Is Chickasaw Gardens East safe?
Memphis, Tennessee · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Chickasaw Gardens East as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Chickasaw Gardens East
“Go. Chickasaw Gardens East is one of the safest, most affluent residential enclaves in Memphis, offering quiet, scenic streets and tight-knit community security. Standard urban awareness is still recommended when venturing onto the major perimeter thoroughfares after dark.”
Memphis neighborhood watch groups and private security patrols in the area have focused recently on mitigating opportunistic vehicle burglaries common along the nearby Highland and Poplar corridors.
About the area
Chickasaw Gardens East is an elegant, established neighborhood known for its historic estates, mature tree canopy, and peaceful residential character. Situated just south of Central Avenue near the University of Memphis and the Museum of Science & History (MoSH), it serves as a serene sanctuary in the heart of the city.
- Affluent Enclave
- Historic / Tree-Lined
- Quiet & Residential
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Chickasaw Gardens East
Walk score: 38/100 · Bike score: 49/100
The area offers access to the nearby Hampline and Shelby Farms Greenline connectors via Central Avenue, but dedicated bike infrastructure is sparse within the subdivision.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- High median household incomes exceeding $130,000 and strong owner-occupancy rates
- Significantly lower violent and property crime rates compared to greater Memphis averages
- Active private neighborhood security patrols and limited-access street layouts
- Immediate proximity to premier cultural institutions like MoSH and the Memphis Botanic Garden
Cons
- Spillover property crime and car break-ins from surrounding transit corridors
- Almost entirely residential with no commercial activity directly inside the neighborhood
- Strictly car-dependent layout requiring a vehicle for errands and dining
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is practically non-existent within the interior residential streets, though occasional panhandling may be observed at commercial intersections along Poplar Avenue or Highland Street.
What Chickasaw Gardens East is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and safe, with residents walking dogs and joggers taking advantage of the quiet, shaded streets.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and tranquil with minimal through-traffic and excellent visibility throughout the neighborhood.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet and secure, though street lighting can be soft and dim along some residential curves.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very low foot traffic and generally secure, though visitors should lock parked vehicles and stick to well-lit driveways.
Transit, parking and getting around
Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) operates bus routes along Central Avenue (Route 36) and Poplar Avenue (Route 50); there is no direct rail or BRT service in the neighborhood.
Free residential street parking is permitted, though most properties feature spacious private driveways with ample space.
Things to do in Chickasaw Gardens East
- Tour the historic mansion and exhibits at the Museum of Science & History (Pink Palace)
- Take an afternoon stroll or run around the private neighborhood lake and winding landscaped lanes
- Catch an independent film screening or live theater production at nearby Theatre Memphis
Local favorites
- Museum of Science & History - Pink Palace · Museum & Planetarium · 4.6★ (3200)Iconic pink Georgia marble mansion housing regional cultural exhibits, a giant 3D theater, and a planetarium.
- Brother Juniper's · Breakfast & Brunch Restaurant · 4.7★ (3450)Award-winning, beloved local spot famous for hearty omelets, open-faced biscuits, and house-roasted coffee.
- Pete & Sam's · Italian-American Restaurant · 4.4★ (1650)Classic Memphis institution serving thin-crust pizza, steaks, and comforting pasta dishes since 1948.
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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