Crime in memphis.

A good place to ask that question would be the "Thorn Tree" forum of the Lonely Planet site:

http://thorntree.lonelyplanet.com

You might have to start an account there, but it's a great site to ask questions about places you're traveling to.

Not crime related ,but I was just in Memphis and was amused to see that at the Arcade restaurant, they have a sandwich called "Mystery Train" made with artichokes, red bell pepper, and goat cheese. I wondered if Jarmusch had a say in the ingredients, since it is vegetarian.

Well, I've lived here for 45 years, and I'll have to disagree with the fifteen year resident above. There are places in Memphis you DONT want to go! Most places in the downtown area are ok as long as you stay in and around all the places where people are.

During the day most places in the downtown area are fine. Just try and stay where there are lots of people.

Don't go strolling in Orange Mound, don't park in any of the areas outside of the main parking areas off of Beale Street, (ie..don't park down the side streets and avoid any "project" looking places, alleys, etc. Avoid M L King Blvd, Auction Street area downtown at night... Don't bother with North Memphis, or Frayser area.

There is really nothing there worth the time of seeing. Don't go any further south in the Beale Street area at night than the FedEx Forum. It's like any big city; if you get an uneasy feeling in your stomach that maybe you shouldn't be in a certain area...go the other way!

Don't make eye contact with the bums! They will wear you out beggin for a dollar or a cigarette. But in the off chance they do catch you, tell them you don't have any cash. Don't let em pressure you into giving them anything. And don't believe ANY sad story you might get from ANY stranger about how there car just broke down, ran out of gas, etc etc and "if you can just spare a couple of bucks" crap. :) Have a good time in Memphis!

Ken

I've lived in Memphis my whole life.

I know it gets a bad rap, but since I have moved away for college I've seen how great Memphis really is.

Though there is crime, most that happens downtown and in midtown is petty (i.e. robbery, etc.)

If you aren't street smart, don't walk around by yourself.

I agree, there isn't much a tourist would want with Orange Mound and the like. Go elsewhere.

I find that most tourists spend their stay downtown but midtown also has a lot of cool stuff to see. However, I must promote the South Main Arts District downtown. My family has an awesome gallery!!

Anyway, sorry for the long schpiel.

Enjoy Memphis!

I have often been to Memphis and circumstances made it necessary for me to spend the night several times. While I have never been mugged or been a victim of criminal violence, Memphis was the only place where I was propositioned by a man.
When I learned that when the New Madrid fault finally lets go, the resulting earthquake will probably level Memphis, I was greatly relieved.
While in Memphis, don't go roaming at night. Don't carry cash, credit cards or other forms of exchange. Carry a gun if you are licensed to do so. Body armor is not a bad idea, either.
Better yet, just go to Tunica and enjoy the casinos and give Memphis a pass.
Another thing, Memphis drivers are probably some of the worst in the world.

Downtown Memphis is probably the safest part of the city. Crime does occur there, but by and large its pretty safe. If you can visit the South Main area on the last Friday night of the month, do so. All the shops stay open late, its a big event up and down the street. Have fun in Memphis!!

Although this is definately too late.....Memphis portrayed in this movie is a long time ago. Back in 1999 Memphis went through a major transformation to revitalize Beal Street and downtown and it is much better than it ever has been before. As for coniving people, I am sure every town and city has their share....you just got to employ common sense and you will be just fine.