Is Oak Grove North safe?
Memphis, Tennessee · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Oak Grove North as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Oak Grove North
“Go. Oak Grove North is one of the safest and most stable residential pockets within Memphis city limits, characterized by well-kept single-family homes and quiet residential streets. Visitors should remain mindful of opportunistic property crimes like vehicle break-ins along bordering commercial corridors, but violent crime is very low compared to the city overall. It is an easy, low-stress suburban environment to visit.”
About the area
Oak Grove North is an established suburban neighborhood located in East Memphis near the Germantown border. It features tree-lined streets, mid-century ranch-style and traditional homes, and proximity to prime shopping and medical centers. While almost purely residential and car-dependent, it offers peaceful surroundings with convenient access to the Poplar Avenue retail district.
- Quiet Residential
- Suburban Enclave
- Tree-Lined
- Car-Dependent
- Family-Friendly
Walking and biking in Oak Grove North
Walk score: 28/100 · Bike score: 34/100
Dedicated bike lanes are scarce on internal neighborhood roads, but the area offers relatively easy driving access to the Shelby Farms Greenline and multi-use paved trails within Shelby Farms Park.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Substantially lower violent crime rates than Memphis municipal averages
- High homeownership rate with stable property values and minimal housing vacancy
- Quiet, low-traffic residential streets with mature tree canopy
- Close proximity to top regional healthcare centers and East Memphis dining
Cons
- Car break-ins and property theft occur occasionally along adjacent arterial corridors
- Virtually no commercial amenities within direct walking distance inside the neighborhood core
- Complete reliance on personal vehicles due to suburban street layout
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence within the residential interior of Oak Grove North, though occasional panhandling may occur near major commercial intersections along Poplar Avenue.
What Oak Grove North is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and safe, with residents walking dogs and low commuter traffic moving through local streets.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and quiet throughout the residential blocks with typical residential delivery activity.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Settled and quiet, suitable for evening walks under streetlights, though keeping typical awareness is wise.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very low foot traffic and minimal activity; remain aware of car security in driveways.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is provided by Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) bus routes running along major arteries like Poplar Avenue (Route 50), but there is no rail or BRT service and interior residential streets are not served.
Parking is completely free, abundant, and straightforward, consisting of private residential driveways and unmetered, easy curbside street parking throughout the neighborhood.
Things to do in Oak Grove North
- Explore the nearby nature trails and green space at Shelby Farms Park, located just minutes to the northeast
- Browse upscale retail shops and local boutiques along the Poplar Avenue corridor
- Enjoy a peaceful morning walk or jog through the neighborhood's quiet, shaded residential loops
Local favorites
- Amerigo Italian Restaurant · Italian Restaurant · 4.6★ (1650)Warm, long-standing spot nearby on Poplar serving classic pasta dishes, steaks, and wine.
- La Baguette French Bread and Pastry Shop · Bakery & Cafe · 4.5★ (1120)Beloved East Memphis bakery known for fresh croissants, artisan breads, quiches, and pastries.
- Staks Pancake Kitchen · Breakfast & Brunch · 4.5★ (1400)Casual, popular breakfast eatery nearby offering gourmet pancakes, skillets, and craft coffees.
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.
Add this score to your site
Writing about Oak Grove North? Copy this code to show its live safety score on your blog or listing.