Memphis, Tennessee, is known for its iconic music scene and award-winning barbecue. Combined with its rich history and cultural diversity, it’s no surprise that many have chosen to make Memphis their home. This unique Mid-South city offers a thriving real estate market with plenty of potential for future growth. When moving to Memphis or relocating to a new area of the city, it’s helpful to have a neighborhood guide you can reference for information on real estate, safety, and other factors. Here are the 10 best neighborhoods in Memphis.

Selection criteria

When choosing the top Memphis neighborhoods, we based our decision on various factors, including affordability and the real estate market in Memphis. Other selection criteria include:

• Location
• Amenities and attractions
• Schools
• Transportation and commute
• Community involvement

1. Downtown Memphis

With its rich history and bustling entertainment scene, Downtown Memphis has plenty to offer. If you enjoy being part of the action, you may want to join the 26,000 people who call Downtown Memphis home. On the historic Beale Street, you can immerse yourself in the city’s music culture by visiting attractions such as the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum or stopping at an iconic establishment such as BB King’s Blues Club. Along the Mississippi River, you can take a riverboat ride or stroll along the six-mile riverfront path.

In addition to its entertainment district, Downtown Memphis houses various companies, from small tech start-ups to large corporations. Downtown continues to be a popular area for those working in the city’s technology and medical industries, according to the Downtown Memphis Commission. In particular, Downtown attracts a diverse young population, making it a great choice for millennials and Gen Z.

Downtown Memphis also offers potential for future growth. In 2023, the median home value is $298,606, compared to $190,028 in the greater Memphis area. By 2031, the U.S. Census Bureau expects the median home value in Downtown Memphis to grow to $356,208. Census data also shows median rent in Downtown zip codes to be $965 per month. That makes Downtown more expensive than other areas of the city, and older adults or young families may prefer to live somewhere quieter and less busy.

2. Midtown

Head east of Downtown, and you’ll arrive in Midtown, a neighborhood with historic homes, artsy murals, and cultural attractions. Midtown has a distinctly creative vibe, with numerous art galleries, theaters, and music venues. In Overton Square, you can shop at independent boutiques and sample some of the best food in the city, with many restaurants featuring nightly live entertainment. Midtown also hosts fun events throughout the year, such as block parties, beer festivals, and family-friendly activities at the Memphis Zoo.

The neighborhood features communities of historic homes, with the vast majority of houses built in 1939 or earlier. Like Downtown, it has a diverse population of residents. It also has a higher population density than the greater Memphis average. Midtown boasts an authentic community feel, but there are plans for future development, including mixed-use complexes for retail and apartments.

3. Cooper-Young

Located within Midtown at the corner of (you guessed it) Cooper Street and Young Avenue, the Cooper-Young neighborhood offers a blend of modern and traditional elements. In Cooper-Young, you’ll find century-old homes, long-run family businesses, and newer establishments, all within a few blocks. You can browse for used or rare books at Burke’s Book Store or add to your vinyl collection at Goner Records. When craving a bite, you can visit one of the neighborhood’s many bistros, cafes, and restaurants. There’s even a vegan cafe if you want to enjoy the city’s iconic barbecue without the meat.

Each year, Cooper-Young hosts a popular outdoor festival. The Cooper-Young Festival brings over 130,000 people to the neighborhood to celebrate its culture with art, music, and crafts. With its many unique features, it’s easy to see why the American Planning Association named Cooper-Young one of its top 10 neighborhoods. The commission cited the neighborhood’s walkability, parks, and community involvement as factors in its decision.

However, Cooper-Young is a small neighborhood, so it may be harder to find homes and apartments in the area. Like Midtown, it’s also an older area of the city, and those who prefer newer developments may want to look elsewhere.

4. East Memphis

If you want to live in the city without compromising on green space, look no further than East Memphis. Known as the city’s garden district, East Memphis offers a picturesque place to live. One of the neighborhood’s crown jewels is the 4,500-acre Shelby Farms Park, one of the largest urban parks in the country.

At Shelby Farms Park, you can hike or bike along 40 miles of trails, take a horseback ride, or go zip lining in the trees. For a more leisurely outdoor experience, you can visit the Memphis Botanic Garden, featuring over 30 specialty gardens, including a botanical garden.

East Memphis is an affluent area, mostly due to the presence of major businesses such as FedEx and Hilton Worldwide. The University of Memphis also has its main campus in East Memphis. While the area mainly has single-family homes, there are some apartment complexes as well. It’s a popular area for business professionals and families with young children, with good public and private schools. However, it’s less pedestrian-friendly than neighborhoods such as Downtown and Cooper-Young, and you may have a longer commute if you don’t work in East Memphis.

5. Harbor Town

One of the trendiest areas in Memphis, Harbor Town sits on a small peninsula known as Mud Island. You can’t beat the incredible views of the Mississippi River, especially with a specialty cocktail at River Inn’s Terrace Rooftop Lounge. It’s a small neighborhood with a lot to offer, including bars, restaurants, public parks, and trails. You can even shop for fresh produce, meats, and Memphis flavors at Cordelia’s Market. At the Mud Island River Park, you can take in the views of the Downtown skyline and snap an Instagram-worthy picture at the 50-foot Memphis sign.

