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Sober Living Homes in Memphis, TN

Options, costs, and how to find sober living homes in Memphis, TN.

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Sober Living in Memphis — Quick Overview

~50

sober living homes (est.)

$400-$1,200

/month range

10

Oxford Houses

Yes

state certification

Sober Living Options in Memphis

Memphis has approximately 50 sober living homes, with a growing recovery housing market. The very affordable cost of living makes recovery housing accessible. Oxford House has 10 houses in the metro. Memphis Recovery Centers is a key local provider. Midtown, Whitehaven, and surrounding areas have recovery residence concentrations. TARR certification provides quality standards.

What Is Sober Living?

A sober living home (also called a recovery residence) is a shared, substance-free residence where people in recovery live together in a structured environment. Unlike inpatient treatment, sober living homes do not provide clinical treatment — they provide a stable living environment that supports ongoing recovery. Residents typically share responsibilities, attend recovery meetings, submit to drug testing, and pay rent.

Sober living serves as a bridge between treatment and fully independent living. There is no set time limit — you can stay as long as you are following the rules and making progress. Most homes accept people with criminal records, including felonies, and many residents are on probation or parole.

Levels of Sober Living in Memphis (NARR Standards)

The National Alliance of Recovery Residences (NARR) defines four levels of support for recovery housing.

LevelDescriptionAvailable
Level 1 — Peer-RunDemocratically run homes like Oxford Houses. No paid staff. Residents share responsibilities, expenses, and decisions. Most affordable option ($400-$600/mo).Yes
Level 2 — MonitoredHas a house manager or monitor. Drug testing, house meetings, and structured rules. May have paid staff. ($500-$1,200/mo).Yes
Level 3 — SupervisedLicensed operations with certified recovery support staff. Focuses on life skills development and connections to clinical services. ($800-$2,000/mo).Yes
Level 4 — Clinical/IntegratedMost structured level. Provides clinical services on-site including counseling and case management. Professional staff. ($1,200-$3,000+/mo).Limited

Sober Living Costs in Memphis

Oxford Houses (peer-run)$400-$600/mo
Standard sober living$400-$1,200/mo

Most homes require first and last month's rent or a deposit upfront. Costs typically include shared housing, utilities, and basic amenities. Some homes include food, laundry, and recreational activities. Oxford Houses charge an Equal Expense Share (EES) that covers all common expenses.

How to Find Sober Living in Memphis

  1. 1.
    SAMHSA Treatment Locator — Visit findtreatment.gov or call 1-800-662-4357 for referrals to recovery residences near Memphis.
  2. 2.
    Oxford House Vacancies — Visit oxfordvacancies.com to search for Oxford Houses with current openings in Memphis. There are approximately 10 Oxford Houses in the metro area.
  3. 3.
    Tennessee TARR / TDMHSAS — Search for certified recovery residences through Tennessee TARR / TDMHSAS.
  4. 4.
    Local recovery community — Ask at local NA/AA meetings, contact your treatment provider or probation officer, or reach out to local recovery community organizations for referrals to trusted homes in Memphis.

Oxford Houses in Memphis

There are approximately 10 Oxford Houses in the Memphis metro area. Oxford Houses are democratically self-run recovery homes with no paid staff, no time limit, and an average cost of $400-$600/month. To be accepted, you must interview with current residents and receive 80% approval, be committed to sobriety, and be able to pay your equal share of expenses.

Oxford Houses accept people with criminal records, including felonies. Many residents are on probation or parole. To find Oxford Houses in Memphis with current openings, visit oxfordvacancies.com or contact the Tennessee Oxford House chapter at oxfordhouse.org.

Tennessee Sober Living Certification

Certification AvailableTennessee TARR / TDMHSAS

Tennessee has voluntary certification through the Tennessee Association of Recovery Residences (TARR), a NARR affiliate. TDMHSAS supports quality standards for recovery housing.

Insurance & Medicaid Coverage in Tennessee

Medicaid Does Not Cover

Tennessee Medicaid (TennCare) does not cover sober living housing costs. Some state-funded recovery housing assistance is available through TDMHSAS. Treatment components may be billable.

Sober Living Networks in Memphis

  • -Oxford House
  • -TARR-certified homes
  • -Memphis Recovery Centers

What to Expect in Sober Living

House rules: Absolute sobriety is required. Most homes require regular drug testing (weekly or random), attendance at 3-5 recovery meetings per week, curfew compliance (especially in early residency), and participation in household chores.

Employment: Residents are usually required to work, attend school, volunteer, or participate in a treatment program during the day. Some homes provide a grace period (1-2 weeks) for new residents to find employment.

Length of stay: There is no universal time limit. Oxford Houses have no maximum stay. Other homes may recommend 90 days to one year, but many allow longer stays. The goal is to stay as long as needed to build a strong foundation for independent living.

Community: Sober living is a shared living experience. You will have housemates who are also in recovery. House meetings, shared meals, and mutual support are central to the experience.

Red Flags: Avoid These Sober Living Homes

  • !Unlicensed/uncertified homes — In states with certification, always verify. Check with Tennessee TARR / TDMHSAS.
  • !Patient brokering — If a home offers free rent, kickbacks, or financial incentives to use their preferred treatment center, this is a major red flag and potentially illegal.
  • !Insurance fraud — Never give your insurance card to a sober living operator. Your insurance should be billed only by your treatment provider.
  • !No rules or drug testing — Legitimate sober living homes have clear rules and regular drug testing. If a home has no structure, it is not a real recovery residence.
  • !Overcrowding or unsafe conditions — Visit in person before committing. Check for fire exits, clean living conditions, and reasonable occupancy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does sober living cost in Memphis?
Sober living in Memphis is very affordable, ranging from $350-$500/month for Oxford Houses to $400-$900/month for standard homes and up to $1,200/month for upscale options.
Where are sober living homes in Memphis?
Midtown, Whitehaven, East Memphis, and nearby Germantown have the most options. The recovery community includes numerous meetings across the metro.
Are there sober living homes in Memphis for veterans?
Yes. Memphis, home to a VA Medical Center, has veteran-focused recovery housing. Contact the Memphis VA at (901) 523-8990 for recovery housing referrals and Grant and Per Diem programs.
Does Tennessee certify sober living homes?
Tennessee has voluntary certification through TARR (Tennessee Association of Recovery Residences), a NARR affiliate. TARR-certified homes meet quality standards.

Related Resources

Related Resources on This Site

More for your state

Helpful guides

If you are in crisis:

  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 (free, confidential, 24/7)
  • SAMHSA National Helpline: Call 1-800-662-4357 (free, confidential, 24/7, English & Spanish)
  • Crisis Text Line: Text HELLO to 741741
Disclaimer: This is informational only, not medical or legal advice. Recovery resources, treatment availability, costs, and program details change frequently. Always contact programs directly to confirm current availability, costs, and eligibility requirements. If you are experiencing a medical emergency related to substance use, call 911 immediately. Your substance use disorder treatment records are protected by federal law (42 CFR Part 2).

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