Memphis Neighborhoods: 12 of the Best Places To Call Home in Bluff City

There’s more to living in Memphis than Elvis, barbecue, and Beale Street. From Mississippi River views to up-and-coming arts districts and family-friendly enclaves, Memphis neighborhoods have something for everyone. And with relatively affordable housing and no state income tax, Bluff City has plenty to offer.

Memphis has no shortage of stories to share, from the birth of rock ‘n’ roll to the city’s pivotal role in the Civil Rights movement and the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Whether you’re a young professional looking for nightlife or a retiree ready to settle down, we’ve rounded up a dozen of the best neighborhoods in Memphis worth checking out.

Memphis at a Glance

• Population: Memphis has more than 609,600 residents.
• Median age: The median age in Memphis is 34.2.
• City size: Memphis covers about 317 square miles.
• Location: Situated in the southwestern corner of Tennessee along the Mississippi River, Memphis borders Arkansas to the west and Mississippi to the south.
• Fun fact: Memphis is mentioned in more than 1,000 song lyrics — more than any other city, according to Billboard magazine.

12 of the Top Memphis Neighborhoods

Whether you’re looking for a historic home, an affordable apartment closer to work, or a quiet residential area for your golden years, Memphis has plenty of options. Take a look at a map of Memphis neighborhoods to see where these 12 communities are located and how close they are to downtown, local universities, and other popular destinations.

Harbor Town is one of the best Memphis neighborhoods for riverfront living with easy access to Downtown.

1. Harbor Town

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,425
• Median home sale price: $506,400
• Great for: Young professionals, families, access to riverfront activities

Harbor Town is an upscale neighborhood on Mud Island, just minutes from Downtown Memphis, that’s especially appealing to young professionals and families. With beautiful Mississippi River views, walkable streets, and a mix of single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments, it offers a quieter alternative to living in the heart of Downtown.

One of its most appealing characteristics is Greenbelt Park, where residents can walk, bike, or simply enjoy the riverfront scenery. Mud Island Park also offers recreational options for the family, including a marina and the Memphis Yacht Club.

Although it’s not one of the largest Memphis neighborhoods, Harbor Town still has plenty to offer in urban, upscale living. Catch live music at the Harbor Town Amphitheater, grab some Italian comfort food at Cocozza, and stop by cozy Cordelia’s Market for groceries. And if you’re looking for more excitement, Downtown’s dining, entertainment, and cultural attractions are just a quick drive away.  

There are some trade-offs, though. Harbor Town’s upscale housing can be pricey compared to other Memphis neighborhoods, and its location on Mud Island means relying on bridges to get in and out. Dining and shopping options are also more limited than in some of the city’s busier districts.

2. Central Gardens

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,450
• Median home sale price: $352,900
• Great for: Retirees, historic homes, easy access to Memphis’ cultural scene

Central Gardens is a historic Midtown neighborhood known for its welcoming vibe and grand homes dating back to the 19th and early 20th centuries. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this is one of the loveliest Memphis neighborhoods.

That appeal can sometimes make Central Gardens feel a little crowded — it can be tough to park, for instance, as visitors come to enjoy the scenery and abundant options for family fun. And, of course, the historic homes in one of the best neighborhoods in Memphis are on the expensive side — and may require some extra TLC if they haven’t been well-maintained.

But there’s a lot to love about the area. For starters, Central Gardens is practically a garden itself. The neighborhood is home to an accredited arboretum, with 575 acres of “urban forest” shading its streets — more than 90 species of trees, some of which are 80 years old. Residents can explore the area on foot or visit the sprawling Overton Park for a stroll, a bike ride, and a show at the Overton Park Shell. Among other local attractions, the Memphis Zoo is always a good bet, and the restaurants, theaters, and shops of Overton Square are also close by.

3. Belle Meade

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,750
• Average home value: N/A
• Great for: Retirees, upscale living, access to outdoor activities

Belle Meade is an established neighborhood in East Memphis, especially popular with families and retirees looking for spacious homes, quiet streets, and easy access to shopping and other amenities. Residents of this charming Memphis neighborhood can get to the Laurelwood Shopping Center, the Oak Court Mall, or the Poplar Commons in minutes — but likely by car rather than on foot, since the area is primarily residential.

You’ll find plenty of dining options along nearby Poplar Avenue. Among the many choices besides mainstay Memphis barbecue, you’ll find tasty Creole at local favorite Restaurant Iris and American cuisine and craft cocktails at Belle Meade Social.

Outdoor enthusiasts will love being near the Memphis Botanic Garden, one of the neighborhood’s main attractions. In addition to almost 100 acres of flowering beauty, this public park features music on the Live at the Garden stage, golf at The Links at Audubon, and miles of trails to stroll at your own pace.

