Midtown transportation (Memphis, Central: houses, neighborhoods, college)

[marktwain]

Lurking for a couple of months, trying to soak up as much about Memphis as possible. But still pretty clueless.

My family will be moving to Memphis at some point this summer. I will start teaching at Rhodes College in August. I have been looking online at houses in Central Gardens and Evergreen, keeping the checkerboard pattern of good and bad blocks in mind. We would like the beautiful old houses and everyone at the College who lives in Midtown said they loved it. A little wary about crime, but that's not my question here.

My question has to do with getting from, say, Central Gardens to Rhodes, which is about 2 miles or so. Is it reasonably safe to walk or bicycle up and down McLean Blvd and along Overton Park? I am used to a ride or walk of similar distance, but through very sleepy neighborhoods in a midwest city. I can deal with cars on city streets and roads, just concerned about general safety along the way.

Thanks!

[strumpeace]

Yes, walking along McLean is just fine, imo. McLean is a high-visibility street. I lived on Hawthorne between Poplar and North Parkway up until a couple of years ago, and I frequently walked along McLean through Midtown during the day. Never had any problems whatsoever. I would exercise common-sense caution after dark, of course, by removing earbuds and staying aware of the surroundings.

Enjoy Rhodes. It's a beautiful campus.

Best wishes.

[Pearlbob]

Agreed, very safe. Just beware that Memphis is not known to be super tolerant of bikers and walkers, so just be careful of speeding cars who don't care or notice you.

[marktwain]

Thanks -- I appreciate this info. If we end up in Evergreen or Vollentine-Evergreen (these are two different but adjacent neighborhoods, right?) I guess the trip will be a lot quicker. Thanks again--my family and I are very excited about getting to know Memphis and the mid-South.