Former equestrian hub turned into affluent Memphis suburb
Germantown was once home to several horse farms, and although the area has developed into a small city on the eastern end of Memphis' metro area, equestrian activity remains part of the community's fabric. Held annually, The Germantown Charity Horse Show is one of the largest all-breed horse shows in the country. Further, lifesize fiberglass horse statues stand beside businesses and quirky speed limit signs read “Horses 10.”
Horse-themed attractions aside, Germantown is one of greater Memphis’ most sought-after suburbs. The city boasts several affluent neighborhoods, highly rated schools, upscale shopping centers, various recreational amenities and one of the state's strongest public safety track records. As of 2024, the city is one of just five municipalities in the country to have received the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, a federal accolade recognizing organizations for their performance. Shipping giant FedEx, headquartered in Memphis, is among the award’s past recipients. Germantown has a population of 41,333, which has grown by about 6% since 2010.
“We pride ourselves on being the premier community in Shelby County and West Tennessee,” says Germantown spokeswoman Stacey Crockett. “Customer service is really important here. If you call, you’re going to get an answer, and you’re going to get help. The answer may be ‘no,’ but we’re going to explain why.”
Many homes in Germantown have mature trees perfect for hanging a swing.
Riders and their horse must be in unison to complete difficult jumps at the GCHS in Germantown.
Germantown is home to the sprawling FedEx Headquarters campus.
Germantown Athletic Club is a bustling health and wellness center in Germantown, TN.
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From 1970s ramblers to upscale Traditionals and Colonials
Many of the city's neighborhoods were developed between the 1970s and today. The city has many contemporary Traditional and Colonial Revival homes, some with Greek-influenced, full-height columns. Ranch-style architecture is common, and some have exposed half-timbered, Tudor-style framing. Mature oaks and pines shade many blocks, while lots can vary from a third of an acre to multiple acres.
Newer communities include Chapel Cove, an upscale subdivision of brick contemporary Traditionals that sit on lots with looping driveways and lavish landscaping. “Those are all million-dollar houses,” says Harry Samuels, a Realtor with Pinnacle Realty and Germantown resident. Ramblers from the 1970s are common in neighborhoods like Hunters Run, which also has a block of modern homes similar to the ones in Chapel Cove.
Germantown’s median price of $478,000 is well above Memphis’ $190,000 and close to fast-growing Nashville’s $495,000. Germantown’s median price is also slightly over the country’s median of around $420,000 as of fall 2024. Germantown’s single-family homes sell from between $400,000 and $700,000, but some of the newest and largest builds can reach up to $2 million.
The well-crafted exteriors of Germantown homes enhance the neighborhood's visual appeal.
Explore the inviting residential neighborhoods nestled within the heart of Germantown.
There are several new developments throughout Germantown.
Many Germantown homes feature Tudor-inspired design features.
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Watching the Germantown Charity Horse Show
The Germantown Charity Horse Show is the city’s signature event. Over five days in June, thousands flock to the arena grounds off Poplar Pike to watch performances from breeds like American Saddlebreds and Tennessee Walking Horses. “It’s a big deal,” Crockett says. “The city swells when it’s happening, and we have a lot of people here.”
Other notable celebrations include the Fourth of July Extravaganza and the Germantown Festival. Occurring over a weekend in September, the Germantown Festival features numerous vendor booths, large bouncing castles, small carnival rides and events like the dachshund—“Weenies”—races.
The Germantown Performing Arts Center puts on stage shows annually and hosts activities like the Youth Symphony Program. Next to GPAC is the Grove, a large outdoor stage with a high-definition screen that opened in 2020. This small district is also home to the Germantown Community Library, a community anchor with a used bookstore.
The Germantown Charity Horse Show is a staple event for residents.
The Germantown Community Library is located at 1925 Exeter Rd in Germantown.
The Grove in Germantown hosts world renowned musical acts throughout the year.
Germantown Performing Arts Center is one of the top performing spaces in the Memphis metro.