4. University

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $725
• Median home sale price: $257,000
• Great for: Students, young professionals, convenient location, affordable housing

Just 15 minutes from Downtown, the University District is ideal for young professionals looking for affordability and, of course, for students attending The University of Memphis and Christian Brothers University. Apartment complexes dot the area, including University District and Brister Cove, many within an easy walk or bike ride to campus. Rental homes are available here, too — perfect for students looking to share expenses. Just be sure to inspect thoroughly before you move in, because the condition of the homes can vary considerably.

The Highland Strip, the area around South Highland Street and Southern Avenue, offers all kinds of options when it comes to entertainment and dining. Vegan fare at Plant Based Heat is a student fave, and breakfast at Brother Juniper’s is always a hit (just be prepared to wait in line on the weekends). For live music, students for four decades flocked to Newby’s until it closed recently — but the iconic club is open again, now with a sports-bar vibe.

South Main Historic Arts District is just one block from bustling Beale Street. 

5. South Main Historic Arts District

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,000
• Median home sale price: $465,000
• Great for: Young professionals, festivals, local eateries

Perched right alongside the mighty Mississippi River in the heart of historic Downtown Memphis, South Main Historic Arts District’s converted warehouses, brick buildings, and loft apartments give the neighborhood an industrial-chic vibe that’s hard to match elsewhere in the city.

Residents of this revitalized area enjoy some of the best dining and cultural experiences in Memphis, ranging from the classic Central BBQ to the upscale Catherine & Mary’s. There are lots of lively places to grab a cocktail, too, including WiseAcre Brewing Co. and SOB Downtown (South of Beale).

South Main also hosts Trolley Night on the last Friday of every month, when galleries stay open late, musicians perform, and restaurants offer specials. It’s a great opportunity for locals to get out and mingle with the neighbors. The noise-averse might want to look elsewhere; downtown living means weekend crowds and nightlife noise. (But isn’t that part of the fun?)

History buffs will appreciate that many of the neighborhood’s early 20th-century buildings have retained their original character, even after being converted into hotels, living spaces, and museums. Most notable: The former Lorraine Motel, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, is now home to the National Civil Rights Museum.

6. East Memphis

• Average rent (one-bedroom): N/A
• Median home sale price: $325,900
• Great for: Families, young professionals, convenient commute, shopping

East Memphis is one of the bigger Memphis neighborhoods, with a mix of residential districts, business areas, shopping centers, and restaurants. It’s especially appealing to families and professionals who want convenient access to everyday amenities. With those perks, though, comes traffic and sometimes long commute times, depending on exactly where you live in the expansive area. Most errands require a car.

Outdoor recreation is a major East Memphis attraction. Golf, tennis, and pickleball fans enjoy the Chickasaw Country Club and the Memphis Country Club, and the sprawling Shelby Farms Park welcomes families for picnics, fishing, gardens, playgrounds, and plenty of space to enjoy nature.

7. Chickasaw Gardens

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,075
• Median home sale price: $915,000
• Great for: Families, retirees, upscale living, safety

Known as one of the best neighborhoods in Memphis for historic homes, winding streets, and a peaceful setting, Chickasaw Gardens has been steadfastly maintained for decades by the Chickasaw Gardens Homeowners Association. Its tree-lined streets and common areas complement the neighborhood's estates in a variety of classic architectural styles, while Chickasaw Gardens Park and its 22-acre lake offer opportunities for outdoor recreation — and relaxation.

The neighborhood’s history is just as interesting as its architecture. Chickasaw Gardens was developed on land once owned by Clarence Saunders, the founder of Piggly Wiggly grocery stores, and remnants of his elaborate estate gardens are still there today.

The downside? All that history and elegance comes with hefty home prices, and rental properties aren’t abundant here. You’ll also have to drive to most shopping and dining destinations.

But even though the neighborhood feels secluded, it’s just minutes from some of Memphis’s favorite attractions, including the Memphis Museum of Science and History, the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library, and Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, where fans cheer on the University of Memphis Tigers. And there are lots of ways to stay active nearby, like the Memphis Country Club for golf or tennis, and recreational leagues hosted at the Memphis Sports and Events Center.

