It would really depend on the price range you have. That could help in giving you an idea of the best place to look for your money. But, I'd recommend you look in Lakeland or Arlington--2 up-and-coming suburbs in the Northeast part of the county. I just moved to Arlington and love it! Prices are still pretty reasonable, but with the development standards they have in place, the property values will do nothing but sky-rocket over the next few years.
By the way, one of the advantages of Arlington is that it will be the only place in Shelby County where I-40 and the new I-269 will intersect. Not only will that make that area even hotter, but it will be very easy to get anywhere in the Metro area in a reasonable amount of time.
