Been meaning to ask this. I work in tech and Household incomes average around $41,860 in West Memphis. Crime rate is something to consider -West Memphis sits at 1,984.3 per 100K. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The city has invested a lot in new development. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
12 upvotes
4 Replies
Angel
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 26, moved here 12 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Downtown and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Affordable housing options
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Can feel isolated
3. The walkability situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for remote workers. improving vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Pittsburgh, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
34 upvotes
Axel R.
Moved here from Atlanta about 3 years ago. I have mixed feelings honestly. Still getting used to public transit but Hope this helps!.
24 upvotes
living_aaron52
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a sales manager who relocated here from Houston about 4 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Active local events and festivals
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are competitive, gas is underrated.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
21 upvotes
Lucy
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 42, moved here 3 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Westside and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The food scene situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for remote workers. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Chicago, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $90K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.