Resting along the easternmost border of Memphis is the large and pleasant community of Cordova. It is a beautiful area with a lot going for it as residents love the many benefits of living there.
Also known as Cordova-Appling, the community is often recognized for its motto of “Farms, Flowers, and Fellowship” due to the local culture and history.
Newcomers thinking about moving to Cordova will be happy to hear the neighborhood has a wide variety of fun activities, great places to eat, and so much more.
History of Cordova, Memphis, TN
Over the years, Cordova has been called a handful of different names. When it was first settled back in 1835, it started off as a farming community called Allentown. Within less than 50 years, its name changed to Marysville and then to Dexter.
It wasn’t until the year 1900 that the community was finally called Cordova because there was already another city in Tennessee called Dexter. The town got its previously mentioned motto of “Farms, Flowers, and Fellowship” from its history of farming and the many fresh cut flowers the area frequently sent to Memphis.
Until 1968, Cordova was a stop along the route of the Nashville, Chattanooga, and St. Louis Railway (NC&St.L). But once the Louisiana & Nashville Railroad was completed, the line was no longer necessary and has since been removed.
In recent years, most of the Cordova community has been annexed by Memphis after more than seven years in court and legislative meetings.
Cordova Location & Transportation
The Memphis neighborhood of Cordova covers an area of approximately 8 square miles in the center of Shelby County. People living in Cordova have easy access to downtown Memphis less than 20 miles away.
As more people are moving to Cordova, the exact borders of the community aren’t widely disputed. But the most commonly agreed upon borderlines go from Wolf River along the south up to the I-40 on the north side. Then, from Whitten Road on the west over to Pisgah Road on the east side of town.
Cordova is adjacent to other cities and communities including Germantown, Wolfchase, Lenow, and Fisherville. The main zip codes in Cordova are 38016, 38018, and 38088.
Cordova uses the same local transportation as the rest of the city of Memphis, though there are a few less carriers that travel that far. But the area is also part of the Memphis Uber and Lyft service areas, giving you plenty of options for getting around town after moving to Cordova.
People & Culture of Cordova, Memphis
There is a total population of about 68,779 residents living in Cordova with a median age of around 36 years old. Cordova demographics show the population is made up of a diverse community including 50% Caucasian, 37% Black or African American, 7% Hispanic or Latino, and 3% Asian. The gender ratio in town is 52% female and 48% male.
Many of the people relocating to Cordova are families with children. Currently, there are about 17,425 kids under 18 years old residing in Cordova, adding up to more than 25% of the local population. This goes to show that this is a great place to live for families.
Local residents of Cordova enjoy the low cost of living in Memphis. Although the median household income of $61,752 is slightly less than the national average, the price to live in this community pairs up well with that average salary.
As people consider moving to Cordova, they may be looking for a place to work. With many jobs in Cordova, you could find employment with large companies such as the University of Memphis, Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare, St. Jude’s Research Hospital, Nike, or Hilton hotels.
Memphis has a history of up and down crime rates over the years. Luckily, Cordova crime rates are 63% lower than the Memphis average, though they are a bit higher than the national average.
Places to Eat, Things to Do, & Shopping in Cordova, Memphis
Everyone residing in Cordova can enjoy a great lifestyle with plenty of nice amenities around town including places to shop, outdoor activities, and top-rated restaurants.
Great Cordova Restaurants
One of the best places to eat in Cordova is the popular destination of Tannoor Grill. With a buffet-style dining experience for lunch or dinner, visitors can start with a trip to the bottomless salad bar and then make their way over to the endless supply of succulent meats they offer. Take your pick of everything from ribeye and top sirloin to chicken legs, kofta kabob, or lamb.
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Another one of the most highly-rated Cordova restaurants is known simply as Huey’s. This tavern has great pub food, craft beers, and more. Stop by for delicious dishes such as queso dip, fried mushrooms, buffalo wings, chicken salad, nachos, and a wide variety of specialty burgers.
Fun Local Activities in Cordova
While you will find plenty of enjoyable things to do in Memphis for kids as well as adults, you don’t have to leave Cordova to have a good time. Head over to Shelby Farms Park and experience 4,500 acres of playgrounds, hiking trails, bike rentals, boating, fishing, disc golf, and much more.
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If you’re looking for a local Cordova activity you can enjoy inside, make sure you visit Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park. This massive space has wall to wall trampolines where you can join dodgeball games, fitness classes, or simply jump around to your heart’s content.
Convenient Cordova Shopping Destinations
When the Wolfchase Galleria shopping center was built in the 1990s, retail growth boomed in the Cordova area. The mall hosts over 120 stores and restaurants including Dillard’s, Express, Finish Line, Gap, Buckle, GNC, Barnes & Noble, American Eagle, Children’s Place, and Pandora.
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Another great shopping destination in Cordova is Germantown Square. There you’ll find popular restaurants and places to shop including Walgreens, Petco, Party City, the Cordova International Farmer’s Market, UPS, and more.
List of Amenities on the Map
- Tannoor Grill, 830 N Germantown Pkwy, Cordova, TN 38018
- Huey’s, 1771 N Germantown Pkwy, Cordova, TN 38016
- Shelby Farms Park, 6903 Great View Dr N, Memphis, TN 38134
- Urban Air Trampoline & Adventure Park, 704 N Germantown Pkwy, Cordova, TN 38018
- Wolfchase Galleria, 2760 N Germantown Pkwy, Memphis, TN 38133
- Germantown Square, Cordova, TN 38016
Cordova Real Estate
About 73% of residents living in Cordova are homeowners, while the other 27% are currently leasing or renting their homes and apartments. As one of the best suburbs in Memphis, there are plenty of options for you depending on what will work best for your needs after moving to Cordova.
The median home listing price in Cordova is $240,000, though you will find properties that get up into the $600,000 range in some parts of town. Homes for sale in Cordova tend to spend around 33 days on the market and end up going for a median sale price per square foot of $106.
If you’re looking for rental locations, your price will generally vary depending on where you live, the size of your home, and other factors. Rental homes and apartments range from as low as the $600s to over $1,200 per month.
You’ll also want to make sure you set up your local Memphis utilities once you’re moved into the Cordova community. A few of the top places to live in Cordova include:
- Rocky Woods Estates
- Cordova Creek Apartments
- Oaks at Woodchase
- Hunters Hollow
- Villas at Houston Levee
- Countrywood
- The Orleans at Walnut Grove
Living in Cordova, Memphis is a Great Choice
Does moving to Cordova in Memphis sound like the place decision for you? This wonderful community has so much to provide its residents, making it a popular choice for those who don’t want to live right in the heart of downtown. Living in Cordova offers plenty of upside and will present a wide spread of enjoyable benefits.
If you need help relocating to Cordova, we have a team that is ready to help! Get in touch with the top-rated Cordova movers here at Big League Movers by calling (901) 486-6897 or fill out the Request a Quote form to get a free moving estimate!
