Living in Memphis TN | Southern College of Optometry

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Living In

Memphis is Thriving

A big city with a small-town feel, Memphis enjoys a low cost of living and a profound connection to community. With a taste of city life through great food, entertainment and museums, the city’s culture is rooted deep in history, music and tradition. With a vibrant downtown, tree-lined neighborhoods and one of the largest parks in the nation, Memphis provides recreational and cultural activities that appeal to anyone year-round.

More than 60,000 local residents from all backgrounds rely on SCO for their eye care through The Eye Center and through a number of Community Outreach initiatives. Our students experience the gratifying impact of making a difference in the lives of people who benefit from SCO’s unique status as one of the nation’s top optometry colleges. SCO is proud to be one of the Tennessee treasures that makes Memphis great. Take a look to discover some of the many attractions near our campus!

Family Friendly

There's something in Memphis for the entire family. From zoos to museums to theaters to shopping in a giant pyramid boasting breathtaking views of the Mighty Mississippi; children, teens and adults alike will all find something to enjoy when they explore the city we call home.

Food

If you know Memphis, then you know that our barbecue is second to none. You'll be delighted to find that's not all we have to offer. From funky little kitchens to modern, sleek steakhouses, the food in Memphis is diverse and exquisite. Dive in to a one-of-a-kind foodie paradise, and find something that will make your taste buds sing.

Outdoors

If you love immersing yourself in the outdoors, Memphis has tons of greenspace to explore. The beloved Shelby Farms Park Conservancy offers 4,500 acres of green space and 6.5 miles of urban trail in the heart of Shelby County. If organized sport is more your thing, the city has eight municipal golf courses, several parks and recreation centers, as well as the Memphis Redbirds, the Triple-A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals. Check below for more great outdoor activities in the Memphis area.

Shopping

The lively shopping scene in Memphis is as robust as it is eclectic. From gallery shopping in Cooper Young, Overton Square and Broad Avenue, to big name retailers at Laurelwood and Oak Court, there are a variety of shops around the town that have just what you need. For shopping near campus, check out our list for a few notable options.

Housing

Finding a place to live is important for your future at SCO. We regularly hold housing fairs that can help you learn about different areas near campus and other options for you to consider. In fact, there are a variety of student-friendly living options that neighbor the SCO campus. Take a look at some of the options below.

Cultural

Immerse yourself in the Memphis community and you will find that the makeup of Memphis is not only diverse but defines our richly diverse culture. The listings below offer just a small glance at what makes Memphis great.

Memphis Life

Living in Memphis opens up opportunities to explore and really get to know the community. We encourage students and families to experience the true essence of Memphis by participating in local events, festivals, taking in the local scene and making it your own.