Highland Realty Services · Investment Guide

Investor Edition

Highland Realty Services Investment Guide: Memphis Zip Codes

Our notes on 29 Memphis-area zip codes

A zip-by-zip read of Memphis as a place to own fix-and-rent and buy-and-hold rentals. Data pulled November 12, 2026. Every deal is still underwritten on its own numbers — conditions change block by block.

How we grade

Each zip gets a 0–100 composite score built only from property, market, and safety data. Each factor is scaled from the worst to the best zip in this guide, then weighted:

GradeScoreMeaning for a rental investor
A65+Strongest fundamentals: low crime, low vacancy, steady appreciation. Typical values are at the high end of the Memphis market, so cash flow is thin.
B52–64Solid, stable rental areas with moderate risk and light rehab. Typical values are generally higher than in the focus (buy-box) zips.
C42–51Workable cash-flow areas with mixed risk. Underwrite carefully and work street by street.
D32–41High risk: high vacancy and crime, falling or flat values, and heavier rehab.
Funder 32Weakest fundamentals for fix-and-rent (very high crime or vacancy, falling values, or a market that is mostly apartments or condos).

Grade count (29 zips): A = 3 · B = 7 · C = 7 · D = 7 · F = 5

Section 8 (Housing Choice Voucher) activity is shown for rental-demand context only. It is not used in the grade.

Memphis zip map

All 29 zips in this guide, colored by investment grade. Buy-box zips have a bold outline and bold labels. The numbered hatched bands are our buy-and-hold sweet spot, described in the next section. Boundaries are U.S. Census Bureau TIGER/Line 2020 ZCTAs.

Map of 29 Memphis-area zip codes colored by Highland Realty Services investment grade, with buy-box zips in a bold outline and numbered hatched bands marking the buy-and-hold sweet spot.

Figure 1. All 29 zips by investment grade. Buy-box zips are drawn with a bold outline. Numbered hatched bands are our buy-and-hold sweet spot. Gray outlines are nearby zips not in this guide.

Our buy-and-hold sweet spot

This is Highland Realty Services’ sweet spot for the buy-and-hold investor. The numbered, hatched bands on the map are approximate — they mark broad areas, not precise property or street lines.

Closer map of four numbered, hatched bands marking Highland Realty Services’ buy-and-hold sweet spot across southern Raleigh, eastern Frayser, Berclair, the University District and East Memphis border, northern Parkway Village, western Hickory Hill, and eastern Westwood.

Figure 2. Closer view of the four buy-and-hold sweet-spot areas. The bands are broad areas, not precise property lines.

  1. Southern Raleigh into eastern Frayser

    A band along the southern part of 38128 (Raleigh) that extends west into the eastern edge of 38127 (Frayser).

  2. Berclair through East Memphis into northern Parkway Village

    A north–south strip from the south edge of 38128, through 38122 (Berclair), along the shared border of 38111 (University District) and 38117 (East Memphis: White Station, Sea Isle), and into the northern part of 38118 (Parkway Village).

  3. Western Hickory Hill

    A smaller area on the western edge of 38115 (Hickory Hill north), next to 38118.

  4. Eastern Westwood

    An area in the eastern part of 38109 (Westwood), near its border with 38116 (Whitehaven).

Zips in or along these areas: 38109, 38111, 38115, 38117, 38118, 38122, 38127, and 38128. Several of these are in the buy box; 38117 is not. As with every grade in this guide, conditions change block by block — underwrite the specific street.

Buy-box zips at a glance

These nine zips are in the Highland Realty Services buy box — our current focus for acquisitions: 38108, 38109, 38111, 38112, 38115, 38118, 38122, 38127, and 38128. Typical value, rent, and the 5-year trend are Zillow (September 2026), shown as the data average. Highland Realty generally rents about $150 to $250 more than the average; a Highland Realty rent estimate sits next to each public-data figure. Figures are approximate.

38108 C
Nutbush
Typical value
$67K
Typical rent
Data average $1,085 Highland Realty rent estimate $1,235 to $1,335
5-yr trend
+10%
38109 C
Westwood
Typical value
$88K
Typical rent
Data average $1,151 Highland Realty rent estimate $1,301 to $1,401
5-yr trend
+4%
38111 C
University District / U of M
Typical value
$131K
Typical rent
Data average $1,280 Highland Realty rent estimate $1,430 to $1,530
5-yr trend
+2%
38112 D
Vollintine-Evergreen
Typical value
$120K
Typical rent
Data average $1,233 Highland Realty rent estimate $1,383 to $1,483
5-yr trend
−4%
38115 D
Hickory Hill (north)
Typical value
$161K
Typical rent
Data average $1,029 Highland Realty rent estimate $1,179 to $1,279
5-yr trend
+11%
38118 D
Parkway Village
Typical value
$120K
Typical rent
Data average $1,178 Highland Realty rent estimate $1,328 to $1,428
5-yr trend
+9%
38122 C
Berclair
Typical value
$121K
Typical rent
Data average $1,119 Highland Realty rent estimate $1,269 to $1,369
5-yr trend
+13%
38127 D
Frayser
Typical value
$87K
Typical rent
Data average $1,085 Highland Realty rent estimate $1,235 to $1,335
5-yr trend
+1%
38128 C
Raleigh
Typical value
$143K
Typical rent
Data average $1,198 Highland Realty rent estimate $1,348 to $1,448
5-yr trend
+15%

A property in any other Memphis zip sits outside that focus, whatever its grade.

B and C areas

B and C zips on separate panels, at the same scale. Other zips from the guide are grayed for context. B areas are solid, stable rental areas, generally at higher typical values than the buy-box zips. C areas are workable cash-flow areas — underwrite street by street.

Two-panel map of Memphis B-grade and C-grade zip codes at the same scale, with other guide zips in gray.

