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
George Green,
an experienced agent in this area.
On average, homes in Murray, KY sell after 48 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 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 lakeside living in this charming 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home located in the Panorama Shores subdivision on beautiful Kentucky Lake! This property adjoins TVA waterfront and offers direct lake access for kayaking, fishing, or swimming on Kentucky Lake. Inside you'll find a bright and welcoming interior that was recently repainted, a nice open living space with a gas logs in the living
Welcome to 1705 Ryan Avenue- a quaint 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom home located a beautiful lot close to Murray State campus. Inside, you’ll love the beautiful hardwood floors, fresh paint throughout, updated light fixtures, replacement windows, and brand-new carpet in the fourth bedroom. Step outside and enjoy the large fenced in backyard and private patio area. The oversized 24x32 detached
Commercial Lot with Great Visibility Near MSU Campus in Murray. This lot is .511 acres and is zoned B-2 Highway Business District with a wide range of permitted usages including restaurants with drive-in window, offices, retail, and automotive. Property is in a great commercial district with close proximity to Murray State University campus and other retail and restaurant establishments.
Discover lakeside living in this charming 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home located in the Panorama Shores subdivision on beautiful Kentucky Lake! This property adjoins TVA waterfront and offers direct lake access for kayaking, fishing, or swimming on Kentucky Lake. Inside you'll find a bright and welcoming interior that was recently repainted, a nice open living space with a gas logs in the living
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,
3 bedroom, 2 bath apartment, just off the court square in Murray, KY. Would be a great place for students looking to move off campus or a professional looking to be close to in-town amenities. Background checks for criminal and financial required. Pet friendly. $200 pet deposit. $50 for each pet per month. Maximum of 2 pets. Utilities provided by landlord - water, trash and sewer and up to
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