There is a misnomer that everything on Mud Island is called Harbor Town- that is absolutely NOT true. From a real estate point of view we will later discuss the Mud Island options.
First, lets talk about the Island named "Mud". Crazy name. The Island first appeared in the Memphis Harbor around the turn of the last century. A gun boat that had been used in the Spanish American war was being taken up the Mississippi River when it ran aground in the harbor- there she sat for at least two years until the water rose high enough for her to continue her journey north. When she left she had created a sandbar that continued to grow.
At first the sandbar threatened the harbor so the people of Memphis tried to dislodge it by blowing it up, but the eddy that had been created stayed and it just brought more mud, silt and sand to be deposited. It grew- and grew until it was large enough to support a band of squatters. About 200 people moved to the island and enjoyed rent-free living during the Great Depression. They lived in shacks tied to 55 gallon drums and discarded barges because flooding was a big problem. In the 1960's the squatters were moved out and the Army Corps of Engineers began dredging the Mississippi River and depositing the mud, silt and sand onto the island building it up to its present level- which is about 8 foot above flood stage.
After that the island hosted a small airport, some light industry and a miscellaneous farming community. The A.W. Willis Bridge was finally built connecting downtown Memphis to the Island and that event opened the area to development. Harbor Town, one of the United States best examples of New Urbanism began construction in 1989 and developers flocked to the island to build homes, condos and apartments. While some of the developers did not follow the same archetectual guidelines that set Harbor Town apart they did build and gave homeowners a choice of neighborhoods.
"The Watersedge" subdivision is a gated community that lies just to the north of Harbor Town proper. It has approximately 60 homes- most of which are priced between $225,000 and $300,000 although there are about 6 homes that far exceed those values including one that Justin Timberlake owns that has great views of the Mississippi River. Most of the homes have fenced back yards but there are no sidewalks so it is not particularly pedestrian friendly. However it is popular with the people who want a double dose of safety because not only do you have the safety of the island itself, but you have the gate around the property as well.
Then you have the "Harbor Isle" community which is an affordable option to Harbor Town with prices ranging from the mid $150k to the mid $250ks. This area is popular with first time home buyers and doctors doing their residency and offers homeowners the opportunity of being close to the Mississippi River Greenbelt Park and close to work/school.
The Island offers some of the best housing options for people that are moving to the Memphis area. Most of the residents have relocated from other cities and countries making it a very diverse, interesting and sophisticated population. Here, you will be able to walk to nice restaurants and pubs, walk along the shores of the Mississippi River, enjoy a sunset and a really quick ride to work. The Island is only 15 minutes from the airport making it very convenient for people who travel. The total population is about 6000 so it is a true "small town". Almost everyone remarks that , as they drive over the bridge, they feel like they are going to a resort. An indeed, it does feel more like a small town in Vermont than Memphis.