Figure 3. B areas (top) and C areas (bottom), at the same scale. Buy-box zips on the C panel have a bold outline. Numbered hatched bands on the C panel are our buy-and-hold sweet spot.

B and C breakdown

One entry per zip. Figures come from the data table and our zip-by-zip notes; they are not new figures. Rent shows the data average and the Highland Realty rent estimate (data average plus $150 to $250).

Grade B: 7 zips

38016 · Cordova (north): Germantown Pkwy / Wolfchase · Grade B

Typical value
$290K
Rent (data average)
$1,495
Highland Realty rent estimate
$1,645 to $1,745
Vacancy
8%
Crime
B− (57 per 1,000 residents)
Schools
D (33% proficient)
Median year built
1998
5-yr value trend
+9.8% (last year −1.9%)
Rehab
Light

Bottom line: Newer stock; apartment-heavy pockets push vacancy up.

38018 · Cordova (south), Shelby Farms east · Grade B

Typical value
$287K
Rent (data average)
$1,658
Highland Realty rent estimate
$1,808 to $1,908
Vacancy
5%
Crime
B− (51 per 1,000 residents)
Schools
D+ (34% proficient)
Median year built
1997
5-yr value trend
+9.5% (last year −2.2%)
Rehab
Light

Bottom line: Newer homes with low vacancy and steady 5-year gains.

38120 · River Oaks, Walnut Grove, Shady Grove, East Memphis Poplar corridor · Grade B

Typical value
$422K
Rent (data average)
$1,563
Highland Realty rent estimate
$1,713 to $1,813
Vacancy
6%
Crime
B+ (72 per 1,000 residents)
Schools
B+ (45% proficient)
Median year built
1976
5-yr value trend
+7.7% (last year −1.2%)
Rehab
Light–moderate

Bottom line: Upper-end East Memphis, 72% owner-occupied, with the lowest crime inside the city of Memphis and B+ schools. Gross yield is only ~4%: a quality, appreciation zip, not a cash-flow zip.

38125 · Hickory Hill (south), Southwind, Riverdale, Windyke · Grade B

Typical value
$276K
Rent (data average)
$1,516
Highland Realty rent estimate
$1,666 to $1,766
Vacancy
5%
Crime
C− (65 per 1,000 residents)
Schools
C− (39% proficient)
Median year built
1996
5-yr value trend
+13.7% (last year −1.2%)
Rehab
Light

Bottom line: Newer suburban stock; crime and schools both grade C−, better than most Memphis zips. Most homes are priced above the buy box.

38133 · Bartlett (south), Wolfchase area (Memphis/Bartlett addresses) · Grade B

Typical value
$271K
Rent (data average)
$1,648
Highland Realty rent estimate
$1,798 to $1,898
Vacancy
4%
Crime
B+ (66 per 1,000 residents)
Schools
B+ (45% proficient)
Median year built
1993
5-yr value trend
+15.2% (last year −0.5%)
Rehab
Light

Bottom line: 1990s suburban single-family with reliable tenant demand; B+ crime and schools. Priced above the buy box.

38134 · Raleigh (east), Bartlett (south), Elmore Park, Shelby Oaks · Grade B

Typical value
$223K
Rent (data average)
$1,206
Highland Realty rent estimate
$1,356 to $1,456
Vacancy
5%
Crime
C− (88 per 1,000 residents)
Schools
C (36% proficient)
Median year built
1979
5-yr value trend
+17.6% (last year +1.0%)
Rehab
Light–moderate

Bottom line: The best non-redevelopment 5-year trend in the guide, and values are still up year over year.

38141 · Hickory Hill (south), Ridgeway–Hacks Cross, Shelby Drive area · Grade B

Typical value
$188K
Rent (data average)
$1,570
Highland Realty rent estimate
$1,720 to $1,820
Vacancy
3%
Crime
F (82 per 1,000 residents)
Schools
F (20% proficient)
Median year built
1985
5-yr value trend
+13.5% (last year −0.4%)
Rehab
Light

Bottom line: 85% single-family. Crime grades F nationally, but the rate is well below most Memphis zips. Moderate Section 8 (~6 per 100).

Grade C: 7 zips

38108 · Nutbush, Hollywood, Chickasaw Heights, north Highland Heights · Grade C ✅ Buy box

Typical value
$67K
Rent (data average)
$1,085
Highland Realty rent estimate
$1,235 to $1,335
Vacancy
16%
Crime
F (186 per 1,000 residents)
Schools
F (23% proficient)
Median year built
1956
5-yr value trend
+9.7% (last year −4.3%)
Rehab
Heavy

Bottom line: 1950s single-family (78%) at a low price: strong paper yield, but high vacancy and high crime. Heavy-rehab inventory is common.

38109 · Westwood, Whitehaven (west), Boxtown / Westhaven, Indian Hills · Grade C ✅ Buy box

Typical value
$88K
Rent (data average)
$1,151
Highland Realty rent estimate
$1,301 to $1,401
Vacancy
12%
Crime
F (153 per 1,000 residents)
Schools
F (20% proficient)
Median year built
1964
5-yr value trend
+4.0% (last year −7.3%)
Rehab
Moderate

Bottom line: Large, 87% single-family market, majority owner-occupied (56%): a core cash-flow zip. Highest voucher count in the city (~12 per 100 rentals).

38111 · University District / U of M, Normal Station, Sherwood Forest, Chickasaw Gardens area, south Highland Heights · Grade C ✅ Buy box

Typical value
$131K
Rent (data average)
$1,280
Highland Realty rent estimate
$1,430 to $1,530
Vacancy
11%
Crime
F (128 per 1,000 residents)
Schools
D− (27% proficient)
Median year built
1956
5-yr value trend
+2.4% (last year −1.7%)
Rehab
Moderate

Bottom line: Big, mixed zip (~42K residents) of 1950s homes around the University of Memphis. Values are flat; crime varies sharply by block (sub-areas grade B− to F).

