Craving a quieter pace without giving up big-city access? Somerville offers a small-town heartbeat, tree‑lined streets, and a historic square, all within reach of the greater Memphis job market. If you are weighing lifestyle fit, housing options, schools, commute time, and nearby amenities, this guide will help you get a clear picture of daily life in 38068. By the end, you will know what to expect and how to decide if Somerville aligns with your goals. Let’s dive in.

Where Somerville sits in the metro

Somerville is the county seat of Fayette County in the outer ring of the Memphis metropolitan area. U.S. Route 64 runs through town, and Tennessee State Route 76 crosses the center, giving you straightforward east‑west and north‑south access. Downtown Memphis sits about 41 miles to the west, so you can tap into city amenities when you need them while enjoying a quieter home base. You can read more about location and routes on the town’s profile page on Wikipedia.

Town vs ZIP: know the difference

When you look at homes online, you will often see results for the broader 38068 ZIP code, not just the town limits. The incorporated Town of Somerville counted roughly 3,400 to 3,500 residents in the 2020 Census and recent ACS estimates. The 38068 ZIP, which covers a much larger area around town, is home to roughly 10,800 to 11,000 residents in recent estimates. That town‑versus‑ZIP distinction matters because housing stock, lot sizes, and commute patterns can differ as you move out from the square. For town population and ACS context, see Census Reporter’s Somerville profile, and for ZIP‑level basics, review ZIP‑Codes.com’s 38068 page.

Community rhythm and local color

Somerville’s identity centers on its courthouse square, historic storefronts, and civic life. The town invests in downtown redevelopment and community programming, with local arts touchpoints like the Somerville Art Gallery and the Fair Theater. Seasonal events bring people together, including warm‑weather “Music on the Square” evenings and the fall Fayette County Cotton Festival. You can explore town programs on the Somerville municipal site and find festival highlights on Cypress Magazine’s events roundup.

Housing snapshot in 38068

You will mostly see single‑family homes across 38068. Near the square, expect older cottages, bungalows, and mid‑20th‑century houses, some thoughtfully updated. In neighborhoods a bit farther out, you will find ranch‑style homes and newer brick builds. In the broader ZIP, larger lots and rural settings are common, which appeals if you value more elbow room and quieter streets.

For values, think in ranges rather than a single number. Census‑derived town data shows a median owner‑occupied home value in the low‑to‑mid $300Ks in recent ACS estimates, while consumer aggregator snapshots often place ZIP‑level medians roughly between $250,000 and $360,000, depending on the source and timing. Use these as directional guides, not hard lines. If you are comparing areas, the ZIP also shows a higher‑than‑average owner‑occupancy share compared with more urban cores, and median rents tend to run lower than many Memphis neighborhoods, which can help with monthly affordability. For town‑level housing value context, see Census Reporter, and for ZIP‑level basics, check ZIP‑Codes.com’s 38068 page.

Tips for browsing homes in 38068:

• Focus your search radius. Decide whether you want to be walkable to the square or prefer a larger lot farther out in the ZIP.
• Look at utility and commute tradeoffs. Larger lots may mean longer drives and different utility setups.
• Consider future needs. If you anticipate working from home more, look for layouts with a dedicated office and reliable broadband options.

Schools and learning options

Somerville is served by Fayette County Public Schools. The county high school, Fayette‑Ware Comprehensive High School, is located in Somerville and anchors public secondary education in the area. You will also find local elementary and junior high campuses in and around town, along with a handful of private or charter options in the broader region. For contact details and programming at the county high school, visit the Fayette‑Ware Comprehensive High School site. For community and continuing education, the University of Tennessee at Martin operates a Somerville center that hosts programs and events through the Town of Somerville.

When comparing schools, rely on official district resources and direct inquiries for the most current information on attendance zones, programs, and transportation. Keep in mind that school options can change with enrollment and planning.

