Is Murfreesboro a Good Place to Live?

Located in Rutherford County, the city of Murfreesboro is 200 years old city and still growing. Murfreesboro has a population of about 160,000 people, representing just over 35% growth in the last decade. That makes it the 188th most-populated town in the country. However, because it's only about 34 miles away from the world-renowned city of Nashville, the metro area has a noteworthy character that may not be found in other rural areas.

Considered one of the best suburbs of Nashville, Murfreesboro is also one of the fastest-growing cities in the country. It's home to Middle Tennessee State University and several historical sites like the Stones River National Battlefield. Being part of the southern U.S., the area also benefits from a generally warm climate with multiple seasons.

With so many new people deciding to move here, it's easy to find the new construction homes and Murfreesboro condos throughout all the city's best neighborhoods. Are you ready to move to Murfreesboro? Here's what you need to know first.

10 Reasons to Love Living in Murfreesboro

• Quality of Life: The city offers small-town charm combined with the conveniences of a large city.
• Affordable Housing: Whether you're looking for a single-family home, a townhouse, or a condominium, you're likely to find something within your budget.
• Strong Economy: Murfreesboro's economy is vibrant and diverse, with sectors such as healthcare, education, and manufacturing providing a wide range of job opportunities.
• Education: Murfreesboro is home to Middle Tennessee State University, alongside numerous public and private grade schools.
• Parks & Outdoor Activities: The city's commitment to maintaining these outdoor spaces is ideal for all outdoor enthusiasts.
• Location: The city's strategic location offers easy access to Nashville, the state capital, which is just 34 miles away.
• Cultural Heritage: As the geographic center of the state, Murfreesboro has a rich historical and cultural heritage.
• Lower Cost of Living: The cost of utilities, transportation, and healthcare are low compared to other top suburbs of major US cities.
• Growing Community: Murfreesboro is one of the fastest-growing cities in Tennessee. This growth brings new opportunities, infrastructure developments, and increased property values.
• Climate: The city has a moderate climate with warm summers, beautiful springs and falls, and mild winters.

Murfreesboro Cost of Living

Compared to the typical U.S. community, Murfreesboro's cost of living is about average. However, when compared to similar-sized suburbs of large cities, Murfreesboro's living expenses are comparatively low.

Grocery costs are also virtually the same as can be found elsewhere. Some may notice their utility and transportation bills are slightly lower. Even miscellaneous costs such as clothing and repairs are fairly close to average, with new residents realizing a savings of about 3%.

Even housing in Murfreesboro is only slightly more expensive than country-wide averages. The median home cost for the community is about $250,000, compared to the U.S. average of $231,000. It may be possible to save money by selecting one of the most affordable neighborhoods in Murfreesboro. Despite the town's affordability, luxury real estate awaits those who know where to look for it; Murfreesboro's most expensive neighborhoods offer stately mansions with sprawling acreage and amazing amenities. 

Renting a one-bedroom apartment in the community will cost about $950 each month, slightly more expensive than the national average of $930. Two-bedroom apartments are about $1,150, and residents will save about $50 by renting outside the city. Four-bedroom houses average about $1,800 within Murfreesboro, about $30 more expensive than the national average.

There are expenses where people can expect to save a noticeable amount of cash. For example, people in the city pay only about 94.9% of what those in other areas spend on health care.

Murfreesboro Job Market

It's important to consider the labor background of a city before moving there. Murfreesboro's largest employers can tell you a lot about opportunities within the area, although the option to commute to nearby jobs is possible.

Rutherford County Government is the largest employer in Murfreesboro, with just over 6,000 jobs. The entity provides many public services, including emergency medical, law enforcement, and the courts. With about 2,200 professors and staff, Middle Tennessee State University has the next largest payroll. The school has almost 22,000 students in both undergraduate and graduate programs. Sports lovers in the area will enjoy attending one of the organization's 15 teams.

National Healthcare Corporation has 2,071 staff providing administrative and medical services to the region. While the headquarters is in Murfreesboro, the company has facilities in 11 states, including 69 nursing homes and 15 assisted living centers.

State Farm Insurance Companies is another large employer in the area, with 1,650 people. If these particular employers don't match the skills of potential residents, there are more opportunities to be found through commuting. Nissan North America, Inc is affiliated with one of the largest small trucks and cars manufacturers globally. They employ about 8,000 in the nearby town of Smyrna.

Popular Industries in the Area

The most popular jobs in Murfreesboro are related to sales positions, with around 8,900 employees. Another 8,787 people make a living in office and administrative support jobs. Around 7,248 managers operate in the community in a variety of organizations.

As for industries, the largest segment of workers in the community is in the health care and social assistance industry, with 13.6% of people. Retail trade businesses employ the second-largest group with 12.9%, followed by 11.7% in manufacturing firms. Accommodation and food services organizations are close behind, accounting for 11.9% of area salaries. Finally, 9.3% of the residents make money providing educational services.

Things to Do in Murfreesboro

New residents will find a wide variety of things to do in Murfreesboro, thanks to its proximity to Nashville. There are plenty of bars, nightclubs, and coffee spots to party or just hang out.

