Germantown, Tennessee

Families dominate the landscape here.  Youth sports, school activities and church are the primary ways people spend their time. Those who call Germantown home include two former Olympians (soccer and equestrian), three professional golfers, a former NFL quarterback, two Major League baseball players, two well-known actors, a soprano with the Metropolitan Opera, and members of two internationally known music recording groups. In addition to families with children, there are quite a few young professionals who live here, but most are married.  There are relatively few single people who live here except in Germantown's handful of apartment communities.

If you're looking for a good bar or live music, it's best to make the 15-20 minute trek into Memphis.  Otherwise, you are limited to chain restaurants that just happen to have a bar located next to the dining room.  It is a mystery why fine dining establishments have not fared well in this pocket of the Memphis area, since the average household income is high, but most have come and gone.  Good food at a reasonable price is available though, mostly at national known quick service restaurants or chains.

Because Germantown is such a desirable area to live in, rates tend to be a little higher here.  There are a few newer apartment communities that offer the latest amenities, but most apartments here are a little older.  However, there are some nicely done condominium communities where rentals sometimes become available.  You may have to do some searching in Germantown to find the perfect rental.

It is relatively easy to navigate through Germantown. While the main thoroughfares - Poplar, Poplar Pike and Germantown Road - tend to get clogged during peak hours, residents here know how to maneuver around the traffic to reach their destination. Germantown police are vigilant at maintaining the speed limit in this bedroom community even utilizing cameras mounted atop traffic signals. All of this attention to detail only adds to the city's reputation as a safe place to raise a family.

Look before you leap!  Germantown consists of approximately 18 square miles of very diverse offerings. Apartments in Germantown run the gamut from the very, very old to the newer and more modern. Be sure to check out condominiums that may be available for rent as well. You may also find a home for rent though it may be a little pricey in this community.

There is an active theatre group in Germantown that performs at the local community theatre.  Additionally, the Germantown Performing Arts Theatre, a beautiful facility located in the heart of the city, hosts concerts and other performances regularly. Other venues are within a 15-20 minute drive to Memphis. 

Cameron Brown Park is a favorite recreational area, and Shelby Farms, the largest urban park in the Memphis area, is just a 10-15 minute drive to the north in Cordova. There are numerous other small, local parks that contain ball diamonds, soccer fields and playground equipment.

Golfing is a major past-time in this community which is surrounded by top-quality golf courses.

The west side of Germantown tends to have the oldest homes and apartment communities.  The eastern side, reaching towards Collierville, contacts the newest developments.  Areas to the north and south contain a mixture of old and new.  There have been a number of high-end, zero-lot line communities developed within the past decade, as well as golf course developments.

You can find whatever you need within a stone's throw in Germantown.  There is an abundance of every service industry imaginable and a bank on just about every corner. A large fitness facility is located next to the Germantown Performing Arts Centre, but smaller gyms are also available in the community.  Most groceries and drugstores are open 24 hours. 

Retail and commercial service dominate this area but large corporations, such as FedEx and International Paper, have their corporate headquarters within a very short driving distance.  Many Germantown residents work in Memphis with some also making the short commute to Cordova, Collierville or north Mississippi.  The proliferation of retail and service establishments in Germantown means there are usually a large number of young employees working while in school or after they have completed their education.

The schools in Germantown are generally considered to be some of the best in the Memphis metropolitan area. Part of the Shelby County Schools system, there are three high schools, two middle schools, one K-8 school and three elementary schools.  Private schools in the area include Evangelical Christian School, St. George's Day School, the Madonna Learning Center, The Bodine School, Farmington Presbyterian Kindergarten, Our Lady of Perpetual Help and Daybreak Specialized School.  Other private schools in the Memphis area, such as Briarcrest Christian School, Lausanne, the Hutchison School, Memphis University School, St. Agnes and St. Mary's are within easy driving distance. 

Rentals range from the very reasonable to the very expensive, depending upon the age of the property.  Home prices also run the gamut.  With the exception of the newer, high-end zero-lot line homes, houses on the west side of Germantown tend to be less expensive than those on the est side.  Germantown has many large, estate sized homes with acreage in addition to smaller homes in typical residential subdivisions.

While the summers can get quite hot (90s most days), the winters can also be quite mild. The occasional, brief snowfall, which may happen two or three times a year, is enough to close down schools and shut down some businesses.