📍 About ZME & Memphis
Memphis ARTCC (ZME) is located in Memphis, TN. Known for its rich musical history, barbecue, and riverfront views, Memphis offers a blend of southern charm and urban living. The city has a relatively low cost of living, numerous outdoor spaces, and a strong cultural identity rooted in blues, soul, and rock ‘n’ roll.
🏡 Where to Live
For Singles & Young Couples
- Downtown Memphis – Vibrant nightlife, music, and riverfront views
- Midtown – Artsy, eclectic, and walkable
- Cooper-Young – Hip neighborhood with cafes, bars, and events
For Families
- Germantown – Excellent schools, safe, suburban vibe
- Collierville – Family-friendly with parks and good schools
- Bartlett – Quiet, affordable, with a strong community feel
🚗 Commute Times to ZME (Memphis, TN)
- 0–15 min: Bartlett, Midtown, Downtown
- 20–30 min: Germantown, Cordova
- 30–45 min: Collierville, Lakeland, Arlington
🎓 Top School Districts
🧳 Things to Do – Within 2 Hours, Year-Round
🎸 Music & Culture
- Beale Street: Iconic nightlife and live blues music
- Sun Studio & Graceland: Elvis Presley history and more
- Memphis Zoo & Botanic Garden: Family-friendly and scenic
🌳 Outdoor Activities
- Shelby Farms Park: Hiking, biking, zip lines
- Mississippi Riverfront: Parks, trails, and views
- Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park: Day trips and camping
✈️ Nearby Airports
- Memphis International (MEM): Major cargo hub, commercial flights, ~15 minutes from downtown
- General Aviation: General DeWitt Spain Airport, Olive Branch Airport (MS)
🧭 Helpful Resources for Newcomers
🛡️ Crime & Safety + Town Websites
- Downtown: Lively, some petty crime; be aware at night
- Midtown: Diverse and walkable, mixed safety depending on area
- Suburbs (Germantown, Collierville): Very safe and family-oriented
🔗 Town Websites
💰 Cost of Living
- Housing: Median home ~$250,000 (higher in suburbs)
- Rent: 1-bedroom ~$900–$1,300/month
- Utilities: ~$180/month
- Taxes: No state income tax, moderate property taxes
🌆 Neighborhood Highlights
- Midtown: Artsy and historic with walkability
- Germantown: Top-tier schools and safety
- Cooper-Young: Lively social scene and dining
☀️ Seasonal Weather
- Winter: Mild, 30s–50s°F, occasional snow
- Spring: 60s–80s°F, pleasant and green
- Summer: Hot and humid, 80s–100°F
- Fall: Comfortable and colorful, 50s–70s°F
🚇 Public Transportation & Traffic
- MATA: Basic bus coverage and trolleys downtown
- Traffic: Moderate; car recommended
- Parking: Generally easy, free or low-cost outside of downtown
🏥 Healthcare & Urgent Care
- Major Providers: Methodist Le Bonheur, Baptist Memorial, St. Jude
- Urgent Care: Baptist Minor Medical, Fast Pace Health
- Specialists: Available across the metro area
🫂 Social Life & Community
- Events: Beale Street Music Fest, World Championship BBQ Contest
- Nightlife: Bars, live music, rooftop venues
- Meetups: Young professionals, fitness groups, arts communities
🍽️ Dining & Food Scene
- Barbecue: Central BBQ, Gus’s Fried Chicken, The Rendezvous
- Southern Cuisine: The Beauty Shop, The Arcade Restaurant
- International: Mexican, Vietnamese, Ethiopian, and more
🛫 ATC-Specific Tips
- Facility: ZME covers large areas including parts of 6 states
- Schedules: Rotating shifts; summer storms can affect ops
- Culture: Friendly, mix of newer and experienced controllers
📦 Moving Tips
- Utilities: MLGW (power, gas, water), Xfinity or AT&T (internet)
- Summer: Prepare for heat and humidity
- Storage: Affordable storage units throughout the metro
❓ FAQs
- Is Memphis affordable?
Yes, housing and food costs are below national average - What’s the vibe?
Historic, musical, and full of Southern hospitality - What’s the best area for families?
Germantown, Collierville, and Bartlett