38117 · East Memphis: White Station, Sea Isle, Red Acres, Colonial Acres, Poplar–Perkins · Grade C

Typical value
$264K
Rent (data average)
$1,466
Highland Realty rent estimate
$1,616 to $1,716
Vacancy
5%
Crime
C+ (86 per 1,000 residents)
Schools
D− (28% proficient)
Median year built
1958
5-yr value trend
+4.1% (last year −0.8%)
Rehab
Moderate

Bottom line: Established 1950s single-family neighborhoods, 76% owner-occupied. Crime is lower than most Memphis zips, but appreciation is slow: good tenants, thin cash flow.

38119 · Kirby, Balmoral, Ridgeway, Poplar–Kirby, River Oaks (part) · Grade C

Typical value
$288K
Rent (data average)
$1,472
Highland Realty rent estimate
$1,622 to $1,722
Vacancy
6%
Crime
C (77 per 1,000 residents)
Schools
D (29% proficient)
Median year built
1979
5-yr value trend
+8.3% (last year −1.3%)
Rehab
Light–moderate

Bottom line: 1970s homes plus condos and apartments (54% single-family). Crime is better than most of the city: stable and low-maintenance, but yields are thin.

38122 · Berclair, Highland Heights (east), Grahamwood, Summer Ave corridor · Grade C ✅ Buy box

Typical value
$121K
Rent (data average)
$1,119
Highland Realty rent estimate
$1,269 to $1,369
Vacancy
7%
Crime
F (147 per 1,000 residents)
Schools
D (32% proficient)
Median year built
1956
5-yr value trend
+12.9% (last year −3.7%)
Rehab
Moderate

Bottom line: 1950s single-family (77%). Vacancy is low for this price band; light Section 8 use (~2 per 100).

38128 · Raleigh, Raleigh Springs / Austin Peay corridor, Coleman Rd area · Grade C ✅ Buy box

Typical value
$143K
Rent (data average)
$1,198
Highland Realty rent estimate
$1,348 to $1,448
Vacancy
12%
Crime
F (138 per 1,000 residents)
Schools
F (22% proficient)
Median year built
1975
5-yr value trend
+14.7% (last year −2.5%)
Rehab
Moderate

Bottom line: 1970s homes (63% single-family). The best 5-year value trend among the buy-box zips; active Section 8 (~6 per 100).

Our notes, zip by zip

Filter by grade or buy box, or search by zip or neighborhood. 38016 and 38018 (Cordova) are not 381xx zips, but they lie largely inside the city of Memphis and are included for completeness.

38103

F
Score 23 $319K Data average $1,538; Highland Realty rent estimate $1,688 to $1,788/mo 5-yr −1.7%

Downtown, South Main, Harbor Town / Mud Island, South Bluffs

Our notes

Condo- and apartment-heavy core (only ~19% single-family); typical value ~$319K vs. ~$1,540 rent (Highland Realty rent estimate $1,688 to $1,788), so rentals rarely cash-flow, and values are down ~5% YoY and ~2% over 5 years. Crime per resident is inflated by visitor and commercial activity; this is not a single-family rental market.

38104

F
Score 27 $249K Data average $1,265; Highland Realty rent estimate $1,415 to $1,515/mo 5-yr −7.4%

Midtown: Cooper-Young, Central Gardens, Overton Square area, Annesdale, Medical District edge

Our notes

Oldest stock in the guide (median built 1949), with historic homes and small multifamily; typical value ~$249K vs. ~$1,265 rent (Highland Realty rent estimate $1,415 to $1,515). Values are down ~5% YoY and ~7% over 5 years; renter demand is strong, but the numbers fit flips and retail resale better than buy-and-hold.

38105

F
Score 26 $107K Data average $1,101; Highland Realty rent estimate $1,251 to $1,351/mo 5-yr +27.1%

Medical District, Uptown, the Pinch, north Downtown edge

Our notes

Small zip (~5.5K residents), mostly apartments and infill, ~14% owner-occupied and ~24% vacant. Values are up ~27% over 5 years from a low base, but heavy voucher concentration and very high crime make it a specialist market.

38106

D
Score 32 $55K Data average $908; Highland Realty rent estimate $1,058 to $1,158/mo 5-yr +10.3%

South Memphis, Soulsville, Riverside, Longview Heights, Glenview (part)

Our notes

1950s small single-family homes at the lowest values in the guide (~$55K typical, ~$900 rent (Highland Realty rent estimate $1,058 to $1,158)). Paper yields are high, but vacancy is ~23%, values fell ~6% last year, heavy rehab is common, and Section 8 is active (~10 vouchers per 100 rentals).

38107

D
Score 34 $104K Data average $1,227; Highland Realty rent estimate $1,377 to $1,477/mo 5-yr +7.4%

North Memphis: Klondike, Smokey City, New Chicago, Hyde Park, west Vollintine-Evergreen

Our notes

Pre-1960 housing (median 1954); typical value ~$104K, ~17% vacancy. Values are up ~7% over 5 years but down ~4% last year. Expect heavy rehab and turnover risk; Section 8 is active (~9 per 100 rentals).

38108

C Buy box
Score 47 $67K Data average $1,085; Highland Realty rent estimate $1,235 to $1,335/mo 5-yr +9.7%

Nutbush, Hollywood, Chickasaw Heights, north Highland Heights

Our notes

1950s single-family (78% SF) at ~$67K typical value with ~$1,085 Zillow rent (Highland Realty rent estimate $1,235 to $1,335): strong paper yield, but ~16% vacancy and high crime. Values are down ~4% YoY and up ~10% over 5 years; heavy-rehab inventory is common.

