Ultimate Guide to Memphis Neighborhoods You Must Explore

Memphis showcases an incredible diversity. Each neighborhood presents a unique blend of food, music, atmosphere, and activities. A casual stroll can transport you to entirely different worlds filled with excitement and enjoyment. Consequently, we have compiled a comprehensive guide to help you explore them all. Allocate time to visit a few, as each area has distinct offerings.

1. Downtown Memphis

Address: Downtown Memphis, Memphis, TN, USA

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Downtown Memphis is home to all of the city’s renowned landmarks. Here, you will encounter the iconic Memphis pyramid, currently housing Bass Pro. Additionally, you can walk across a bridge that stretches over the Mississippi River, enjoy live music on Beale Street, and delve into the history of Martin Luther King, Jr. at the National Civil Rights Museum. This area is also the epicenter for sports enthusiasts, as it houses the Redbirds (baseball) and Grizzlies (basketball), with a plethora of bars and restaurants available.

2. Harbor Town

Address: Harbor Town, Memphis, TN 38103, USA

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Harbor Town is a contemporary, upscale community situated on a sandbar in the Mississippi River. Just a short bridge away from downtown Memphis, it offers numerous dining options with stunning views of the city. The terrace of the River Inn of Harbor Town is an ideal spot to savor a sunset with a glass of wine. Cordelia’s Market offers takeout salads, sandwiches, and desserts perfect for a riverside picnic. Furthermore, Harbor Town features walking and biking trails, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts on sunny days.

3. Cooper-Young

Address: Cooper-Young, Memphis, TN, USA

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This vibrant neighborhood derives its name from the convergence of Cooper Street and Young Avenue. It serves as a hub for young professionals, showcasing some of Memphis’ trendiest bars, restaurants, and cultural institutions. You can find emerging artists recording at Young Avenue Sound, while the Cooper Young Gallery and Gift Shop presents local art and crafts. Moreover, one of the city’s finest breweries, Memphis Made, is also hosted here. Don’t miss Burke’s Books, a cherished independent bookseller established in 1875. Moreover, Cooper-Young hosts its own outdoor festival every September, offering even more entertainment.

4. Overton Square

Address: 2101 Madison Ave, Memphis, TN 38104, USA

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Phone: +1 901-761-3333

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In the last decade, Overton Square has re-emerged as a vital hub for live music, culinary delights, and nightlife in Memphis. The neighborhood features five live performance venues, with Playhouse on the Square being ideal for theater and Lafayette’s Music Room offering live music daily. You can indulge in various dining options, including Bayou Bar & Grill, renowned for its Memphis-style cajun cuisine, and Local on the Square, known for its exceptional food and wine pairings. Adjacent to the neighborhood is Overton Park, where families can hike, visit the zoo, or enjoy a grand playground.

5. Broad Avenue

Address: Broad Ave, Memphis, TN, USA

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Once overlooked, Broad Avenue has transformed into a vibrant arts district brimming with locally owned shops and eateries. Here, you can discover unique lifestyle and fashion items at 20twelve or enjoy farm-to-table meals at Bounty on Broad. Moreover, the neighborhood features a restored water tower that artists have adorned, offering a spectacular light show that illuminates the rotating designs at night.

6. East Memphis

Address: East Memphis, Memphis, TN, USA

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Family-friendly activities abound in East Memphis. This area is home to Shelby Farms Park, one of the largest urban parks in the United States, featuring playgrounds, boating, horseback riding, and hiking, as well as its own buffalo herd. Visitors can appreciate flowers and outdoor sculptures at the Dixon Gallery & Gardens and the Memphis Botanic Garden. East Memphis also hosts Novel, one of the city’s last remaining independent bookstores, and offers convenient access to films, groceries, and well-known dining options.

7. Crosstown

Address: Crosstown, Memphis, TN, USA

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Spanning 12 acres, this former Sears Distribution Center has been transformed into a multi-functional neighborhood encompassing 1,500,000 square feet of space. This venue hosts over a dozen restaurants ranging from farm-to-table options to a popsicle bar. Young professionals reside in numerous apartments, while amenities include a gym, places of worship, a health care center, and a farmers market. The community also features a brewery that brews and distributes beer onsite, hosting neighborhood events and celebrations regularly.

8. Germantown

Address: Germantown, TN, USA

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Germantown is an upscale suburb located to the east of Memphis, predominantly featuring residential areas. However, it also harbors treasures worth exploring, such as the Commissary, a charming BBQ restaurant renowned for its ribs. For a romantic dinner, Southern Social offers upscale dining with creative takes on southern classics. For those seeking fashion, the shops at Saddle Creek feature high-end brands. Additionally, Germantown boasts extensive biking and hiking trails along the Wolf River, where wildlife such as blue herons and deer can often be spotted.

9. University District

Address: 3465 Southern Ave, Memphis, TN 38111, USA

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Phone: +1 901-871-0175

The University District houses the University of Memphis, an institution the city greatly values, rallying around its athletic teams, particularly the successful basketball program. Although primarily serving college students, there are numerous attractions for the entire community. Visitors can explore the Art Museum showcasing rotating exhibits and permanent collections featuring Egyptian artifacts and African art. Additionally, ticketed events for theater and dance productions are open to everyone, making this campus a delightful destination for family outings.