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Moving to a new city is always challenging. And a large part of that challenge is deciding where in that new city to put down roots. There are so many things to consider when weighing your options—neighborhood safety, quality of schools, house styles, convenience of the location—it all can be quite overwhelming. That’s why we’ve researched the best up and coming neighborhoods in Memphis, so you don’t have to. You’ve no doubt seen our Memphis City Guide, which includes a short section on a few of Memphis’ most popular neighborhoods.
This list and our “Best Neighborhoods for Families in Memphis,” “Best Suburbs of Memphis,” and “Best Neighborhoods for Families in Memphis” lists are more in-depth neighborhood guides meant to examine what it’s like living in each of these highlighted areas, with links to popular destinations, as well as available houses for sale and apartments for rent. (And by way of introduction, we’re Bellhop—movers in Oklahoma and beyond.)
A Little About Memphis
Before we jump into specific neighborhoods, let’s get the lay of Memphis’s land.
Known for its mouthwatering BBQ, blues, soul, and rock ‘n’ roll, Memphis is a hot spot for entertainment, music, cultural interests, and culinary experience. While hot and humid summers might scare a few away, sunny Memphis invites others who like the idea of buying a beautiful home in a vibrant city at a very affordable price.
Memphis has attracted many newcomers with its activities and culture, drawn by destinations like Graceland, the Civil Rights Museum, Stax Museum, Sun Studio, and Beale Street. And to add to the appeal, there are amazing restaurants, brunch stops, cocktail bars, and a blooming craft beer scene waiting to be tapped into.
There are over 100 neighborhoods in Memphis, roughly grouped into 9 sections: Downtown, Midtown, University District, East Memphis, North Memphis, Northeast, South Memphis, Southeast, and East Parkway District.
Below, we’ve highlighted 5 up and coming neighborhoods in the city—from the activity-packed Cooper-Young to the diverse and affordable Binghampton. Review our list to find the Memphis neighborhood best suited for you.
Cooper-Young
We think Leslie Knope might secretly be running the district of Cooper-Young. This neighborhood’s community events shine with all of her creativity and passion. Snug in the heart of Midtown, Cooper-Young is located in the Broad Avenue Arts District. It lives up to its self-proclaimed description of “historically hip” by showcasing beautiful historic homes as well as top breweries, restaurants, shops, and a deeply connected community.
What’s Happening in Cooper-Young
If you’re looking to get acclimated into your local community then Cooper-Young will make it easy for you. The neighborhood hosts tons of regular community events like its Weekly Bike Nights—free, family-friendly events with a different theme each week. They also throw garden parties and neighborhood-wide yard sales.
The annual Pup Crawl joins local restaurants and bars together who offer 25% discounts and special canine-themed drinks for participants. There’s live music, food, and goods for sale. And all the proceeds go to help injured and abused animals at the Humane Society.
Outdoor lovers join in the Mid-South’s largest garden walk held in Cooper-Young. Participants tour over 50 urban gardens, watch live demonstrations and meander through educational booths run by local gardeners.
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade takes the celebration to the streets. And every Christmas, the Peabody School Choir sings carols under the neighborhood’s central gazebo. Santa can be found strolling the streets and collecting Christmas wishes. And local businesses light up their windows and exhibit outdoor displays for the yearly ‘Unwrapped’ contest.
But the Cooper-Young Festival might be the largest celebration of them all. This event features art, music, food, and entertainment, and is Tennessee’s largest art festival. This packed event brings in over 130,000 people to peruse the works of 435 artisans from around the country. And a four-mile race kicks off the celebration the night before.
Schools in Cooper-Young
Schools in the area include Peabody Elementary School, Middle College High School, and Melrose High School, among others.
Homes in Cooper-Young
Cooper-Young features beautiful and unique homes. You won’t find cookie-cutter new builds in this neighborhood. Rather, the area is full of lovely historic houses from anywhere between $98K to $500K.
South Main
South Main is a popular spot for young professionals. Known as an Arts District, South Main is full of boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, farmers markets, bars, and events. The area has a thriving nightlife scene and is home to some of the best dining attractions in the city.
What’s Happening in South Main
Join locals during the South Main Trolley Night on the last Friday of each month. During this regular event, local galleries and shops set out art displays, share free snacks and wine, and host public parties. South Main is home to Memphis’s largest Farmers’ Market, which happens every Thursday between the months of May and October. Check out the rustic outdoor bar, Loflin Yard. Or grab a bite to eat at the popular Arcade, South Main Sushi, or Spindini.
Schools in South Main
Schools in the area include Booker T. Washington High School, Downtown Elementary School, and Hollis F Price Middle College High School, among others.
