Is Hickory Hill Southeast safe?
Memphis, Tennessee · safety score updated nightly
Not recommended for casual walking around, especially after dark.
VibeLoco rates Hickory Hill Southeast as “No-go after dark”.
Gogo's take on Hickory Hill Southeast
“Go with care. While navigating main commercial corridors during daylight hours is generally fine for errands or dining, visitors should exercise caution due to elevated rates of property crime and violent incidents. It is best to avoid poorly lit areas and apartment complexes late at night.”
Memphis Police Department regularly increases targeted patrols along the Winchester Road and Hickory Hill corridors to combat persistent auto thefts and retail-corridor property crimes.
About the area
Hickory Hill Southeast is a dense, suburban-style section of Southeast Memphis characterized by single-family subdivisions interspersed with large multifamily apartment complexes and commercial strip centers. Once a booming retail core, the area is now working through economic shifts while retaining diverse international eateries and community hubs.
- Suburban Strip
- Car-Dependent
- Culturally Diverse
- Commercial Hub
Walking and biking in Hickory Hill Southeast
Walk score: 38/100 · Bike score: 34/100
Dedicated cycling infrastructure is virtually nonexistent along the wide arterial corridors, with no direct access to Memphis greenways like the Shelby Farms Greenline.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Plentiful and diverse international dining options along commercial arteries
- Convenient driving access to TN-385 (Bill Morris Parkway) and I-240
- Lower housing and rental costs compared to the greater Memphis metro average
Cons
- Significantly higher violent and property crime rates compared to state and national benchmarks
- Frequent reports of vehicle break-ins in commercial parking lots and multi-unit housing complexes
- Economic distress reflected in elevated poverty levels and commercial strip vacancies
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is moderately present, mostly as individuals panhandling near high-traffic intersections and retail entrances along Winchester Road.
What Hickory Hill Southeast is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Active with commuters and delivery vehicles along thoroughfares; residential streets are generally calm.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Busy traffic around major plazas and intersections, requiring standard vigilance regarding vehicle security.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Activity concentrates in fast-food hubs and strip malls, where increased situational awareness is recommended.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Safety concerns increase noticeably with elevated risks of property theft, loitering, and occasional violent disturbances.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is operated by the Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) via local bus routes like Route 42 and Route 30; there is no light rail or BRT service in this corridor.
Parking is abundant and free in suburban-style strip mall lots and residential driveways, though drivers should never leave valuables in plain view.
Things to do in Hickory Hill Southeast
- Sample diverse cuisines at the international food stalls within El Mercadito de Memphis
- Play basketball or access community recreation programs at the Hickory Hill Community Center
- Pick up classic Memphis-style barbecue and burgers along the Winchester Road corridor
Local favorites
- Tops Bar-B-Q · Barbecue Restaurant · 4.3★ (680)Longtime local chain known for classic pit-cooked pulled pork barbecue, cheeseburgers, and southern sides.
- El Mercadito de Memphis · Latin Supermarket & Food Court · 4.4★ (1420)Vibrant indoor marketplace featuring fresh produce, specialty Latin groceries, and authentic food stalls.
- D'bo's Wings & Daiquiris · Wings & Seafood · 4.1★ (1150)Popular Memphis fixture serving seasoned hot wings, fried seafood combos, and frozen daiquiris.
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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