8. High Point Terrace

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,875
• Median home sale price: $324,900
• Great for: Families, retirees, walkable neighborhood

High Point Terrace is a popular East Memphis neighborhood, especially attractive to families and retirees looking for walkability and lots of outdoor recreation. Its quiet streets, stately trees, and 1940s and 1950s homes give it a cozy small-town feel, even though it’s just a stone’s throw from some of the busiest Memphis neighborhoods. Located between Downtown and Shelby Farms Park’s 4,000-acre footprint, the neighborhood has a charming, architecturally significant mid-century style that earned it a spot on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Shelby Farms Greenline runs right through High Point Terrace, giving residents access to miles of paved trails for walking, biking, or jogging with the dog. And golf-loving retirees will love the close proximity to The Links at Galloway and the Chickasaw Country Club. A few favorite restaurants are also walkable, like Bryant’s Breakfast, which has been serving some of the best meals in Memphis for 50 years.

High Point Terrace is a fairly small neighborhood, and its popularity means housing availability can be tricky. The shopping district is convenient but compact, so you’ll need a car for many errands. But if you want to get a feel for the community spirit, which is festive, welcoming, and warm, check out the annual Fourth of July parade, a neighborhood tradition for almost 80 years.

Centered around the redeveloped Crosstown Concourse — a vertical collection of restaurants, residential spaces, and live music venues — Crosstown is a creative district that definitely deserves attention.

9. Crosstown

• Average rent (one-bedroom): N/A
• Median home sale price: $200,000
• Great for: Young professionals, artists, foodies

The Crosstown neighborhood of Memphis spreads over both sides of the North Parkway, just north of Midtown, in a once largely commercial area that’s been revitalized around one landmark: The Crosstown Concourse.

The former Sears building, constructed in 1927, has been transformed into a 1.5 million-square-foot destination for dining, entertainment, and apartments. In addition to restaurants and art galleries, you’ll find Crosstown High School, a public charter school; Parcels at Concourse apartments; and an Airbnb-style hotel.

There’s always something interesting going on. Explore the free-admission Crosstown Art Galleries, catch a concert at The Green Room, or catch a show at Crosstown Theater, including the popular $5 film series. Grab cocktails at the Global Cafe, or enjoy a bite to eat with the family at Mad Grocer.

Beyond the Concourse, the neighborhood has a mix of historic homes, apartments, and indie businesses. Keep in mind that Crosstown is still evolving, and the surrounding streets aren’t all fully walkable. But with Overton Park, Midtown, and Downtown all a short drive away, locals are never without options.

10. Cooper Young

• Average rent (one-bedroom): N/A
• Median home sale price: $287,400
• Great for: Young professionals, students, artists, nightlife

Cooper Young is one of the liveliest Memphis neighborhoods, known for its creative spirit, walkable streets, indie restaurants, and eclectic shopping. Located just south of Central Gardens, it’s particularly popular with young professionals who enjoy a vibrant social scene. Housing ranges from historic bungalows to apartments and renovated homes, giving the area lots of character.

Stroll down Cooper Street, and you’ll find vintage shops and record stores, boutiques, and plenty of places to grab a bite. Local favorites include Young Avenue Deli, Celtic Crossing Irish Pub, and the Beauty Shop, housed in a former beauty salon — and still outfitted with vintage hair dryers.

Cooper Young also has a thriving arts community. Check out the New Ballet Ensemble (or take a class), browse contemporary artworks at the Jay Etkin Gallery, or see a theater production at Playhouse on the Square. And don’t miss the annual Cooper Young Festival, a neighborhood celebration of art, music, and local flavor for nearly 40 years.

With all the activity, there’s bound to be some noise — particularly on the weekends. If you’re not into happy crowds, lively music, and sometimes annoying traffic, Cooper Young might not be the place for you.

11. Colonial Acres

• Median rent (one-bedroom): $1,275
• Median home sale price: $224,900
• Great for: Families, young professionals, central location

Colonial Acres is among the more affordable Memphis neighborhoods, appealing to families and young professionals looking for the convenience of East Memphis without the high prices of nearby hotspots. Located along I-240, the neighborhood is a great area for commuters. It features long-established streets with midcentury ranch homes and several neighborhood parks.

Outdoor recreation is a major perk of Colonial Acres, known as one of the most safe neighborhoods in Memphis. Marquette Park offers walking trails, picnic areas, and a playground, and it’s also the home of the annual Memphis Italian Festival (Must-do: Grape-stomping competition). At the nearby Memphis Botanic Garden, families can explore 30 specialty gardens, take classes in landscape design, or enjoy yoga in the gardens. The Marion Hale Community Center features a pool — a serious plus during Tennessee’s steamy summer months, and kids can sign up for rec sports, as well.

For retail enthusiasts, the Eastgate Shopping Center has big-box stores like Home Depot and Burlington. But in general, Colonial Acres isn’t especially walkable when it comes to dining and shopping. Traffic near 1-240 can get hectic.

When you’re ready to try some local eats, the favorite Half Shell restaurant has been a must for seafood since the 1970s.

