Is Cooper-Young Northeast safe?
Memphis, Tennessee · safety score updated nightly
Be careful — go in daylight and stay on the busier streets.
VibeLoco rates Cooper-Young Northeast as “Caution”.
Gogo's take on Cooper-Young Northeast
“Go with care. Cooper-Young is one of Memphis's most vibrant and culturally rich neighborhoods, boasting excellent dining, indie shops, and charming historic architecture. However, like much of urban Midtown Memphis, visitors must remain alert to frequent property crimes, car break-ins, and occasional street robberies, especially after dark.”
Midtown Memphis continues to experience persistent opportunistic property crime and vehicle break-ins, prompting heightened community patrol awareness.
About the area
Cooper-Young Northeast is an eclectic, historic enclave in Midtown Memphis known for its 1920s Craftsman bungalows, independent businesses, and thriving creative community. Centered near the intersection of Cooper Street and Young Avenue, it offers a walkable corridor of beloved local eateries, craft breweries, and music venues surrounded by quiet residential streets.
- Bohemian / Artsy
- Historic Bungalows
- Walkable Dining Hub
- Eclectic Nightlife
Walking and biking in Cooper-Young Northeast
Walk score: 76/100 · Bike score: 71/100
The neighborhood features designated bike lanes along Cooper Street and connects easily to the nearby Hampline trail and the Memphis Greenline corridor just to the north and east.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- High level of neighborhood civic engagement with an active community association and neighborhood watch
- Above-average household incomes and lower residential vacancy rates compared to the broader Memphis city average
- Dense, vibrant commercial district with high foot traffic during regular business hours
Cons
- Elevated rates of vehicle theft, smash-and-grab break-ins, and catalytic converter thefts common to Midtown
- Occasional late-night armed robberies and petty muggings reported along dimly lit side streets
- Proximity to adjacent higher-crime corridors requiring situational awareness when crossing neighborhood boundaries
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is present in modest numbers, primarily with occasional panhandling along major thoroughfares like Central Avenue and near commercial parking areas, though large encampments are uncommon within the residential core.
What Cooper-Young Northeast is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and pleasant, with joggers, dog walkers, and coffee seekers moving comfortably throughout the neighborhood.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Active and generally safe with moderate foot traffic around shops, cafes, and residential blocks.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Lively and bustling along Cooper Street and Young Avenue, though extra vigilance is recommended on darker side streets.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Nightlife venues remain active, but caution is necessary due to increased risks of car break-ins, intoxication, and street crime.
Transit, parking and getting around
The Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) serves the area primarily via Route 2 (Madison) and Route 34 (Central), connecting Midtown directly to Downtown and East Memphis. Memphis does not have a heavy rail or BRT system serving this sector.
Parking is mostly free curbside street parking throughout the commercial strip and side streets, with a few paid or customer-only business lots. Never leave bags or visible valuables in parked vehicles.
Things to do in Cooper-Young Northeast
- Browse the eclectic vinyl collections and rare releases at Goner Records
- Walk the tree-lined residential streets to admire restored 1920s Craftsman bungalows and yard art
- Sample local craft brews and pub fare on the lively outdoor patios along Cooper Street
Local favorites
- Young Avenue Deli · American Restaurant & Pub · 4.5★ (1650)A neighborhood institution known for massive sandwiches, an extensive draft beer list, and live indie music.
- Celtic Crossing Irish Pub · Irish Pub · 4.4★ (1150)Convivial pub featuring hearty traditional Irish dishes, a sprawling dog-friendly patio, and soccer watch parties.
- Goner Records · Record Store · 4.8★ (320)World-renowned independent record shop and label specializing in punk, garage rock, soul, and local Memphis artists.
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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