Home to MTSU and the Nashville metro’s biggest suburb
Murfreesboro originally went by Cannonsburgh but got its current name from Hardy Murfree, a prominent officer who relocated to Tennessee years after fighting in the Revolutionary War. Murfree owned the land later used for the Oaklands Mansion, now a museum and one of the city’s most visited sites. While Murfreesboro still has a few pockets with historic small town charm, this place of more than 160,000 people is the Nashville metro’s biggest suburb.
Since World War II, Murfreesboro has transitioned from an agricultural to an industrial economy. The city is the home of Middle Tennessee State University, one of the state’s largest public higher education institutions. “The university is obviously the biggest draw. That’s what got me here. It’s what got a lot of people here, and a lot of them come and stay,” says Brad Hopkins, a Realtor with EXIT Realty Bob Lamb & Associate. “It is obviously kind of a suburb of Nashville, so that’s obviously a big draw, too. Lots of folks live here and work in Nashville.” In addition to MTSU and suburban comforts more than 30 miles from Nashville, Murfreesboro’s strong schools, active housing market, shopping areas and major employers keep its headcount climbing.
Murfreesboro is a growing city with over 160,000 calling it home in Tennessee.
Murfreesboro residents can find all their shopping needs at The Avenue.
The Oaklands Mansion was built in 1818 in Murfreesboro, TN.
Middle Tennessee State University is located on 550 acres in Murfreesboro.
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A mostly residential city with 21st-century contemporaries
Homes in the city exist along clusters of streets that branch off the major thoroughfares. The housing consists of condos, townhouses, single-family homes and luxury estates. Homes around the downtown area can date back to the early 1800s, while some 20th-century builds exist throughout other parts of the city. However, most homes here emerged during the 21st century, with many showing contemporary and ranch-style designs.
Depending on size, acreage and age, most single-family homes in the city run between $350,000 and $700,000. Townhouses mainly run between $300,000 and $400,000. For condos, less than 1,000-square-foot units start in the lower $100,000s, while the far larger ones can reach $400,000. Murfreesboro has a median list price of approximately $441,000, nearly $90,000 below Nashville’s. Murfreesboro’s median is also slightly over the national one.
Downtown Murfreesboro has a variety of historical homes dating back to the early 1800s.
Murfreesboro has a wide variety of single family home styles.
Murfreesboro has a growing population of townhomes being built all over the city.
Condominium complexes in Murfreesboro are spread throughout the city.
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Historic downtown staples and chains at Stones River and The Avenue
About 400 local businesses exist throughout the city’s downtown, a 20-block historic district anchored by a Neoclassical courthouse building from 1859. Institutions include City Cafe, Tennessee’s oldest-running restaurant. Opened in 1900, the establishment serves various breakfast and brunch items. Patrons at The Alley on Main often fill its dining floor to enjoy classic American eats and homestyle desserts. Downtown visitors can also catch a show at The Center for the Arts, a nonprofit theater company housed in an early-20th-century Italianate building. Its 2024 calendar includes productions of classics like “Death of a Salesman” and “Pippin.”
Two shopping malls sit within 1 mile of the downtown. Stones River Town Centre is an indoor collection of nearly 50 shops, eateries and lifestyle destinations. Its anchor businesses include AMC Theatres, Dillard’s and JCPenney. A little farther west, The Avenue Murfreesboro houses over 80 retailers and restaurants, with Dick’s Sporting Goods and Barnes & Noble among its biggest names.
Rutherford County Courthouse is one of six pre-Civil War courthouses still standing.
Alley on Main has American eats and a local vibe in Murfreesboro.
The City Cafe is the oldest running restaurant in Tennessee.
The Center for the Arts hosts a variety of performances in Murfreesboro.
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Farmers market and Friday night concerts in the downtown square
“We still have a quaint town square that reminds people of a small downtown area and lots and lots of events that take place around the square,” says James Manning, the executive director of the Oaklands Mansion. From June to October, hundreds turn out to the square each week for the Friday Nights concert series. Those in attendance sit back in their foldable chairs to listen to acts performing anything from big band and country to R&B and 1990s covers. The Murfreesboro Saturday Market runs between May and late October. Vendors sell various fresh produce and products like locally made barbecue sauces. Market visitors might even catch a fiddle performance as they’re browsing. “There’s something there almost every weekend,” Hopkins says about the square.
Other major city events include the “Celebration Under the Stars” at the Fountains at Gateway. The July 4 event features a more than 20-minute fireworks show, food trucks and live music. History enthusiasts can tour the Oaklands Mansion, an Italianate building and former plantation house. They can also walk outside in the park, where they’ll find an arboretum consisting of native Tennessee trees like oaks, sycamores, maples and redbuds.
The historic town square in Murfreesboro hosts Friday Night concerts in the Summer.