38109

C Buy box
Score 47 $88K Data average $1,151; Highland Realty rent estimate $1,301 to $1,401/mo 5-yr +4.0%

Westwood, Whitehaven (west), Boxtown / Westhaven, Indian Hills

Our notes

Large, 87% single-family market of 1960s-era homes (~$88K typical, ~$1,150 rent (Highland Realty rent estimate $1,301 to $1,401)), majority owner-occupied (56%): a core cash-flow zip. Values are down ~7% YoY (+4% over 5 years); it has the city's highest voucher count (~12 per 100 rentals); moderate rehab is typical.

38111

C Buy box
Score 45 $131K Data average $1,280; Highland Realty rent estimate $1,430 to $1,530/mo 5-yr +2.4%

University District / U of M, Normal Station, Sherwood Forest, Chickasaw Gardens area, south Highland Heights

Our notes

Big, mixed zip (~42K residents) of 1950s homes around the University of Memphis; typical value ~$131K, rent ~$1,280 (Highland Realty rent estimate $1,430 to $1,530), ~11% vacancy. Values are flat over 5 years (+2%); crime varies sharply by block (sub-areas grade B- to F); moderate rehab on mid-century stock.

38112

D Buy box
Score 37 $120K Data average $1,233; Highland Realty rent estimate $1,383 to $1,483/mo 5-yr −4.3%

Vollintine-Evergreen, Evergreen, Binghampton, Hein Park / Overton Park area, Crosstown (east)

Our notes

Old stock (median built 1950), ranging from historic Evergreen homes to distressed Binghampton houses, so medians disagree (Zillow ~$120K vs. Census ~$252K). Zillow shows values down ~8% YoY and ~4% over 5 years. Work it street by street and budget for older systems.

38114

F
Score 24 $71K Data average $929; Highland Realty rent estimate $1,079 to $1,179/mo 5-yr −5.0%

Orange Mound, Castalia Heights, Glenview, Cherokee

Our notes

1950s small homes at ~$71K typical value; ~23% vacancy and among the highest crime rates. Values are down ~7% YoY and ~5% over 5 years; heavy rehab and high holding risk; Section 8 is active (~9 per 100 rentals).

38115

D Buy box
Score 32 $161K Data average $1,029; Highland Realty rent estimate $1,179 to $1,279/mo 5-yr +11.4%

Hickory Hill (north), Fox Meadows, Ridgeway / Mt. Moriah corridor

Our notes

Apartment-heavy (32% single-family, 23% owner-occupied) 1980s-era stock; typical value ~$161K, rent ~$1,030 (Highland Realty rent estimate $1,179 to $1,279). Values are up ~11% over 5 years, but ~15% vacancy and high crime; the single-family streets are the opportunity.

38116

F
Score 31 $151K Data average $928; Highland Realty rent estimate $1,078 to $1,178/mo 5-yr +9.2%

Whitehaven (east), Graceland area, airport south

Our notes

1960s housing, ~$151K typical value, ~$930 rent (Highland Realty rent estimate $1,078 to $1,178) (apartment-weighted), ~16% vacancy. Values are up ~9% over 5 years; Section 8 is active (~6 per 100 rentals); single-family pockets are steadier than the apartment corridors.

38117

C
Score 52 $264K Data average $1,466; Highland Realty rent estimate $1,616 to $1,716/mo 5-yr +4.1%

East Memphis: White Station, Sea Isle, Red Acres, Colonial Acres, Poplar–Perkins

Our notes

Established 1950s single-family neighborhoods, 76% owner-occupied, ~$264K typical, ~$1,470 rent (Highland Realty rent estimate $1,616 to $1,716), ~5% vacancy. Crime is lower than in most Memphis zips (C+) but appreciation is slow (+4% over 5 years): good tenants, thin cash flow, light-to-moderate updates.

38118

D Buy box
Score 33 $120K Data average $1,178; Highland Realty rent estimate $1,328 to $1,428/mo 5-yr +8.6%

Parkway Village, Oakhaven, Knight Arnold / Getwell, Airways south

Our notes

1970s-era homes, ~$120K typical, ~$1,180 rent (Highland Realty rent estimate $1,328 to $1,428): a good rent-to-price ratio. But vacancy is ~19% (apartment-heavy pockets) and robbery and assault rates are high. Values are up ~9% over 5 years; Section 8 is active (~6 per 100); moderate rehab is typical.

38119

C
Score 52 $288K Data average $1,472; Highland Realty rent estimate $1,622 to $1,722/mo 5-yr +8.3%

Kirby, Balmoral, Ridgeway, Poplar–Kirby, River Oaks (part)

Our notes

1970s homes plus condos and apartments (54% SF); ~$288K typical, ~$1,470 rent (Highland Realty rent estimate $1,622 to $1,722), ~6% vacancy. Crime grades C (better than most of the city) and values are up ~8% over 5 years: stable and low-maintenance, but yields are thin.

38120

B
Score 54 $422K Data average $1,563; Highland Realty rent estimate $1,713 to $1,813/mo 5-yr +7.7%

River Oaks, Walnut Grove, Shady Grove, East Memphis Poplar corridor

Our notes

Upper-end East Memphis (~$422K typical), 72% owner-occupied, the lowest crime inside the city of Memphis (B+), and B+ schools. Gross yield is only ~4%: a quality, appreciation zip, not a cash-flow zip.

38122

C Buy box
Score 50 $121K Data average $1,119; Highland Realty rent estimate $1,269 to $1,369/mo 5-yr +12.9%

Berclair, Highland Heights (east), Grahamwood, Summer Ave corridor

Our notes

1950s single-family (77% SF), ~$121K typical, ~$1,120 rent (Highland Realty rent estimate $1,269 to $1,369), ~7% vacancy (low for this price band). Values are up ~13% over 5 years though down ~4% last year; light Section 8 use (~2 per 100); moderate rehab on mid-century homes.

