Small town life on the fringes of the Memphis metro
Atoka is among numerous small-town communities on the fringes of the Memphis metro. The town owes its early development to the railroad, which it pays homage to via a silhouette of a locomotive on its water tower. The railroad maintains a noticeable presence, as heard by the daily rumble of the passing Amtrak train, en route to Chicago and New Orleans.
On the benefits of living in Atoka, Alderman Brett Giannini quickly points to its amenities. “We have a number of parks, and our parks and rec department has a lot of different activities for different ages,” he says. “Don’t be surprised if you drive down the street and everybody waves at you. It’s one of the cool things my wife and I liked about it when we moved here.”
Atoka is a small town located north of Memphis.
Atoka is located along Highway 51 inbetween Millington and Covington.
1/2
Ranch-style houses and modern Traditionals with some room
Homes here exist in several subdivisions, where homeowners enjoy spacious lots easily exceeding a half-acre. Homes across Atoka include decades-old ramblers and modern Traditionals with brick and vinyl exteriors.
Most single-family homes sell for just under $300,000 to $550,000. The town’s median price hovers around $350,000, which is higher than Memphis’ but below those of several Bluff City suburbs. Giannini himself moved here from the Memphis suburbs in the early 2000s. “The property values were cheaper than in Bartlett or Germantown or Collierville. Then, of course, we came out here, and everybody was so friendly,” he says.
Atoka is popular with homeowners seeking a quiet community with larger homes and lots.
While there are some older homes in and around Atoka, much of the area has been developed since the year 2000.
1/2
Warming up for Memphis’ signature barbecue competition
Atoka’s events range from the occasional Food Truck Fridays at town hall to annual holiday celebrations like December’s Tree Lighting ceremony. Hosted at Nancy Lane Park, the Atoka BBQ Fest in April serves as a warmup for local pit masters who plan to compete in Memphis’ famous World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest.
Hosted in Walker Park, August’s Rock the Block is the town’s other major event. “There are so many small towns around here that have Fourth of July activities, and we decided to do something a little bit different,” Giannini says. “It’s more like a town fair with the fireworks display. There’s also vendors and dunk tanks.”
Nancy Lane Park and proximity to Glen Springs Lake
Atoka has several outdoor sites, with Nancy Lane and Walker parks among its destinations. Nancy Lane’s attractions include the town’s largest playground, a disc golf course and softball fields. A nature trail also allows for relaxing strolls through the woods. While Walker Park's splash pad draws many visitors during the summer months.
A fishing pond anchors Pioneer Park, or for additional fishing spots anglers look to Glen Springs Lake, 9 miles away. This 310-acre lake is home to many species of fish including largemouth bass and catfish. Atoka is also expanding its recreational network with projects like the Atoka Greenway Trail, which will be completed in phases throughout the coming years.
Walker Park is a community gathering place with ball fields, a splash pad, walking trails, and more.
Atoka residents visit Pioneer Park to fish in the pond.
1/2
Mexican food, pizza and barbecue off U.S. Highway 51
Atoka and the neighboring community of Munford are home to a handful of chains and local staples within the shopping centers and strip malls along U.S. Highway 51. The area has cafes that sell cakes and doughnuts, several Mexican restaurants and a few pizza spots. For a sit-down mean, there's also the Sakura Japanese Restaurant, and downhome cooking at both Big Dave’s Round 2 BBQ and Outlaw Bar-B-Que. Kroger is the town’s main grocery store.
Most Atoka residents shop for their groceries at the local Kroger.
There are several dining options in Atoka such as Las Margaritas.
1/2
Atoka Elementary and access to Brighton and Munford schools
The Tipton County Schools district serves Atoka and earns a B grade from Niche. Schools serving the area include Atoka Elementary, which receives an A-minus rating from Niche. Depending on where they live in town, middle and high school students may also attend schools in neighboring Brighton and Munford. Niche ranks the district among Tennessee’s top 30 systems for athletes and standout programs include Munford High’s band.
Atoka's schools are a part of Tipton County Schools.
Atoka Elementary School is the best rated Elementary School in Tipton county according to Niche.com.
1/2
Fast-growing town in a region led by retail, health care and manufacturing
Atoka belongs to Tipton County, where some leading employers are involved in packaged goods, metal manufacturing, retail and health care. Covington’s Baptist Memorial Hospital-Tipton is one of the region’s medical institutions.
With a population of approximately 10,600, Atoka is Tipton County’s largest incorporated locality. The latest U.S. Census data indicates that the town’s population has grown by 26% since 2010, but that figure pales in comparison to the increases in 2010 and 2000.
Atoka is located about 12 miles from Covington, which residents can reach by traveling on U.S. Highway 51. The highway connects Atoka to several West Tennessee localities, including the Memphis exurb of Millington about 10 miles south. U.S. 51 also goes to downtown Memphis, about 27 miles south of Atoka. The Memphis International Airport serves as the region’s hub for commercial flights.
Important to know
The area experiences warm, humid summers and mild winters with little to no snowfall. Extreme weather events mostly involve severe thunderstorms and occasionally tornadoes. Just over two-dozen tornadoes have passed through Tipton County since 1950, according to the National Weather Service. The latest FBI stats show Atoka’s crime rates are several times lower than Tennessee’s. Crime in Atoka has fallen for several years, dropping by over 50% since 2015.