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Saddle Creek’s upscale shopping and Germantown Commissary’s barbecue
The Saddle Creek shopping center is Germantown’s main retail and dining destination and home to brands like Jos A. Bank and Memphis metro’s only Apple store. Saddle Creek stands out with its distinct pink brick buildings and arched collonades. The city also has several popular grocers like Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s.
Germantown contributes to the region’s renowned barbecue scene. Institutions include Germantown Commissary BBQ, which celebrities like Tim McGraw, Faith Hill and members of The Eagles have visited. Located right off the railroad tracks over Germantown Road, the restaurant runs out of a former country store that existed for over nine decades. Other notable staples include Southern Social, an upscale restaurant across the road from Germantown Commissary. The city also has a solid Asian dining scene, reflected by places like East Meets West and Sakura Japanese Restaurant.
“We’ve lived here for now 39 years. When we moved here, there were almost no restaurants in Germantown. Today, there’s a good quality restaurant on every street corner. There’s got to be 50 quality restaurants in the city these days and at every level,” says Don Rhoads, secretary on the Friends of the Germantown Community Library’s board of directors.
From quaint cafes to upscale venues, Germantown caters to a variety of culinary preferences.
Germantown Commissary is a popular local spot to grab a meal in Germantown.
You will find many designer shops at Saddle Creek in Germantown.
Find everything you need for a great meal at Trader Joe's in Germantown.
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Living within easy reach of city parks and Shelby Farms
Germantown has 29 community parks spanning well over 700 acres, and each sits roughly within a half-mile of every city neighborhood. In addition to the parks, the city has several fishing holes, state-of-the-art athletic facilities and trails that connect bikers and runners to one of the largest urban parks in the country — the 4,500-acre Shelby Farms. Bordering Germantown to the north, Shelby Farms is accessible from the city via the Germantown Greenway, which runs along the Wolf River and passes through dense woodlands. The Germantown Greenway connects to the Wolf River Greenway, a trail that will eventually cover 26 miles and create an uninterrupted path between Germantown and downtown Memphis.
The city counts Johnson Road and Cameron Brown parks among its top green spaces. The two parks provide disc golf, pickleball, softball and baseball areas. Neighboring GPAC, the Germantown Athletic Club has indoor and outdoor pools, a gym with cardio and strength training equipment and even a sauna.
Challenge friends to a pickleball match at Bob Hailey Athletic Complex in Germantown.
Enjoy 18 scenic holes of disk golf at Johnson Road Park in Germantown.
The Bison of Shelby Farms spend spring and summer shedding their winter coats.
The Germantown Athletic Club has many activities for residents to enjoy.
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Germantown’s highly rated public and private schools
The Germantown Municipal School District provides most of the public education in the city and gets an A grade from Niche. The site also ranks the system among the top 10 best school districts in the state. Notable institutions include Houston High School, which gets an A and offers specialized curriculums in areas like leadership and fine arts. A few city schools, including Germantown High School, belong to Memphis-Shelby County Schools, which gets a C-plus grade from Niche.
Private options include Evangelical Christian School, which has its Lower campus—pre-kindergarten to third grade—in Germantown and gets an A. While not within city limits, other nearby private options include the Lausanne Collegiate School and the all-girls Hutchison School, which both serve students from pre-kindergarten to 12th grade and get A-plus grades. Germantown is also home to one of Union University’s four campuses. Union is a private Baptist institution
Dogwood Elementary School is a public school serving students in Germantown.
Houston Middle School in Germantown serves students in grades 6-8.
Houston High School serves students in Germantown.
Houston High School has a well-maintained football field in Germantown.
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Close to FedEx global headquarters
FedEx’s world headquarters is just south of Germantown and with well over 30,000 local employees is the Memphis metro’s largest employer. International Paper’s global headquarters is also located right outside Germantown. Companies based in Germantown include real estate investment firm and developer Mid-America Apartment Communities. Germantown is also a small medical hub, and employers in that sector include Methodist Le Bonheur Germantown Hospital, Campbell Clinic and OrthoSouth.
