Green Meadows / Poplar Glen is a neighborhood highlighted by convenient access to many nearby businesses that meet daily needs. The area’s street network is designed for easy car travel, with abundant parking options available. Multiple bus lines serve the community, offering some public transit connectivity. A variety of dining establishments provide diverse culinary choices, enhancing the local atmosphere. Housing primarily consists of two- and three-bedroom single detached homes and duplexes, showcasing charming architectural styles from its mid-century development. Surrounding green spaces are thoughtfully placed in close proximity, providing pleasant outdoor environments. Overall, Green Meadows / Poplar Glen balances residential comfort with accessible amenities in a well-situated location.
Despite the somewhat busy feel, there are a lot of green spaces to enjoy in Green Meadows / Poplar Glen. Green spaces, like Frank Tobey Park, are especially well-distributed and there are a few of them nearby for residents to relax in, which makes them easy to reach. Finally, thanks to the presence of few pedestrians, this neighborhood remains relatively quiet;.
Parks, schools, dining, and what makes this neighborhood special
This neighborhood’s core lies in the Green Meadows–Poplar Glen Historic District—listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2003—featuring Cape Cottage, Minimal Traditional, Colonial Revival, and Ranch‑style homes built from 1941 to 1952 within the borders of Poplar, Union, Hollywood (Alicia), and East Parkway South.
Green Meadows is characterized by meandering, tree‑canopied streets such as Madison, Patricia, Monroe, Alicia (Hollywood) and Ashlawn, with mature hardwoods and landscaped yards that create an urban‑oasis feel amid the city’s core.
The neighborhood straddles the stretch between Poplar Avenue to the north and Union Avenue to the south—offering residents seamless commuter access along these major thoroughfares while being buffered by generous setbacks and tree cover from traffic noise.
Green Meadows overlaps with the Christian Brothers University area, making it a college‑friendly enclave—walkable, safe, and popular with students—placing it among the top 7.8% of college‑friendly neighborhoods in Tennessee.
While technically just outside its boundaries, Green Meadows sits two blocks east of Overton Park—home to trails, green space, the Memphis Zoo, and Levitt Shell—and benefits from Midtown’s coffee shops, eateries, and arts‑oriented culture nearby.
Things to do, events, and what's happening this month
Green Meadows residents can enjoy a nearby, family-friendly day of Japanese food, music, dance, martial arts, crafts, games, anime, and cultural demonstrations. The hands-on format makes this a welcoming outing for children and adults, while the Memphis Botanic Garden setting offers an easy local escape.
View event details →This free Memphis market is a convenient way for Green Meadows residents to begin holiday shopping while supporting more than 95 local artists and makers. Visitors can browse handmade gifts, enjoy a holiday beer garden, take photos with Santa, and experience Crosstown’s restaurants and shops in the same trip.
View event details →The Lantern Festival gives local families an easy evening activity close to central Memphis, with more than 60 illuminated displays, walk-through tunnels, animal-shaped lanterns, food, hot chocolate, and seasonal photo opportunities. Members receive discounted admission, making repeat visits practical during the holiday season.
View event details →Shelby Farms Park’s drive-through light experience is a strong regional choice for Green Meadows households seeking a festive outing without leaving Memphis. The Arctic Adventure features millions of lights and hundreds of animated displays synchronized to music, with select nights adding walkable attractions, a holiday market, and Glow Grove.
View event details →This long-running holiday tradition offers Green Meadows families an affordable seasonal outing in Midtown, with elaborately decorated trees and a festive atmosphere benefiting Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital. It pairs naturally with a museum visit and works well for families looking for a daytime activity before Thanksgiving or during the holiday break.
View event details →Green Meadows residents can see a beloved holiday movie with John Williams’ score performed live by the Memphis Symphony Orchestra. Two showtimes make it easier to fit into a Saturday schedule, and the combination of comedy, family nostalgia, and live orchestral music offers a memorable downtown Memphis outing.
View event details →Stories, updates, and things to know in Green Meadows
Local characteristics and demographics for Green Meadows