The Oaklands Mansion is a former historic plantation house in Murfeesboro.
Locals love to take walks in the arboretum at Oaklands Mansion in Murfreesboro.
The Fountains at Gateway hosts a 4th of July celebration every year in Murfreesboro.
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Disc golf, miles of trails, kayaking and staying fit at the Sports*Com complex
The city oversees roughly 1,200 acres of public recreation spaces, with amenities including parks and brick-and-mortar facilities. The 17-mile Murfreesboro Greenway System connects many of these destinations and draws pedestrians, bikers and skaters. Stones River runs alongside most of the greenway, providing multiple access points for kayakers and others with small boats.
Covering 430 acres, Barfield Crescent Park is the largest city-run green space. More than 7 miles of trails run through the park, along with an 18-hole disc golf course and eight baseball and softball fields. The site also has a volleyball court, tetherball equipment and horseshoe pits. The 81-acre McKnight Park houses the Sports*Com complex, where the amenities include fitness rooms and an outdoor pool. The park’s baseball and softball diamonds include the David Price Miracle Field, which was uniquely designed for disabled sluggers. History buffs and local students frequent the Stones River National Battlefield, a 700-acre expanse with Civil War artifacts.
Barfield Park has an 18 hole Disc Golf course in Murfreesboro.
McKnight Park has a baseball field for disabled sluggers in Murfreesboro.
Stones River National Battlefield pays tribute to the Civil War battle in Murfreesboro.
Bikers love to ride on the Murfreesboro Greenway system at Manson Pike Boat Ramp.
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Two public school districts and MTSU’s top-rated audio engineering program
Murfreesboro City Schools serves prekindergarten to sixth grade students, while the Rutherford County Schools district handles the middle and high school levels. Both school districts get overall A-minus grades from Niche.
Notable institutions include Central Magnet School, which gets an A-plus from Niche and serves sixth to 12th grade students. Niche ranks Central Magnet as the top middle school and second-best high school in Tennessee. Several private K-12 schools also operate in the city, including the Providence Christian Academy, which gets an A-minus from Niche.
With an enrollment of about 20,000, MTSU is the state’s third-largest university by student population. However, the institution charges the lowest tuition among Tennessee’s five largest universities. MTSU’s academics include a top-rated audio engineering program. The 39 Grammy winners who have attended and taught at the university since 2011 have fueled the program’s reputation.
Academically gifted students in Murfreesboro may attend Central Magnet School.
Murfreesboro students may go to the Christian school Providence Christian Academy.
Blackman Elementary School enrolls over 1,100 students every year in Murfreesboro.
Middle Tennessee State University's motto is Agriculture and Commerce.
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Rutherford County government seat and major employers in Nissan and Amazon
Murfreesboro is the seat of Rutherford County, which means local government and the schools fuel much of the city’s employment. With about 7,200 employees, the county and the school district combine to be one of the largest employers in Murfreesboro. Nissan North America employs about 7,000 workers at its Smyrna assembly plant, enough to make it the largest private employer in Rutherford County. The plant employs many Murfreesboro residents. Amazon runs a fulfillment center in the city, which makes it among the biggest employers here. Saint Thomas Health operates Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford, Murfreesboro’s main hospital.
Investment plans include the proposed Broad Street Development, an ambitious mixed-use project that would add 300 housing units, retail space, and a boutique hotel to the downtown area. The most recent census estimates show Murfreesboro has a population of just over 165,000, an 8% increase from the official 2020 count. However, a city-approved comprehensive plan projects Murfreesboro’s population will grow to nearly 230,000 in the 2030s. “It’s grown to a point where you don’t really have to leave and go to Nashville. We’ve got tons of restaurants, tons of shopping, great schools and lots of employment opportunities. It’s a thriving place,” Hopkins says.
Interstate 24 is the city’s main highway, taking commuters to Nashville, about 35 miles north. Interstate 840, an outer Nashville beltway, provides passage to other suburbs. Other commuters, particularly Nissan employees, take U.S. Highway 41 to go to the Smyrna plant. Although most here drive, the Murfreesboro Transit runs several bus routes in town. The Smyrna/Rutherford County Airport Authority houses general aviation services, while the Nashville International Airport is the region’s hub for commercial flights.
Important to know
The latest FBI stats show Murfreesboro's violent crime rate is double the national average and slightly higher than Tennessee’s. The city’s property crime rate is also nearly 30% higher than the country’s. However, Murfreesboro is considered safer than Nashville. Murfreesboro’s property crime rate is nearly half of Music City’s, while its violent crime rate is about 25% lower.
Murfreesboro experiences four distinct seasons, but the transition between them varies yearly. Like the rest of Middle Tennessee and the South, the seasons include warm, humid summers and mild winters. Spring and late fall are the typical times for extreme weather events like tornadoes. Middle Tennessee is the most tornado-prone region in the state. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Murfreesboro, in particular, has a “relatively high” risk for ice storms, lightning, strong winds and tornados.