Just a short distance from Downtown, Harbor Town is a highly walkable, densely populated area with about 3,000 residents. As part of its urban design, the neighborhood features apartments, row houses, and single-family homes. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Harbor Town is $1,561 per month. It’s a great place to live if you want to know your neighbors and walk to all your favorite spots. If you prefer more space, Harbor Town may not be the ideal location for you.

6. Germantown

Located about 17 miles from Downtown Memphis, Germantown is a highly sought-after Memphis suburb. This idyllic community offers historic charm and beautiful parks. At Wolf River, you can paddle or kayak on the water or jog and bike along the Greenway. The Germantown Community Theatre has staged top-notch local productions for over 50 seasons. For some retail therapy, you can visit one of the city’s upscale shopping centers, such as the Shops of Saddle Creek.

With a population of just over 41,000 people, Germantown has one of the lowest crime rates in the state. The police department has an average response time of just under three minutes, according to the city. It’s a popular area for homeowners, with about 84% of housing units being owner-occupied. Depending on your zip code, you can expect median home values between $266,900 and $373,000.

Germantown’s safe neighborhoods and high quality of life make it a great choice for families. It’s an expensive place to live, though, and you may prefer to be in the city, especially if you commute for work.

7. Collierville

Collierville is another Memphis suburb with a small-town atmosphere. In the spring and summer, you can head to Collierville Town Square to listen to bluegrass musicians or check out some classic cars on cruise nights. Every year, the town hosts the Collierville Balloon Festival with hot air balloons, live entertainment, food, and vendors. Collierville also offers 800 acres of parkland and 18 miles of trails for those who enjoy being outside. It’s no wonder Hallmark chose Collierville as a filming location for the 2019 movie “Wedding at Graceland.”

Collierville has a well-deserved reputation for being a safe city with excellent schools. The FedEx World Tech Center is the city’s largest employer, offering jobs with an average salary of $93,500. Collierville has experienced tremendous growth in the past two decades. Most residents live in single-family homes, but there are also some apartment complexes, duplexes, and condos available for rent. Like Germantown, you might consider Collierville if you prioritize schools, parks, and public safety, but look elsewhere if you want a short commute or a city lifestyle.

8. South Main Arts District

The South Main Arts District is a 1-square-mile neighborhood in Downtown Memphis. This unique neighborhood will surround you with history, charm, and character. The South Main Arts District includes cultural attractions such as the Orpheum Theatre and the National Civil Rights Museum. Each week from April through October, you can shop locally at the Memphis Farmers Market. On the last Friday of the month, enjoy live music, shopping, and food specials at Trolley Night, the longest-running street festival in Memphis.

Over 2,500 people live in the South Main district. Loft-style apartments are a big draw to the neighborhood, and it continues to add new apartments and condos every year. In fact, there’s currently over $500 million worth of investment in new development in this bustling area, according to the South Main Association. Like Downtown and the Cooper-Young neighborhoods, you’ll enjoy it here if you want a walkable community where you can get to know your neighbors. It’s less diverse than the rest of Downtown, though, and rent can be more expensive than in other city areas.

9. Central Gardens

Part of Midtown, Central Gardens calls itself a front-porch neighborhood where you can connect with your neighbors over a friendly chat or cold beverage. With a history spanning over 100 years, Central Gardens is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It’s known for its architecture and community involvement. On the Fourth of July, the whole neighborhood comes out for the annual parade, and homeowners open their doors for the Home and Garden Tour every year. In this tight-knit neighborhood, you’re also minutes away from Midtown gems, such as the zoo and Overton Square.

This 83-block neighborhood features primarily single-family homes, although some multi-family residences are available. The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,497 , higher than the citywide average of $1,060. Residents can subscribe to the Central Gardens Patrol, a security service that aims to prevent petty crime in the neighborhood. Central Gardens may be the perfect choice if you want to live in a historic community with a high sense of community. That said, the higher cost of living may deter some from moving to Central Gardens.

10. Crosstown Concourse

Crosstown Concourse is an up-and-coming development in the heart of the Crosstown neighborhood. Two decades after the Sears Crosstown building closed its doors in the 1990s, a group of developers decided to renovate the building into a mixed-use complex of retail, dining, and living. The 1.1-million-square-foot development includes shops and restaurants, an on-site brewery, a salon, and a rotating art exhibition. Crosstown Concourse also hosts several community events, including live music and family-friendly scavenger hunts.

Living spaces occupy over 400,000 square feet on the development’s upper floors. Crosstown Concourse attracts many professionals, including educators, researchers, artists, health care workers, and scientists. Amenities include a fitness facility, a dog-washing station, and on-site security. Inside the apartments, you’ll find original stained concrete floors, washer-dryer units, and large windows offering views of Midtown and Downtown. For such a desirable location, there can be a waitlist for apartments, and you may also pay higher rents at Crosstown Concourse than at other complexes in the city.

Final thoughts

Memphis is a great city full of history and culture. Whether you’re a lifelong Memphian or a new resident, you have a choice of many beautiful neighborhoods in Memphis. With so many unique, affordable, and high-quality options, you’re sure to find the right community for you in this Mid-South city.

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