38125

B
Score 57 $276K Data average $1,516; Highland Realty rent estimate $1,666 to $1,766/mo 5-yr +13.7%

Hickory Hill (south), Southwind, Riverdale, Windyke

Our notes

Newer suburban stock (median built 1996), ~$276K typical, ~$1,520 rent (Highland Realty rent estimate $1,666 to $1,766), ~5% vacancy; crime and schools both grade C- (better than most Memphis zips). Values are up ~14% over 5 years; light rehab; most homes are priced above the buy box.

38126

D
Score 34 $72K Data average $787 (Census); Highland Realty rent estimate $937 to $1,037/mo 5-yr +33.8%

South City (former Foote Homes site), Vance Ave, LeMoyne-Owen area, south Downtown edge

Our notes

Small zip (~6K residents), mostly apartments and public-housing redevelopment, 12% owner-occupied, ~$72K typical value. It has the highest crime rate in the guide and heavy voucher concentration (~22 per 100); values are up ~34% over 5 years from redevelopment, but there are few single-family rentals.

38127

D Buy box
Score 37 $87K Data average $1,085; Highland Realty rent estimate $1,235 to $1,335/mo 5-yr +1.4%

Frayser, Rugby Hills, Shelby Forest area (part)

Our notes

Large 1960s single-family zip (77% SF), ~$87K typical with ~$1,085 rent (Highland Realty rent estimate $1,235 to $1,335) (strong paper yield), but ~18% vacancy and values down ~6% YoY (+1% over 5 years). Heavy Section 8 use (~10 per 100); moderate-to-heavy rehab is common; street by street.

38128

C Buy box
Score 44 $143K Data average $1,198; Highland Realty rent estimate $1,348 to $1,448/mo 5-yr +14.7%

Raleigh, Raleigh Springs / Austin Peay corridor, Coleman Rd area

Our notes

1970s homes (63% SF), ~$143K typical, ~$1,200 rent (Highland Realty rent estimate $1,348 to $1,448). Values are up ~15% over 5 years (down ~2.5% YoY), the best 5-year trend among the buy-box zips; ~12% vacancy, active Section 8 (~6 per 100), moderate rehab.

38133

B
Score 63 $271K Data average $1,648; Highland Realty rent estimate $1,798 to $1,898/mo 5-yr +15.2%

Bartlett (south), Wolfchase area (Memphis/Bartlett addresses)

Our notes

1990s suburban single-family, ~$271K typical, ~$1,650 rent (Highland Realty rent estimate $1,798 to $1,898), ~4% vacancy, B+ crime and schools. Values are up ~15% over 5 years; light rehab and reliable tenant demand; priced above the buy box.

38134

B
Score 55 $223K Data average $1,206; Highland Realty rent estimate $1,356 to $1,456/mo 5-yr +17.6%

Raleigh (east), Bartlett (south), Elmore Park, Shelby Oaks

Our notes

1979-median homes, ~$223K typical, ~$1,200 rent (Highland Realty rent estimate $1,356 to $1,456), ~5% vacancy, C- crime. Values are up ~18% over 5 years (the best non-redevelopment trend in the guide) and +1% YoY; light-to-moderate rehab.

38135

A
Score 70 $295K Data average $1,799; Highland Realty rent estimate $1,949 to $2,049/mo 5-yr +15.5%

Bartlett (north), Ellendale, Raleigh–LaGrange

Our notes

1990s single-family (92% SF), ~$295K typical, ~$1,800 rent (Highland Realty rent estimate $1,949 to $2,049), ~2% vacancy, A- crime, B schools, values up ~16% over 5 years. Top-tier stability with light rehab, but well above buy-box prices.

38138

A
Score 67 $429K Data average $2,259; Highland Realty rent estimate $2,409 to $2,509/mo 5-yr +11.8%

Germantown (west / central): separate city with its own police and codes

Our notes

Premium suburb: ~$429K typical, ~$2,260 rent (Highland Realty rent estimate $2,409 to $2,509), ~4% vacancy, A crime and A schools, values up ~12% over 5 years. Appreciation and tenant quality are strong; cash flow is thin.

38139

A
Score 74 $585K Data average $2,697 (Census); Highland Realty rent estimate $2,847 to $2,947/mo 5-yr +14.2%

Germantown (east), Forest Hill / Shelby Farms south edge

Our notes

Highest values in the guide (~$585K), 97% owner-occupied, A crime, A+ schools, very few rentals (rent figure is Census, approximate: data average $2,697 (Census), Highland Realty rent estimate $2,847 to $2,947). An appreciation-only market.

38141

B
Score 57 $188K Data average $1,570; Highland Realty rent estimate $1,720 to $1,820/mo 5-yr +13.5%

Hickory Hill (south), Ridgeway–Hacks Cross, Shelby Drive area

Our notes

1985-median homes, 85% single-family, ~$188K typical, ~$1,570 rent (Highland Realty rent estimate $1,720 to $1,820), ~3% vacancy, values up ~14% over 5 years. Crime grades F nationally but the rate (82 per 1,000) is well below most Memphis zips; moderate Section 8 (~6 per 100); light-to-moderate rehab.

38016

B
Score 53 $290K Data average $1,495; Highland Realty rent estimate $1,645 to $1,745/mo 5-yr +9.8%

Cordova (north): Germantown Pkwy / Wolfchase

Our notes

Newer stock (1998 median), ~$290K typical, ~$1,500 rent (Highland Realty rent estimate $1,645 to $1,745), B- crime; ~8% vacancy (apartment-heavy pockets). Values are up ~10% over 5 years; light rehab.

38018

B
Score 58 $287K Data average $1,658; Highland Realty rent estimate $1,808 to $1,908/mo 5-yr +9.5%

Cordova (south), Shelby Farms east

Our notes

1997-median homes, ~$287K typical, ~$1,660 rent (Highland Realty rent estimate $1,808 to $1,908), ~5% vacancy, B- crime. Values are up ~10% over 5 years; light rehab.

