Asset Map

          Cooper-Young can best be described as hip, eclectic, and a district that is rich in culture, music, and the arts.  In 2012, Cooper-Young was named one of the "Top 10 Great Neighborhoods in America" by the American Planning Association.  The organization singled out Cooper-Young for its "historic architecture, vibrant business and entertainment district, and active and engaged residents who’ve spent decades redeveloping the neighborhood". 

         The community is largely comprised of single family homes, with all ages of residents residing there.  There are numerous churches.  They have their own schools and day-cares.  The community has its own Farmer's Market, Garden Club, and a host of choices in restaurants with cultural, vegan, and organic offerings.  The community is home to its own brewery.  In addition, there are healthy lifestyle choices everywhere, from biking to yoga, as well as numerous running events.  They have a bookstore, a coffee shop, and a nightlife for singles and couples that enjoy the social experience.  Cooper-Young is a community that has something for everyone.  

        A sense of community is evident among the residents of Cooper-Young.  Community pride is Cooper-Young's greatest asset.The school has an active PTA.  There is an active neighborhood watch.  Community members are invited to meetings to share their vision for the community.  Some of the residents said that they have bumper stickers with their zip code on them.  It is apparent in the respectful way they engage with each other and outsiders that visit their community to participate in the various offerings.

           


          One of the greatest assets a community can have is one of diversity and acceptance.  Walking down the Mayberry-like streets, you started to feel that if one was not accepted in Cooper Young, they wouldn't be accepted anywhere. Cooper-Young is home to the Memphis Gay and Lesbian Community Center. A feeling of acceptance of all diversities, cultural, sexual preferences, gender, and other differences pervades this unique community.  This acceptance appears to exists in all areas of the community, including the churches.   It was almost as if the people there had community rose colored glasses on.  Positive regard for all residents and visitors was evident.



          Another asset of Cooper-Young is the large number of activities that are planned and for all ages. From shopping, to ballet, to yoga, and gardening, there is an activity for every age. The first Thursday of every month (except Jan. and Feb.), retailers in the community stay open a bit later and offer discounts, special guests pop ups, appetizers, and music at the famed intersection of Cooper and Young. There is also a Cooper-Young Community Association where residents are asked for their voice in community issues. There are numerous opportunities to belong to the community through participation in the wide range of activities. Cooper-Young is a great place for families to thrive. It is also where a large number of singles come to hang out.

          The Lamplighter is Cooper-Young's monthly newspaper.  This publication keeps the locals informed of local meetings, new businesses, or any news and activities that are occurring in the community.  It also gives area business opportunity for advertising.  The Lamplighter is published to encourage the community involvement and to build Cooper-Young.  The Lamplighter is available free in most area businesses, as well as on line.

          

               

        Cooper-Young residents have a general sense of safety and well-being.  When interviewing one racially diverse couple walking into a local restaurant, they stated that they had moved to Memphis a little over a year ago, but they loved to come to mid-town and Cooper-Young to eat on weekends because of the atmosphere and because the restaurants were not typically overly crowded.  They also said that they felt safe when visiting Cooper-Young .  While crime continues to skyrocket in other areas of Memphis, Cooper-Young has maintained a modest crime rate.  Admirable especially because there higher crime communities border this community, some as close as two blocks.  The residents just say that they stay away from those areas and they are careful, but they don't appear to live in fear.



“When it comes to dining, Memphis has come a long way in the last decade - thanks in no small part to a few innovative chefs who put down roots in the city's artsy Cooper Young neighborhood” states a recent USA today article. The area of Cooper and Young is very diverse in terms of small business and associated activities. On any given evening trendy coffee shops often host poetry slams and comedy stand up, providing an ambiance that could only be found in this midtown community. As many are aware Bar-B-Q is a staple in Memphis culture. Central Bar-B-Q is a local community favorite. Satisfied customers have commented “The pork is always tender, the ribs have just the right balance of crust on top and moisture inside”. Demonstrating the diversity of CY dinning is a seafood and soup eatery with an always changing menu named Tsunami. “Dishes change frequently, but you can typically find homemade soups and entrees like sake-steamed mussels with red curry sauce or fresh tuna with wasabi vinaigrette”.  Although Central Bar-B-Q and Tsunami are local favorites there is almost a restaurant to cater to anything of desired food including but not limited to Mexican, Thai, and Vegetarian.



For 25 years Cooper-Young has hosted the annual Cooper-Young Festival Friday Four Miler. Although this particular race occurs yearly the district of Cooper-Young hosts a variety of 5K’s throughout the year. Examples of races held in the historic Cooper-Young District include the Design a Wish 5K benefiting the Make a Wish Foundation and the Latino Memphis Festival featuring the Cinco De Mayo 5K. While it is common knowledge that Memphis ranks amount the highest cities in the nation in terms of obesity, this midtown area constantly promotes fitness with its residents. Other activities geared toward building community health include both Yoga and Cross-fit facilities as well as Taekwondo. The Cooper-Young Festival is hosted by the Cooper-Young Business Association and is held annually. It is an outdoor celebration of arts, music, crafts, and culture in which individuals within and outside the communities are able to express their creative and artistic talent in various ways.                   

                                                                                         References

Cooper-Young Business Association.(2012).The Cooper-Young Festival  

Davies, S. (2016). From Hip to Hog, Cooper- Young Rocks the Memphis Dining Scene. 

Memphis Business Journal, (2012).  APA picks Cooper-Young as one of the nation’s 10 Great Neighborhoods.

Thompson, M. (2011, October 1). Living in Cooper Young , (Video File) Retrieved from https://youtu.be/_uktWK26JGE.