Murphysboro is a lively small town in a great location
Located just west of Carbondale and just north of Shawnee National Forest, Murphysboro offers a rare combination of small-town vibes, outdoor opportunities and urban amenities. Like many towns in the region, Murphysboro was first founded during the Southern Illinois coal boom in the mid-19th century. While the mining industry still exists in the area, these days, locals are more likely to commute to Carbondale and Southern Illinois University, the largest employer in the area. As the county seat of Jackson County, Murphysboro is also home to a number of government offices, as well as Saint Joseph Memorial Hospital, another major local employer. “Murphysboro is where you go if you’re looking to balance small-town community with big-city conveniences,” says Realtor Stephen Cannedy of Shamrock Real Estate. “It’s small enough that you can get to know the whole town, and there’s lots of hiking and hunting and fishing nearby, but you’re also just a short drive from Carbondale and SIU.”
A mix of early-to-mid-century housing stock
Housing options in Murphysboro run the gamut, from budget-friendly condos to modest early and mid-20th-century homes to upscale modern builds on the outskirts of town. Most homes are located along the town’s gridded residential blocks and feature modest yards and old-growth trees. Condos usually sell for around $60,000, while move-in-ready homes generally go for between $70,000 and $350,000. Flood risk is an issue for some homes near the Big Muddy River, which runs just south of town. Potential homebuyers in the area should check individual properties’ flood risk, which can impact insurance rates.
Murphysboro's public schools
Carruthers Elementary School has a C-plus rating on Niche, while Murphysboro Middle School has a C-minus. Murphysboro High School has a B-minus and offers dual enrollment courses through John A. Logan College in nearby Crainville.
Lake Murphysboro and Shawnee National Forest
Riverside Park is the largest city park in town, and features athletic fields, bocce courts, disc golf and a dog park. Lake Murphysboro State Park, just west of town, offers fishing, boating, and camping. The Big Muddy River provides opportunities for kayaking and birdwatching, while the nearby Shawnee National Forest has hundreds of miles of hiking trails, stunning rock formations and scenic overlooks. “Proximity to the forest is definitely a big part of living in Murphysboro,” says Cannedy. “A lot of people don’t realize how scenic southern Illinois is. The geography is really unique.” Those looking for a less strenuous way to appreciate nature can enjoy a glass of wine and a view at one of the many vineyards that have popped up in and around the national forest.
The official "Barbecue Capital of Illinois"
Retail is concentrated along Walnut Street, the city’s central commercial corridor, though the local Kroger supermarket is located on the north side of town off of 2nd Street. Murphysboro’s quaint, walkable downtown area is home to a variety of shops and restaurants, including the popular Small Town Scoop ice cream shop and longstanding Italian restaurant Cummare’s. In 2014, the Illinois State Legislature declared Murphysboro the Barbecue Capital of Illinois. 17th Street BBQ is at the heart of the local barbecue scene, hosting the Murphysboro Barbecue Cook-Off every September.
The historic Murphysboro Apple Festival draws thousands
The Murphysboro Apple Festival, held annually since 1952, draws tens of thousands of visitors to the town every year. The five-day festival, held every September, features parades, apple-themed contests, carnival rides and a variety of food vendors.
Easy commuting to Carbondale
State Route 13 connects Murphysboro to Carbondale and continues east-west across the region. State routes 149 and 127 also pass through the center of town, linking it to the rest of Southern Illinois. Jackson County Mass Transit’s Big Muddy bus route connects central Murphysboro to Carbondale, but it only runs 4 times a day, and the vast majority of locals rely on cars to get around. It’s less than 8 miles from Murphysboro to downtown Carbondale, and just over 20 miles to Marion. While both Marion and Carbondale have small regional airports, Murphysboro locals often make the roughly 100-mile drive to St. Louis to fly out of Lambert International Airport.
