Murray is a small rural city built around Murray State University, a public institution with about 9,500 students. Whether it’s a tour of the Clara Eagle Art Gallery or an afternoon rooting for the football team at Roy Stewart Stadium, the college offers plenty of activities for locals. A highly rated public school district complements the city’s strong educational core. Beyond the university and the school district, top employers include a dairy company, a window manufacturer and a food manufacturer.
When it’s time to unwind after work, the 18,000 residents rely on Kentucky Lake, one of the nation’s largest manmade lakes. “The lake is one of the biggest draws, and a lot of residents own second houses alongside it,” says Realtor Tammy Cothran, who has lived in the city for 21 years and sells homes with Keller Williams Experience Realty. “It’s even used for professional bass fishing tournaments.”
Kentucky Lake is a beautiful place to spend time near Murray, Kentucky.
Murray State University was founded started in 1922.
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A highly rated school district
The Murray Independent School District has an A Niche rating and is ranked by the website as the #2 school district in Kentucky. The district’s reading and math proficiencies are well above state and national averages.
Murray Middle School offers education to students in grades 4 - 8.
Murray Elementary School offers education to students in grades K - 3.
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Mid-20th century homes and newer builds
The city’s median single-family home price is $270,000, which is below the national median of around $400,000 but slightly above the state median. North of Glendale Road, most homes are mid-century ranch styles and bungalows priced from $125,000 to $330,000. On the city’s south end, New Traditionals, Colonial Revivals and Contemporaries are priced from $250,000 to $560,000. “The real estate market here is pretty stable, but we’ve seen a lot of people relocating to our area,” Cothran says. “I think a lot of people have come here to avoid the catastrophic events that have happened all over the country, like the floods, hurricanes and fires.”
Colorful two story Bungalow homes can be found in the city of Murray.
A variety of house styles can be found in Murray including Ranch style homes.
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Fishing and boating at Kentucky Lake
The biggest outdoor draw is Kentucky Lake, a 160,300-acre artificial lake created in 1944 by the Tennessee Valley Authority. The lake is popular among boaters and has several beaches, hiking trails and campgrounds.
The city does not have neighborhood greenspaces, but it makes up for it with Central Park, which has a dog park, an outdoor amphitheater, a public pool, a soccer complex and a performing arts building. The area has two membership-only country clubs and one public golf course.
The shores of Kentucky Lake are a short drive away from the city of Murray.
Skateboard is fun and exciting at Central Park in Murray.
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Several options for franchise and local dining
Twelfth Street passes through the center of town and is lined with a mix of fast-food joints, sit-down chains, local Mexican spots and diners. Big-box grocery stores are on the north and south ends of town. A few blocks off Twelfth Street, Main Street is a charming downtown area with several local dining options, shops and a few empty storefronts. “We’re a small town, so some shopping and restaurant experiences are limited,” Cothran says. “I’m a transplant, so that was an adjustment.”
Grocery options in Murray include Kroger.
Los Portales is one of the most popular Mexican restaurants in Murray.
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Sporting events and theater at the college
Entertainment options are also limited. Just off North 12th Street, Cheri Theatres is a local movie house that shows first-run films. Most of the remaining entertainment options are located on Murray State’s campus. The Murray State Racers’ football and basketball teams compete in the NCAA Division I. Also on campus, Lovett Auditorium puts on university plays and concerts and occasionally hosts visiting musicians.
Roy Stewart Stadium was opened in 1973.
The Cheri Theater makes for a great place to enjoy a new movie.
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Traveling to Nashville
Nashville is 120 miles southeast of Murray via Kentucky Route 80 and Interstate 24. Residents take flights out of Nashville International Airport, and Murray-Calloway County Hospital is in town.
Lower crime rates in Murray
According to FBI data, the city’s violent and property crime rates have fallen over the past decade. The violent crime rate is well below the state and national rates, and the property crime rate is also below.
Written By
William Palicia
Photography Contributed By
Andrew Nelson
Video By
Francisco de la Vera
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
John Kopperud,
an experienced agent in this area.
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.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Murray, KY sell after 48 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Murray, KY over the last 12 months is $387,500, up 29% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Discover this 2002 Clayton single-wide home nestled on .8 acres in a peaceful, private setting just minutes from Ky Lake and multiple boat ramps-perfect area for outdoor enjoyment. This 3 bedroom 2 bathroom home offers a comfortable layout with an eat in kitchen and plenty of natural light. Split bedroom design with primary suite and large bath. One bedroom features large bay window for an
This spacious home sits on a large lot and offers excellent curb appeal with plenty of parking, including front drive, large-two car carport, detached garage with storage, and metal detached carport. Two car carport has additional closets for storage. The detached garage includes a lean-to patio space and even more storage options. Inside, the family room welcomes you with abundant natural light
Step into timeless elegance with this beautifully restored 5-bedroom, 3-bath home built in 1926. Overflowing with character andarchitectural detail, this historic gem seamlessly blends vintage charm with modern comfort. From the moment you enter, you’re greetedby rich original woodwork, stunning built-ins, and mostly original windows that invite light and warmth throughout. The heart of the
Discover this 2002 Clayton single-wide home nestled on .8 acres in a peaceful, private setting just minutes from Ky Lake and multiple boat ramps-perfect area for outdoor enjoyment. This 3 bedroom 2 bathroom home offers a comfortable layout with an eat in kitchen and plenty of natural light. Split bedroom design with primary suite and large bath. One bedroom features large bay window for an
This spacious home sits on a large lot and offers excellent curb appeal with plenty of parking, including front drive, large-two car carport, detached garage with storage, and metal detached carport. Two car carport has additional closets for storage. The detached garage includes a lean-to patio space and even more storage options. Inside, the family room welcomes you with abundant natural light
Step into timeless elegance with this beautifully restored 5-bedroom, 3-bath home built in 1926. Overflowing with character andarchitectural detail, this historic gem seamlessly blends vintage charm with modern comfort. From the moment you enter, you’re greetedby rich original woodwork, stunning built-ins, and mostly original windows that invite light and warmth throughout. The heart of the
Bee Creek Crossing is a newly constructed 60-unit, 55+ senior community situated in Murray, Calloway County, Kentucky. The three story, elevator building offers one- and two-bedroom apartments where residents will enjoy community amenities such as a community room, outdoor patio and gazebo, fitness room and off-street parking. Please note, due to the property still being under construction,
Stay in our bright, centrally located 2-bed, 1-bath duplex apartment perfect for families, friends, or business travelers. Enjoy a fully equipped kitchen, granite countertops, cozy living area, fast WiFi, and Smart TV. Close to top restaurants, shops, and attractions. Pets are welcome, so bring your furry friends along! Book now for comfort and convenience in the heart of the city.Also
Bright 2-Bedroom Apartment | All Utilities & Appliances Included | Private Backyard & DeckThis clean and comfortable 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom apartment offers everything you need for easy living: All utilities included stress-free monthly budgeting Full set of appliances refrigerator, stove, oven, dishwasher, washer, and dryer Spacious private backyard perfect for relaxing or
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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
