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Alex Sherr is the founder of 9Kilo Moving. He has been in the moving and relocation industry for more than 17 years, making him an expert in his field. Alex started as a helper, dispatcher, and driver and has worked his way up to owning his own company. He takes great pride in his work and enjoys helping people relocate.

5 Best Neighborhoods in Memphis for Families

Memphis is a city located along the Mississippi River in southwestern Tennessee. Memphis is the commercial hub of the Memphis metropolitan area. It is home to several large companies and organizations, including FedEx, Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and The Recording Academy. Memphis is also known for its music and culture, influenced by the city’s location at the crossroads of the American South and West. Memphis is home to several historical sites and attractions, including the Memphis Zoo, Graceland, and the National Civil Rights Museum. Memphis is home to three major professional sports teams: the Memphis Grizzlies of the National Basketball Association, the Memphis Redbirds of Minor League Baseball, and Flamengo da Gama (Memphis), an American soccer team that plays in USL League One. Memphis is also home to Rhodes College and Christian Brothers University.

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The Memphis metropolitan area is home to several great neighborhoods perfect for families. Here are some of the best Memphis neighborhoods for families:

1. East Memphis

As its name implies, East Memphis is located just 20 minutes from downtown. This is one of the finest areas to live in Memphis for families owing to its proximity and affordable housing alternatives, including apartments, townhouses, and Craftsman-style bungalows. 

East Memphis is a thriving and dynamic area of the city, home to a wide range of businesses, shops, restaurants, and cultural centers. East Memphis is ideal for entrepreneurs and professionals alike with its convenient location and excellent transportation links. Whether you’re looking for networking opportunities or exploring some of the city’s most exciting attractions, East Memphis has something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in world-class dining, top-rated entertainment, or some of the city’s best shopping, East Memphis is a must-visit destination for anyone living in or visiting the region. 

Top-Rated Schools

  • Richland Elementary School
  • White Station Elementary School
  • White Station High School
  • East High School

Things to Do In Memphis

  • Dig for dinosaurs, ride the carousel, and learn about earthquakes at the Children’s Museum of Memphis.
  • At the Memphis Zoo, you’ll find everything from orangutans to penguins to camels and stingrays.
  • You’ll see butterflies at the Memphis Botanic Gardens’ aviary or Japanese garden.
  • At Tobey Park, spend the afternoon skating. Memphis Tigers football tickets are available for a Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium game.
  • Gibson’s Donuts starts your day with a Maple Bacon or S’mores doughnut from one of Memphis’s finest donut stores. Try the Grilled Filet or Sweet Potato Gnocchi at Magnolia and May Country Brasserie. Go to Elwood’s Shack in Midtown for a Memphis-style BBQ or a Memphis burger.
  • Median Home Price: $275,000 
  • Median Rent: $1,005
  • Crime Rate: (Calculated annually per 100,000 residents)
    • Assault – 4.79
    • Murder – 0.28
    • Rape – 0.39
    • Robbery – 2.045
    • Burglary – 7.59
    • Theft – 22.6
    • Motor Vehicle Theft – 1.63

Also See: 15 Cheap Cities to Move to

2. Germantown

Germantown is one of the safest places in Memphis for families to settle down, even though it is more costly than surrounding areas! Germantown is recognized for its magnificent homes with big yards, family-friendly services, and award-winning schools. Not to mention that this family-oriented suburb is conveniently located just 30 minutes from Downtown Memphis. 

Germantown has strict controls on development, with stringent zoning regulations and architectural review boards to maintain the city’s aesthetic character. The historic old town is still the center of commercial activity in the city. Over the last thirty years, new construction has seen the development of office parks and Germantown shopping centers around this area. Germantown today is consistently ranked among the top 100 best places to live in America by various publications such as Money magazine. In addition, Germantown time was ranked number 4 on CNN Money magazine’s list of America’s best small cities to live in and considered one of America’s best places to relocate to start a business by Forbes magazine. 

Top-Rated Schools

  • Germantown Municipal School
  • Germantown High School
  • Germantown Middle School

Things to Do In Germantown

  • You can always take the kids to Cameron Brown Park.
  • Go shopping at Shops of Saddle Creek, where many shops like Lululemon, Untuckit, and Madewell.
  • If you love reading, you can always visit the Germantown Community Library.
  • You can go to Germantown Performing Arts Center, the Germantown festival, or a charity horse show conducted annually for entertainment and festivities.
  • If you are a foodie, you can visit Java Cafe or West Street Diner for a good Reuben sandwich or an apple pie. 
  • Median Home Price: $296,300 
  • Median Rent:  $1,398
  • Crime Rate: (Calculated annually per 100,000 residents)
    • Assault – 89.1
    • Murder – 0
    • Rape – 7.6
    • Robbery – 10.2
    • Burglary – 68.8
    • Theft – 1,843.3
    • Motor Vehicle Theft – 99.3

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3. Cordova

Cordova is a small suburb located in the Memphis metropolitan area of Tennessee. The town was founded in 1855 and named after Cordova, Spain. Cordova is home to several businesses, including the local Cordova Times newspaper. The town is also home to several parks, including Cordova Park and the Cordova Community Center. In recent years, Cordova has become a popular destination for young professionals and families to relocate to the suburbs of Memphis. The town offers a safe, family-friendly environment with a strong sense of community. Additionally, Cordova is served by several excellent schools, making it an ideal place to raise children. Cordova is the perfect place if you’re looking for a small town with big-city amenities.