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Data table

Click a column header to sort. Typical value, rent, and trends are Zillow (September 2026), shown as the data average. Highland Realty generally rents about $150 to $250 more than the average; a Highland Realty rent estimate (data average +$150 to +$250) sits next to each public-data rent. Census figures are ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates. All figures are approximate. Open a zip to jump to our notes.

Zip Score Grade Area Buy box Typical value Typical rent 5-yr trend Our notes
38103 23 F Downtown, South Main, Harbor Town / Mud Island, South Bluffs — $319K Data average $1,538 Highland Realty rent estimate $1,688 to $1,788 −1.7% Condo- and apartment-heavy core (only ~19% single-family); typical value ~$319K vs. ~$1,540 rent (Highland Realty rent estimate $1,688 to $1,788), so rentals rarely cash-flow, and values are down ~5% YoY and ~2% over 5 years. Crime per resident is inflated by visitor and commercial activity; this is not a single-family rental market.
38104 27 F Midtown: Cooper-Young, Central Gardens, Overton Square area, Annesdale, Medical District edge — $249K Data average $1,265 Highland Realty rent estimate $1,415 to $1,515 −7.4% Oldest stock in the guide (median built 1949), with historic homes and small multifamily; typical value ~$249K vs. ~$1,265 rent (Highland Realty rent estimate $1,415 to $1,515). Values are down ~5% YoY and ~7% over 5 years; renter demand is strong, but the numbers fit flips and retail resale better than buy-and-hold.
38105 26 F Medical District, Uptown, the Pinch, north Downtown edge — $107K Data average $1,101 Highland Realty rent estimate $1,251 to $1,351 +27.1% Small zip (~5.5K residents), mostly apartments and infill, ~14% owner-occupied and ~24% vacant. Values are up ~27% over 5 years from a low base, but heavy voucher concentration and very high crime make it a specialist market.
38106 32 D South Memphis, Soulsville, Riverside, Longview Heights, Glenview (part) — $55K Data average $908 Highland Realty rent estimate $1,058 to $1,158 +10.3% 1950s small single-family homes at the lowest values in the guide (~$55K typical, ~$900 rent (Highland Realty rent estimate $1,058 to $1,158)). Paper yields are high, but vacancy is ~23%, values fell ~6% last year, heavy rehab is common, and Section 8 is active (~10 vouchers per 100 rentals).
38107 34 D North Memphis: Klondike, Smokey City, New Chicago, Hyde Park, west Vollintine-Evergreen — $104K Data average $1,227 Highland Realty rent estimate $1,377 to $1,477 +7.4% Pre-1960 housing (median 1954); typical value ~$104K, ~17% vacancy. Values are up ~7% over 5 years but down ~4% last year. Expect heavy rehab and turnover risk; Section 8 is active (~9 per 100 rentals).
38108 47 C Nutbush, Hollywood, Chickasaw Heights, north Highland Heights Yes $67K Data average $1,085 Highland Realty rent estimate $1,235 to $1,335 +9.7% 1950s single-family (78% SF) at ~$67K typical value with ~$1,085 Zillow rent (Highland Realty rent estimate $1,235 to $1,335): strong paper yield, but ~16% vacancy and high crime. Values are down ~4% YoY and up ~10% over 5 years; heavy-rehab inventory is common.
38109 47 C Westwood, Whitehaven (west), Boxtown / Westhaven, Indian Hills Yes $88K Data average $1,151 Highland Realty rent estimate $1,301 to $1,401 +4.0% Large, 87% single-family market of 1960s-era homes (~$88K typical, ~$1,150 rent (Highland Realty rent estimate $1,301 to $1,401)), majority owner-occupied (56%): a core cash-flow zip. Values are down ~7% YoY (+4% over 5 years); it has the city's highest voucher count (~12 per 100 rentals); moderate rehab is typical.
38111 45 C University District / U of M, Normal Station, Sherwood Forest, Chickasaw Gardens area, south Highland Heights Yes $131K Data average $1,280 Highland Realty rent estimate $1,430 to $1,530 +2.4% Big, mixed zip (~42K residents) of 1950s homes around the University of Memphis; typical value ~$131K, rent ~$1,280 (Highland Realty rent estimate $1,430 to $1,530), ~11% vacancy. Values are flat over 5 years (+2%); crime varies sharply by block (sub-areas grade B- to F); moderate rehab on mid-century stock.
38112 37 D Vollintine-Evergreen, Evergreen, Binghampton, Hein Park / Overton Park area, Crosstown (east) Yes $120K Data average $1,233 Highland Realty rent estimate $1,383 to $1,483 −4.3% Old stock (median built 1950), ranging from historic Evergreen homes to distressed Binghampton houses, so medians disagree (Zillow ~$120K vs. Census ~$252K). Zillow shows values down ~8% YoY and ~4% over 5 years. Work it street by street and budget for older systems.
38114 24 F Orange Mound, Castalia Heights, Glenview, Cherokee — $71K Data average $929 Highland Realty rent estimate $1,079 to $1,179 −5.0% 1950s small homes at ~$71K typical value; ~23% vacancy and among the highest crime rates. Values are down ~7% YoY and ~5% over 5 years; heavy rehab and high holding risk; Section 8 is active (~9 per 100 rentals).
38115 32 D Hickory Hill (north), Fox Meadows, Ridgeway / Mt. Moriah corridor Yes $161K Data average $1,029 Highland Realty rent estimate $1,179 to $1,279 +11.4% Apartment-heavy (32% single-family, 23% owner-occupied) 1980s-era stock; typical value ~$161K, rent ~$1,030 (Highland Realty rent estimate $1,179 to $1,279). Values are up ~11% over 5 years, but ~15% vacancy and high crime; the single-family streets are the opportunity.
38116 31 F Whitehaven (east), Graceland area, airport south — $151K Data average $928 Highland Realty rent estimate $1,078 to $1,178 +9.2% 1960s housing, ~$151K typical value, ~$930 rent (Highland Realty rent estimate $1,078 to $1,178) (apartment-weighted), ~16% vacancy. Values are up ~9% over 5 years; Section 8 is active (~6 per 100 rentals); single-family pockets are steadier than the apartment corridors.
38117 52 C East Memphis: White Station, Sea Isle, Red Acres, Colonial Acres, Poplar–Perkins — $264K Data average $1,466 Highland Realty rent estimate $1,616 to $1,716 +4.1% Established 1950s single-family neighborhoods, 76% owner-occupied, ~$264K typical, ~$1,470 rent (Highland Realty rent estimate $1,616 to $1,716), ~5% vacancy. Crime is lower than in most Memphis zips (C+) but appreciation is slow (+4% over 5 years): good tenants, thin cash flow, light-to-moderate updates.
