Memphis is a good city to live in... Downtown is full of young people and always has something going on most nights and all weekend. Yes the crime is bad, but isn't it in most big cities? You just have to be careful in the city and outside the city. There is a lot of green in memphis, as someone already mentioned Shelby farms and Meeman Shelby forest. The MS river also has some recreation area. Down south in the delta Mississippi there are several lakes and areas to do outdoor activities- hunting fishing, boating etc... It would be a good move on your part.