Germantown doesn’t have its own transit system, but the Memphis Area Transit Authority runs some buses in the suburb. However, the Memphis area, including Germantown, is a largely car-dependent region. Poplar Avenue runs across Germantown, connecting the city to neighboring Collierville and downtown Memphis. Germantown Road also turns into Germantown Parkway, another thoroughfare that goes to the suburban communities of Cordova and Bartlett. Bill Morris Parkway south of Germantown links up with Interstate 240, which combines with Interstate 40 to form a beltway around Memphis. The Memphis International Airport provides direct flights to many destinations across the country.
Important to know
Germantown’s violent crime rate is well below Memphis’, nearly eight times lower, and just under half of the national average. Germantown’s property crime rate is also about six times lower than Memphis’, and nearly 40% lower than the national average. “Our fire and police departments, I would put them up against the best in the country,” Crockett says. “We’re routinely among the top two safest cities in the state of Tennessee, even abutting Memphis. That’s something to write about.”
Samuels concurs. “One time, we were cooking, my wife was cooking, and something set off the smoke alarm. And the firemen were there before the stuff was ready to be taken off the stove,” he says. “It was a great response.”
Germantown is part of the Memphis area and enjoys four true seasons. The area's average annual high is 73 degrees, several points above the national average. Extreme weather events here can include severe thunderstorms and tornadoes, the latter of which weather experts say appear to be more common in the region.
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Germantown, TN sell after 65 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Germantown, TN over the last 12 months is $488,000, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Now available for purchase: Model home by John Duke Homes in the prestigious Wilder subdivision, designed in collaboration with Warehouse 67. This exceptional home features 4 bedrooms (2 down), 4.5 baths, plus a private office and spacious bonus room. The living room showcases a custom-crafted pecky cypress fireplace, creating a striking focal point. Enjoy a true outdoor retreat with a private
Welcome home to this beautiful two-story home located in a quiet cove in Germantown within the sought-after Dogwood elementary school district and Huston middle and high schools. This spacious 2800 sq-ft home features a luxurious downstairs master suite and luxury bath with a very nice walk-in shower and dual vanities. enjoy a large family room with fireplace, large dining room for family get
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Highly desirable, upscale home in Germantown's elite Enclave. Take a tour around the neighborhood to enjoy the beautiful landscaping & sidewalks. The home is a show stopper--beautifully appointed and thoughtfully planned inside and out. Your spot may be the screened porch! Or check out the lush garden patio with a cool/hot tub + water features that seats 8. Inside is just as enticing with living
PRICE UPDATE!!!! This is a beautiful four-bedroom, two-bath home located in Germantown, featuring fresh paint, an updated kitchen, and stunning flooring throughout. The home offers a spacious eat-in kitchen, a beautifully landscaped yard, and a fully fenced backyard. It’s truly move-in ready and conveniently located near plenty of shopping and a nearby park!!
Beautiful French Country 4-bedroom home in a super convenient location with spacious, well-designed rooms throughout. Refinished wood floors and fresh paint touch-ups make this home move-in ready. Ideal layout with 2 bedrooms down and 2 bedrooms up, plus a dedicated office and media room. Large bonus room offers flexible space for entertaining or relaxing. Recent upgrades include a new roof
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Beautifully updated (even a Brand New roof in July 25) plus move-in ready, this home at 2784 Fox Creek offers two primary suites—one up, one down—plus two more bedrooms. You'll find 3 full baths and a half bath, 2 with recent updates. The main level features hardwood floors, smooth ceilings, a spacious kitchen with granite counters, breakfast room, formal dining and living rooms, plus a den with
So much SQ footage! All with a functional layout, large living areas, and a beautiful yard. The outdoor space is private, highlighted by a large screened-in patio that provides a serene setting for year-round use. The kitchen has many upgrades, including a marble acrylic floor, a Viking cooktop, double ovens, and newer KitchenAid appliances. African granite accents are incorporated into the
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All brick home in desirable Germantown. Main level features hard flooring throughout, built-in bookshelves, wainscoting, and a kitchen with smooth ceilings, recessed updated lighting and appliances that stay. Enjoy a screened porch with ceiling fan, side deck, and fully fenced backyard. Major updates include freshly painted exterior, new driveway, 3-year-old roof and new windows, upstairs HVAC
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Built in 2001, this immaculate 5BR/5.5BA Germantown home offers 3 bedrooms down, 2 up, plus a large bonus room in a quiet, low-traffic location. Enjoy a peaceful atmosphere with neighborhood pastures and horses nearby. There are bike lanes right out front that connect to the Greenway, Wolf River Nature Area and Shelby Farms. The primary suite features dual walk-in closets, double vanities, tub,
Welcome to The Grove at Germantown Apartments – Your Perfect Home AwaitsOur apartments in Germantown, TN offer a seamless blend of comfort, style, and convenience. Choose from spacious one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments ranging from 790 to 1,393 square feet, or explore our expansive townhomes up to 1,610 square feet.Nestled in a prestigious location near renowned museums and backing
Completely remodeled home in a fantastic Germantown location. Walking distance to Riverdale school. New floors, fixtures, cabinets, counters, windows, paint and ever a new driveway! Move in ready is an understatement. Bright open and incredibly clean home.
