Murfreesboro is a university town with historic roots
Murfreesboro is a small university town in North Carolina near the Virginia border, set in the bucolic expanse between the Outer Banks and Raleigh. Its roots date back to before the country's founding, and many of its historic buildings remain intact. “We have a beautiful historic district and some lovely newer neighborhoods,” says Realtor Elicia Revelle of Revelle Realty, who has over 20 years of experience in the area. “The historic association here is run by volunteers, and they own over 20 properties. Professors, staff and students from around the world come here to Chowan University, which makes it a culturally diverse place to live. Really, one of the best things about Murfreesboro is that we embrace our history while welcoming the future.”
Slow growth in Murfreesboro has led to architectural variety
When driving through Murfreesboro, prospective buyers will notice a wide variety of architectural styles lining the southern town’s residential streets. Historic homes feature 18th-century Federal architecture, while other shady lots are occupied by post-war bungalows with Craftsman influence. Modern Traditional homes can also be found. “There are no real cookie-cutter developments here,” Revelle says. “The town has developed slowly over the years, allowing more variety in architecture than most places. A few new homes are built each year, but there are no major development plans currently in place.” Houses in need of repairs can cost between $35,000 and $95,000, varying based on the extent of necessary work. Move-in ready homes can cost anywhere from $124,000 to $540,000, depending on build year, number of bedrooms, square footage and lot size.
Hertford County High's Early College program earns strong marks
Students in Murfreesboro are zoned to attend Hertford County Public Schools, which earns an overall C from Niche. Riverview Elementary, on the east side of town, and Hertford County Middle, just off U.S. Highway 258, both receive C-minus grades. Hertford County High is 14 miles south in Ahoskie and is also rated C-minus. Hertford High’s Early College program, a modified curriculum that allows students to get an associate’s degree with their diploma, receives an A-minus.
Local events include the Watermelon Festival and Pork Fest
There are several events held in town throughout the year. “The Volunteer Fire Department hosts the annual Pork Fest, which is a city-sanctioned event,” Revelle says. Pork Fest is a celebration of North Carolina-style barbecue that includes a vendor fair and a car and tractor show. In addition, Murfreesboro hosts the annual North Carolina Watermelon Festival, a multi-day celebration of area agriculture which features vendors, live music and a carnival. Longstanding institutions also allow for recreational opportunities. “Chowan University was established in 1848 and has always been a big part of what makes Murfreesboro special,” Revelle continues. “The university provides a place for residents and students alike to enjoy baseball, football and basketball games, as well as concerts and lecture series.”
Main Street is the marketplace of Murfreesboro
Food Lion on the west side of town is the main supermarket. Residents can pick up daily household items at either Dollar General, CVS or Ace Home Center, all along Main Street. Main Street is the center of commerce in Murfreesboro. “We have a nice commercial area with a few gift shops, small businesses and several restaurants,” Revelle says. “We have several different types of restaurants, mostly locally owned, and they draw visitors to our town from all around.” These include Tavern 125 and Napoli Pizza and Italian Restaurant.
Meherrin River and nearby hunting lands offer outdoor opportunity
The surrounding rural landscape is available for recreation. “We’re on the Meherrin River, which leads to the Chowan River and then the Albemarle Sound,” Revelle says. “We have public boating access, public fishing areas and a brand new kayak launch at Murfrees Landing.” Riverside Park, also on the banks of the Meherrin River, hosts the local intramural football and baseball programs. There are also public game lands available for hunting during the season, along with the Tall Cotton Quail Hunting Preserve. Locals can lift weights or practice martial arts at Vinfit, the only 24/7 gym and fitness center in Murfreesboro.
Murfreesboro residents commute to Ahoskie and cities in Virginia
U.S. Highway 258 is the most vital commuter artery of Murfreesboro, connecting the town to major cities in southeast Virginia. “Many residents commute to Hampton Roads and work in Suffolk, Norfolk, Newport News and Virginia Beach,” Revelle says. Other major thoroughfares include U.S. Route 158, which provides access to Elizabeth City, and North Carolina state Route 11, which heads south to Ahoskie. Ahoskie is home to the nearest hospital.
