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:
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.
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On average, homes in Germantown, TN sell after 59 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Germantown, TN over the last 12 months is $485,000, up 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Brand new model home by John Duke Homes! Come see this new floor plan in collaboration with Warehouse 67. 4 bed (2 down), 4.5 bath featuring custom-crafted pecky cypress fireplace in living room, outdoor grill and lounge area, private pool with beautiful landscaping. You don't want to miss this one! Open during the Vesta Home show! Other lots and plans available!
OPEN HOUSE SAT 2-4. Move-In Ready Home with versatile floorplan, in one of the most convenient areas of Germantown! This charming home welcomes you with a large dining room open to a beautifully updated kitchen (tall white cabinets, granite counters & SS appliances), perfect for entertaining family & friends! Great room, with cozy FP, open to a large flex room (makes a wonderful music room, kid's
Nestled on a quiet cove lot in sought-after Collierville, this stunning 5-bedroom, 3-bath home offers the perfect blend of space, comfort, and timeless style. Beautiful hardwood floors flow throughout the main living areas, complemented by brand-new carpet for a fresh, move-in-ready feel. A thoughtful floor plan features both front and back staircases, adding charm and everyday convenience. The
Welcome home! Prepare to be enchanted by this stunning home featuring 2 primary bedrooms, 3 additional bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms. Inside, you'll love the elegant dining room, cozy den, inviting hearth room, and a bright breakfast area and kitchen. Step outside to your gorgeous backyard oasis with a sparkling gunite swimming pool, relaxing hot tub, outdoor shower, and convenient bathroom—your
Spacious & stylish in the heart of Germantown! This 4BR/2.5BA home offers over 3,000 SF of comfort with hardwood floors, plantation shutters, smooth ceilings, and a bright, open floor plan. The large kitchen is perfect for gatherings, while the versatile bonus room suits work or play. Recent updates include 2 HVACs, expanded electrical panel, newer roof and new carpet in the bedrooms. Step
Beautiful townhouse-style condo in the desirable Kimbrough Forest Condominium Association in Germantown! This spacious 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home offers generous living areas and an updated kitchen with ample storage. Features include a built-in office niche under the stairs, new flooring upstairs, new staircase treads, corner fireplace downstairs, upscale primary closets, laundry and bedrooms on
Under $600k! Tucked in a quiet Germantown cove and packed with updates, this move-in ready 4 bed, 2.5 bath beauty is ready to impress! From the moment you step into the soaring two-story foyer, you’ll feel right at home in this 3,800+ sq ft stunner. ALL bedrooms are up, including a spacious bonus room and a completely remodeled primary bath you’ll never want to leave. The main level boasts fresh
Located in the Galway Green subdivision, this well-maintained home sits in a quiet cove and features 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths. The spacious living room offers soaring ceilings, creating a bright and open feel. The home has been newly painted throughout and includes an updated kitchen, nicely sized bedrooms, and generous closets. The entire second floor features brand new carpet and flooring.
Located on a quiet corner lot in a wonderful Germantown neighborhood, this single-story home offers space, functionality, and an ideal location. Featuring 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths, the split floorplan provides privacy and flexibility for a variety of lifestyles. Gleaming hardwood floors run throughout most the home, complemented by formal living and dining rooms perfect for entertaining. The
5.25% assumable VA loan and you don't have to be a Veteran. Call for details. 5 bedroom/3 full bath home in great condition. Roof less than 3yrs old! 3 bedrooms down and two large bedrooms up. Formal living area and a greatroom. Kitchen and primary bath updated. Great location of Germantown. Home backs to Forgey Park.
Lovely home in Kimbrough Grove just steps from the Wolf River medical corridor and Wolf River Greenway. This well-maintained 4BR/4BA property offers easy-care exterior features and generous interior space. The main level includes a comfortable living room with bay window and fireplace, dining room, office, breakfast room, and a hearth room with a second fireplace. The kitchen is adjacent to a
1353 Cattail Cove is a gorgeous newly renovated gem nestled in a quite cove in the coveted River Birch Farms of Germantown. This elegant two-story home offers over 2800sq ft of modern living space with 4 spacious bedrooms and 2.5 baths. This house has been meticulously renovated inside and out, this seller thought of everything! New flooring, inter/exter paint, light & water fixtures, toilets,
50k Price Improvement! Beautifully renovated Germantown home in a prestigious cove with 1.2 acres and an open, spacious layout perfect for entertaining. Features a stunning oversized master closet that you need to see to believe (added upstairs from original closet), theater room with room for 120" screen, new hardwood and marble floors, fresh paint, quartzite countertops, and updated
Completed in May 2024 by Griffin Elkington Builder, this stunning Germantown home offers 5 bedrooms and 4.5 baths with 2 bedrooms down. Interiors feature 10’–13’ ceilings on the main level and 9’ upstairs, creating a light, airy feel throughout. The open kitchen boasts quartz countertops, GE Profile appliances, and a six-burner gas cooktop, flowing seamlessly into the living room with fireplace.
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
Convenient location in Germantown! Close to dining and shopping. 4br's and 2.5baths. New range being installed and glass for the showers. Two living areas, formal dining, sunroom and breakfast area down. Large stone patio area, cove lot, large yard. One year lease preferred. Sec deposit same as rent. I'd prefer you call vs message in the sites.
Welcome to The Grove at Germantown Apartments Your Perfect Home AwaitsLocated in the heart of Germantown, TN, our community offers 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
Renovated 2 bedroom 2 full bath downstair unit. Great location. The unit has a formal dining room, Huge Den (Great room) and 2 big size primary and second bedroom down with central HVAC unit, laundry room, washer, dryer. Ready to move in condition. call for private showings
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
Available Immediately. Located in Germantown in the Fountain Square Condominiums, this 2 story, 3 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath condo has a huge eat-in kitchen, luxury vinyl plank and tile floors throughout, a laundry room, freshly painted interior, and a remodeled primary shower. It comes with a refrigerator, stove, and dishwasher. Other features include a wood fenced patio and a neighborhood pool.
Imagine a place where luxury is more than a feeling-it's a way of life like never before. Now picture Lakeview at Germantown, a new 55 and up community bringing comfortable elegance to the Germantown scene. Our luxurious 55 plus apartments in Germantown, TN, offer a distinctly sophisticated touch. Here, services and programs make each day unique, and every moment is social, refreshing, and
Charming 4 bedroom and 2.5 bath home in a wonderful neighborhood one block from Riverdale School in Germantown, TN. Freshly painted with new wood floors, new kitchen countertops, new carpet, new bathroom vanities, new light fixtures. Spacious master suite on first floor with 3 additional bedrooms upstairs. Move in ready. Available now. O/A
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, were
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
The Vineyards is a modern, pet-friendly apartment community in Germantown, Tennessee near downtown Memphis and I-240. We offer 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom luxury apartments for rent with an impressive selection of features, including full-sized washer/dryers, crown molding, balconies and patios, nine-foot ceilings, spacious floor plans and premium features available in select
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