Welcome home to your stunning newly renovated apartment at Farmington Gates! Our beautiful park like community offers all upgraded finishes standard! This dramatic design package includes beautiful wood-look vinyl floors, stainless steel appliances, new countertops, kitchen flooring, and luxury lighting and finishing packages. Interior upgrades aren't the only thing you'll love about your new
Executive rental in Germantown's desirable Enclave. Call for viewing appt, occupancy available July 1st. Downstairs offers primary BR & guest Br, formal living & dining, greatroom & chefs' kitchen. Upstairs offers 3 br's/office/bonus room. Two separate yards, one w/ heated gunite pool & other w/ patio & kids play area. No back neighbors, whole home has audio surround sound, 3 car garage with
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Available occupancy July 1. Perfect location in Germantown. Close to restaurants and shopping. Super cute 3br/2bath home. Spacious foyer(previous tenants used for coffee area), nice kitchen with granite, stainless appliances and storage closet. Laundry room near kitchen. The large greatroom at the rear of home is so cozy with a wood burning fireplace. Large backyard with storage building and
City Place at Germantown Apartments is a hidden gem near Germantown, TN. Nestled between Germantown and Collierville, TN, the community offers beautiful landscapes, and a peaceful retreat from city life while staying connected to urban destinations via Highway 385 and I-72.Choose from our brand new apartment homes, and enjoy a variety of comforts. Our spacious one, two, and three-bedroom floor
Appointments Encouraged. Walk-Ins Welcome!We are ready to help you find your new home. Call now to connect with a Team Member and schedule a tour in-person or virtually!
Say hello to your new home at The Garden District Apartments! Our beautifully landscaped grounds are complemented by beautifully renovated two and three-bedroom residences. These townhomes in Germantown, TN offer a serene experience, while providing modern amenities that cater to your needs, including short-term leases. Think of a gleaming pool, a fitness center, and a playground. Plus, we're
Spacious one, two, and three-bedroom homes, large private patios or balconies, a washer and dryer in every apartment home, saltwater pool, tennis, and pickleball courts, and scheduled resident activities and events. Located in the Germantown School District. New fitness center, media room, and business center. Easy access to I-40 and just minutes to downtown Memphis, close to shopping and
Welcome to The Vineyards, where luxury living unfolds in Germantown's most coveted setting. At our apartments in Germantown, resort-style amenities meet thoughtfully designed living spaces, creating a community that elevates every aspect of your daily routine. With pet-friendly homes just minutes from Memphis, world-class healthcare facilities, premier shopping and dining destinations, and the
Enjoy a fully furnished studio suite in our hotel at an affordable rate with free wi-fi, free utilities and free premium cable. Each studio suite has a full kitchen with full-size refrigerator, stovetop and microwave, and has a flexible workspace and plenty of storage. All our hotels are pet-friendly and have on-site guest laundry available. Plus, there are no long-term commitments and you can
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