Is Southwind Northwest safe?
Memphis, Tennessee · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Southwind Northwest as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Southwind Northwest
“Go. Southwind Northwest is one of the more secure, suburban pockets in Southeast Memphis, defined by gated subdivisions, corporate parks, and proximity to regional commercial centers. While vehicle property crime is present along nearby commercial corridors, violent crime remains markedly lower than the citywide baseline.”
Recent local law enforcement efforts have concentrated on targeting opportunistic vehicle break-ins along commercial retail plazas on Winchester Road.
About the area
Southwind Northwest is a manicured suburban sector of Memphis nestled near corporate offices and championship golf facilities. The area features quiet residential streets, apartment communities, and easy access to shopping amenities bordering Germantown. Visitors generally experience a tranquil, low-density environment primarily navigated by car.
- Suburban
- Corporate Hub
- Car-Dependent
- Quiet
Walking and biking in Southwind Northwest
Walk score: 32/100 · Bike score: 35/100
There are no bike-share stations in the neighborhood, and dedicated cycling infrastructure is sparse, requiring cyclists to share wide multi-lane arterials.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Significantly lower rates of violent crime relative to the broader Memphis metropolitan area
- Above-average median household incomes and stable residential property values
- Well-maintained suburban streetscapes and landscaped commercial campuses
- Convenient access to major employment hubs and essential retail services
Cons
- Opportunistic vehicle break-ins in commercial parking lots and multi-family complexes
- Suburban road design that isolates pedestrians and encourages high-speed vehicle traffic
- Proximity to busier transit thoroughfares that occasionally experience property crime spillover
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is uncommon within Southwind Northwest residential sections. Occasional panhandling is observed at major intersections along Winchester Road, but there are no fixed encampments.
What Southwind Northwest is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and active with commuters, dog walkers, and joggers feeling very secure throughout the subdivisions.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Steady commercial activity and light neighborhood traffic with minimal safety concerns.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Calm and quiet in residential areas, though standard vigilance is advised in retail parking lots after dark.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Streets are largely deserted; safety remains fair, though vehicles should be locked and cleared of valuables.
Transit, parking and getting around
Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) operates limited bus service through the perimeter via Route 39 on Winchester Road. There is no passenger rail or BRT service in this part of Memphis.
Parking is abundant and free throughout the area, with large surface parking lots at shopping plazas, business parks, and residential complexes.
Things to do in Southwind Northwest
- Attend or view events tied to TPC Southwind, host of the PGA Tour FedEx St. Jude Championship
- Walk or jog through the quiet, tree-lined residential loops and corporate grounds
- Explore retail and casual dining options along the Winchester and Hacks Cross commercial strips
Local favorites
- Huey's Southwind · American Restaurant · 4.4★ (2580)A popular regional staple serving renowned burgers, tavern fare, and local beers in a relaxed setting.
- Staks Pancake Kitchen · Breakfast & Brunch Restaurant · 4.4★ (1150)Bright, modern eatery known for specialty pancakes, artisanal coffee, and scratch-made breakfast items.
- Picosos Mexican Kitchen · Mexican Restaurant · 4.6★ (670)Casual, authentic neighborhood spot serving classic tacos, fajitas, and fresh salsa.
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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