Popular and Highland is NOT a bad area in Memphis.
The area around Memphis State (Now called University of Memphis/Tiger High) except for the college has become dangerous. Rapes, robberies, and carjackings are not uncommon. The MPD under reports the crime in the area because it would be bad publicity. Thirty years ago it was an affluent area.
Did you see where a student was robbed at gunpoint in the college parking lot Saturday just North of the rec center at UM and just feet from the main campus buildings?