Living In Memphis

Memphis, located in southwest Tennessee on the Mississippi River, has a population of 974,655 (metropolitan area slightly over one million). The city is beautiful and clean, with many parks and spacious residential sections. A rebirth in downtown investment has led to tremendous development, resulting in a wealth of new restaurants and entertainment spots, as well as the addition of new housing communities along the river.

The city is especially conducive to pleasant living during the difficult years of residency training. Residents find that buying or renting houses or leasing apartments are all affordable options. Apartment complexes usually come equipped with swimming pools, tennis courts, and other amenities. The lay-out of the city allows for ready access to the major medical facilities from all parts of the city. In fact, Memphis was recently rated as one of the 10 most drivable cities in the U.S. Restaurants can be found that are appropriate for any pocketbook and a wide variety of other establishments prove a ready opportunity for after hours activity.

The Arts and Entertainment

Memphis supports a 75 member Symphony, Opera Memphis, and other cultural endeavors. The Orpheum Theater hosts Broadway shows and concerts throughout the year. The Memphis Zoo is one of the finest in the country. A seventy-two acre facility located in Overton Park in the heart of Memphis, the zoo was just honored with two Panda bears from the Republic of China. Other facilities include a large amusement park, and several noteworthy museums (civil rights, natural history and science, art, children's, Indian culture). Several historical sections (Beale Street, Victorian Village) have been newly renovated. The Memphis in May International Festival honors a country annually, hosting a month long festival of arts and food. The International Barbecue Cook-off and the Symphony on the River are held during Memphis in May, providing highlights for the entire city community. Of course, one cannot forget that Memphis is the home of Elvis at Graceland.

Sports

Although sufficiently large to provide the amenities described above, Memphis is not so large that outdoor activities are precluded. The temperate climate further assures a long outdoor season. Swimming, tennis, and golf are available throughout the city, typically year round. Residents desiring to exercise their athletic skills close to the hospital can take advantage of the University of Tennessee Health Club facilities: indoor swimming, racquetball, jogging track and weight room less than a block away. Within an hour of the Medical Center one can find country suitable for fishing and hunting, plus lakes that provide opportunities for boating and skiing. Sporting activities and events of note include:

Basketball
The Memphis Grizzlies, of the NBA, are now entering their third season in Memphis. They will move into their new state-of-the-art arena, the FedEx Forum, next year.

Baseball
The Memphis Redbirds are the AAA farm team of the St. Louis Cardinals and play at Autozone Park, the finest AAA baseball stadium in the country.

Golf
The FedEx-St. Jude Golf Classic, held at the Tournament Players Club Southwind, is conducted every June and draws the top PGA players from all over the world. Memphis also hosts a large number of public and private golf courses, both within the budgets of residents.

Tennis
The Kroger-St. Jude International Indoor Tennis Championship, held at the Racquet Club of Memphis (one of the top tennis facilities in the country), is conducted every February. Both top international male and female tennis players come to Memphis for one week of exciting tennis play.

Germantown Charity Horse Show
One of the most prestigious horse shows in the country (English riding), held every June

Running
Memphis has a very active running community with several running clubs. Road races are held throughout the year. Of note, the Memphis in May 10K and the Memphis Marathon (in the fall) are held annually.

Auto Racing
Memphis International Motorsports Park is located in north Shelby County.

Shelby Farms
Located in East Memphis, this is the largest urban park in the U.S. Consisting of over 4500 acres of land and lakes, it provides activities such as biking (including a NORBA certified mountain bike course), hiking, canoeing, fishing, roller blading, kite flying, and horse back riding.

Memphis is an attractive city: not too big, not too small. For some it will provide an active social milieu. For others it will be a pleasant location to raise a family while developing clinical skills.