Memphis, August 25, 2025
News Summary
A new housing development in Memphis has completed 10 affordable homes near Zodiac Park in Whitehaven Hills. Priced at around $240,000, these customizable homes aim to increase accessibility for families amidst a housing crisis. The initiative addresses infrastructure costs and aims to attract builders to meet middle-income needs. Efforts from the city and developers are working in tandem to enhance housing options for residents.
Memphis Housing Initiative Sees Progress with New Affordable Homes Near Zodiac Park
A new affordable housing development has been completed in Memphis, consisting of 10 homes located near Zodiac Park in Whitehaven Hills. This initiative is part of the cityโs broader plan to increase affordable housing options for its residents. The customizable homes each have a price tag of approximately $240,000, making them accessible for many families in the area.
The homes were constructed on vacant lots that were previously owned by the Memphis Metropolitan Land Bank Authority. This revitalization effort is seen as crucial in addressing the ongoing housing crisis facing the city, where the median income is just over $51,000. In comparison, a household would need to earn around $91,000 per year to afford a home in the Greater Memphis area.
Charlene Bailey, the primary listing agent for the new homes, has pointed out that there is no comparable development in South Memphis, highlighting the unique opportunity these homes offer. Despite their affordable pricing, the construction of new houses can bring additional financial burdens due to infrastructure costs. This can add an estimated $20,000 to $40,000 to each home’s price because of the need to update outdated utility and sewer lines.
Only 11 new home construction permits were filed in the 38126 zip code between May 1, 2024, and May 1, 2025, indicating a slow pace of new builds in the neighborhood. Developer Casey Cooper, who moved to Memphis in 2021, aims to address this shortfall by constructing affordable homes priced at less than $250,000. Having purchased 12 lots in the area, Cooper has completed three homes and has another under construction, although he has faced challenges in securing financing due to lenders’ concerns about the area. He also encountered hurdles with cleaning up and dealing with condemnation orders for dilapidated properties.
In response to the critical need for affordable housing, Ashley Cash, the Director of Housing and Community Development, is working to attract builders to the city while catering to the needs of middle-income homebuyers earning between $48,000 and $60,000 annually. To facilitate this, the city has allocated $1 million for a โMiddle Income Housingโ pilot program aimed at alleviating infrastructure costs.
So far, this initiative has already resulted in funding for two mixed-use projects designed to create nearly 50 new housing units in the Medical District. The popularity of new homes over historic properties has been noted by locals, indicating a shift in resident preferences.
In contrast to Memphis, nearby Millington is experiencing a housing boom, issuing 5 to 7 building permits weekly with a goal of 250 new residential permits by 2025. City leaders attribute this growth to a comprehensive master plan that strategically invested in infrastructure improvements to attract new builds.
Since 2021, Memphis has also provided down payment assistance to 87 households, with specific programs available for essential workers like teachers, police officers, and firefighters. This effort aims to improve access to homeownership for those who need it most in the community.
Key Features of the New Housing Development
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Zodiac Park, Whitehaven Hills |
| Number of Homes | 10 |
| Price per Home | Approximately $240,000 |
| Developer | Casey Cooper |
| Median Income Requirement for Affordability | Approximately $91,000 |
| Infrastructure Cost Impact | $20,000 to $40,000 additional per home |
| City Investment in Housing | $1 million for Middle Income Housing pilot |
FAQ
What is the price range of the new homes near Zodiac Park?
The new customizable homes are priced at approximately $240,000 each.
How many new home construction permits were issued in the 38126 zip code recently?
Only 11 new home construction permits were filed in the 38126 zip code from May 1, 2024, to May 1, 2025.
What support is available for homebuyers in Memphis?
Memphis has provided down payment assistance to 87 households since 2021, with special assistance available for teachers, police officers, and firefighters.
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Additional Resources
- Action News 5: Housing Gap – New Program for Affordable Housing in Memphis
- Wikipedia: Affordable Housing
- WREG: Woman’s New Home Finally Secured
- Google Search: Affordable Housing Memphis
- Daily Memphian: Affordable Housing Near Zodiac Park
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Housing
- Fox 13 Memphis: Public Housing Waitlists Opening
- Google Scholar: Affordable Housing Memphis
- Local Memphis: New Public Housing Waitlists
- Google News: Memphis Housing Initiatives
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The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
