Following the war, a yellow fever epidemic nearly destroyed Memphis. The city lost its charter in 1879. The city was saved by a new sewer system, the first of its kind and a new supply of artesian water and it remains known to this day for its pure water.

The city would be plagued nonetheless by the deeply rooted divides over race and poverty. There would be many who would emerge as heroes and villains throughout the next century in Memphis history. The early history of Memphis truly reads like a great southern novel. But in the later half of the twentieth century, Memphis’ history would be shaped by an event that would also shape our nation. In 1968, the civil rights struggle was at its height and Dr. Martin Luther King, Nobel Peace Prize winner, was at the center of the debate. He had come to Memphis to speak on behalf of the Memphis Sanitation Workers and their dignity and economic equity. He was there to address the realities of the working poor and draw the attention of America to their struggles. Although his commitment had always been to non-violent change, his life was violently taken on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis on April 4, 1968. Many of these contributions to the ceaseless struggles of bettering human relations are commemorated in the National Civil Rights Museum which was built at the Lorraine Motel where King was assassinated. It stands as a shrine to the human spirit, to justice, sacrifice, courage and peace. Memphis has always and will continue to be a beacon of hope for those longing to see the dreams of Dr. King come to fruition both in the country and around the world. Its history is both marred with pain and painted with hope of how this struggle is not only a worthy one, but one in which Memphians place their belief.

·        Midtown – Midtown and Chickasaw Gardens are home to many of the loveliest streets in Memphis. Some of the oldest and most fantastic homes are located in this area and paint a streetscape that any passerby would be taken in by. There are small cottage-type homes to large, million-dollar estates. The residents are as diverse as the housing options in Midtown. Many of the older homes in this area have undergone tremendous renovations to accommodate families. In the Cooper-Young district many homes are within walking distance of local eateries and nightlife. Overton Square boasts as many options for entertainment as any other area in Memphis and the housing in this area is beautiful. The whole package…culture and living all wrapped up in a beautiful package in Midtown. Median home price - $95,000 - $126,000

·        East Memphis – The I-240 loop is what most Memphians consider the border of the great city of Memphis, with Highland being the western boarder. One of the most familiar and popular stretches of road that runs through the city is the well-known Polar Avenue. It runs as a vital artery for east/west traffic through East Memphis and is lined with some of Memphis’ finest shopping and beautiful homes. Audubon Park is found in East Memphis as well and contains the magnificent Memphis Botanical Gardens. Homes in this area are some of the finest that the city has to offer and the prices can reflect that reality. Median home price - $185,000 - $300,783

·        Cordova – Cordova has absolutely exploded in the last decade. What was simply an add-on suburb of Germantown in the early 90’s is now a thriving community in and of itself with shopping centers galore, restaurants, office centers and churches to boot. Shelby Farms, the state’s largest urban part and one of the largest land grants in the nation is found in Cordova. It offers a plethora of outdoor activities to be enjoyed alongside the Wolf River. Homes in Cordova are primary new construction and there are many new options as far as neighborhoods from which to choose. Median home price - $179,439

·        Frayser – Frayser is just north of downtown and near Shelby Forrest, which is a very convenient location. IT is well known for its fantastic hills, beautiful old trees and lush pastures. There are a wide variety of homes in this area in the moderate range. Some of these homes are the older, stately homes or ranch homes and others are the smaller bungalow types that were built one hundred plus years ago. Median home price - $45,992

There are many other neighborhoods in other areas of Memphis from North to South Memphis, each with its own unique positive attributes. Deciding where to live in Memphis is no easy task considering the multitude of great options to choose from.