Just outside of Memphis proper, the close-knit community of Germantown lies tucked into the quiet rolling hills of eastern Shelby County. Home to excellent public schools, large homes, and attractive neighborhoods, Germantown is consistently one of the most sought-after suburbs in the Memphis area for families looking for peaceful living that’s still close to downtown excitement! Whether you’re a lifelong Memphian looking for a change, or a transplant looking to put down new roots, this city has a comfortable small-town feel.
Wondering what it is exactly that makes Germantown feel like home? Let’s take a look into all it has to offer!
Conveniently Located
With I-40 to the north and Poplar Avenue branching across the southern part of the city, Germantown is well-situated for anyone who works in Memphis. Not only that, but popular Memphis institutions like Mud Island, Beale Street, and Graceland are less than a half hour away, and hot spots like Midtown and East Memphis are an easy drive. Other nearby attractions with a family atmosphere are the Memphis Zoo, the Children’s Museum of Memphis, and the spacious acreage of Shelby Farms Park.
Safety
Germantown has earned several mentions nationwide for having a very low crime rate for its size. It’s consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in Tennessee, and in the country, when compared to cities that are a similar size. The Germantown Police Department and its citizen volunteers work hard in conjunction with residents to keep the city safe!
Germantown Style
For families looking for roomy yards to fit everything from grills and firepits to pools and swingsets, Germantown has no shortage of lovely homes with large lots. And for those seeking a stately home with low outdoor maintenance, there are several zero-lot-line subdivisions. These are areas with large homes situated closely together with very little green space between them. This has the added benefit of allowing Germantown to control overbuilding, preserving public green spaces and keeping property values stable.
If you’re looking for a location that blends modern style with a sense of history, you won’t have to look much further than Germantown. Retail and specialty shops operate in century-old storefronts and houses along avenues lined with established oaks and pines. Its long-standing love of horses is memorialized in the multiple artist-designed statues of horses spread across the city, with each bearing a different theme. There are open-air shopping centers like the Shops of Saddle Creek that offer both independent and chain retailers found nowhere else in the county, all tucked into a congenial atmosphere that encourages city strolling.
A special note for any nature enthusiasts out there: the Arbor Day Foundation has designated Germantown as a “Tree City USA” for over 20 consecutive years, and residents can kick back and relax, or get their run on, in one of 27 public parks.
Germantown Dining
Outside of the usual chain restaurants and fast food drive-thrus, Germantown boasts a full range of locally owned and operated eating establishments. It wouldn’t be Memphis without mentioning BBQ, and the Germantown Commissary is one of the city’s best-loved dining spots, offering delicious pulled pork and ribs in an old-fashioned atmosphere, along with huge slices of cake and pie for dessert. Southern Social may be Germantown’s hottest restaurant. Open seven days a week for dinner and Sundays for brunch, this sister restaurant of downtown’s Flight specializes in fine dining and offers a culinary experience which many consider the finest in the entire Memphis area. Patrons can enjoy creative Southern cuisine ranging from Tomato Basil Soup with Grilled or Fried Pimiento & Cheese Sandwiches to Stuffed Quail, Mini Beef Wellingtons or the Tomahawk Pork Chop. Check out the best fried catfish in the city at Soul Fish, and sample the enormous sushi menu selection at Sakura. You can also celebrate #tacotuesday at Swanky’s Taco Shop, and greet the weekend saloon-style at the Forest Hill Grill. We are also excited to welcome a few new kids to the block: Casablanca, Farm & Fries, and Blue Honey Bistro. Whatever your tastes, Germantown has got a place for you!
Germantown Arts & Entertainment
Germantown’s Parks and Recreation Department put on over 20 free public events annually, in an effort to bring the community together and encourage neighbors to connect. One of the most anticipated events is the Germantown Charity Horse Show, one of the largest all-breed horse shows in the country. There’s also Pops In The Park, a free sunset concert by the Germantown Symphony in Municipal Park, and two fun-filled days for the family with the Germantown Festival. The Germantown Performing Arts Center is a cultural institution, offering live music and theater, as well as a strong community outreach program. And as we creep ever closer to the holiday season, it’s good to know what kind of festivities the city offers, like the Fall Harvest Festival at the Farm, and the Germantown Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting.
The Judy Mac Team
With colonial and farmhouse homes lining the winding suburban streets, and a distinct “city meets country” feel, it’s easy to see why Germantown consistently shows up on “best places to live” lists nationwide. If strong community standards, traditional values, a historic identity, and a clear vision for the future sounds good to you, Germantown could be the perfect place for you and your family to call home. If you’re interested in finding out more about life in Germantown, The JudyMac Team is here to help! You can browse some of our current Germantown listings here, or you can get in touch with us today at 901.277.5839 (cell) or 901.756.8900 to schedule a showing or discuss your options. No matter what your real estate needs, we’ll find the perfect house for you to come to!
