Looking for a family-friendly community to call home? Want a larger home and more land than you can get in downtown Memphis? Moving to one of the best suburbs of Memphis may be the answer. While there are tons of great neighborhoods in Memphis, the suburbs often offer a lower cost of living, better schools, and more space. Unlike neighborhoods which are located in the city limits, Memphis suburbs are cities or towns of their own within commuting distance. What is the best Memphis suburb? Here are 7 top picks to explore.
Arlington –Memphis Suburb with the Best Schools
- Population: 11,600
- Median household income: $99,400
- Median home price: $217,000
- Homes for sale in Arlington, TN
The small town of Arlington is just 31 minutes northwest of Memphis off I-40. This historic community, founded as Haysville in the 1830s, remained a small and quiet rural community for almost 200 years but is now the second-fastest growing community in Tennessee. Between 2000 and 2010, Arlington’s population grew a whopping 348%!
What makes Arlington one of the best suburbs in Memphis? Its excellent school district! Arlington is served by the Arlington Community Schools district, one of the top-rated districts in the entire region. Arlington Schools has been named a Top Workplace in Memphis and the Mid-South and the schools have earned national recognition. Donelson Elementary school is one of just 349 National Blue Ribbon Schools and an Exemplary High Performing School.
Its great public education isn’t all Arlington has to offer. This Memphis suburb also offers affordable housing, convenient access to downtown Memphis via I-40, and a quiet, community-oriented environment great for families.
Things to Do in Arlington, TN: Arlington is home to great parks like Playground of Dreams and the Arlington Sports Complex with disc golf, tennis, baseball, and football.
Lakeland – Best Suburb of Memphis for Outdoor Recreation
- Population: 12,600
- Median household income: $102,800
- Median home price: $249,700
- Homes for sale in Lakeland, TN
Looking for beautiful views and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors? You’ll love Lakeland, one of the fastest-growing Memphis suburbs. Lakeland is the perfect place to enjoy an outdoor lifestyle with the nearby Lake Garner and some of the region’s best parks. Lakeland also offers a convenient, short commute to downtown Memphis which is only 24 miles away.
Lakeland is developing a brand-new Lake District, an exciting 160-acre mixed-use community that surrounds the 10-acre lake. The Lake District is one of the most exciting places to live in Lakeland for millennials and young professionals with townhomes that offer rear-entry garages and private courtyards.
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Things to Do in Lakeland: Lakeland boasts historic attractions like Davies Manor Plantation. Enjoy outdoor recreation at Windward Slopes Park, with a tennis court and playground, or enjoy Lake Garner which has water temperatures in the 80s throughout the summer. Go swimming, enjoy concerts on the water, take part in a boat parade, and more.
Collierville – Most Affluent Memphis Suburb
- Population: 48,900
- Median household income: $114,000
- Median home price: $286,700
- Homes for sale in Collierville, TN
Collierville is a charming and affluent community about 30 minutes from Memphis. This Memphis suburb is known for its historic town square which was voted the Best Main Street in America in 2014. The Historic Square is home to a tree-lined park, small shops, and locally-owned restaurants that overlook an old train depot. It hosts the Symphony in the Rose Garden and Fair on the Square events every year. The town has also been named one of the Top 100 Places to Live by Relocate-America. You’ll find lots of retail centers and large homes in Collierville with small, historic homes in the town center.
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Things to Do in Collierville: Collierville has plenty to see and do. The town is home to The Avenue at Carriage Crossing, a large open-air mall with dining, shopping, and entertainment. Herb Parsons Lake, a reservoir lake, is nearby with a 6.2-mile hiking trail. There are also plenty of opportunities for entertainment like Funquest Bowl.
