Downtown Memphis (Central: apartment complexes, rental, loft)

[bond4154]

Okay, I'm moreorless aware of how bad crime can get in Memphis, but, at this point, there's really no way I can pull out. I'm an 18-year-old student working on an internship in a business in Downtown Memphis, single. I'm really hoping to work out a place where I can live that is moreorless close to work, not to mention safe. Is downtown, near Union Street, relatively safe compared to the other districts in Memphis? I'm aware it can be quite expensive there, but money isn't as much of a problem as losing an arm or a leg because I can save $100 a month. Thanks.

[Pearlbob]

Downtown Memphis is completely safe. There is a large bum population (people who aren't actually homeless but pretend to be to ask for money) but other than that, it's great. It's statistically the safest area of Memphis. Like any "downtown" area, you have to be careful of "city" problems (car break ins for example) but just use common sense and it's not a problem. I've known many people to live downtown for years and not have any problems.

In this month's issue of Downtowner magazine, there is a big article about all the different apartment complexes downtown. Get that magazine and look at them. If you don't mind small spaces, you can easily get a studio or even a small one bedroom for under $800.

[bond4154]

Wonderful. That's the kind of news I wanted to hear. Thank you kindly, Pearlbob. ^_^

[Pearlbob]

You're welcome. Definitely get a copy of that Downtower magazine, it would be extremely helpful to you. It's free, and they have them at the front door of a lot of busiensses and restaurants downtown.

I would suggest staying downtown though, and not the island. Although the island is "downtown" it is far removed and definitely not walkable to anything. it's more family-oriented, but I've known a lot of younger people and college aged people to live there; however, they have to drive when ever they want to go downtown.

[bond4154]

Gotcha, I'll keep that in mind. And I'll look for the Downtowner magazine as well, although I seem to have found some good deals on the internet as well. Again, thanks very much~ X3

[Pearlbob]

Good to hear; a lot of times people buy condos and then rent them out downtown (if allowed by their association).

[Otto42]

I currently live and work in downtown Memphis, and know many people who do the same. I've been here for about 4 years now.

The main problem downtown is the bums. Violent crime is rare, but it does happen once every couple years. Usually it's bum-on-bum crime. Most of the crime you see a lot is car break-ins or violations of the panhandling laws. This has started to be less frequent as a lot of downtowners are trying to push them out of the area.

Look around at the places on Main Street. There's several large buildings up towards Monroe and Main, like #10 Main, or closer to the Peabody Place area. If you're looking for purchase, there's many condos available in the South Main Arts district, about 8-10 blocks south of Union. There are several apartments for rent down there, as well as many condos who's owners are renting them out. The condos are usually converted warehouse and loft-style spaces, which are usually very cool.

I bought one of those condos a few months ago in the South Main area. I love downtown Memphis, and wouldn't live anywhere else in town.

[Pearlbob]

I love the South Main area as well. I'm glad to see they are pushing commercial businesses there finally...for a while it was all residential with just a few shops/restaurants. Just in the past year they have built a lot more to do.

If you like South Main but don't like the loft feel, there are the South Bluff apts. Very "suburban" in style (large buildings next to one another, pastel colors, nice landscaping) but are near the trolley line to get to the rest of downtown (not sure if I'd want to walk it at night, sort of far)

[Otto42]

There's also the Central Station Apartments building down on South Main, just past the end of the trolley line on GE Patterson. Those apartments are relatively cheap and surprisingly large for some of them. Good views of the area too. They're not particularly stylish or anything, although the building itself is kinda old and neat in that respect. But the price is decent. Friend of mine has a 2 bedroom, ~900 sqft. place there for about $900-ish a month.

[Pearlbob]

Oh yes, that's right! I've known people to live there and like it. I always forget about that place. I *think* those are the only rental complexes down there. Like mentioned, sometimes people rent out condos, however I assume those would be a lot pricier.