The city of Germantown, TN is a thriving, affluent community located about 21 miles southeast of Memphis. Germantown is bordered by Collierville, Lakeland, Olive Branch, Piperton, Southaven, Arlington, Byhalia, Oakland, Rossville, and Bridgetown.
Originally called “Pea Ridge” when it was founded in 1825, the first settlers planted their roots along the Chickasaw Trace. A man named N.T. German who served as the town’s surveyor became the new namesake when the city was incorporated as Germantown in 1841. A coincidence that also matched the city’s new name was the large number of German families who ended up settling in the area.
Germantown is known for its upscale neighborhoods, spectacular amenities, and some of the most iconic plantations in the United States.
A handful of notable people have lived in Germantown such as NBA player Marc Gasol, actress Olivia Holt, actor Steven Seagal, and NFL quarterback Joe Theismann.
1. People Living in Germantown, TN – Population & Demographics
How many people live in Germantown? While the city had a slow start, the population saw massive growth following World War II as the area grew from only 400 residents to nearly 40,000 people relocating to Germantown within a short time. The Germantown population is 39,193 residents with a median age of 45 years old.
Germantown demographics are slowly becoming more diverse with about 89% Caucasian, 6% Asian, 2% Black or African American, and 2% Hispanic or Latino. The Germantown gender ratio is 51% female and 49% male. The median household income in Germantown is $118,163.
Located around the southcentral part of Shelby County, the city of Germantown takes up about 20 square miles. The Germantown zip codes are 38120, 38125, 38138, and 38139. A new phone number in Germantown will have a 901 area code.
Is Germantown a safe place to live? As the 2nd safest city in Tennessee, the crime rate in Germantown is 46% lower than the national average. Violent crime is 76% lower, giving people living in Germantown a 1 in 75 chance of becoming a victim of a crime. There is plenty of proof that Germantown is a safe place to live.
2. Cost of Living in Germantown, TN
The average cost of living in Germantown is 22% higher than the national average and 9% higher than the Tennessee state average. While local healthcare costs are lower, residents typically pay more for groceries, transportation, utilities, and the Germantown real estate market.
Is Germantown affordable and how much does it cost to live in Germantown, TN? According to Numbeo, some of the average expenses you can expect to pay in Germantown are:
- Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant $11.50
- McDonald’s Burger Meal $7.75
- Milk (regular 1 gallon) $3.00
- Eggs (1 Dozen) $1.30
- Bread (1 loaf) $1.88
- Chicken Fillets (1 lb) $3.30
- Domestic Beer (1 pint) $3.00
- Average Cost of Gasoline (per gallon) $1.83
- Movie Ticket (1st run) $10.50
- Average Cost of Utilities (per month) $100.00
The homeownership rate in Germantown is 86.1% with the majority of local buying and owning their properties. Searching through Germantown, TN homes for sale, you’ll quickly find the market is highly competitive as houses sell almost as fast as they’re listed. The average price of a home in Germantown is $475,000. The Germantown property tax rate is 1.420%, which is about $6,745 per year for a $475,000 home.
Less than 14% of residents living in Germantown rent, leaving few options for newcomers looking to lease. The average price of rent in Germantown is $1,614 per month, which has increased by about 3% since last year.
3. Germantown Neighborhoods
Where should you live in Germantown? When deciding what community is best for you, some of the top Germantown neighborhoods to consider are:
- River Oaks-Kirby-Balmoral
- Sweet Oaks
- Kimbrough Woods
- Dogwood Grove
There is plenty of convenient shopping in Germantown with local places like CVS, Goodwill, Walmart, Dollar Tree, Saddle Creek, Whole Foods, and Germantown Collection.
4. Germantown, TN Weather
The humid subtropical climate in Germantown keeps winters brief, cold, and wet, while summer time is long, warm, and muggy. Local Germantown weather gets an average of 55 inches of rain per year along with only about 3 inches of annual snowfall.
