The history of North Memphis is one of change. From bustling industries to times of struggle, to a new era of people coming together to form communities in which they could thrive.
North
North Memphis is filled with doers, dreamers, and believers. It’s an area unlike any other in Memphis with people who live life on their own terms. Despite the obstacles and challenges, North Memphis is filled with people who work every day to make positive change happen in their community. This is the home of the Memphis’ “Grit and Grind.” Business owners, civic leaders, pastors, and the dedicated members of this community are the glue that holds North Memphis together and is pulling them towards a brighter future.
Klondike and Smokey City
The Klondike and Smokey City neighborhoods were two of the first primarily black neighborhoods in the city of Memphis. In the years following the closure of plants and other factories, houses were boarded up, the neighborhoods became blighted, and the area has seen its share of decline. Today they’re primed for a comeback, with investment and revitalization taking hold in surrounding neighborhoods, with projects like Crosstown Concourse and the Pinch District inviting residents, investors and businesses.
Learn more about the history of the Klondike and Smokey City neighborhoods here through the “On The Ground” series powered by High Ground News.
Frayser
Frayser is populated by residents who are heavily invested in their neighborhood’s future, fighting for the survival and betterment of their schools, grocery stores, community centers, and other assets necessary for success.
Frayser is filled with hard working people who are at the front of the movement in Memphis that encourages homeownership amongst residents of all income levels. Community centers are pillars of this community, where residents are encouraged to vote, be active, and engage their children in a variety activities year-round.
Raleigh
Living in Raleigh provides residents with the conveniences of suburban life, but with shorter commutes and great cost of living. With housing stock built primarily in the 60s and 70s, the homes are affordable, well built, and ready to be made into the home of your dreams. There are shopping options for everyone on Austin Peay Road as well as doctor’s offices, libraries, and a hospital right in the area.
Like other North Memphis areas, Raleigh has seen its share of ups and downs, but the neighborhood is poised for a revival. At the site of the former Raleigh Springs Mall, the City of Memphis is building the Raleigh Springs Town Center that will feature a state of the art library with a teen tech center, a police traffic center and station, a large skate park, and a second-story rooftop observation area overlooking an adjacent lake.
Binghampton
Binghampton is where diversity thrives. It’s one of the most multicultural parts of Memphis with strong immigrant communities living right next to families who have been there for generations. The Binghampton International Festival had their inaugural celebration in 2017, and there’s always something happening on the beloved Broad Ave that celebrates the diverse cultures of that community.
There are strong non-profits working to improve the lives of every Binghampton resident. Non-profits in the area include Service Over Self, Agape, the Center for Transforming Communities, Memphis Immigration Advocates, Refugee Empowerment Program, and many more.
You may also be interested in: South Memphis
