Is Oak Grove South safe?
Memphis, Tennessee · safety score updated nightly
Mostly yes, with normal city awareness.
VibeLoco rates Oak Grove South as “Go, stay aware”.
Gogo's take on Oak Grove South
“Go. Oak Grove South is a quiet, primarily residential suburban community in East/Southeast Memphis that is considerably safer and more stable than the city average. Visitors will find a relaxed residential environment, though you will need a personal vehicle to access shopping, dining, and regional attractions.”
Like much of greater Memphis, the area experiences occasional opportunistic property crimes such as vehicle break-ins and package thefts, but violent crime remains low compared to urban core neighborhoods.
About the area
Oak Grove South is an established suburban neighborhood featuring mid-century to late-20th-century single-family homes, mature trees, and quiet residential cul-de-sacs. Located near the Germantown border, it offers a peaceful bedroom community feel with convenient highway access to greater Memphis.
- Suburban
- Quiet Residential
- Car-Dependent
- Family-Friendly
Walking and biking in Oak Grove South
Walk score: 24/100 · Bike score: 31/100
There is no bike-share station infrastructure in the immediate neighborhood, and dedicated bike lanes are rare; however, the Shelby Farms Greenline is accessible within a short driving or biking radius to the north.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Lower violent crime rate relative to Memphis citywide averages
- High rate of homeownership and well-maintained single-family properties
- Proximity to major corridors, healthcare centers, and East Memphis job hubs
- Peaceful, low-density residential streets with minimal through-traffic
Cons
- Vehicle break-ins and opportunistic property thefts are common across surrounding commercial corridors
- Completely car-dependent with virtually no walkable retail or dining inside the neighborhood
- Sparse sidewalk infrastructure and limited street lighting on interior residential roads
- Lacks neighborhood-specific cultural or entertainment attractions
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is minimal within the interior residential blocks of Oak Grove South. Occasional panhandling is observed near major commercial intersections and highway on-ramps along Winchester Road.
What Oak Grove South is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and calm, with local residents commuting and walkers or dog owners on neighborhood streets.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Quiet and low-key with light local traffic and standard suburban delivery activity.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Generally safe and quiet, though residential roads can become poorly lit once the sun sets.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very low foot traffic; while quiet, it is best to park off-street, lock vehicle doors, and avoid walking unlit roads alone.
Transit, parking and getting around
Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) operates limited bus service along major perimeter corridors like Winchester Road and Riverdale Road, but frequency is sparse and there is no direct rail or BRT connection.
Parking is exceptionally easy and free throughout the area, consisting of private driveways and ample unrestricted curbside street parking on residential blocks.
Things to do in Oak Grove South
- Enjoy youth sports matches or walking grounds at the nearby Mike Rose Soccer Complex
- Take a short drive north to Shelby Farms Park for extensive multi-use trails, kayaking, and outdoor recreation
- Explore the boutique shopping, dining, and specialty markets located along nearby Poplar Avenue
Local favorites
- One & Only BBQ · Barbecue Restaurant · 4.5★ (1650)Beloved local outpost serving traditional Memphis-style dry-rub ribs, pulled pork, and classic southern sides.
- Tops Bar-B-Q · Fast Casual BBQ & Burgers · 4.3★ (890)Longstanding local institution famous for its slow-cooked pork sandwiches and freshly griddled burgers.
- Las Tortugas Deli Mexicana · Mexican Restaurant · 4.6★ (1420)Acclaimed casual eatery just across the border offering authentic Mexico City-style tortas, tacos, and fresh guacamole.
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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