But the fun is not just reserved for party-goers in Murfreesboro. Fresh air lovers will enjoy visiting the Barfield Crescent Park and Wilderness Station. The area is a great space for team sports like softball or small group activities such as picnics. There are also more than seven miles of hiking trails and a dozen campsites.

Outdoor Activities

In addition to the best parks in Murfreesboro, the community also has other forms of external recreation. Those who prefer productive outdoor time can visit Batey Farms for fresh produce. Consumers have the option to visit the shop for preselected goods or pick their own strawberries and blueberries. History buffs can visit the Cannonsburgh Village to tour a typical 1830s southern town. The area has a wedding chapel, museum, general store, and gristmill.

Restaurants, Breweries, and Bars

Foodies will likely spend a lot of time visiting Nashville because it's well-known for its southern cuisine and barbecue. However, Murfreesboro residents have plenty of delicious options closer to home. Carmen's Taqueria offers live music, margaritas, and excellent tacos and chimichangas. Try The Alley on Main for succulent steaks or fried pork chop with homemade gravy. Gyro Tabouli offers authentic Mediterranean foods like hummus and falafel.

Nightlife

Those just getting started when the sun falls will have plenty of outlets for low-light fun. Residents can find plenty of live entertainment and nightlife near all of Murfreesboro's best neighborhoods. Hop Springs Beer Park is a great place to relax with friends while listening to music. Those looking for a friendly challenge might enjoy trying Murfreesboro Escape Rooms.

Murfreesboro Climate

Murfreesboro offers fairly warm weather most of the year. However, residents do not tend to experience as hot temperatures as other southern communities. The hottest month of the year is July, with an average high of 89.3 ºF. Compare this to the U.S. average of 85.8 ºF. On the other hand, the coldest month of the year is January, with lows averaging around 25.3 ºF.

June through August of each year can bring average hot temperatures, or above about 86 ºF. December, January, and February are the only months when the average temperature is below freezing. That leaves about six months out of each year when the weather outside can be fairly pleasant.

However, monthly rainfall often spikes during May, reaching as much as 5.6 inches. The only other month exceeding five inches of precipitation is December with 5.2. August, September, and October are among the driest months of the year, with rainfall dropping below four inches per month.

Murfreesboro Traffic

The commute time for residents in Murfreesboro is slightly shorter than the national average, at 25.7 versus 26.4 minutes. However, nearly 46% of drivers have a commute under 20 minutes. Around 85% of people drive to work alone, compared to the national standard of 76.4%. By contrast, only 0.4% of residents use mass transit to get to their job, much lower than the U.S. average of 5.1%. The largest segment of drivers begin their commute at 7 a.m., but roads can be busier between 6 a.m. and 8:30 a.m.

Not surprisingly, most of the parking spaces around the city are focused in two areas. Parking around the university is largely controlled by the school and limited to students and staff.

Parking in the downtown area is owned by a combination of private lots and public parking. The city owns two lots and two parking garages.

Driving from downtown Murfreesboro to Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) will take about four minutes. Making the commute to Nashville from Murfreesboro takes between 30 and 50 minutes.

Alternative Routes

Coming in from the east, the only access is US Route 70S. State routes 99 and 96 provide access from the southwest and west, respectively. US Route 231 bisects the city as it travels north to south through the middle. The local surface roads generally travel circular paths around the city, creating a spiderweb look with the major highways.

The only real alternative path involves Interstate 24 and US Route 41. These two highways run parallel routes from northwest to southeast through the city.

Murfreesboro Public Transportation

While Murfreesboro has a driving culture, a limited number of public transportation options exist. Taking an Uber from Murfreesboro Municipal Airport to MTSU will cost about $9 before the tip. In 2007, the city established a bus system within the community. The service provides nine small buses that travel seven major corridors. Rides are $1 each way, but discounts are available for certain groups.

There is also a regional bus service providing public transportation between Murfreesboro and Nashville. Traveling on the regional bus will cost $4.25 per trip, but it's possible to save money with multi-ride passes. Weekday journeys begin at about 5 a.m., and service continues until around 9 p.m. This is a great option for long-term commuters who do not wish to drive the entire excursion.

Murfreesboro Schools

Murfreesboro schools are governed under a school board as part of the city government. The organization offers a total of 13 elementary schools as part of its focus on early childhood learning. Beyond elementary, most students will begin attending institutions governed by Rutherford County Schools. The county provides elementary, middle, and high schools throughout Murfreesboro, Smyrna, Christiana, and other small communities.

College-aged learners have two choices for education. The city is known for MTSU, which offers more than 300 academic programs through 35 departments. Another option is Daymar College, a technical training school offering health care, business, and criminal justice instruction.

Make it in Murfreesboro

Murfreesboro has a great cost of living and a growing economic base. It offers a rare combination of outdoor beauty, warm weather, music, and dancing. Enjoy the midsize town feel, with Nashville only an hour away. Come see for yourself why so many people love living in Murfreesboro. 

If Murfreesboro is the perfect home for you, contact The Ashton Real Estate Group of RE/MAX Advantage with Nashville's MLS at (615) 603-3602 to get in touch with a Murfreesboro real estate agent who can help you find your ideal Murfreesboro home.