Top-Rated Schools

  • Riverwood Elementary School
  • Macon-Hall Elementary
  • Cordova High School
  • Mt. Pisgah Middle School

Things to Do In Cordova

  • Go golfing with family or friends at Vantage Point Golf.
  • Take your family for a trek to the Shelby Farms Park or Water Play Sprayground for some water fun!
  • Join a kids’ book club at Cordova Library
  • Try some Lebanese food at Cedar’s Restaurant or for some sandwiches or sushi at Friday Tuna. Try the juicy burgers at Huey’s Burger.
  • Median Home Price: $143,825 
  • Median Rent: $1,025
  • Crime Rate: (Calculated annually per 100,000 residents)
    • Assault – 2.043
    • Murder – 0
    • Rape – 0
    • Robbery – 0
    • Burglary – 3.22
    • Theft – 19.88
    • Motor Vehicle Theft – 1.201

4. River Oaks-Kirby-Balmoral

River Oaks-Kirby-Balmoral is a neighborhood located in Memphis, Tennessee. The neighborhood comprises three smaller neighborhoods: Kirby, Balmoral, and River Oaks. Kirby is a historic neighborhood developed in the early 1900s as a streetcar suburb of Memphis. Today, Kirby is a thriving community with a mix of Victorian and Craftsman-style homes. Balmoral is a newer neighborhood that was developed in the 1970s and 1980s. The neighborhood is known for its large, well-kept homes and tree-lined streets. River Oaks is the largest of the three neighborhoods and comprises a mix of apartments, townhomes, and single-family homes. Overall, River Oaks-Kirby-Balmoral is a family-friendly neighborhood with excellent amenities and easy access to Memphis’ city center and suburbs. 

Top-Rated Schools

  • River Oaks Elementary School
  • Memphis Junior Academy
  • Southwind High School
  • Ridgeway High School

Things to Do In River Oaks-Kirby-Balmoral

  • You can watch Opera at Opera Memphis.
  • Learn more about nature at Lichterman Nature Center, attend the annual Harvest festival, and spend your day on a harvest HUNT!
  • If you like mind-ticking games, you can always take a group of friends and go to the Memphis Escape Room.
  • The best restaurants you can go to here are ZamZam’s, Mediterranean Grill, and Owen Brennan’s for a good breakfast. 
  • Median Home Price: $169,116 
  • Median Rent: $813 
  • Crime Rate: (Calculated annually per 100,000 residents)
    • Assault – 1,917.1
    • Murder – 44.4
    • Rape – 63.1
    • Robbery – 327.1
    • Burglary – 895.8
    • Theft – 3,982.1
    • Motor Vehicle Theft – 682.4

5. Bartlett

Bartlett is a rapidly growing suburb located just outside Memphis, Tennessee. With its easy access to Memphis’ city center and thriving local economy, Bartlett has become a popular destination for young professionals and families looking for a safe, welcoming community. The town offers award-winning schools and many amenities, including parks, restaurants, and shopping centers. If you’re looking for a family-friendly suburb with all the amenities of Memphis, Bartlett is an ideal place to call home.

Top-Rated Schools

  • Bon Lin Elementary School
  • Appling Middle School
  • Elmore Park Middle School
  • Rivercrest Elementary

Things to Do In Bartlett

  • Go to Bartlett Recreation Center for sports activities like swimming, tennis, etc.
  • Find the best fruit and vegetables at Bartlett Station Farmers Market
  • Know more about the Davies Family at Davies Family Manor Plantation
  • If you are ever interested in putting your kids in Drama Camp, Bartlett Performing Arts & Conference Center.
  • The best restaurants in Bartlett are Baby Jack’s BBQ, Don Don’s Hot Wings, and The Side Porch Steak House.
  • Median Home Price: $171,300 
  • Median Rent: $1,248 
  • Crime Rate: (Calculated annually per 100,000 residents)
    • Assault – 229.4
    • Murder – 0
    • Rape – 11.7
    • Robbery – 15.1
    • Burglary – 192.6
    • Theft – 1,621
    • Motor Vehicle Theft – 122.2

Conclusion

No matter which Memphis neighborhood you choose, there’s something for everyone in Memphis! Memphis is the perfect city for families with plenty of things to do and great neighborhoods to choose from. If you’re looking for a safe, family-friendly suburb with easy access to Memphis’ city center, Bartlett is an ideal place to call home. Kirby is a great option for those looking for a more historic neighborhood. And if you prefer a modern neighborhood with great amenities and plenty of restaurants, you can’t go wrong with River Oaks-Kirby-Balmoral.

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See Also: Moving to Memphis | Best Moving Companies in Tennessee | 7 Best Neighborhoods In Memphis For Singles And Young Professionals

FAQ

What are the best Memphis suburbs for families?

Bartlett is a rapidly growing suburb located just outside Memphis, Tennessee. With its easy access to Memphis’ city center and thriving local economy, Bartlett has become a popular destination for young professionals and families looking for a safe, welcoming community. 

How do I know if Memphis is the right place for me?

If you’re looking for a family-friendly city with plenty of things to do and great schools, Memphis is ideal. The city offers a wide range of amenities for families, including parks, restaurants, and shopping centers. 

What are some of the best Memphis neighborhoods for families?

No matter which Memphis neighborhood you choose, you’re sure to find something that suits your family’s needs! River Oaks-Kirby-Balmoral is a great Memphis neighborhood for families, with its convenient location, top-rated schools, and wide range of amenities. Other popular Memphis neighborhoods include Bartlett, Kirby, and Downtown Memphis.

What are the activities that can be done in Memphis?

Some of the top activities in Memphis include visiting Lichterman Nature Center, attending the annual Harvest festival, and exploring Memphis Escape Room. Other popular activities include going to Bartlett Recreation Center for sports and hitting up Bartlett Station Farmers Market for fresh fruit and veggies. Finally, families can also enjoy drama camp at Bartlett Performing Arts & Conference.

Also Read: Best Affordable Movers in the USA