Is Hollywood Southwest safe?
Memphis, Tennessee · safety score updated nightly
Not recommended for casual walking around, especially after dark.
VibeLoco rates Hollywood Southwest as “No-go after dark”.
Gogo's take on Hollywood Southwest
“Skip unless visiting for a specific purpose or patronizing long-standing local food institutions during daylight hours. The area experiences elevated rates of both violent and property crime, making general exploration hazardous for tourists. Visitors looking to experience Memphis culture and dining are much better served in nearby Midtown or the Broad Avenue Arts District.”
Local law enforcement frequently targets the broader North Memphis and Hollywood corridors with focused patrols to curb recurring gun violence and auto thefts.
About the area
Hollywood Southwest is a historic, working-class residential and commercial pocket situated in North Memphis along the Jackson and Chelsea Avenue corridors. The neighborhood features modest mid-century single-family homes, vacant parcels, and small commercial establishments that reflect decades of economic disinvestment. While rich in local community identity, persistent public safety concerns make it an uncommon destination for outside visitors.
- Urban Residential
- Working-Class
- Car-Dependent
- High-Crime Risk
Walking and biking in Hollywood Southwest
Walk score: 45/100 · Bike score: 40/100
There are no dedicated bike lanes or Explore Bike Share kiosks in Hollywood Southwest; cyclists must travel south toward Overton Park to connect with protected greenways.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Convenient driving access to Midtown Memphis, Broad Avenue Arts District, and Downtown via Jackson Avenue.
- Home to iconic, no-frills culinary hidden gems beloved by long-time locals.
- Strong generational ties and active neighborhood church communities working on local revitalization.
Cons
- Violent crime rates, including aggravated assaults and robberies, significantly exceed national and city averages.
- High neighborhood poverty rate exceeding 30% alongside notable residential and commercial vacancy.
- Frequent property crime, including vehicle break-ins and catalytic converter theft.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is moderately present, mostly concentrated around major intersections along Jackson Avenue and near abandoned properties.
What Hollywood Southwest is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Relatively calm as residents commute, though situational awareness is still necessary when walking.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Moderate activity around commercial strips, but foot traffic is sparse and vigilance remains advised.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Streets empty rapidly after dusk and the risk of opportunistic crime noticeably increases.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- High risk of criminal activity and gunfire; outside visitors should strictly avoid walking or lingering after dark.
Transit, parking and getting around
Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) serves the area primarily via bus Route 42 along Jackson Avenue and Route 8 along Chelsea Avenue, with no light rail or BRT service nearby.
Free street parking and open surface lots in front of businesses are widely available, but vehicles must be locked with no valuables left in sight.
Things to do in Hollywood Southwest
- Order a legendary made-to-order cheeseburger from Hollywood Grocery.
- Sample authentic Memphis comfort breakfast and soul food at Koffee-Kup Restaurant on Chelsea Avenue.
- Take a short drive to explore the nearby Broad Avenue Arts District for local murals, galleries, and craft breweries.
Local favorites
- Hollywood Grocery · Hamburger Restaurant · 4.4★ (210)Unassuming corner grocery store famed across Memphis for massive, griddled cheeseburgers.
- Koffee-Kup Restaurant · Soul Food Restaurant · 4.3★ (390)Long-standing neighborhood diner dishing out hearty Southern breakfast plates and homestyle lunch specials.
- Cozy Corner Restaurant · Barbecue Restaurant · 4.5★ (2400)Renowned barbecue institution located just southwest on North Parkway famous for smoked Cornish hen and ribs.
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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