Located along the Mississippi River, Memphis is the second biggest city in Tennessee. Known worldwide as the home of the blues and the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll, there’s a lot to love about this city.
For professionals, Memphis is cost-efficient and offers a central location for ease of trading. It’s particularly popular among transportation and warehousing companies, with exceptional shipping options.
With more organizations moving their operations here, Memphis office space is in high demand and good supply. With a wide range of comfortable, stylish, and modern office spaces available, there’s plenty of choice.
Here’s everything you need to know about Memphis office space and why you should consider this iconic city for your business.
There are plenty of fantastic reasons to choose Memphis office spaces. The city is well-located, cost-efficient, and has a wide range of comfortable, stylish, and modern office spaces to choose from. So where do you start? Here’s what you need to know.
Geography of Memphis, Tennessee
With a central location, Memphis occupies an excellent position for businesses trading in the US and beyond. 75% of the country is within a 48-hour drive of the city.
Memphis has always been a flourishing business hub. Historically, it served as a major shipping and transport route thanks to its location on the Mississippi River. Today, it remains popular among logistics businesses, with even greater shipping options available.
The city is one of the largest metropolitan areas in the Southeastern region. It’s also a central and convenient hub for travel to other major nearby locations including Arkansas, Mississippi, and Alabama.
Memphis boasts several handy transport links. Highways such as Route 51 and 61 provide fast transit across the city. An extensive network of scheduled city bus services is operated by the Memphis Area Transit Authority. The Memphis International Airport provides convenient connections to other metropolitan areas too.
Top business areas in Memphis
In such a bustling city, there are plenty of fantastic areas to work. You may choose to grow your business in the classic, vibrant business district of Downtown Memphis. Alternatively, the more alternative vibe in the South Main Arts District might be more to your taste.
Whatever your priorities are, here are five of the most well-known business districts in Memphis to choose from.
- Downtown Memphis: The most recognizable business district in Memphis, this is a fantastic area in the city. It’s right by the Mississippi River, which offers some of the best scenic views in the city. It’s also home to the FedExForum, home of the NBA’s Memphis Grizzlies.
- East Memphis: Another classic commercial district in Memphis, this bustling area is home to businesses of all shapes and sizes. Unlike Downtown Memphis, there are no restrictions on the height of buildings in this area. This has led to a flurry of iconic, well-known buildings like the Clark Tower.
- Germantown: As the name suggests, this district was founded by German emigrants in the early 19th century. This charming suburb might be quieter than other districts, but there’s plenty of flourishing business and rich heritage in this area.
- South Main Arts District: This region is the perfect place for anybody who enjoys galleries, studios, boutiques, and culture. The one-square-mile neighborhood is a historic area of the city, long considered both the area's first suburb and arts district. Local attractions include Central Station, a historic train station now converted into a hotel complex.
- Cooper-Young District: The Cooper-Young Business Association describes this district as ‘historically hip’. This district has a long heritage in Memphis and is a well-known Bohemian neighborhood. You’ll find eclectic shops and plenty of restaurants and bars here. It’s also home to the Cooper-Young Festival, one of the largest arts and music festivals in the region.
5 businesses based in Memphis
Memphis is home to a wide range of dynamic businesses, particularly those in the transportation sector. It has also become a hub for healthcare, retail, and manufacturing thanks to its strategic location and large population.
Here are five of the most well-known businesses located here:
- FedEx: FedEx is by far the most recognizable brand in Memphis. The delivery and courier service’s head office is between East Memphis and Germantown.
- AutoZone: AutoZone is the largest retailer of car parts and accessories. The company is based in Downtown Memphis and employs over 1,200 staff at this site.
- Elvis Presley Enterprises: Elvis Presley Enterprises manages the business assets of the late singer. This includes the Graceland Mansion which is now one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country.
- Lennys Grill & Subs: Lennys Grill & Subs was born in Memphis and remains there today, alongside 100 other locations across the US. Its headquarters are on the far eastern end of the city, in East Germantown.
