Is Mallory safe?
Memphis, Tennessee · safety score updated nightly
Not recommended for casual walking around, especially after dark.
VibeLoco rates Mallory as “No-go after dark”.
Gogo's take on Mallory
“Skip unless you are visiting specific renowned dining institutions or have personal ties to the community. The neighborhood suffers from elevated rates of violent and property crime alongside systemic economic distress. Casual sightseeing on foot is not recommended.”
South Memphis corridors, including the Mallory area, continue to experience elevated law enforcement focus targeting gun violence, auto thefts, and interstate-adjacent retail burglaries.
About the area
Mallory is an established residential and light-industrial community located in South Memphis near the Interstate 55 corridor. It features historic shotgun homes and mid-century bungalows alongside industrial parcels and legacy barbecue establishments. Visitors primarily pass through along major thoroughfares or stop for specific local eateries rather than strolling residential blocks.
- Industrial-Adjacent
- Car-Dependent
- Historic Soul Food Hub
- Distressed Residential
Walking and biking in Mallory
Walk score: 42/100 · Bike score: 36/100
The area lacks dedicated bike lanes and Explore Bike Share stations, making cycling hazardous along high-speed corridors. The nearest protected trail network is at MLK Riverside Park to the west.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Immediate driving access to Interstate 55 providing quick transit to Downtown Memphis and Memphis International Airport
- Home to iconic, nationally recognized Memphis barbecue institutions along its arterial borders
- Rich local community roots with generations of resident heritage in South Memphis
Cons
- Violent crime and aggravated assault rates are significantly higher than national and state benchmarks
- Census data reflects high poverty rates exceeding 35% alongside elevated residential vacancy
- Widespread property crime including frequent vehicle break-ins and auto theft
- Deteriorating sidewalk infrastructure and minimal commercial investment on residential streets
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is moderate, with individuals and occasional temporary encampments primarily found near Interstate 55 underpasses and commercial intersections along South 3rd Street.
What Mallory is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Commercial traffic and commuter flow along main corridors provide moderate activity, though general awareness is necessary.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Lunch crowds visit local barbecue establishments, but residential streets remain quiet with limited foot traffic.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Activity tapers off quickly as businesses close; visitors should stick to well-lit main roads and secure their vehicles.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Walking is strongly discouraged due to high risks of violent encounters, property crime, and sparse street lighting.
Transit, parking and getting around
The Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) services the neighborhood via bus routes like Route 39 (South Third) and Route 12 (Florida), linking directly to the William Hudson Transit Center downtown. There is no light rail or BRT service in the immediate vicinity.
Parking is abundant and free, with ample space on residential streets and dedicated private surface parking lots at local businesses. Parking garages and metered spaces are not found here.
Things to do in Mallory
- Sample authentic Memphis barbecue and smoked sausage at the famous Interstate Bar-B-Q on South 3rd Street
- Tour the grounds of historic Elmwood Cemetery, Memphis's oldest active cemetery, located just north of the district
- Take a short drive west to explore the scenic bluff views and walking paths at Martin Luther King Jr. Riverside Park
Local favorites
- Interstate Bar-B-Q · Barbecue Restaurant · 4.2★ (3600)A landmark South Memphis institution renowned for slow-smoked ribs, pulled pork, and signature tangy sauce.
- Pollard's Bar-B-Q · Barbecue Restaurant · 4.4★ (750)Family-run staple offering hickory-smoked meats, rib tips, and traditional Southern comfort sides.
- The Four Way · Soul Food Restaurant · 4.5★ (1450)Historic South Memphis civil rights landmark serving fried chicken, catfish, and classic Southern vegetables.
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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