5 Great Neighborhoods in Memphis
By Alyson McNutt English, FrontDoor.com | Published: 2/17/2009
Harbor Town, Mud Island's single-family home residential community, is a nationally acclaimed planned urban development. Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau
MIDTOWN
Central Gardens: Central Gardens is the historic neighborhood in Midtown Memphis. Filled with homes built in the early 1900's, this prestigious but diverse area attracts everyone from young families to deep-pocketed business magnates. Situated in the heart of Midtown, Central Gardens homes range in price from the $200,000's to over $1 million. Anyone who loves the historic-yet-artsy feel of the Midtown area but wants an established, safe neighborhood with an active neighborhood association will be attracted to the Central Gardens neighborhood.
Cooper-Young: Cooper-Young may not be for everyone, but for people with an adventurous spirit, a funky aesthetic and an appreciation for turn-of-the-century residences, this eclectic and diverse neighborhood in Midtown can be a great fit. In the early 20th century, Cooper-Young was a vibrant neighborhood, but by the 1970's, it had fallen into a trap of urban decay. But in 1976, a group of residents formed to Cooper-Young Community Association and began bringing the neighborhood back. Now the area is attracting not only new residents, but scores of local business owners. Cooper-Young has some of the most vibrant local restaurants and shopping to be found in the city.
SOUTH
Hernando: At the edge of the Memphis metro area sits Hernando, Miss. About 15 minutes south of Memphis right off of I-55, this historic town that's the seat of suburban Desoto County attracts residents looking for a charming small town feel while staying within easy driving distance to all Memphis has to offer. The historic Hernando courthouse dominates the town center, and legend has it that Desoto County native son John Grisham wrote his bestseller A Time to Kill on the steps of the stately brick building while he was waiting in between cases as a young lawyer. Hernando's housing is a mix of new construction typical of upscale suburbia and historic homes closer to the center of town. Hernando isn't your typical exurb full of strip malls and thoughtless overdevelopment, however; the town prides itself on its interest in sustainable growth and development as well as its insistence on preserving its trees and green space.
EAST
Germantown: This high-income area just east of Memphis proper is one of the most sought-after areas in the metro area for families looking for great public schools, large homes and a safe, attractive neighborhood to call home. There are many lovely homes with large yards, but there are also several zero-lot-line subdivisions: areas with large, gorgeous homes situated close to each other with very little green space. While this may not be ideal for a family looking to place a large playset, it does accommodate those looking for wonderful homes with low outdoor maintenance, and it also allows Germantown to control overbuilding, which not only preserves public green spaces, but also keeps property values stable in this sought-after metro enclave.
DOWNTOWN
Harbor Town on Mud Island: Harbor Town on Mud Island is rooted in the principals of New Urbanism, which holds that new neighborhoods should be planned as mixed-use, mixed-income developments to counteract urban sprawl and create walkable, compact communities. Situated on the north side of the island, Harbor Town is a sought-after area for everyone from professional athletes and politicians to young families and retirees. Residents enjoy fantastic water views and a small community feel with local grocery stores like Miss Cordelia's, top-flight restaurants like Currents and the peninsula's two highly-rated private schools.
Read More About Memphis, TN:
- Search Homes for Sale in Memphis
- Summary of Memphis
- Memphis Essentials
- Local Lingo and Lore in Memphis
- Memphis: Like No Place Else
- Beale Street: The History Behind the Memphis Party Scene
- Slide Show: Get to Know Memphis