- First Horizon Bank: First Horizon Bank is a national financial services company based in Downtown Memphis. The company was born in Memphis in 1863 and still operates here.
7 benefits of establishing your company in Memphis
There are many reasons that businesses like FedEx and First Horizon Bank chose to set up their home here in Memphis. Here are seven of the most important:
1. Memphis' travel and accessibility
The convenient central location of Memphis makes it perfect for travel to other cities and states around the country. It’s situated at a crossroads between the three major states of Tennessee, Arkansas, and Mississippi. This has resulted in heavy investment in the city’s infrastructure.
Visitors to Memphis can benefit from easy travel options including air, train, bus, and road. Once you’re in the city, the Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) has made it easy to get around with an extensive bus network. If fresh air is your thing, there are plenty of e-bikes for hire dotted around the city.
2. Business incentives
The Memphis and Tennessee governments offer several state incentives for businesses. These include the Job Tax Credit and the Foreign-Trade Zone, as well as expedited licensing and permitting. Most of these schemes provide specific financial benefits to businesses that choose to relocate to the area.
Businesses can also access a range of loans, grants, and incentives from the city government.
3. Skilled workforce
Memphis is home to a skilled and productive workforce of some 447,000 people. There are also several initiatives designed to train and develop skills in the local area.
One of the most notable of these includes a $15 million training center, built to deliver quick qualifications for high-demand jobs.
4. Pro-business climate
Memphis and the wider state of Tennessee offer a pro-business environment to new and existing businesses. It has the second-lowest state and local tax burden anywhere in the US and takes no personal income tax on wages.
Tennessee is also a right-to-work state, offering workers more freedom of choice. To enable greater success for growing businesses, Memphis provides a big-city lifestyle with a lower cost of living rate.
5. Inclusive and supportive business environment
Memphis is a diverse city with large communities of Hispanic and African American citizens. According to Best Neighborhood, it has a diversity score of 81/100, which is considerably higher than most American cities.
There is also a high proportion of people who were born outside the US that now call Memphis home, around 39,000 across the whole city. All of this contributes to a thriving and dynamic business community.
6. Geographical advantages
Memphis’ Southeastern location makes it a fantastic business hub. Tennessee is a great middle ground between the upper Northeastern cities and the dynamic hubs of Texas and Florida.
Convenient highway and rail links make it easy to get in and out of the city. At the same time, the city’s location on the Mississippi River also makes it a fantastic place for anybody involved in shipping or logistics.
7. Memphis culture
Memphis is a city with a big soul and a lot to offer. With a huge musical back catalog, from Elvis Presley and B.B. King to Johnny Cash and Justin Timberlake, music is a prominent part of the culture here. In line with this, the city has also become a diverse hub of history, art, and theater.
How much is office space in Memphis, TN?
The low cost of living and real estate in Memphis is another key reason to choose the city as the home for your business. While cities like New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco have plenty to offer, the cost of doing business there can be a real drawback. In Memphis, this isn’t an issue.
As a comparison, the cost of living in New York is as much as 70% higher than in Memphis. At the same time, $250,000 buys more than 10 times the real estate space in Memphis, when compared with San Francisco.
The cost of office space for rent in Memphis will vary depending on factors such as location and your unique requirements.
There is a wide range of offices for rent in Memphis, and Regus can provide everything you need for your new space. We let you work your way, whether you want to rent by the hour, day, or longer term.
Both private and custom office space in Memphis are available from $215 a month, per person.
Office space for rent in Memphis, TN
If you’re looking for office spaces in Memphis it can be difficult to know where to start. With so many dynamic business locations, how do you know which is the right one for you?
Here are five of the best Memphis office spaces to get you started.
1. Clark Tower
Clark Tower is a sleek and modern office space housed in one of Memphis’ most iconic buildings. The iconic skyscraper was built in 1971 and has since become one of the most popular office spaces in East Memphis.
Inside, you’ll have access to coworking spaces, meeting rooms, dedicated desks, and plenty more. You can also enjoy networking with other professionals in the vibrant atmosphere here.