12. Vollintine-Evergreen

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,900
• Median home sale price: $180,400
• Great for: Students, young professionals, historic architecture, affordable housing

Vollintine-Evergreen is a historic Midtown neighborhood near Rhodes College that’s particularly appealing to students, young professionals, and families looking for homes with lots of character. You’ll find an eclectic mix of Craftsman bungalows and traditional homes dating to the early 20th century, with lots of trees shading the neighborhood streets.

One of the neighborhood’s main attractions is the V&E Greenline, a 1.75-mile trail built on a former railroad corridor. Community events include the annual Artwalk, featuring works by local artists along with live music, food, and family activities.

Residents are close to Overton Park, right across North Parkway, along with the Memphis Zoo and the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art. Vollintine-Evergreen is also near the Crosstown Concourse’s restaurants, galleries, and entertainment, along with local dining faves like Ecco.

If suburbia is calling your name, check out nearby Collierville and Germantown.
(Source: Alex Hostetler via Pexels)

Bonus Memphis Suburbs To Check Out

Memphis certainly has some standout neighborhoods throughout the city, but two of the city’s most popular suburbs are worth a mention, too: Collierville and Germantown.

Collierville

Collierville is about 30 miles east of Downtown, popular for its tight-knit community feel and a slower pace that’s perfect for retirees or families. It’s also packed with history, much of it centered around the Collierville Town Square. The drive to Downtown can take 30 to 45 minutes during rush hour, but heading home every day to the town’s peaceful streets makes it worthwhile.

The award-winning Collierville Town Square is the heart of the community, with boutiques, restaurants, and events throughout the year — the Bluegrass Jam on the Square and October’s Scare on the Square are two local faves. Grab an old-fashioned lunch at the Silver Caboose Restaurant and Soda Fountain, rustic Italian at Caffe Piazza, or a comfort meal at Dyer’s Cafe.

The Morton Museum of Collierville History is a great place to explore educational events like author lunch-and-learns, book clubs, local artist shows, and discussions on Collierville history. You can also tour the historic railroad depot and train cars that played a key role in the growth of this Memphis suburb.

Germantown

Named by Niche as the No. 1 best place to live in the Memphis area for 2026, Germantown is an upscale suburb about 20 miles from Downtown. Thanks to its convenient location near I-240, commuting professionals and students don’t have too much trouble with traffic — although rush hour can always be a bear.

Memphis may be the Birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll, but Germantown has a thriving performing arts scene of its own. At the Germantown Performing Arts Center, locals enjoy live jazz, theater performances, and other cultural events. Outdoors lovers can explore the many area parks and greenways, while the Germantown Athletic Club offers fitness, swimming, and other rec opportunities.

Memphis Neighborhoods — FAQs

Q: What are the best neighborhoods to live in Memphis?
A: Some of the nicest Memphis neighborhoods include Central Gardens, High Point Terrace, and Cooper-Young — each of which has its own distinctive appeal.

Q: What is the rough part of Memphis?
A: Crime stats vary considerably across Memphis neighborhoods, as they do in most big cities, and can fluctuate even block to block. Some areas of North and South Memphis have historically experienced more reports of crime, but it’s misleading to label any one or two places the most dangerous Memphis neighborhoods. But according to AreaVibes, the highest-crime stats come from Berclair-Highland Heights, Parkway Village-Oakhaven, and Downtown. There is significant good news, though: According to the Memphis Shelby Crime Commission, major violent crime in the city declined 30.4 percent in the first half of 2026 compared with the same period in 2025.

Q: What is the safest area to live in Memphis?
A: Safe neighborhoods in Memphis, according to data from NeighborhoodScout, include High Point Terrace, Belle Meade, and Spring Creek.

Q: Which is safer, East or West Memphis?
A: This is a tricky question. West Memphis is actually not part of Tennessee at all; rather, it’s a city in Arkansas, across the Mississippi River from Bluff City. East Memphis, meanwhile, is a large residential and commercial area within the city of Memphis, Tennessee. Because the two areas have different law enforcement departments and state reporting systems, a true comparison would examine crime rates per resident rather than citywide totals. Parts of East Memphis are known for their quiet, residential vibe, but without analyzing neighborhood-level stats, it’s impossible to determine whether it’s truly safer than its Arkansas sibling across the river.

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Editor’s note: Average and median rent prices were obtained from RentCafe, Zumper, and NeighborhoodScout; average home values were obtained from Zillow; and median home sale prices were obtained from Redfin. For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100.

_{*This article was written on behalf of PODS Enterprises, LLC (“PODS”). PODS does not warrant the completeness or accuracy of any information contained in this article and disclaims any liability for reliance upon the content herein.}