38118 33 D Parkway Village, Oakhaven, Knight Arnold / Getwell, Airways south Yes $120K Data average $1,178 Highland Realty rent estimate $1,328 to $1,428 +8.6% 1970s-era homes, ~$120K typical, ~$1,180 rent (Highland Realty rent estimate $1,328 to $1,428): a good rent-to-price ratio. But vacancy is ~19% (apartment-heavy pockets) and robbery and assault rates are high. Values are up ~9% over 5 years; Section 8 is active (~6 per 100); moderate rehab is typical.
38119 52 C Kirby, Balmoral, Ridgeway, Poplar–Kirby, River Oaks (part) — $288K Data average $1,472 Highland Realty rent estimate $1,622 to $1,722 +8.3% 1970s homes plus condos and apartments (54% SF); ~$288K typical, ~$1,470 rent (Highland Realty rent estimate $1,622 to $1,722), ~6% vacancy. Crime grades C (better than most of the city) and values are up ~8% over 5 years: stable and low-maintenance, but yields are thin.
38120 54 B River Oaks, Walnut Grove, Shady Grove, East Memphis Poplar corridor — $422K Data average $1,563 Highland Realty rent estimate $1,713 to $1,813 +7.7% Upper-end East Memphis (~$422K typical), 72% owner-occupied, the lowest crime inside the city of Memphis (B+), and B+ schools. Gross yield is only ~4%: a quality, appreciation zip, not a cash-flow zip.
38122 50 C Berclair, Highland Heights (east), Grahamwood, Summer Ave corridor Yes $121K Data average $1,119 Highland Realty rent estimate $1,269 to $1,369 +12.9% 1950s single-family (77% SF), ~$121K typical, ~$1,120 rent (Highland Realty rent estimate $1,269 to $1,369), ~7% vacancy (low for this price band). Values are up ~13% over 5 years though down ~4% last year; light Section 8 use (~2 per 100); moderate rehab on mid-century homes.
38125 57 B Hickory Hill (south), Southwind, Riverdale, Windyke — $276K Data average $1,516 Highland Realty rent estimate $1,666 to $1,766 +13.7% Newer suburban stock (median built 1996), ~$276K typical, ~$1,520 rent (Highland Realty rent estimate $1,666 to $1,766), ~5% vacancy; crime and schools both grade C- (better than most Memphis zips). Values are up ~14% over 5 years; light rehab; most homes are priced above the buy box.
38126 34 D South City (former Foote Homes site), Vance Ave, LeMoyne-Owen area, south Downtown edge — $72K Data average $787 (Census) Highland Realty rent estimate $937 to $1,037 +33.8% Small zip (~6K residents), mostly apartments and public-housing redevelopment, 12% owner-occupied, ~$72K typical value. It has the highest crime rate in the guide and heavy voucher concentration (~22 per 100); values are up ~34% over 5 years from redevelopment, but there are few single-family rentals.
38127 37 D Frayser, Rugby Hills, Shelby Forest area (part) Yes $87K Data average $1,085 Highland Realty rent estimate $1,235 to $1,335 +1.4% Large 1960s single-family zip (77% SF), ~$87K typical with ~$1,085 rent (Highland Realty rent estimate $1,235 to $1,335) (strong paper yield), but ~18% vacancy and values down ~6% YoY (+1% over 5 years). Heavy Section 8 use (~10 per 100); moderate-to-heavy rehab is common; street by street.
38128 44 C Raleigh, Raleigh Springs / Austin Peay corridor, Coleman Rd area Yes $143K Data average $1,198 Highland Realty rent estimate $1,348 to $1,448 +14.7% 1970s homes (63% SF), ~$143K typical, ~$1,200 rent (Highland Realty rent estimate $1,348 to $1,448). Values are up ~15% over 5 years (down ~2.5% YoY), the best 5-year trend among the buy-box zips; ~12% vacancy, active Section 8 (~6 per 100), moderate rehab.
38133 63 B Bartlett (south), Wolfchase area (Memphis/Bartlett addresses) — $271K Data average $1,648 Highland Realty rent estimate $1,798 to $1,898 +15.2% 1990s suburban single-family, ~$271K typical, ~$1,650 rent (Highland Realty rent estimate $1,798 to $1,898), ~4% vacancy, B+ crime and schools. Values are up ~15% over 5 years; light rehab and reliable tenant demand; priced above the buy box.
38134 55 B Raleigh (east), Bartlett (south), Elmore Park, Shelby Oaks — $223K Data average $1,206 Highland Realty rent estimate $1,356 to $1,456 +17.6% 1979-median homes, ~$223K typical, ~$1,200 rent (Highland Realty rent estimate $1,356 to $1,456), ~5% vacancy, C- crime. Values are up ~18% over 5 years (the best non-redevelopment trend in the guide) and +1% YoY; light-to-moderate rehab.
38135 70 A Bartlett (north), Ellendale, Raleigh–LaGrange — $295K Data average $1,799 Highland Realty rent estimate $1,949 to $2,049 +15.5% 1990s single-family (92% SF), ~$295K typical, ~$1,800 rent (Highland Realty rent estimate $1,949 to $2,049), ~2% vacancy, A- crime, B schools, values up ~16% over 5 years. Top-tier stability with light rehab, but well above buy-box prices.
38138 67 A Germantown (west / central): separate city with its own police and codes — $429K Data average $2,259 Highland Realty rent estimate $2,409 to $2,509 +11.8% Premium suburb: ~$429K typical, ~$2,260 rent (Highland Realty rent estimate $2,409 to $2,509), ~4% vacancy, A crime and A schools, values up ~12% over 5 years. Appreciation and tenant quality are strong; cash flow is thin.
38139 74 A Germantown (east), Forest Hill / Shelby Farms south edge — $585K Data average $2,697 (Census) Highland Realty rent estimate $2,847 to $2,947 +14.2% Highest values in the guide (~$585K), 97% owner-occupied, A crime, A+ schools, very few rentals (rent figure is Census, approximate: data average $2,697 (Census), Highland Realty rent estimate $2,847 to $2,947). An appreciation-only market.
38141 57 B Hickory Hill (south), Ridgeway–Hacks Cross, Shelby Drive area — $188K Data average $1,570 Highland Realty rent estimate $1,720 to $1,820 +13.5% 1985-median homes, 85% single-family, ~$188K typical, ~$1,570 rent (Highland Realty rent estimate $1,720 to $1,820), ~3% vacancy, values up ~14% over 5 years. Crime grades F nationally but the rate (82 per 1,000) is well below most Memphis zips; moderate Section 8 (~6 per 100); light-to-moderate rehab.
38016 53 B Cordova (north): Germantown Pkwy / Wolfchase — $290K Data average $1,495 Highland Realty rent estimate $1,645 to $1,745 +9.8% Newer stock (1998 median), ~$290K typical, ~$1,500 rent (Highland Realty rent estimate $1,645 to $1,745), B- crime; ~8% vacancy (apartment-heavy pockets). Values are up ~10% over 5 years; light rehab.
38018 58 B Cordova (south), Shelby Farms east — $287K Data average $1,658 Highland Realty rent estimate $1,808 to $1,908 +9.5% 1997-median homes, ~$287K typical, ~$1,660 rent (Highland Realty rent estimate $1,808 to $1,908), ~5% vacancy, B- crime. Values are up ~10% over 5 years; light rehab.