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GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Murfreesboro, TN sell after 45 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Murfreesboro, TN over the last 12 months is $439,900, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to Garden Wonderland, where this beautifully maintained one-level home is surrounded by lush landscaping, charming stone accents, and inviting curb appeal that create a truly special setting. Inside, thoughtful upgrades include extra crown molding, luxury vinyl plank flooring, surround sound, and abundant storage throughout. Designed with comfort in mind, the spacious open layout features
Better than new, truly move-in ready, this beautifully upgraded and expanded Mystique floorplan sits on a premium lot backing to a private, mature tree line. Located in Phase 1 of Del Webb Southern Harmony, Middle TN’s premier 55+ community, you can skip the wait for new construction, avoid ongoing construction traffic, and be settled into your new home within weeks. The most important upgrades
Beautiful all-brick ranch nestled on 6 private acres, offering the perfect blend of peaceful country living and everyday convenience—just one mile from I-840. This thoughtfully designed 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home with a bonus/rec room showcases modern finishes throughout, including luxury vinyl plank and tile flooring for both style and durability. The spacious kitchen is ideal for entertaining,
Welcome to Garden Wonderland, where this beautifully maintained one-level home is surrounded by lush landscaping, charming stone accents, and inviting curb appeal that create a truly special setting. Inside, thoughtful upgrades include extra crown molding, luxury vinyl plank flooring, surround sound, and abundant storage throughout. Designed with comfort in mind, the spacious open layout features
Affordable 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath Condo in Murfreesboro, TN – Prime Location! Welcome to 1302 Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd Unit 1, a well-maintained ground-floor condo offering affordable living in Murfreesboro, TN. This 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom unit blends comfort and convenience with stylish updates and a functional layout, all just minutes from downtown, MTSU, and local shops and restaurants. Step into
Unmatched scale, total freedom, and resort-style living on 5.1+/- private acres with NO city taxes or HOA! Behind two monitored brick entryways and a grand circular drive lies a pristine, custom-built brick compound offering a lifestyle of pure liberty. THE RESIDENCE: The main level features a rare dual primary en-suite layout, offering the perfect footprint for multi-generational luxury. A grand
Better than new, truly move-in ready, this beautifully upgraded and expanded Mystique floorplan sits on a premium lot backing to a private, mature tree line. Located in Phase 1 of Del Webb Southern Harmony, Middle TN’s premier 55+ community, you can skip the wait for new construction, avoid ongoing construction traffic, and be settled into your new home within weeks. The most important upgrades
Reduced! Reduced! This move-in ready home features a great layout designed for both everyday living and entertaining. The spacious interior offers a seamless flow between living, dining, and kitchen areas, complete with sleek stainless steel appliances that add a modern touch. Enjoy low-maintenance living in a well-maintained community that offers fantastic amenities, including a neighborhood
Beautiful all-brick ranch nestled on 6 private acres, offering the perfect blend of peaceful country living and everyday convenience—just one mile from I-840. This thoughtfully designed 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home with a bonus/rec room showcases modern finishes throughout, including luxury vinyl plank and tile flooring for both style and durability. The spacious kitchen is ideal for entertaining,
Beautifully updated and truly turn key ready. This home features major upgrades including updated flooring, brand new carpet, and fresh interior paint. Thoughtful finishes throughout create a comfortable and functional living space. The layout offers great flow for both everyday living and entertaining. Private outdoor space provides the perfect setting for relaxing or hosting guests.
