Memphis Suburbs: Best Suburbs of Memphis Tennessee

Your Guide to the Soulful Suburbs of Memphis

Memphis is not just a city; it’s the vibrant, beating heart of a region rich with diverse and spirited communities. For those seeking the charm of a smaller town, excellent schools, and peaceful amenities, the municipalities surrounding Memphis offer an exceptional quality of life without losing easy access to the city’s legendary food, music, and culture. These vibrant communities are collectively known as the Memphis suburbs, and they offer something for everyone.

Located in the greater Shelby County region, six municipalities ring Memphis: Bartlett, Germantown, Arlington, Millington, Collierville, and Lakeland. Cordova is also a prominent suburb. Access to these cities and towns outside of Memphis, TN is easy using the 385-highway system. Governed by their own elected officials, each community celebrates a unique background and flair, and city life is never far away.

Exploring the Unique Charms of Memphis’ Neighboring Towns

Collierville, TN

Collierville is often praised for its picturesque town square and high quality of life. The suburb is known for its upscale neighborhoods, top-rated schools, and numerous parks and green spaces. It’s often cited among the best suburbs of Memphis.

Vibe: Charming spot filled with boutique shops, restaurants, and community events. The historic town square was ranked in 2014 as Parade Magazine’s Best Main Street in America.
Amenities: The outdoor mall, The Avenue at Carriage Crossing, keeps the charming feel of the town center.
Events: Notable events include a summer concert series, farmers market, a symphony in the Rose Garden, and their new annual Collierville BrewFest.

Germantown, TN

Germantown is synonymous with luxury and affluence and is located directly to the east of Memphis, Tennessee suburbs. It has been named one of the nation’s top ten small cities for working parents by Forbes Magazine.

Vibe: A close-knit community with strong family ties, high-end shopping and dining options.
Amenities: Renowned for its excellent schools, beautiful parks, and well-planned infrastructure. The Saddle Creek shopping district is a key regional shopping destination and features the Mid-South’s only Apple Store.
Culture: The Germantown Performing Arts Center is a cultural hub. Annual festivals include the Family Fourth Celebration, the Germantown Charity Horse Show, the Germantown Festival, and a holiday parade and tree lighting.

Bartlett, TN

Located directly to the north of Memphis, Bartlett is a historic suburb with a strong sense of community. Founded in November 1866, it’s now the 12th largest city in Tennessee with nearly 60,000 residents, yet it hasn’t lost its small-town charm.

Vibe: Well-maintained neighborhoods and excellent public schools, ideal for families seeking a suburban lifestyle with city conveniences.
Amenities: The Bartlett Performing Arts and Conference Center provides ample recreational and cultural opportunities, along with several popular parks, bowling alleys, and movie theatres.
Economy: Key employers include Saint Francis Hospital-Bartlett, First South Financial, Brother International Corporation, and Olympus.
Events: Hosts various community events, including the popular Bartlett Festival.

Cordova, TN

Cordova is a bustling suburb known for its family-friendly atmosphere and convenient location northeast of Memphis. This area is a key part of the larger suburbs of Memphis.

Vibe: Blends suburban living with easy access to the city. Families appreciate the good schools and nearby numerous parks.
Amenities: Boasts numerous shopping centers, including the expansive Wolfchase Galleria, a variety of dining options, and a mix of housing from modern apartments to spacious single-family homes.

Arlington, TN

Arlington, situated further northeast, is one of the fastest-growing Memphis towns. It retains a charming, rural feel while offering modern amenities.

Vibe: Known for its excellent schools and tight-knit community, it’s a great place to take a peek into the past.
History & Attractions: Attractions include the Rachel H.K. Burrow Museum that holds a collection of local memorabilia and historical items, a historic post office museum, and one of the few remaining blacksmith shops still operating in the United States.
Events: Hosts several family-friendly events throughout the year, such as the Arlington in April festival and the Star Spangled Celebration.

Lakeland, TN

Lakeland, a small yet rapidly growing suburb, offers a peaceful, small-town feel with the benefits of proximity to the city.

Vibe: It has been designated among the top 10 most affordable places to live in Tennessee. It attracts those looking for a quiet, community-centric lifestyle while only being a short drive to the Cordova or Houston Levee areas.
Amenities: The suburb features numerous lakes and parks. It is currently developing a new Lake District, a 160-acre mixed-use community featuring retail space, hotels, new housing developments, and an assisted living community.

Millington, TN

Millington is one of the six municipalities ringing Memphis in the greater Shelby County region.

Vibe: Defined by a strong military presence and city life amenities being built frequently.
Military Hub: Millington is home to the Navy’s Human Resources Center of Excellence (formerly a training base until 1993), which is home to more than 7,500 military, civilian, and contract workers.
Signature Events: As the home of a military base, Millington’s Annual Flag City Freedom Celebration draws more than 30,000 people for their Independence Day celebrations. Other notable events include their Air Shows and the annual Goat Days Festival during the second week of September that kicks off with the World’s Greatest Goat Parade (yes, it is exactly what it sounds like!).

Find Your Community in the Memphis Suburbs

Each municipality surrounding the Bluff City offers its own unique rhythm, ensuring there is a perfect spot for every lifestyle. Whether you’re drawn to the picturesque charm of Collierville’s historic square, the modern convenience of Cordova, the high quality of life in Germantown, or the small-town history of Arlington, you don’t have to choose between convenience and community. These Memphis suburbs provide the tranquility and amenities you seek while keeping the vibrant heart of Soul City just a short, easy drive away. The Memphis region is defined by the energy of its people, and we invite you to Bring Your Soul to whichever community feels like home.