Housing stock, vouchers, crime, and schools

Vacancy and owner-occupancy are Census ACS 2020–2024. Vouchers are approximate (HUD, allocated by land-area overlap). Crime is reported crimes per 1,000 residents (CrimeGrade, November 2026). School figures are SchoolGrade via CrimeGrade.

Zip Grade Vacancy Owner-occ. Single-family Median yr built Rehab (inferred) Vouchers / 100 rentals Crimes / 1,000 Schools
38103 F 10% 32% 19% 1999 Light 6.5 216 / F F / 23%
38104 F 11% 38% 37% 1949 Moderate 2.1 185 / F D / 30%
38105 F 24% 14% 20% 1970 Moderate 24.1 251 / F F / 21%
38106 D 23% 39% 79% 1954 Heavy 9.7 248 / F F / 14%
38107 D 17% 38% 63% 1954 Heavy 9.0 216 / F F / 23%
38108 C 16% 46% 78% 1956 Heavy 6.3 186 / F F / 23%
38109 C 12% 56% 87% 1964 Moderate 12.3 153 / F F / 20%
38111 C 11% 44% 65% 1956 Moderate 4.2 128 / F D− / 27%
38112 D 13% 52% 63% 1950 Moderate 3.6 172 / F D− / 26%
38114 F 23% 46% 65% 1955 Heavy 8.9 248 / F F / 23%
38115 D 15% 23% 32% 1981 Light 3.4 167 / F F / 25%
38116 F 16% 43% 46% 1966 Moderate 5.8 184 / F F / 24%
38117 C 5% 76% 82% 1958 Moderate 1.6 86 / C+ D− / 28%
38118 D 19% 40% 57% 1973 Moderate 5.9 187 / F F / 20%
38119 C 6% 60% 54% 1979 Light–moderate 0.7 77 / C D / 29%
38120 B 6% 72% 75% 1976 Light–moderate 0.0 72 / B+ B+ / 45%
38122 C 7% 53% 77% 1956 Moderate 1.6 147 / F D / 32%
38125 B 5% 54% 66% 1996 Light 2.2 65 / C− C− / 39%
38126 D 14% 12% 29% 1979 Moderate 22.1 265 / F F / 20%
38127 D 18% 42% 77% 1966 Moderate 10.4 177 / F F / 23%
38128 C 12% 42% 63% 1975 Moderate 6.4 138 / F F / 22%
38133 B 4% 68% 81% 1993 Light 1.6 66 / B+ B+ / 45%
38134 B 5% 47% 58% 1979 Light–moderate 1.6 88 / C− C / 36%
38135 A 2% 81% 92% 1993 Light 2.3 25 / A− B / 44%
38138 A 4% 80% 76% 1979 Light–moderate 0.3 32 / A A / 52%
38139 A 2% 97% 97% 1989 Light 0.0 15 / A A+ / 63%
38141 B 3% 56% 85% 1985 Light 6.1 82 / F F / 20%
38016 B 8% 55% 58% 1998 Light 0.3 57 / B− D / 33%
38018 B 5% 62% 79% 1997 Light 0.3 51 / B− D+ / 34%

Notes and limits

Main data sources