Munford blends small-town life with steady growth
Thanks to its location on U.S. Route 51, providing a straight shot into Memphis, Munford is a growing city on the northern edge of the metropolitan area. Despite a significant population increase in the past quarter-century, the community has held onto its small-town roots. "It's a real rural hometown. It's a small community where a lot of people know each other," says Ken Patrick, an affiliate broker with Colliers Realtors who works in the area. "It's a growing community, but you can still have breakfast with the same folks every day. I think the slogan is 'My kind of town.' That sums it up." The area's growth is bringing chain businesses to town, but locally owned spots still form the backbone of the community. Recreation is available at city parks, ranging from developed sports fields to natural wooded areas that offer a taste of the Tennessee countryside.
Subdivisions and rural properties for lower costs than nearby areas
Ranch-style homes comprise much of the community, often with brick exteriors and attached garages. New Traditional houses from the 21st century are also common in the area. Munford has a mix of suburban neighborhoods and rural properties. Most subdivisions have small lots and sidewalks lining the streets, with some trees scattered throughout the front lawns. The rural areas have larger yards and long driveways leading to the homes. These parts of the community have more greenery, with leafy trees adding to the rural feel. The median sales price for a single-family home is around $310,000, lower than in the nearby cities of Atoka and Millington. The community's CAP Index Crime Score of 2 out of 10 is lower than the national average of 4.
Public schools earn solid ratings and well-known extra curriculars
Munford Elementary School earns an A-minus from Niche. Munford Middle School gets a B-plus, while Munford High School receives a B. The high school is known for its band program, which has won several state championship competitions and national awards. The band performs three formal concerts each year and competes at national tournaments throughout the spring. Munford High also offers career-focused courses in agriculture and criminal justice.
Chains and locally owned businesses provide a mix of options
Munford's growth has brought chain stores and restaurants to town, like Starbucks and Chick-fil-A. But Patrick says the locally owned businesses are still popular. "Las Margaritas is a Mexican restaurant that everyone likes to go eat at," he says. "Outlaw Bar-B-Que is awesome. It's so good. They support the schools, too. They're local, they're not a chain, and they do a great job." Other locally owned restaurants include Munford Donuts and JT's Burgers & Wings. Groceries are available at Kroger on Highway 51 or Naifeh's Food Market on Crigger Street. Haddad's is a department store selling outdoor equipment, furniture and hardware. More shopping is available in Millington, including Walmart and other big-box stores.
Munford parks feature fishing, frisbee golf and more
Multiple parks around the city provide lots of recreation. "Valentine Park is a great park where there are a lot of kids' sports and a dog park. They have frisbee golf. It's a really popular park," Patrick says. This expansive green space on the city's north side also has two playgrounds, a fishing lake and walking trails. Centennial Park is a large sports complex with five baseball and softball fields, a playground and a walking path. Football and tennis are popular activities at Poplar Park, located in the center of town. This site is also home to the city's skate park.
Community members come together each fall for city-wide festival
The city hosts an annual event known as Celebrate Munford each October at City Hall. The one-day festival features arts and crafts vendors, live music and a car show. Money from the event goes back into the community, funding scholarships for high school students and grants for local organizations.
U.S. Route 51 offers a direct commute into Memphis
Highway 51 is the main road through Munford, leading about 26 miles into downtown Memphis. Baptist Memorial Hospital is about 10 miles north in Covington. Memphis International Airport is 36 miles away via Highway 51 and Interstate 40.
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Written By
Matthew Atkins
