed the oldest tavern in Memphis, The Green Beetle offers more than 50 beers and serves up classic pub grub like burgers and buffalo wings.

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Photo of midtown Huey's at corner of Tucker and Madison

Burgers, beers and live music are on tap at this Memphis institution, serving up casual fare and no-frills good times since the ‘70s.

Visit Website
Endive and radish salad with bread crumbs, cheese and salad dressing at Catherine & Mary's Restaurant in Memphis

Tuscan and Sicilian fare make Catherine & Mary’s a standout in Memphis’ dining scene. Head here for incredible pastas, authentic polenta and meatballs as good as grandma made.

Learn more
Four beer glasses in a flight sitting on a table.

The Main Street restaurant and wine bar offers flights of everything from wine and bourbon to seafood and soups, and the menu offers suggested wine pairings with dinner entrees.

Explore Website
Golden beer being poured into a glass at a bar.

Dubbed the oldest tavern in Memphis, The Green Beetle offers more than 50 beers and serves up classic pub grub like burgers and buffalo wings.

Learn more

Arts/Culture

experiences

Sculpture of African American men, each holding signs that say "I AM A MAN" at the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis.

Located at the former Lorraine Motel where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated in 1968, the museum chronicles the history of the American Civil Rights Movement and holds special events to address the impact of the era on culture today.

Learn more
Memphis Rock N Soul Museum sign with blue sky.

Located on Memphis’s famous Beale Street, the museum profiles the musicians who birthed rock and soul music and pioneered the genres while battling racism and socio-economic challenges.

Visit Website
photo of WC Handy House and Museum

Visit the turn-of-the-century shotgun house on Beale Street to learn about William Christopher “WC” Handy, a bandleader, composer and musician known to many historians and music fans as the Father of the Blues.

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Five intricately carved jade dragon ships on display at the Belz Museum in Memphis.

Opened in 1998 and expanded over the years, the Belz Museum is home to more than 1,400 objects and artifacts, including jade sculpture from China’s Qing Dynasty.

Learn more
Sculpture of African American men, each holding signs that say "I AM A MAN" at the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis.

Located at the former Lorraine Motel where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated in 1968, the museum chronicles the history of the American Civil Rights Movement and holds special events to address the impact of the era on culture today.

Learn more
Memphis Rock N Soul Museum sign with blue sky.

Located on Memphis’s famous Beale Street, the museum profiles the musicians who birthed rock and soul music and pioneered the genres while battling racism and socio-economic challenges.

Visit Website
photo of WC Handy House and Museum

Visit the turn-of-the-century shotgun house on Beale Street to learn about William Christopher “WC” Handy, a bandleader, composer and musician known to many historians and music fans as the Father of the Blues.

Explore website
Five intricately carved jade dragon ships on display at the Belz Museum in Memphis.

Opened in 1998 and expanded over the years, the Belz Museum is home to more than 1,400 objects and artifacts, including jade sculpture from China’s Qing Dynasty.

Learn more

Ask a Memphian

SEE MORE FAQS
Q
What’s the weather like in Memphis?
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For gardeners, Memphis is a great place. You can grow basically anything—even into the fall and the early winter.

line sketch of Amanda Green

Amanda Green

Instructor

Midtown

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Q
What is there to do in Memphis?
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I love music and the free concerts at Overton Park; when I’m there, I feel a sense of belonging—families hanging out together and kids running around.

line sketch of Chenchen Sun

Chenchen Sun

Project Coordinator

Germantown

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Q
Is Memphis a nice place to live?
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We’re growing and expanding all the time, but we still have a small-town feel.

line sketch of Alex Switzer

Alex Switzer

Sous Chef Manager

Sherwood Forest

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Q
What can my kids get involved with after-school and on weekends?
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There are lots of different options for extracurricular activities. Both of my kids played tennis just a few minutes from my house.

line sketch of Mondira Kundu

Mondira Kundu

Member

East Memphis

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SEE MORE FAQS

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St. Jude Campus

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