Main Street and Union Ave (Memphis: apartments, condos, hotel)

[usmcmotort]

I'll be in TN in about 2 weeks! I will be staying near South Main Street and Union Avenue.

Can anyone share with me how good of an area it is? I heard it was one of the safest areas to be in (from the landlord) and I wanted to reconfirm.

Hopefully its safe enough to walk in during the day and even at night. Any feedback about this area would be great, thanks!

Would it be okay to walk from here to the fedex forum late at night?

[maximus10]

Couldn't agree more. That is a safe area. Pretty much all of downtown is safe. You will see a bum or two so I'm just warning you. They will want money or try and con you into a dollar or two. I always tell them No. Lots of Condos and apartments line Main St. So it is a safe area because of all the tenants that occupy these buildings.

[Pearlbob]

It's about as "downtown" as it gets. Pretty much the epicenter for traffic, walking, etc. You are staying there as in a hotel in the area, or you are moving in to an apartment in the area?

It is not South Main though, at least not in the sense of what area of downtown you'll be in. Not that it makes a difference, but the "South main arts area" is much further south, if you are talkign to anyone about it.

[usmcmotort]

I'll be staying in a Condo there for 30 days or more till I can buy a house. Well I'm glad it's safe, you think I can jog around that area?

[Pearlbob]

People jog all the time. Main St is closed to cars - only the trolleys use it. It's probably the safest area of downtown, just because it's so crowded all the time. Lots of people walking and driving by all hours of the day.

[Prairie Bayou]

When I stay in Downtown Memphis, one of my favorite runs is from the Peabody down to the South Main area across to Riverside and up along the river. It is part of the St. Jude Marathon course and whether you are there the first time or grew up in Memphis, it is a breath taking view of both the river and the skyline running along Riverside Drive.

[usmcmotort]

Outstanding, I can't wait. I imagine I'll be really close to the river.

[Pearlbob]

You'll be two blocks from the river. Up a hill on Union to Front, then straight down the bluff to Riverside. You can run south (nothing to the north) along Riverside. Also a lot of people run down on the island, which is further to the north. If you like running, you could easily run that way, but keep in mind there isn't much in between and it gets a little empty and shady - especially at night.

[clobbersaurus01]

I love downtown, but there are some issues to be aware of, most importantly, the "homeless," many if not most of the beggars actually have homes. I don't know the best site to learn how to deal with them, but I know that Residents for a Safer Downtown Memphis has been closely monitoring and exposing many of the solicitors and their tricks (i.e. helping a driver get a meter spot, then expecting a tip, etc). You'll be north of South Main, but they have an association (South Main Association). North of downtown, there is the Uptown Memphis neighborhood (uptownmemphis.org). Add to this some of the local blogs and the MPact young professional group and there should be a nice start to immerse yourself in Memphis knowledge.

Welcome! Always glad to see new residents contribute to the hodgpodge of diversity in Memphis. Memphis has tons to offer, especially opportunities to get involved to improve the conditions of the region.

[pixiepony]

ha ha ha, I beat ya here!!! I just got in last night. Hubby will be in tomorrow night and our furniture on sat.

Hope you enjoy it!!!