Bordered to the north by downtown Memphis and the newly rebuilt South City, South Memphis is a community deeply rooted in soul music — so much so that it is often called Soulsville. The original site of Stax Records, the neighborhood’s most significant landmark, was torn down in 1989, but “they realized it was too important of a place, not just for Memphis but the world, to remain in rubble, so it was recreated and turned into the Stax Museum,” says Carolyn Michael-Banks, owner and operator of A Tour of Possibilities, a company that tours both the African American history of Memphis and the impactful organizations throughout the city. “The other thing that happened, which I am so enamored by, is they also decided to do something for the citizens of that neighborhood. That’s when they created Soulsville Charter School.” The Stax Museum has become a symbol of South Memphis — not only because of how the space was reconstructed to highlight the area’s history but also because of how the operating nonprofit, Soulsville Foundation, has uplifted the community as a whole.
South Memphis is home to the famous Stax Records.
South Memphis has many murals created by local artists.
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Homes from the South Memphis renaissance and today
The history of housing in South Memphis is complicated because of the ongoing changes since its foundation in 1840. “It was once a very flourishing neighborhood, and unfortunately, due to urban renewal, which many Memphians will share really meant urban removal, a lot of incredible communities were destroyed and projects built in their place,” Michael-Banks says. Many of these public housing projects have since been demolished over the last few years, putting newly constructed apartments and housing communities in their place. Because the mid-20th century brought growth, many of the existing properties in the community are ranch-style homes from the 1950s and 1960s. While many homes are sold to investors for rentals, some are sold to owner-occupants. Turnkey homes with recent renovation typically cost between $100,000 and $175,000.
From snug abodes to expansive family dwellings, South Memphis caters to diverse preferences.
Discover the serene streets and welcoming ambiance defining the essence of South Memphis, TN.
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Walkable access to Soulsville Charter School
Students are zoned for Memphis-Shelby County Schools. They can start their education at A. B. Hill Elementary, a school receiving a C grade from Niche, and transition to Riverview Middle, which gets a C-minus. From here, students can attend Hamilton High, a C-minus-graded school with a 61% graduation rate. Alternatively, middle and high school students can enroll at Soulsville Charter School, an option with a 100% graduation rate in South Memphis. “In the very front of the building of the charter school, you’ll see these sheets of paper — and these are letters from schools that the graduating class has been accepted to. Every student gets to see what’s possible,” Michael-Banks says. For after-school activities, the Green Leaf Learning Farm is about a mile west of the charter school and remains one of the most respected options in the area, as its programming teaches students about gardening and the culinary arts. “Marlon Foster started out by creating an after-school program for kids, and he went from doing that to literally planting an organic garden right in the heart of South Memphis. He wanted his students to be able to become as self-sufficient as they can,” Michael-Banks says.
Stax Records and Soulsville Charter School point to the rich musical history of South Memphis.
A.B. Hill Elementary School in South Memphis provides a supportive and interactive environment.
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Parks along the Bayou and the famed Stax Museum
Martin Luther King Jr. Riverside Park borders South Memphis to the west, and the green space overlooks the Riverside Bayou. With a playground, walking trails and a lake within its limits, the park offers space to explore the outdoors without needing to venture far from home. For a quiet place to escape the pace of city life and explore the native trees of Tennessee, the Carlisle S. Page Arboretum is in the northeastern corner of South Memphis and includes about 1,500 trees. For something to do indoors, The Knowledge Quest features programming for all ages a block from Walker Avenue. Children can participate in academic workshops, and adults can learn more about writing effective resumes or improving computer literacy.
Landmarks of the soul-filled past of South Memphis are scattered throughout the community, including Aretha Franklin’s birth home. “Her family left when she was two, and we believe in our hearts that those were her two formative years where she inhaled all that Soulsville air,” Michael-Banks says humorously. Although Stax Museum sounds like a tourist attraction, it is also frequented by South Memphis locals. Residents of Shelby County get in for free on Tuesdays, and the museum regularly hosts film screenings and book signings.
Martin Luther King Jr Park is a well-maintained park in South Memphis.
The "Queen of Soul" Herself, Aretha Franklin, was born in South Memphis.
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The Four Way and other soul food restaurants
One of the most well-known restaurants in South Memphis is The Four Way, a soul food spot that has been serving the community since 1946. A frequented spot by civil rights leaders like Martin Luther King, Jr. and a place featured in a Drake video, the restaurant’s popularity has not waned since its opening. There are many other eateries serving soul food and American favorites throughout South Memphis, including Soulsville Kitchen and Market, so it’s easy for locals to find a place to grab a bite within a few blocks of home. Southgate Shopping Center is the closest option for shopping needs, and it includes a Memphis Cash Saver for groceries.
South Memphis features some of the best soul food in the region.
The 4 Way Soul Food in South Memphis is a popular lunch spot.
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Combatting crime with community spirit
According to the CAP Index, South Memphis receives an overall Crime Score of 7 and a homicide Crime Score of 10, both of which are higher than the national average of 4. Organizations like the Soulsville Foundation and The Knowledge Quest are taking an active role in the community by offering new opportunities to local youth and adults. “South Memphis gets a bad rap in general; it’s unfortunate,” Michael-Banks says. “Yes, our neighborhood has problems, but it doesn’t determine where everything is going to go. It just means we have to look at it differently and really want to make a difference.”
Charitable organizations like Knowledge Quest educate and care for the youth of South Memphis.
South Memphis is home to Memphis Rox, a unique local climbing gym.
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Taking the Blues Highway into downtown
Buses connect South Memphis to downtown. The neighborhood is only 3 miles from the heart of Memphis, so it’s just a quick ride up Blues Highway to reach the area’s top attractions. Top employers, like International Paper, are less than 5 miles away, and major distribution centers, like Amazon, are less than 15 miles away.
South Memphis lies just south of Downtown Memphis.
Big River Crossing is located adjacent to South Memphis.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in South Memphis, Memphis sell after 66 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in South Memphis, Memphis over the last 12 months is $56,000, up 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Buyer to verify all utilities and perform any and all due diligence prior to closing. Selling AS IS -WHERE IS. Investors this is your chance to add to or build your portfolio. Must be purchased as a package with the following: 774 Bullington Ave 776 Bullington Ave 758 Bullington Ave
Great investment opportunity in a quiet neighborhood. This .10-acre land parcel offers a blank slate to design and build a home tailored to your unique preferences.
Come home to history. An award winning 71 unit apartment community in the completely renovated former U.S. Marine Hospital. Our historic building combines the classic charm of the past with the stylish finishes and deluxe amenities you should expect from modern urban living. Our 3 acre community includes gated parking, controlled building access, pool, and fitness center. The Marine Residence
Newly renovated 3 bedroom-2 bath home. Well established neighborhood with numerous renovations going on. Will be ready for occupancy September 1st. Screening and background check required. 2 year lease. Sorry no vouchers accepted. Pet restrictions.
Originally chartered in 1912 as a bed spring and mattress factory, this was a place where comfort and rest were top of mind. Providing quality mattresses and pillows, made by hand, the factory supplied mom and pop mercantile stores across the south. In that tradition, National Rose Co awakens from its slumber to bring you quality flats that welcome you home at the end of the day. Whether you
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