Welcome home to this charming traditional brick ranch, offering 3 bedrooms and 1.5 baths in a highly convenient location! This maintained property features fresh paint throughout and new flooring, creating a clean feel while maintaining its classic character. Enjoy a functional, single-level layout perfect for everyday living and entertaining. The kitchen hase stainless appliances and flows
Nestled in the highly coveted Riverview neighborhood, this charming all-brick ranch offers timeless appeal, modern updates, and character that's hard to find. Situated on a corner lot on a peaceful cul-de-sac, this 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home features 2460 square feet with inviting living and dining spaces, a spacious kitchen with breakfast nook, and an oversized flex room perfect for a media room,
Spacious and thoughtfully designed, this Murfreesboro home offers over 3,000 square feet of comfortable living. Fresh paint and new carpet throughout create a move-in-ready feel, complemented by updated fixtures and a warm, inviting fireplace in the main living area. The large, open kitchen is ideal for everyday living and entertaining, featuring generous workspace and a walk-in pantry for
Back on market through no fault of seller or property. Backyard resort-style living with pool, spa, and income-producing apartment! This 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom home offers the perfect blend of lifestyle, flexibility, and smart investment potential. Exceptional care and extensive upgrades define this beautifully maintained home. From the moment you arrive, the curb appeal stands out with lush
NEW PRICE. ASSUMABLE LOAN. UPGRADES throughout! Semi-custom home by Celebration. This is Model-home living with upgrades already in place — and priced to sell. This 4 bedroom, 3 bath home is truly move-in ready with fresh paint, LVP flooring, and plantation shutters throughout. The bright open floor plan is both welcoming and functional, with a large island serving as the centerpiece of the
Discover the Space, Style, and Convenience You’ve Been Waiting For – Pre-Leasing Brand-New 3 & 4 Bedroom townhomes at Viewpoint at Murfreesboro.Welcome to Viewpoint at Murfreesboro, a masterfully planned townhome rental community offering the comfort of a single-family home, the convenience of professional management, and the modern finishes that today’s renters expect. Located just
Step inside to an open floor plan that flows seamlessly from the living area to the kitchen, complete with oak cabinets, ample pantry storage, and modern updates including brand-new vinyl waterproof flooring on the main level for easy living and durability. The entire townhouse has been freshly painted, including all doors and baseboards, creating a bright, clean, and move-in-ready feel
Welcome home to Scout Landing in Murfreesboro, Tennessee! Our charming apartment homes feel more like you are living in a house rather than the usual apartment. This beautiful community is located near South Church Street and Veterans Pkwy in the dual school zone of Salem Elementary and Rutherford County Schools. With easy access to Interstate 24, you’re just minutes away from Barfield Crescent
Now available!!!This 3 bed 1.5 bath home is ready for its next tenants. Wonderfully located, close to everything!Fully fenced backyard with a large carport!Pet friendly to a small/medium sized dog, no cats.Application required.Give us a call to check it out! At Five Star Property Management, we strive to provide an experience that is cost-effective and convenient. That’s why
Welcome to LC Murfreesboro, a pet-friendly community offering spacious 1- and 2-bedroom apartments and townhomes designed for the life you seek. Located just off I-24, across from The Avenue shopping center, our community features 500 flats and townhomes with luxury finishes, a resort-inspired pool, sand volleyball courts, and The Goat restaurant and bar. With easy access to downtown Nashville
Spacious 4BR/3BA Condo w/ 1 Car Garage & Fenced Backyard | SS Appliances (Stove/Fridge/Microwave/Dishwasher + W&D Hookups Included | Gas Fireplace in Living Room | Owner pays HOA Fees & Lawncare | Convenient to MTSU | $60 Non-Refundable Application Fee Per Adult | NO PETS, NO EXCEPTIONS | REQUIREMENTS: No Past Felonies, Evictions or Current Bankruptcy | Income Requirement: 3X Monthly Rent |
Discover the best of modern farmhouse living in brand-new 1, 2 and 3 bedroom luxury apartments, thoughtfully designed with open-concept layouts, high-end finishes, and integrated smart home technology for ultimate convenience. Elevate your lifestyle with the sleek, contemporary farmhouse style you've been dreaming of—perfectly tailored to apartment living. Indulge in resort-style amenities,
NOT AVAILABLE FOR SHOWINGS UNTIL JUNE 1st. Non Smoking! Beautiful home located in the perfect location close to schools, grocery, restaurants, shopping, etc. Community pool, playground, club house, dog park, and basketball court. The home features an open floor plan, spacious living area with gas fireplace, updated kitchen, office, master bedroom on the main level, three additional bedrooms
This property is managed by Beztak, 2026 recipient of the US Best Managed Companies for the seventh year in a row, sponsored by Deloitte Private and The Wall Street Journal. Arbor Brook in Murfreesboro, TN brings a new luxury apartment option to the residents of the Blackman area. With one, two and three bedroom high-end apartments to choose from, residents will be delighted with the wealth of
Now available! Freshly remodeled 3 bedroom townhome is ready for its next tenants!This home features a large backyard and a nice sized 1 car garage.New paint and LVP flooring throughout.Pet friendly to a small/medium sized dog. No cats.Application required, give a shout to check it out! At Five Star Property Management, we strive to provide an experience that is cost-effective and
From the moment you walk through the front door you'll feel right at home at Belden Reserve apartments. Cutting edge amenities, meticulously-groomed grounds, and a dedicated team, all contribute to a higher standard of living. Convenient shopping, award-winning schools, local museums and parks are all close at hand, with sponsored activities to develop new hobbies while getting to know your
Welcome to this updated 2-bedroom, 2.5-bath townhome in Murfreesboro, TN, just one mile from MTSU. The interior features fresh paint, new carpet in the bedrooms, and luxury vinyl plank flooring on the main level. The kitchen includes stainless steel appliances, and a washer and dryer are included for convenience. Ceiling fans are installed in all bedrooms and the family room. The master suite
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