Homes in South Main
South Main has a variety of housing options, but it’s seen a recent increase in new condos and renovated warehouses. Urban style lofts with exposed brick and buffed cement floors sell for close to $300K. Newly built and modern townhomes sell for close to $550.
Downtown
Memphis’ bustling city center is where most of the city’s action takes place. The streets are speckled with blues and soul clubs, iconic landmarks, great breweries, and restaurants that showcase Memphis’ cuisine, from their famous BBQ to high-end dining destinations. A diverse blend of residents has made Downtown their home; however, the abundance of apartments and lively nightlife scene attract young professionals in particular.
What’s Happening in Downtown
Home to Memphis’ top entertainment attraction, Beale Street, Downtown is a popular spot for visitors and locals alike. The area is known for its bars and blues clubs, including B.B. King’s Blues Club, Silky O’Sullivan’s, and the Rum Boogie Cafe. Dine at any of the many restaurant patios at Main Street Mall. Or stop by the converted movie house for some high-end fare at The Majestic Grille.
Experience the Mississippi and cross the river via the Big River Crossing on foot or on bike (feel free to hop on one of Memphis’ Bike Share cycles). Pack a picnic and enjoy it on the bluff in Harbor Town. Go for a brew crawl and sample beer from five Memphis breweries within a 5-mile radius. Or step back into yesterday’s classic juke joints and check out Earnestine & Hazel’s.
Schools in Downtown
Schools in the area include Downtown Elementary School, Hollis F Price Middle College High School, and Booker T. Washington High School, among others.
Homes in Downtown
Downtown has a wide range of housing options; towering upscale lofts, updated townhomes with screened porches, and stunning homes with soaring ceilings and elegant landscaping. Looking to rent? Downtown has dozens of options, whether you’re looking to rent a home or want an apartment with a view.
Midtown
Known as the arts district of Memphis, this area encompasses some smaller and popular sections of the city, like Overton Square and Cooper-Young. Midtown is hugely popular for families, millennials, and young professionals alike. It offers reasonable housing prices, great nightlife options, and a variety of shops, restaurants, bars, and breweries. Residents are diverse and welcoming, and off-the-charts, regionally-famous events bring the community even closer.
What’s Happening in Midtown
Midtown is known for its diverse food options. But you won’t experience the best of Midtown’s— scratch that—the best of Memphis’ cuisine until you’ve tasted Payne’s BBQ. Close by Midtown is the Overton Park which holds the Memphis Zoo, concert venues, and acres of green space. Spend an afternoon at the Brooks Museum of Art or tour Memphis College of Art. For drinks, hit up the New-Orleans-themed Bayou Bar & Grill.
Schools in Midtown
Schools in the area include Snowden School, Bellevue Middle School, and Memphis Catholic Middle and High School, among others.
Homes in Midtown
Midtown has a vast variety of housing options, from gorgeous historical homes to fixer-uppers and apartments. Full of many affordable single-family homes, families can find large, stunning houses here that would cost over $1-million in other cities.
Binghampton
This hyper-hip neighborhood is packed with Millennials and young professionals. The area is very affordable still and offers outdoor activities, bars and restaurants, and some of the city’s best breweries. This neighborhood is passionate about breaking down barriers between different ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Its community center, Caritas Village, invites people in the area to gather together for meals and events, building an even tighter bond among Binghampton’s residents.
What’s Happening in Binghampton
Stroll the artsy Broad Avenue for some of the area’s best eateries and drinkeries. Visit the award-winning Wiseacre Brewing Company’s dog-friendly taproom and sample some awesome brews, like their Gotta Get Up to Get Down Coffee Milk Stout. Check out the Pirate-themed bar, The Cove. Or pop in for wine and small plates at Maximos.
For farm-to-table dishes, visit Bounty. Grab a coffee at City & State. Or spend the evening in the throwback Rec Room for drinks, pizza, and arcade games. Then, peddle your full belly along the Hampline bicycle path that runs through the neighborhood.
Schools in Binghampton
Schools in the area include Binghampton Christian Academy, Springdale Elementary School, and Cornerstone Prep among others.
Homes in Binghampton
Families can find a beautiful 3-bedroom home for under $330K in Binghampton. The area’s stately and sprawling homes can get up to close to $900K.
There you have it: 5 up-and-coming neighborhoods in Memphis!
We hope this was helpful, and if you decide to take the plunge, don’t hesitate to reach out to your friends here at Bellhop. As we said, we coordinate long-distance and local moving services in Memphis, and we would love to help.
Lastly, if you’re interested in any nearby cities with a good reputation, Chattanooga, Knoxville, and Nashville are a few that should be high on your radar. Feel free to give us a call if you decide to make the move!
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