Written By
Yann Ranaivo
Photography Contributed By
Aaron Bloodworth
Video By
Houston Knight
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Rita Hallum,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Atoka, TN sell after 170 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Atoka, TN over the last 12 months is $380,000, down 30% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
MOVE IN READY! An exceptionally well-maintained home situated on a 1.22-acre corner lot. Recent updates include new carpet in the bedrooms, bonus room and staircase, new hardwood flooring in living room, dining room and front entry & updated kitchen appliances. The spacious upstairs bonus room includes a full bath. The attic provides abundant storage & room for expansion. Recently added patio
Looking for a low maintenance, move in ready home home in a great neighborhood? This fabulous 3 bedroom/2 bath open concept home was built in 2020, so your major components are less than 6 years old. This is a great home for first time home buyers who aren't looking for a project and just want to move in and relax! The kitchen and baths have beautiful Shaker cabinets with granite countertops, and
1.3 ACRES! Built in 2023 this beautifully maintained 3 BR/2.5 BA home comes with one of the largest lots in the neighborhood. If you love to watch the wildlife while having your morning coffee, step out onto the covered patio that overlooks the backyard oasis where you can often see deer enjoying the wooded area behind the house. Sellers have recently installed a beautiful fence but the yard
BACK ON THE MARKET & BETTER THAN EVER! This beautifully updated, move-in-ready 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom home offers the perfect combination of space, style, and functionality. With brand-new carpet throughout and fresh paint in every room, this home is truly ready for you to move in and make it your own! The spacious, thoughtfully designed layout features a highly desirable open floor plan, allowing
Welcome home to this beautifully appointed new construction home tucked away in a cove near the back of the subdivision. The main level features a spacious primary suite with a well-appointed primary bath, a private office, and 1.5 baths for added convenience. The kitchen is designed for those who love to cook and entertain, featuring double ovens, a 36-inch cooktop, and a convenient pot filler.
59 Columbia Way Atoka, TN 38004 is a 5 bedroom/ 3 bathroom house located on the outskirts of Atoka, while still being just minutes from major travel corridors and city amenities. The house has been upgraded with larger trim, custom stained cabinets, leathered granite, black hardware, free standing soaker tub, stained cedar posts and shutters, and custom built shelving in the primary closet. The
Brand new build in what will be an incredible new neighborhood. This 4 bed 3 bath home has been so carefully thought out in every way. Don't miss this opportunity to own this home in brand new Shepherds Ridge. Seller offering a $20,000 builders bonus.
Rare Land Opportunity in Prime Atoka Development Area! No restrictions — located just outside the Atoka city limits in Tipton County. These are prime, hard-to-find lots in one of the area’s most desirable locations. Enjoy walking distance to top-rated schools, shopping, and recreation, plus low county taxes and unbeatable city access. This area is primed for future growth, making it an
This home has had several updates and is ready for move in. Located in a cove and walking distance to the splash pad. 3 bedrooms, 2 baths , separate laundry room, fenced in backyard with covered patio.
Charming, well maintained one level living at 469 Rosemark Road in Atoka. This three bedroom, two and a half bath home features new carpet and fresh paint throughout, including freshly painted kitchen cabinets and new fixtures. The Primary features an oversize walk in closet ready for all of your seasons. A massive walk up attic offers a fully expandable area for future growth. Schedule your
MOVE IN READY!! Luxury meets comfort in Lochmeade Estates! This 4BR, 4.5BA home (just under 3,600 sq ft) features 3 en suites upstairs, an upgraded kitchen, and fresh paint, lighting & flooring throughout. Relax on the screened porch or stroll the landscaped path to your private gazebo—perfect for enjoying breathtaking twilight views. 3-car garage + close to shopping, lake views & walking trails.
Apply now or schedule your self-tour today and take the first step toward getting more than just a place to live. Rent with FirstKey Homes for a home that's right for you, plus professional service and maintenance, innovative resident programs, and more; that's the power of purple!This 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom rental home in Atoka, TN, has a lot to offer; does it check all your boxes? See
SPACE, SPACE, AND MORE SPACE! This 5-bedroom, 3-bath home offers the room you've been looking for—both inside and out! From the long driveway and 2-car garage to the spacious open floor plan and large bedrooms, there is plenty of room for everyone. HVAC only 2 years old The formal dining room flows seamlessly into the living room and kitchen, creating an inviting layout for everyday living and
*First full month's rent will be full price *$12 monthly property insurance required additional Qualifications & Application Criteria $50 application fee per applicant Income verification criminal background check credit check : we look for a 600 but we are flexible on this with the option to sign up for credit monitoring Please send direct message if you
$2,450 per month
Room to Spread Out! 3-Bedroom Atoka Home with Bonus Room & Fenced Yard
Welcome to 319 Thomas Street in Atoka! This charming three-bedroom, two-bathroom home offers plenty of room to spread out, featuring a large bonus room, a huge fully fenced backyard, and a separate storage shed.Inside, the home has a warm and inviting feel with comfortable living spaces and plenty of natural light. A cozy fireplace anchors the main living area, creating a great space to
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
