Is Oakville Northeast safe?
Memphis, Tennessee · safety score updated nightly
Not recommended for casual walking around, especially after dark.
VibeLoco rates Oakville Northeast as “No-go after dark”.
Gogo's take on Oakville Northeast
“Go with care. Oakville Northeast is primarily a working-class residential and light industrial district in Southeast Memphis with few traditional tourist draws. Visitors should stay aware of their surroundings, keep vehicles locked, and limit visits to daytime hours.”
Southeast Memphis corridors around Lamar Avenue and Getwell Road continue to experience targeted law enforcement initiatives addressing localized property crime and vehicular theft.
About the area
Oakville Northeast is an established Southeast Memphis neighborhood characterized by mid-century single-family homes, automotive shops, and industrial logistics corridors near Lamar Avenue. While close to major distribution hubs and Memphis International Airport, it faces elevated urban crime and economic challenges.
- Industrial Edge
- Car-Dependent
- Modest Residential
- Commercial Corridor
Walking and biking in Oakville Northeast
Walk score: 42/100 · Bike score: 38/100
Dedicated bike lanes are largely absent in this area, and there is no direct access to Explore Bike Share stations or major trails like the Shelby Farms Greenline.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Convenient access to major logistics corridors and I-240 / Lamar Avenue
- Close proximity to authentic independent Memphis barbecue and soul food spots
- Moderate residential density with ample private off-street parking
Cons
- Violent and property crime rates sit well above both national and state averages
- Above-average local poverty rates and pockets of deferred property maintenance
- Minimal pedestrian infrastructure with heavy freight and commercial vehicle traffic
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is moderately present along commercial corridors like Lamar Avenue and Getwell Road, primarily near transit stops and vacant retail properties.
What Oakville Northeast is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Commercial and commuter traffic picks up early; residential streets are generally quiet and safe for standard daytime routines.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Industrial and delivery traffic peaks; general awareness is advised along major avenues and strip mall parking lots.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Activity winds down as retail closes; sticking to well-lit commercial hubs and driving rather than walking is recommended.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Streets are largely deserted with significantly higher risks for property crime and illicit activity; avoid unnecessary foot travel.
Transit, parking and getting around
Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) serves the area primarily via Route 22 (On the Street) and Route 36 (Lamar), with no nearby rail or BRT connections.
Street parking is generally unrestricted on residential side roads, and commercial destinations provide ample free surface parking lots.
Things to do in Oakville Northeast
- Sample classic regional smoked meats at local barbecue joints along Getwell and Lamar
- Browse local international specialty grocers and food markets nearby
- Take a short drive to the Memphis Botanic Garden and Dixon Gallery located to the north
Local favorites
- Tom's Bar-B-Q · Barbecue Restaurant · 4.5★ (1150)Famed local joint on Getwell serving rib tips, smoked sausage, and dry-rub ribs.
- Superlo Foods · Grocery Store · 4.3★ (980)Longstanding local grocery chain offering everyday staples, fresh meats, and deli items.
- La Michoacana · Ice Cream Shop · 4.7★ (1420)Popular regional shop offering a massive variety of handmade paletas and Mexican treats.
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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