What to consider when renting in Memphis without a car — transit, errands, work access and location choice.
Moving to Memphis Without a Car
It is a driving metro. Here is how to choose a location that still works.
Memphis is built around driving. Most households here own a car, and the metro’s layout reflects that.
That does not make going without impossible, but it does mean your location choice carries far more weight than it otherwise would. Getting it wrong is expensive in time every single day.
What to weigh
Your route to work
Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) operates the public bus system. Check the actual route and journey time for your specific commute before committing to an area.
Shift hours versus service hours
If you work overnight or start very early, check whether service runs at your hours. This is the single most common problem.
Groceries and pharmacy
How you will do a weekly shop without a boot is a practical question worth answering before you sign.
Deliveries
Ask how packages are received and stored at the property. It matters more when you cannot easily collect from elsewhere.
Rideshare as a backup, not a plan
Fine for occasional gaps, expensive as a daily commute.
Weather
Memphis summers are hot and humid, and winter brings occasional ice. A walk that is pleasant in October is different in July.
Tell us where you need to get to and we will tell you what is realistic without a car.
The honest version
We would rather tell you plainly: for many jobs in this metro, particularly shift work at large sites, getting there reliably without a vehicle is hard. If that is your situation, verify the route yourself before you sign anything.
Where it tends to work better is when your workplace, groceries and daily needs sit along one accessible corridor. That is a location question, and it is worth solving before the lease rather than after.
Before you commit to an area
- Actual transit route and journey time to your workplace checked
- Service hours confirmed against your shift
- Grocery and pharmacy options within a workable distance
- Package delivery and storage arrangements confirmed
- A backup plan for bad weather and service gaps
- Total transport cost compared against owning a vehicle
Current ELM rentals
Our Memphis rentals include apartments in the Raleigh area of northeast Memphis. Availability changes frequently, so the listings page is the current source of truth.
Frequently asked questions
Is Memphis walkable?
It varies enormously by area, and most of the metro is designed around driving. Assess the specific address rather than the city.
Can I rely on rideshare?
As an occasional backup, yes. As a daily commute, the cost adds up quickly.
What about cycling?
Possible in some areas depending on your route. Check the specific roads you would use, and the heat in summer.
Should I buy a car after arriving?
Many people do. Factor insurance, fuel and parking into your budget before deciding either way.
Related guides
- Memphis cost of living guide for renters
- Moving to Memphis: the full guide
- Apartments in Raleigh, Memphis
- First 30 days after moving to Memphis
Ask Lia
Lia is ELM Property Management’s leasing assistant. Tell us where you need to commute to and we will be honest about what works. Send your question through our contact page, email info@elmpropertymanagement.com, or call 901-350-5502, and a member of our team will follow up.
Relocating without a vehicle?
Tell us your workplace and hours and we will tell you what is realistic.