Orange Mound, Memphis is the first Black neighborhood in the U.S.
Founded in 1890, Orange Mound became part of Memphis in 1919. “It’s the first Black neighborhood in the United States that was engineered and built by Black homeowners,” says Claudette Boyd, president of the Orange Mound Community Parade Committee, who has lived in the area for about 50 years. “We’re older than Harlem.” The area’s rich history is visible everywhere, from the Historic Melrose High School to the Orange Mound Grill to Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, built in 1879. Residents are dedicated to preserving the neighborhood’s identity and history. “We’re trying to hold onto authentic Orange Mound,” Boyd says.
Melrose High School in Memphis has innovative teaching methods.
The Orange Mound Community Parade Committee (OMCPC) was founded in 1990 to honor the Southern Heritage Classic, a rival football game between Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Tennessee State University (TSU) and Jackson State University, held every September. “We just decided to do something for the community,” Boyd says. “All the children and everybody, they just come and look and have a good time.” The parade rolls through Orange Mound, with marching bands and groups from both colleges dancing through the street. “We have people all over the United States who come and participate in parades, and it’s a great thing,” Boyd says. The OMPC hosts other community events, such as book signings with local authors, and residents can attend games at Melrose Stadium.
Older homes that sometimes need repairs cost $250,0000 or less
While Orange Mound’s backyards are filled with mature trees, the grassy front lawns are decorated with bushes, trees and flowers. Sidewalks line the roads, interrupted by driveways that can fit at least one car. Most houses in the neighborhood were built in the early to mid-20th century, including ranch styles, bungalows and shotgun-style homes. Prices typically fall between $35,000 and $250,000, with less expensive options needing repairs.
Homes in Orange Mound showcase architectural diversity and community pride.
Orange Mound's housing market caters to a variety of lifestyles and budgets.
Ranch-style homes are sprinkled throughout Orange Mound.
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Melrose Alumni Association supports current students
As part of Memphis Shelby County Schools, students can start at Dunbar Elementary School before attending Sherwood Middle School, both of which receive a C from Niche. Melrose High School taught first through 12th grade until 1965 and only became a four-year high school in 1995. It has a D-plus. The school’s rich network of graduates has come together to form the Melrose High School Alumni Association, founded in 1978. “We have the Melrose Alumni Association because all of us live, breathe and move in the same community,” Boyd says. The association’s mission is to give deserving students scholarships to further their education, with over $325,000 awarded as of November 2025.
Dunbar Elementary School is a public school serving grades PK-7 in Memphis.
Sherwood Middle is a public school located in Memphis.
Orange Mound is home to schools dedicated to academic excellence.
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Locally owned restaurants and groceries near major retailers
Orange Mound is home to several locally owned businesses. “Ms. Daisy has been at Orange Mound Grill for 50 years,” Boyd says, speaking about the soul food restaurant that opened in the 1940s. The establishment has been under its current owner since 1973. “It’s a staple of the community. They’ve had the same customers for generations.” Other eateries include Pop’s Tamales and The Wing Factory. Several small grocery stores like Landmark Farmers Market and Carnes Mini Market Grocery are in town. Superlo Foods is about 1 mile away. “I go to Costco because my grandbaby works there,” Boyd says. Costco is about a 12-mile drive. Walmart, Target and Lowe’s are all within a 10-mile drive.
Stop by the Landmark Farmers Market in Orange Mound.
Enjoy one of the many flavors of wings at The Wing Factory in Orange Mound.
Stop by Superlo Foods just south of Orange Mound for all your fresh food needs.
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Locals can visit several Orange Mound parks
Lewis-Davis Park, which has a playground, is just one of several options for residents. “We’re parked out,” Boyd says. “We’ve got plenty of parks.” Families can visit the splash pad and fountains at Orange Mound Park before walking a few blocks to the Orange Mound Community and Senior Center, where they can swim year-round at the indoor pool.
Enjoy a stroll on the paved walking path at Lewis Davis Park in Memphis.
Challenge friends to a game of basketball on the court at Orange Mound Park.
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Memphis public transit and highways take residents across the city
Downtown Memphis is about 5 miles away. Part of U.S. Route 78 and state Route 4, which locals call Lamar Avenue, runs along the neighborhood, connecting with Interstate 240. Memphis Area Transit Authority manages bus routes along Lamar and Park avenues. Memphis International Airport is about a 7-mile drive. Methodist University Hospital is about 4 miles away.Orange Mound receives a CAP Index Crime Score of 9 out of 10, higher than the national average of 4.
Memphis International Airport is just south of Orange Mound.
Catch a bus from any major road in Orange Mound.
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Orange Mound community preserves its history through new library
With development happening across the railroads from the neighborhood, including the construction of new homes, Liberty Park and the Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, residents are focused on maintaining Orange Mound. “As a Black historical community, we should have more organized, concerted efforts to make sure that we keep our community as strong as possible,” Boyd says. Some of this preservation is coming now, with the Historic Melrose High School being turned into the Orange Mound Library with a genealogy center in April 2024. “We’re so happy to get this done,” Boyd says. “We’re trying to work and make sure they don’t forget us. Our history is important, too.”
The Historic Melrose School in Orange Mound dates back to 1938.
The Historic Melrose School is the future site of a library, and a genealogy center.
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
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Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Orange Mound
US
Homicide
6
4
Sexual Assault
7
4
Assault with Weapon
8
4
Robbery
8
4
Burglary
5
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
5
4
Larceny
5
4
Crime Score
9
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Orange Mound Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Orange Mound, Memphis sell after 70 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Orange Mound, Memphis over the last 12 months is $87,500, down 15% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Well priced and move in ready, this 4 bedroom 2 bath home offers central heat and air and 1691 square feet. Ideal entry level opportunity for an owner occupant or an investor. The large partially finished upstairs area provides flexibility for storage or future conversion into additional living space. Recent improvements include a new roof and gutters in March 2024, exterior paint in 2024, fresh
TENANT OCCUPIED, DO NOT DISTURB TENANT. Drive by ONLY! Property is rented for $995/month & the lease expires 4/30/2026. Cash tenant. Copy of the lease available upon request. No showings without an accepted contract. Make offers contingent on inspection. Being sold as a package along with 3432 Radford 38111, 5090 Belfast 38127, 686 Delta 38109, 782 Frayser 38127, 4401 Guildhall 38128, & 3651 N
Great investment opportunity! Each unit offers 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Some repairs are needed to bring these spacious units to their full potential, making them ideal for any investor portfolio. Inspection day Nov 1, 2025 10-11:30 am This unit can be sold individually or as a package with 1239 Ethel and 1218 Ethel.
Welcome to University Crossings Apartments. University Crossings is a group of 5 communities managed from one office. All are the ideal location for the hardworking co-ed. Each community is only a short walk that puts you on campus in time for your 8 a.m. class and located just steps away is the Highland Strip that includes many entertainment and dining choices. With slight variations between the
Welcome home to this cozy 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom house in Memphis, perfect for comfortable family living. Step inside to enjoy an updated kitchen, making daily routines easier and more convenient. The warm hardwood flooring throughout the home adds character and a welcoming feel to every room. Outside, a fenced backyard provides a safe and private space for kids to play, relaxing weekends, or
Charming 2 Bedroom Townhouse in Gated Community – Steps from U of M & Highland Strip!Location: University of Memphis NeighborhoodPrice: $1,000/mo with washer & dryer | $900/mo withoutBedrooms: 2Bathrooms: 1.5Square Feet: 969Type: TownhouseWelcome home to this cozy and conveniently located 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath townhouse in a gated community just across the street
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