At the hottest point during summer, the average temperature in Germantown is between the low 70s and the low 90s as winter comes along, temps drop to the low 30s at night and reach the low 50s during the day.
5. Things to Do in Germantown
With so many Germantown attractions, you are sure to find plenty of fun places to visit, enjoyable outdoor activities, local parks, and landmarks.
GPAC | Germantown Performing Arts Center
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If you want to catch a live show, the Germantown Performing Arts Center offers a variety of performances for all ages. This top-rated thing to do in Germantown features musical concerts, art shows, dance recitals, as well as plays.
GPAC | Germantown Performing Arts Center, 1801 Exeter Rd, Germantown, TN 38138 (901) 751-7500
Municipal Park
One of the best parks in Germantown is the nearby Municipal Park, which has activities for people of all interests. Kids will enjoy the children’s playground, while adults can run, walk, or have a picnic. As a popular outdoor activity in Germantown, the park also has a small pond with a large water fountain.
Municipal Park,1900 S Germantown Rd, Germantown, TN 38138 (901) 757-7375
Additional Germantown Attractions
- Germantown Festival, 7745 Poplar Pike, Germantown, TN 38138
- Oaklawn Garden, 7831 Poplar Pike, Germantown, TN 38138
Map of Germantown, TN
For additional things to do and eat and beyond check out this map of Germantown.
6. Germantown Restaurants
Finding great places to eat in Germantown is simple thanks to the many local diners and upscale restaurants.
Stoney River Steakhouse and Grill
One of Germantown’s top places to eat, Stoney River Steakhouse and Grill has a classy menu to fit every palate. Visitors can choose from popular dishes like salads, steaks, prime rib, filet mignon, seafood, burgers, sandwiches, meatloaf, and more.
Stoney River Steakhouse and Grill, 7515 Poplar Ave #101, Germantown, TN 38138 (901) 207-1100
Germantown Commissary
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Germantown Commissary is another popular restaurant in Germantown for people who love all things barbecue. Loaded with options, their tasty menu boasts a variety of choices such as combo platters, smoked sausage, ribs, burgers, salads, pork, and many others.
Germantown Commissary – Takeout Available, 2290 S Germantown Rd, Germantown, TN 38138 (901) 754-5540
7. Jobs in Germantown
Though the city is mostly residential, there are still plenty of Germantown jobs located nearby for people who are looking for work. As you search through the opportunities, some of the best places to work in Germantown include:
- McNeill Hotel Company
- MAA
- Stern Cardiovascular Foundation
Websites such as Indeed are great places to find local job listings in a variety of industries.
The average salary in Germantown is $71,000 per year. There is a state income tax rate of 0% in Tennessee, so residents living in Germantown don’t have to pay income taxes. There is currently a 3.4% unemployment rate in Germantown.
Due to its close proximity, a fair amount of locals commute from Germantown to Memphis, a trip that covers 21 miles and takes about 30 minutes each way.
8. Germantown Schools
About 10,190 kids between the ages of 0 and 18 years old are living in Germantown, adding up to 26% of the population. Ranked among the safest cities in the state, Germantown is a great place for families to live.
Germantown schools make up the Germantown Municipal School District, which includes top-rated locations like:
- Dogwood Elementary School
- Farmington Elementary School
- Houston Middle School
- Germantown Middle School
- Houston High School (ranked among the top 15 schools in Tennessee)
- Germantown High School
You won’t find any colleges or universities in Germantown boundaries, but the University of Memphis as well as Rhodes College are conveniently located nearby.
Living in Germantown Pros & Cons
- Pro: Germantown is one of the safest places to live in the entire state of Tennessee.
- Pro: Local residents enjoy many great amenities and places to eat.
- Con: The cost of living in Germantown is more expensive than the TN average.
Moving to Germantown, TN
As you learn more about the city, you’ll continue to find more reasons to move to Germantown. Once the decision has been made to make this place your new home, we have helpful Germantown movers standing by to help you. Give Big League Movers a call today at (901) 486-6897 or fill out the Request a Quote form on this page for a free moving estimate!
