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
Patricia Cherry,
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 61 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Murray, KY over the last 12 months is $245,000, down 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Immaculate 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home located in Murray's Briarcrest Subdivision. You'll immediately fall in love with the quality and craftsmanship of this home including the large living room with vaulted ceilings and a gas log fireplace, beautiful cabinetry and quartz countertops in the kitchen, and inviting formal dining room. The large primary suite features tray ceilings, a walk-in closet,
OPEN HOUSE THIS SATURDAY, JUNE 28TH, 10AM-12PM! Welcome to this stunning new construction home offering a thoughtfully designed split-bedroom floor plan with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a versatile office/flex space. Located in the county (no city taxes) yet just 5 minutes from all the conveniences of town, you’ll enjoy the perfect blend of peaceful living and accessibility. Inside you'll find
OPEN HOUSE SAT. JUNE 28th - 1PM-3PM | Welcome to 106 Legacy Lane in the sought-after Saratoga subdivision! Built in 2014, this beautifully maintained home offers 3,441 square feet of comfortable living space with 5 bedrooms and 3 full baths. The large covered front porch invites you in, while inside you'll find engineered hardwood floors that add warmth and style throughout the main living
Welcome to this spacious and inviting home located in Brandon Place Subdivision southwest of Murray. This residence offers excellent cub appeal with circle concrete drive and landscaping. Step inside to a stunning hardwood floor entryway that opens to large family room. French doors open to concrete deck with surrounding brick walls for privacy. The open concept kitchen flows seamlessly into the
Eleven Remaining Lots in Well Established Quiet Country Subdivision! Builders, don’t miss this opportunity to purchase these remaining subdivision lots just minutes from town. These restricted lots offer the perfect blend of peaceful, country living with convenient access to schools, shopping, and local amenities. Each lot provides ample space for custom builds, with paved roads already in place.
Nestled in a fantastic central Murray location, this charming 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom home offers comfortable living with so much potential! Step inside to discover 1,213 square feet of comfortable space including a large living room with gas log fireplace, an updated kitchen with newer cabinets, countertops, and flooring. Kitchen appliances including refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, and microwave
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,
It sits on the same property as our residence. It is a lake lot on KY Lake at Blood River Bay. It is a quiet and safe neighborhood. We are in our 70s and decided to rent this apartment as our children and guests have subsided in its use. It is about 14 miles to Murray KY via a paved state highway. Our local setting is in an established subdivision and our home is about 10 years old. It comes with
Large two story duplex located in a nice private area in town on a dead end street. Utilities included along with all appliances and has a large laundry room with hanging space. One animal is allowed with approval and there is a non-refundable pet fee of $1,450.
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