Fox Meadows - Memphis, TN

Most of Fox Meadows was developed in the 1950s and '60s following the construction of the Links at Fox Meadows Golf Course. Much of the home construction from that time period represents a reproduction of the colonial Williamsburg style. During those years, the neighborhood was somewhat isolated and surrounded by farmland. While it remains fairly quiet -- a major selling point for potential residents -- the surrounding neighborhoods such as Hickory Hill have grown rapidly in the intervening decades, and in 1998, the city of Memphis annexed the entire area all the way to the city limits of Germantown.

Fox Meadows doesn't have an arts scene or museums, but its residents enjoy living in close proximity to dozens of art galleries, including the upscale David Lusk Gallery. The neighboring Hickory Hill community hosts annual events such as the Let's Move Memphis 5K run.

Fox Meadows residents rarely have to drive far for great food; a wide spectrum of dining options resides in and around the neighborhood. Whether you crave Italian, Chinese, sushi or a juicy steak, a local restaurant can fill that hunger.

Xingwan Chinese Restaurant features a menu similar to many local Chinese haunts across America. What sets it apart, however, is the freshness of the food and the friendliness of the service. Its local owners ensure that every meal served meets the top standards of quality, and Xingwan's impressive number of regular customers attests to them not just meeting that goal but exceeding it. Beef lo mein and sweet and sour pork top locals' lists of favorite menu items, with other top picks including the General Tso's chicken and, of course, the crispy egg rolls.

For scrumptious hot wings with a distinct Memphis flavor that can't be duplicated by chain restaurants, Fox Meadows residents head to Crumpy's Hot Wings. While this eatery is located in an unassuming shack on South Mendenhall Road, there is nothing bland or ordinary about the food. Whether you prefer just a hint of spiciness, or your want to test the limits of your pain threshold with the hottest wings in Memphis, Crumpy's has you covered -- although you'll probably want to order a large, homemade sweet tea with your meal to cool off your tongue.

If a barbecue joint has survived in Memphis for almost a century, it must be doing something right. Leonard's Pit Barbecue has been serving Tennessee's best slow cooked, pit smoked barbecue since 1922. Over the years, Leonard's has had hundreds of fiercely loyal customers, including one you've probably heard of: Elvis Presley. The King would stop by after shows for ribs and pork shoulders, which to this day rank among the restaurant's most popular menu items.

Many Fox Meadows residents head downtown to Beale Street for its world-class jazz and blues scene on Friday and Saturday nights. Others, however, prefer to entertain themselves closer to home by patronizing the bars and lounges situated near the neighborhood. Getaway Sports Bar contains pool tables, dart boards, daily happy hours and live music on Friday nights.

Although the streets in Fox Meadows don't contain sidewalks or bike lanes, their low traffic levels and flat landscapes make daytime strolls around the neighborhood with pets or to visit neighbors reasonably safe. At night, however, caution should be taken due to poor lighting and a somewhat elevated crime rate in the area.

When traveling any significant distance, most Fox Meadows residents drive their cars. The neighborhood provides plenty of free parking as well as fast access to the I-240 loop, making it easy to commute to other points of interest around Memphis.

Those who prefer not to drive have options that include calling for a taxi -- you can't hail a cab in Fox Meadows -- or using a ride-sharing service such as Uber. Public transportation in the area includes a stop on the Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) bus line.

Directly across Clarke Road from the golf course sits Wilson Park, a 12-acre park with soccer fields, playgrounds for the children and a lighted softball field. It doesn't have exercise facilities or annual events, but many acres of green space provide room for the whole family -- including the dog -- to burn off energy. You can even enjoy a picnic in the shade afterward. Free parking and admission make Wilson Park the most affordable place in town to enjoy a sunny Saturday afternoon.

The cost of living in Fox Meadows runs much lower than average for the Memphis metro area. Residents pay an average of $457 to rent a one-bedroom apartment, about $2.75 for a beer in a local bar and $1.75 for a bus ticket to downtown Memphis and Beale Street. Gas prices in the area usually hover about 10 to 12 percent lower than the national average.

For large shopping trips, Fox Meadows residents make the 15-minute drive to the Oak Court Mall on Poplar Avenue. This enclosed shopping center features several retail stores along with high-end boutiques and a few discount shops.

Driving to a different part of town certainly isn't necessary, however, as many shopping options reside closer to home in the form of boutiques and specialty shops. Elite Boutique on Apple Tree Drive carries women's fashions at affordable prices, while Thrift Hanger on Winchester Road carries only quality clothing at unbeatable prices.

A Walmart Neighborhood Market sits across Hickory Hill Road from the golf course and provides residents with a convenient destination for large grocery trips. The Winchester Farmers Market, two miles east of Fox Meadows on Winchester Road, carries fresh produce and meats.