Is Arlington safe?
Memphis, Tennessee · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Arlington as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Arlington
“Go. Arlington is an exceptionally safe, quiet, and family-oriented outer suburb of the Memphis metropolitan area. Visitors can explore its small historic center and parks with total peace of mind.”
About the area
Located in northeast Shelby County along Interstate 40, Arlington is a prosperous suburban town known for its charming historic Depot Square, top-tier municipal schools, and master-planned subdivisions. It provides a peaceful, small-town atmosphere with convenient access to regional commerce.
- Family-Friendly
- Quiet Suburb
- Car-Dependent
- Historic / Small-Town
Walking and biking in Arlington
Walk score: 22/100 · Bike score: 28/100
There is no public bike-share system, and bicycle infrastructure is limited primarily to residential roads and local park paths rather than connected regional greenways.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- One of the lowest violent and property crime rates in Shelby County
- High median household income exceeding $105,000 and poverty rate under 5%
- Extremely high homeownership rate with well-maintained residential properties
- Peaceful, tight-knit community feel centered around Historic Depot Square
Cons
- Completely car-dependent with virtually no regional public transit access
- Limited variety in nightlife, arts, and cultural entertainment
- Roughly a 30-to-40-minute drive from Downtown Memphis attractions and amenities
Homelessness: Visible homelessness, encampments, and panhandling are practically non-existent throughout Arlington, with shelter services centralized in Memphis proper.
What Arlington is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and safe, with residents jogging through subdivisions and morning commuters heading toward the interstate.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Bustling around school zones and retail plazas with a relaxed, secure suburban atmosphere.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Calm and family-oriented, with patrons dining in local strip centers and zero pedestrian safety concerns.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very dark and quiet with almost no street foot traffic, remaining exceptionally secure against violent crime.
Transit, parking and getting around
Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) does not operate fixed-route bus service out to Arlington, and there is no passenger rail or BRT; personal vehicles or rideshares are required.
Parking is abundant and entirely free across surface lots at commercial plazas, public parks, and Depot Square.
Things to do in Arlington
- Stroll through the Historic Depot Square and tour the restored 19th-century rail depot and post office
- Spend an afternoon enjoying athletic fields and walking trails at Forrest Street Park
- Sample local comfort food and southern barbecue along the Airline Road dining corridor
Local favorites
- Baby Jack's BBQ · Barbecue Restaurant · 4.5★ (1150)Popular local spot serving Memphis-style pulled pork, ribs, brisket, and southern sides.
- Olympic Steak & Pizza · American & Greek Restaurant · 4.4★ (860)Long-running community fixture offering steaks, pizzas, subs, and Greek specialties.
- Craving's · Dessert & Ice Cream Shop · 4.7★ (230)Charming sweet shop serving ice cream, milkshakes, cookies, and gourmet treats in Depot Square.
Scores are safety-driven — recent reported crime and local news plus Census income, poverty, housing, education, household and access data — refreshed nightly. Walk and bike scores are shown separately and do not affect the safety score. A guide, not a guarantee — conditions change street to street.
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