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.
Written By
Yann Ranaivo
Photography Contributed By
Mary Drost
Video By
Mike Dunleavy
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Germantown, TN sell after 55 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Germantown, TN over the last 12 months is $489,900, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This brand-new 2025 custom Germantown estate offers 5,400+ sq ft of refined living with a heated pool, hot tub, a peaceful 9.26-acre setting. A separate 2,400 sq ft cabin with its own pond provides an ideal guest retreat or home office. A stunning collector-grade, temperature-controlled wine room showcasing 2200 bottles anchors the home’s design. Custom Bevelo gas lanterns, white oak flooring,
OPEN HOUSE FEB. 1 FROM 2-4PM! Move-in ready+beautifully updated end-unit condo in the heart of Germantown! This pristine 2BR, 1.5BA home features a fully renovated kitchen, updated baths w/new vanities, sinks, toilets, flooring, mirrors + upgraded shower, new carpet up, refinished hardwood down, fresh paint, new front door, Ring cameras & NEW AC unit. Flexible floor plan offers 2 living
4 Bedrooms, 3 FULL Baths with a finished, rear WALKOUT lower level on a premium lot in FAIRVIEW FARM! Hard to find a brand new home with a WALKOUT on a lot with a wooded backdrop for under $450,000! Located just off Perry Crossing and Columbus Mann, Fairview Farm sits close to the Sellersburg/Memphis line with easy access to Sellersburg, I-65, schools, and only 5 minutes to Covered Bridge Golf
Jesse NiehausSchuler Bauer Real Estate Services ERA Powered (N
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
PRICE REDUCTION! 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
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,
25K 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.
$10,400 PRICE DROP!!! Unique features make this 5000+ sqft home a one-of-a-kind in Oakleigh subdivision. The spacious open kitchen offers Sub-Zero refrigerator, Viking gas cooktop with double ovens, instant hot water, and custom kitchen/laundry room cabinetry. A Gypsum custom fireplace in the living room with additional gas fireplace in the hearth room. Home has offices up/downstairs as well as
Well-maintained 3BR/2BA townhouse in desirable Whispering Oaks Condominiums, perfect for young professionals or downsizers seeking low-maintenance living in a convenient location. MAJOR UPDATES INCLUDE A NEW ROOF AND HVAC. The home features updated quartz countertops in the kitchen and baths, stainless steel appliances, wood laminate flooring and tile throughout, and a laundry closet located in
If your family is in need of space, don't miss this house! Room for everyone! Two bedrooms down, two bedrooms and a huge bonus up.(note room sizes!) This home has 3 full baths. Kitchen has new dishwasher and a double oven range. Relax in the sunroom that has sliding windows (that come with a warranty). Entertain and cookout on the covered back porch and huge covered deck. Private fenced yard with
Tucked in a quiet cove in the sought-after 38138 zip code, this beautifully maintained 5-bedroom, 3-bath home delivers over 4,100 square feet of space, style, and smart living. From the moment you enter, you're greeted by refinished hardwood floors and a layout that flows with ease—two downstairs bedrooms, including a generous primary suite, offer the perfect setup for multi-generational living,
Henry Halle built this one for himself- very private lot; tankless water heater in 2019; pool liner 09/25; pool equipment 2023; paint and updated Primary BR 2025; HVAC 2016 & 2019; Roof in 2016-very characteristic of a Halle home w/solid construction, open plan & contemporary.Current owner has made a few changes: removed a wall &opened the kitchen, installed a wood Fireplace insert w/proper
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
Updated 3 bed, 2 bath, single story in Riverdale/Houston High School districts. 2 car garage. Fenced yard. Screened/glassed sun room on rear. Owners will required a 12 month lease. Thank you.
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
Pets welcome! In the heart of Germantown. Close to everything, schools, grocery stores, parks, hospitals, shops and restaurants. Quiet and Safe cove, no through traffic. One floor ranch living, NO Carpet. New hardwood floor! Completely rebuilt, brand new covered patio for you and your pets to enjoy. 2 car garage. New dishwasher. Fully fenced in backyard. Can show anytime. 6 month lease minimum.
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
Don't miss this Beautiful Germantown Family Home! Complete Professional Renovation! New Everything! New Exterior and Interior Paint! New Hardwood Floors both Upstairs and Downstairs! New Plumbing! New Heat & Air! New Stainless Appliances with Gas Stove! New Two Car Garage! New back Patio! Pet friendly! All this PLUS the BEST Schools in Tennessee!! Riverdale Elementary and Middle School & Houston
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
Showings to start on January 2, 2025. Gorgeously renovated home with new roof, upgraded flooring, fresh interior paint, modern primary bathroom and more! Gorgeous shaded lot. There will be an application fee per adult. All security deposits & rental payments are paid to landlord directly. Lease agreement is also provided by landlord. Farmington Elementary, Riverdale Middle and Houston High
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
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
Spacious, stylish, and perfectly located! This beautiful 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home at 2598 Cedar Ridge Dr offers modern comfort with generous living spaces, a bright open floor plan, and a private landscaped backyard perfect for relaxing or entertaining. The kitchen is equipped with beautiful appliances, and the bathrooms are newer and thoughtfully updated. This home is minutes from top schools,
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