Highlights include:
- Break-out areas
- On-site lunch restaurants
- On-site sandwich/coffee bar
Information about Clark Tower
- Location: 5100 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN, 38137
- Starting cost: From $225 per month
- Opening hours: 24/7 for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members, reception hours for other members
- Nearby transportation links: Poplar Avenue at Truse Parkway Bus Stop (a three-minute walk away)
2. 1661 International Drive
You’re not going to miss 1661 International Drive when you see it. The glass and red brick building creates a striking façade and is a fantastic place for businesses of all shapes and sizes to operate.
Inside, there’s plenty to get excited about as well. With breakout areas, meeting rooms, coworking areas, and private desks, you’ll have many different ways to work.
You’ll also have easy access to Memphis International Airport, which is only 15 minutes drive away.
Highlights include:
- Two-story rotunda lobby
- Business lounge
- Vending machines
Information about 1661 International Drive
- Location: 1661 International Dr, Memphis, TN, 38120
- Starting cost: From $225 per month
- Opening hours: 24/7 for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members, reception hours for other members
- Nearby transportation links: Poplar Avenue at International Place Bus Stop (a seven-minute walk away)
3. Triad Center I
The Triad Center I is another striking building, with a floor-to-ceiling glass exterior that’ll catch your eye. It’s also in a great location near the Germantown business hub, only a short drive away from Downtown Memphis.
Thanks to this, the Triad Center I is a great option for anyone looking for Downtown Memphis office space.
Inside, you’ll be able to work from comfy office chairs and a variety of desk types, whatever takes your fancy. If you’ve got an important call to make, you can use one of the private booths. This space has everything you need to work at your best.
Highlights include:
- Break-out areas
- Meeting rooms
- Video conferencing studio
Information about Triad Center I
- Location: 6000 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN, 38119
- Starting cost: From $225 per month
- Opening hours: 24/7 for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members, reception hours for other members
- Nearby transportation links: Poplar Avenue at Ridgeway Loop Bus Stop (a three-minute walk away)
4. 107 S Main Street
Located in the Gayosi Peabody Historic District, 107 S Main Street is a fantastic location in the heart of Memphis.
As well as being an eye-catching building, it’s also a few minutes away from the Mississippi River and the Mississippi River Park. Both of these are great opportunities for a relaxing lunchtime walk.
Highlights include:
- Historic building in Gayoso Peabody Historic District
- Break-out areas
- Meeting rooms
Information about 107 S Main Street
- Location: 107 S. Main Street, Memphis, TN, 38103
- Starting cost: From $225 per month
- Opening hours: 24/7 for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members, reception hours for other members
- Nearby transportation links: Main Street at Union Avenue Bus Stop (a two-minute walk away)
5. Southwind Office Center
The Southwind Office Center is in a fantastic business park location. Here, professionals from all industries come together to work, collaborate, and network.
Outside, you'll see the building’s fantastic arc-shaped exterior and long glass windows. Inside, you’ll have access to a range of comfortable and stylish desks, meeting rooms, and private booths.
The local area is also home to Shelby Farms Park, a gorgeous green area with lakes and nature aplenty. It’s the perfect place to take some time out of the busy day and get some fresh air.
Highlights include:
- Business lounges
- On-site lunch restaurant
- Vending machines
Information about Southwind Office Center
- Location: 1661 International Drive, Memphis, TN, 38120
- Starting cost: From $225 per month
- Opening hours: 24/7 for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members, reception hours for other members
- Nearby transportation links: Poplar Avenue at International Place Bus Stop (a six-minute walk away)
Discover Memphis office spaces with Regus
Whether you decide to set up shop in the bustling Downtown district, or the charming Germantown, you’ll be sure to have everything you need with Regus.
Whether you’re looking for a small office space for rent in Memphis or you need a larger space for growth, we can help.
With meeting rooms, booths, private desks, and more, we pride ourselves on having many options to suit today’s flexible, hybrid workforce. Want to find out more? Check out our full range of offices for rent in Memphis and get your quote today.