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.
Have some soul food at Orange Mound Grill.
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Enjoy a college football game at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium.
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.
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. Melrose High School taught first through 12th grade until 1965 and only became a four-year high school in 1995. All three schools receive a C-minus from Niche. 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 $190,000 awarded as of March 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 1942. 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 Wingz 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 7 miles.
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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Affordable, older homes that sometimes need repairs
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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Locals can visit several Orange Mound parks
Lewis-Davis Park, which has a playground that kids can explore, 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 bring 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 Avenue. Memphis International Airport is about a 7-mile drive. Methodist University Hospital is about 4 miles away.
Memphis International Airport is just south of Orange Mound.
You can 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 early 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.
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On average, homes in Orange Mound, Memphis sell after 73 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Orange Mound, Memphis over the last 12 months is $87,000, down 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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