Is Hickory Hill Northwest safe?
Memphis, Tennessee · safety score updated nightly
Not recommended for casual walking around, especially after dark.
VibeLoco rates Hickory Hill Northwest as “No-go after dark”.
Gogo's take on Hickory Hill Northwest
“Go with care, and generally limit your visits to daylight hours for specific dining or commercial destinations. Violent crime and property crime rates in this area are significantly above national and state benchmarks. Visitors should maintain strict situational awareness and avoid walking through unfamiliar residential or commercial corridors at night.”
Memphis Police Department operations frequently target retail corridors along Winchester Road and nearby apartment complexes due to ongoing challenges with car thefts, robberies, and gun violence.
About the area
Hickory Hill Northwest is a suburban-style residential and commercial area in southeast Memphis featuring strip malls, apartment communities, and single-family subdivisions. The area has transitioned significantly over recent decades and now features a diverse collection of international eateries alongside persistent socioeconomic challenges.
- Car-Dependent
- Suburban Strip
- Diverse Dining
- Commercial Corridor
Walking and biking in Hickory Hill Northwest
Walk score: 44/100 · Bike score: 36/100
There is minimal dedicated cycling infrastructure, no Explore Bike Share stations, and poor connection to the Memphis Greenline network.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Diverse selection of authentic multicultural eateries, particularly Mexican and soul food
- Ample surface parking and quick vehicle access to major thoroughfares like Winchester Road
- Relatively low cost of living and affordable local shopping options
Cons
- High rates of violent crime, including aggravated assaults and robberies, relative to national averages
- Elevated property crime rates, specifically motor vehicle theft and break-ins
- Poverty rate exceeds 22% with several aging, high-density rental complexes experiencing maintenance and safety concerns
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is moderately present along busy intersections and near vacant commercial plazas on Winchester Road, typically characterized by individuals panhandling near traffic lights rather than large permanent encampments.
What Hickory Hill Northwest is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Commercial areas are active with commuter traffic, making essential visits straightforward and relatively calm.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Strip malls and major intersections see steady vehicle activity; standard awareness is advised in retail parking lots.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Pedestrian safety decreases markedly after dusk; stick to well-lit storefronts and travel by car.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Walking is strongly discouraged due to heightened risks of robbery, gun-related incidents, and opportunistic crime.
Transit, parking and getting around
Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) operates bus routes such as Route 26 (Hickory Hill) and Route 36 (Lamar) servicing the area, but frequency is limited and there is no direct rail connection.
Parking is abundant and entirely free in private strip mall lots and open surface parking areas throughout the district.
Things to do in Hickory Hill Northwest
- Sample regional soul food and Latin American cuisine along the commercial strips on Winchester Road
- Utilize the indoor gymnasium and recreational programs at the Hickory Hill Community Center nearby
- Browse international grocery markets and local specialty food retailers
Local favorites
- Taqueria La Unica · Mexican Restaurant · 4.5★ (320)Unassuming eatery serving authentic street tacos, tortas, and hearty Mexican plates.
- Catfish Cabin · Seafood Restaurant · 4.1★ (980)Longstanding southern establishment known for fried catfish platters, hushpuppies, and classic sides.
- Mayuri Indian Cuisine · Indian Restaurant · 4.2★ (890)Popular spot offering traditional South and North Indian specialties and a weekend buffet.
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 Hickory Hill Northwest? Copy this code to show its live safety score on your blog or listing.