Is Cooper-Young West safe?
Memphis, Tennessee · safety score updated nightly
Be careful — go in daylight and stay on the busier streets.
VibeLoco rates Cooper-Young West as “Caution”.
Gogo's take on Cooper-Young West
“Go with care. Cooper-Young West is one of Memphis's most charming and culturally vibrant districts, offering great dining and vintage shopping. However, elevated property crime rates across Midtown—particularly vehicle break-ins and nighttime opportunistic theft—require visitors to stay vigilant.”
Memphis Police have maintained targeted patrols in the Midtown entertainment district to combat recurring vehicle break-ins and theft.
About the area
Cooper-Young West features tree-lined residential streets filled with Craftsman bungalows adjacent to a bustling entertainment and arts corridor. The neighborhood is anchored by creative businesses, local eateries, and an active, community-oriented population.
- Historic / Tree-Lined
- Walkable Dining Hub
- Bohemian
- Nightlife Heavy
Walking and biking in Cooper-Young West
Walk score: 76/100 · Bike score: 72/100
The district features on-street bike lanes and provides straightforward cycling connections northward to the Hampline and Shelby Farms Greenline connector.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Higher median household income and educational attainment compared to city averages
- Active neighborhood association fostering community vigilance and regular neighborhood watches
- Bustling commercial corridor along Young Avenue providing natural eyes on the street during daytime and evening hours
Cons
- High frequency of motor vehicle break-ins and property theft typical of the broader Midtown area
- Pockets of poorly lit residential side streets reduce nighttime visibility
- Proximity to higher-crime surrounding urban sectors can result in occasional spillover incidents
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is low to moderate, with occasional individuals asking for assistance near major commercial intersections, but organized encampments are not prevalent in this pocket.
What Cooper-Young West is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and pleasant with residents walking dogs and visiting local coffee shops with minimal safety concerns.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Vibrant and busy with shoppers and diners enjoying the retail and restaurant strip safely.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Active and generally secure around well-lit bars and eateries, though awareness is needed on side streets.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Nightlife remains active until late, but the likelihood of car break-ins and street robbery rises noticeably after midnight.
Transit, parking and getting around
Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) serves the area via Bus Route 2 and Route 32, connecting Midtown to Downtown Memphis, though frequency can be limited.
Free on-street parking is available on most residential streets and along commercial corridors, though weekend spots fill quickly; leaving valuables visible is strongly discouraged.
Things to do in Cooper-Young West
- Browse independent garage rock, punk, and vintage vinyl at Goner Records
- Enjoy casual pub fare and patio seating at Celtic Crossing Irish Pub
- Stroll past historic early 20th-century bungalows and admire local public art murals
Local favorites
- Goner Records · Record Store · 4.8★ (540)Renowned independent record label and retail shop famous for rare vinyl and garage rock.
- Celtic Crossing Irish Pub · Irish Pub · 4.5★ (1450)Lively pub featuring traditional Irish fare, craft beers, and an expansive outdoor patio.
- Java Cabana · Coffee Shop · 4.6★ (380)Quirky, artsy coffeehouse serving espresso and baked goods with an eclectic vintage interior.
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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