The Memphis suburb of Germantown TN is an historic city first settled in 1825 along the Cherokee Trace, one of the early trails in the area, and incorporated in 1841. War and disease reduced the population to 400 by the middle of the 20th century, but the city grew to nearly 40,000 in the next five decades. Growth was controlled through development regulations and controls, and strategic planning, making the city one of few in the area that has maintained its original design, adding to its attractiveness.
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With a median family income well over $100,000, the home styles and prices reflect the affluent nature of the city. The median home prices in Germantown are over 4 times that of the city of Memphis ($284,000 to $67,000); affordability is an issue for many families. Since 2000, though, the population has increased by just over 20%, and the trend is for continued steady growth.
The inventory of available homes in Germantown is small, as the overall occupancy rate within the city is 96%. Homes are large for the most part, with two-thirds containing four or more bedrooms. The median age is 45.7 years old in the city, but 34% of families still have children under 18 years old. With 79% of homes built between 1970 and 2000, they tend to be set back off the streets, be more than one story, stately and impressive. Over 88% of all are single family detached structures in a mixture of styles and architectures, with only a sprinkling of multi-family units, and few complexes.
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There is never a loss for things to do as a family in Germantown. Because of its proximity to Memphis and other suburbs, within a 15 mile radius there are 19 movie theaters, 23 libraries, 2 museums, and over 2,000 restaurants. Culture and family entertainment are plentiful and close by for residents and visitors to the city.
Many of these venues are within walking distance from various neighborhoods, and the streets are safer in Germantown than almost any other city. On a scale from 1 to 100, with 100 the most dangerous, Germantown rates a very low 38 for personal crime risk, and a low 58 for property crime. Children can walk to school, parks, and movies safely, residents can jog or walk at night without fear, and doors are locked at night from habit, not from necessity. Few cities can match this level of safety.
The schools in Germantown are top rated statewide. Houston High School, the only high school in the city, has attained a rating of 9 on Great School’s 10 point rating system. Students there are more proficient in math and English than the state levels. The elementary and middle schools are equally ranked, with three elementary and two middle schools attaining a perfect 10 rating. Germantown students are ready to compete with those of any other system, nationwide. In 2010, 98% of the city’s population over 25 years old had obtained a high school diploma or higher. More than half of the population has a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average.
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As might be expected, Germantown is predominantly a white collar town, with senior managers, executives and degreed professionals making up the lion’s share of the work force. Top industries include healthcare, education, and professional, technical, and scientific services. Unemployment is virtually non-existent, and the typical commute is on the order of 20 minutes for those who drive into Memphis or other suburbs daily.
Germantown’s city government sponsors several programs which promote a healthy environment and wellness for all ages. The city is a pilot "Healthy Community" for the Tennessee Governor's Foundation for Health & Wellness. The "Healthy Germantown" initiative actively encourages healthy living by promoting physical activity, healthy food choices, and stopping tobacco use.
The city maintains numerous parks with walking and jogging trails, athletic fields and exercise stations, and hosts a year round Farmer's Market at the Bobby Lanier Farm Park. Frequent events and competitions include the Germantown Half Marathon and Mayors Cup 5K Run, Night Rider Family Bike Ride, and youth and adult sports leagues and special events throughout the year.
Organic produce is available from local farmers in season, and several berry farms have sprung up nearby. Germantown is a fitness-minded city.
Shopping in Germantown includes visits to such high-end retailers as J. Crew and Talbots, and a host of local boutiques, which are clustered together along a central corridor. Shoppers can stroll through the area, and take snack or lunch breaks at any of several excellent locally-owned restaurants. Chains are numerous, but those in the know stick to hearty, home-cooked breakfasts and diner-style lunches offering traditional meat-and-three options. Germantown's retail districts are rewarding, but you almost need a local guide. The city has enacted some very restrictive sign ordinances, making chains, high-end, and local venues equally hard to find. The experience is well worth the search.
Germantown is one of the most affluent, and most expensive suburbs in the Memphis area, but has retained its allure over time, and continues to be the “step up” for those who can afford to purchase a home there.
