Memphis, Tennessee is a wonderful city best known for its lively blues music, sensational BBQ, and rich cultural history. However the hustle and bustle of an urban dwelling isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, no matter how much they like to partake in the fun on the weekends. Sometimes it’s nice to have a peaceful neighborhood to come home to on a school night to keep the kids on routine. Luckily there are plenty of family-friendly towns right outside of Memphis that can fulfill the need to be close enough to the action, but far enough away as well, giving you the best of both worlds for your family.
First up is Collierville, with a population of just under 50,000 people, located east of Memphis. This tight-knit community offers an award-winning town square, a brand new high school, and a plethora of business offerings seeming to pop up every day. Many current residents say it’s the perfect place to start and raise a family, priding themselves on a low crime rate, quaint atmosphere, and friendly neighbors.
Located slightly closer to downtown Memphis, Germantown is next on the list. It’s a marginally less-populated town, compared to Collierville, which is a bit more culturally diverse and known for their great public school system. Germantown is also the perfect place for outdoor activities with their numerous nature trails and public parks.
Lakeland is the next town on our list, and is arguably the most quiet of them all. With under 15,000 residents, it is known for that Small Town, USA feel. There is limited nightlife, but plenty of places where “everybody knows your name.” If you are a fan of the simpler things in life, this town is the one for you.
Olive Branch, Mississippi is located just south of the Tennessee border, but still technically considered a suburb of Memphis. It is the embodiment of Southern Hospitality and has plenty of job opportunities with easy commutes. Its residents say it is constantly growing with new restaurants, stores, and housing subdivisions popping up every time they turn around! The secret is definitely out about this awesome little town.
Last, but not least, we have Arlington. It is located northeast of Memphis with about a 30 minute drive to downtown Memphis. The sense of community is strong in this town, with multiple accounts of neighbors helping neighbors and friends helping friends. There is an adorable historic downtown, with plenty of family-oriented community activities happening throughout the year.
As you can see, though Memphis might be your main target, don’t be afraid to venture just outside of town! You never know what type of gem you might find for you and your family.