Memphis Guide

Geography and Climate

Memphis is located in the southwest corner of the state of Tennessee, resting on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River. The moderate climate, with an average temperature of 62 degrees, makes Memphis a pleasant place to live and work. Travel in and around Memphis is easy, as two major interstates, I-40 and I-55, run through the city. The city also boasts a busy international airport, home to the corporate headquarters of FedEx and a major hub for Northwest Airlines.


Demographics

Memphis is home to a diverse and vibrant population of over 650,000 residents. The median income for a household in the city is $32,285, and the median income for a family is $37,767. However, the average Memphis City Schools teacher’s salary in 2005 was $45,501.


Economy

Memphis’ central location has made it a leader in business development and commerce in the transportation and shipping industry. The city is home to the world's busiest cargo a and more major metro areas can be reached overnight from Memphis than any other city in the central U.S. Memphis is home to a growing number of nationally and internationally known corporations, including approximately 150 businesses from 22 countries. This includes the corporate headquarters of three major Fortune 500 companies, including FedEx Corporation, AutoZone Incorporated and International Paper.


Culture

Memphis has something for sports lovers, food connoisseurs, serious and self-proclaimed artists and musicians, families and singles. Each year the city hosts the Mid-South Fair, and Memphis in May, a month-long celebration of the musical and cultural roots of the city.

Sports fans can get their fill in the city as well. Memphis is home to the NBA's Memphis Grizzlies who play in the newly-opened 250 million dollar FedEx Forum. The Memphis Redbirds, a minor league baseball team, also call Memphis home and play in AutoZone Park which is located in the heart of downtown Memphis. Also located in the birthplace of rock ’n’ roll are the Memphis RiverKings, a professional hockey team. College athletics are a major part of Memphis. In 2005, the University of Memphis Tigers football team, who play in the 62,000 seat LibertyBowl stadium, competed in their third straight bowl game.

There are several colleges and universities in Memphis, including Rhodes College, LeMoyne-Owen, Christian Brothers University, Crichton College and the University of Memphis, among others.

Memphis also boasts many well-known museums, including the National Civil Rights museum, the Brooks Museum of Art and the Children’s Museum of Memphis. To learn more about the city’s music roots, visitors frequent the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, the Smithsonian’s Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum and, of course, Graceland.

Memphis is also known for its world-class health care facilities, which include St. Jude Children’s Research hospital. With the creation of the UT-Baptist Research Park, a 1.2 million square feet of laboratory, research, education and business development space located on a 10-acre campus, Memphis will soon be home to one of the premier bioresearch facilities in the nation.

The Memphis Zoo is home to two of the nation’s nine pandas. The city hosts many performing arts organizations, including the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, Ballet Memphis and Opera Memphis. At least five major theaters, including the Orpheum and Playhouse on the Square can be found in the city. Shelby Farms, located on the western edge of the city, is one of the largest urban parks in the nation.

No list of Memphis’ many offerings is complete without mentioning world-famous Beale Street. This downtown area hosts some of the hippest nightclubs and hottest music. Whether it’s listening to great live blues at B.B King’s Blues Club, dance music at Alfred’s or the latest pop and country start at the New Daisy Theater, music fans know that Memphis is the place to be!

Discover more about the city of Memphis through the following websites:

City of Memphis

General Information

Memphis Travel

National Civil Rights Museum

Memphis Grizzlies

Memphis Redbirds

Memphis in May festival

Beale Street