Healthcare and daily conveniences

Somerville offers clinics and a county health department for routine needs. The nearest full‑service regional hospital is typically in Collierville, where many residents use Baptist Memorial Hospital–Collierville for emergency and specialty care. You can confirm services and location through the Collierville Chamber’s listing. For shopping and services, the downtown square supports small businesses and county offices, while larger retail, specialty healthcare, and entertainment often draw residents to nearby Oakland and Collierville or into the eastern Memphis suburbs. For local business directories and civic services, start with the Town of Somerville website.

Commutes and getting around

Somerville is primarily car‑dependent. Fixed‑route public transit is limited compared with urban Memphis, and most daily travel happens on U.S. 64 and connecting state routes. Town‑level ACS data shows mean travel times to work around 25 to 30 minutes in recent estimates, with the broader 38068 ZIP averaging near 30 minutes. These patterns suggest many residents work locally or in nearby towns, while some commute into the metro. For commute and demographic context, see Census Reporter’s Somerville profile, and for location and road context, review Wikipedia’s Somerville overview.

Practical takeaways:

• Plan for at least one vehicle per household.
• Expect a 41‑mile trip to downtown Memphis, with drive times that vary by route and time of day.
• If your job is in Collierville, Oakland, or other nearby employment centers, your commute may be shorter than a daily drive to downtown Memphis.

Economy and near‑term growth

Local employment is anchored by county government, Fayette County Schools, retail and services, and connections to regional healthcare systems. In the broader West Tennessee economy, Ford’s BlueOval City electric‑vehicle and battery campus in Stanton is a notable project that may influence housing demand across multiple counties in the Memphis region over time. For a sense of local institutions and workforce anchors, browse the Fayette County Chamber’s resources.

Is Somerville a fit for you?

Somerville tends to attract buyers who want small‑town rhythm with practical access to Memphis‑area jobs and amenities. If you value a historic square, seasonal community events, and the option for larger lots, 38068 is worth a close look. If you prioritize short commutes to downtown Memphis, you will need to weigh drive times. For investors and homeowners focused on cost control, the area’s ownership patterns and rent levels can support more predictable monthly budgets, with variation by neighborhood and property type. For ZIP‑level affordability context, review ZIP‑Codes.com’s 38068 overview.

Next steps

If Somerville is on your shortlist, your best move is to compare in‑town listings near the square with newer builds and larger‑lot options in the wider ZIP. Then map those homes to your likely commute, your preferred school path, and your weekend routine. A clear framework will help you balance value with daily convenience.

When you are ready to see how Somerville stacks up to nearby Oakland, Collierville, or eastern Shelby County, connect with the local team that pairs neighborhood knowledge with investor‑grade systems. Work with Memphis Real Estate Advisors for data‑driven comps, on‑the‑ground insights, and a smooth plan from search to close. Get Your Free Market Report.

FAQs

How far is Somerville from downtown Memphis, and what are typical commutes?

• Somerville sits about 41 miles east of downtown Memphis, and recent ACS data shows mean travel times around 25 to 30 minutes at the town level and near 30 minutes for the 38068 ZIP. See commute context on Census Reporter and location details on Wikipedia.

What public schools serve Somerville and 38068?

• Fayette County Public Schools serve the area, with Fayette‑Ware Comprehensive High School located in Somerville. Check programs, enrollment, and contacts on the Fayette‑Ware HS site, and use district resources for current attendance zones.

Are there full‑service hospitals near Somerville?

• Full‑service hospital care is typically accessed in nearby Collierville, where many residents use Baptist Memorial Hospital–Collierville. Review location and services via the Collierville Chamber listing.

What housing styles and price ranges should I expect in 38068?

• Expect mostly single‑family homes, from older cottages near the square to ranches and newer brick builds on larger lots. Town‑level ACS shows median owner‑occupied values in the low‑to‑mid $300Ks, while ZIP‑level snapshots often range roughly $250,000 to $360,000, depending on source and timing. See value context on Census Reporter.

Is Somerville car‑friendly, and are transit options available?

• Somerville is primarily car‑dependent, with daily travel on U.S. 64 and state routes. Fixed‑route public transit options are limited compared with urban Memphis. For a quick overview, see Wikipedia’s Somerville page.