Oakland – Most Affordable Suburb in Memphis
- Population: 7,500
- Median household income: $74,000
- Median home price: $168,400
- Homes for sale in Oakland, TN
Located about 45 minutes outside downtown, Oakland is known for its very low crime rate, great schools, and affordable housing. In fact, Oakland is one of the safest places to live in the entire state of Tennessee. It’s also one of the smallest Memphis suburbs although it’s grown rapidly with a 417% population gain between 2000 and 2010 thanks to the low tax rate, safety, and the four-lane expansion of Highway 64.
Things to Do in Oakland: Oakland is home to The Fair Oaks Golf Course and tons of retail stores including major retailers like Kroger and Walmart. The main shopping center is the Oakland Center.
Germantown – Top Suburb of Memphis for Jobs
- Population: 39,200
- Median household income: $113,000
- Median home price: $302,800
- Homes for sale in Germantown, TN
Germantown is one of the most affluent and expensive Memphis suburbs with a median home price over $300,000. It’s home to some of the most prestigious neighborhoods in Memphis with many luxury homes. Despite this, it’s one of the best places to live near Memphis for job opportunities in many industries. It also boasts a great school district and family-friendly amenities. Germantown was named by Forbes as one of the Top 10 Small Cities for Working Parents with a famously close-knit community and plenty of annual festivals to enjoy like the Germantown Festival and the Family Fourth Celebration.
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Things to Do in Germantown: The main shopping area of Germantown is Saddle Creek shopping district, one of the top shopping districts in the Mid-South. Germantown has 700 acres of parks, a greater share of recreational areas than any other Tennessee city. The Germantown Athletic Club is a popular draw for residents with 9,000 square feet of fitness areas, basketball, racquetball, and pools.
Bartlett – Best Memphis Suburb for Families
- Population: 58,600
- Median household income: $82,000
- Median home price: $172,000
- Homes for sale in Bartlett, TN
Once a farming community, Bartlett is now one of the largest cities in Tennessee. It maintains a small-town atmosphere and it’s one of the best places in Memphis to raise a family. Unlike some communities near Memphis, Bartlett is really a place where you can live, work, and play with plenty of recreational activities, large employers, and amenities. It’s also just 17 minutes outside downtown Memphis for an easy commute. In 2007, Barlett made Money Magazine’s list of the Top 100 Places to Live.
You’ll find Bartlett is one of the most affordable suburbs of Memphis with a mix of new construction and historic homes.
Things to Do in Bartlett: Every year, Bartlett hosts tons of city-sponsored events like the Children’s Fishing Rodeo, the Bartlett Festival, BBQ Contest, and Car Show, and the Fireworks Extravaganza. The city has plenty of recreational amenities like the Bartlett Recreation Center, a 55,000-square-foot facility with swimming, a running track, basketball and racquetball courts, and a fitness center. The Bartlett Performing Arts & Conference Center (BPACC) offers plays and other performances.
Cordova – Best Memphis Suburb for a Short Commute
- Population: 60,700
- Median household income: $70,200
- Median home price: $161,000
- Homes for sale in Cordova, TN
Cordova is located south of Bartlett, north of Germantown, and east of Memphis. While most of Cordova has been annexed by Memphis, sections of the community are still unincorporated and it’s still considered a Memphis suburb. If you’re going to work downtown in Memphis, Cordova is a great community with an easy commute.
Once a tiny farming community, Cordova grew from 150 people in 1912 to one of the fastest-growing areas of Memphis. Cordova experienced rapid retail growth and now has many commercial and retail centers with over 1,250 businesses and 19,000 employees. It maintains its charming and historic downtown, however.
Most of Cordova is under the Shelby County Schools district but some parts of the city are zoned for the Germantown High School and Middle School. There are also several private schools in the community like St. Benedict at Auburndale High School and Harding Academy.
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Things to Do in Cordova: Cordova is home to the private Colonial Country Club which used to host the Memphis Open golf tournament. The top shopping area in Cordova is Germantown Square, a large shopping mall.
Memphis Suburbs Map
Have you settled on a Memphis suburb to call home? When you’re ready to get started with your big move, call the friendly Memphis movers at Big League Movers to request your free moving estimate.
