Murfreesboro, TN2020 Top 100 Best Places to Live in America

#95. Murfreesboro, TN

Just 35 miles south of Nashville is the growing city of Murfreesboro. Not only does Murfreesboro have all of the big-city amenities and small-town charm, it is also home to some of the best schools in the state, a booming economy and amazing access to the outdoors. The Square is the central point of the downtown district, which has many local restaurants and eateries as well as hosting community events and festivals. Murfreesboro is also home to Middle Tennessee State University which gives the city a youthful feel. Murfreesboro is one of Tennessee’s fastest growing cities and job expansion in the city is expected to grow by nearly 10% in the coming years, so there’s plenty of opportunity for everyone. The cost of living here is relatively low, too. 

Top Industries and Employers: Middle Tennessee State University and Rutherford County Government are the city’s two largest employers. 

Best Coffee Shop: Just Love Coffee Cafe

Best Local Beer/Brewery: Mayday Brewery is favorite among locals and the space keeps a variety of brews on tap, is covered in artwork and often hosts live music events. 

Must-Have Meal: City Cafe is the oldest restaurant in Murfreesboro and serves up Southern favorites like country ham, grits and fried bologna sandwiches. 

Best Co-Working Space: Cultivate Coworking prides itself on being a community-based space for small businesses to reach their goals. 

Best Meetup Spot (When Meeting Up Is a Thing Again): Grab a burger and dine al fresco at the Red Bicycle. 

Creative Hub: The Center for the Arts houses visual art exhibitions, theatrical productions, concerts and even educational courses, making it the best spot to sample what this artistic community has to offer. 

Favorite Weekend Activity: Picking up locally grown food and goods from the more than 50 vendors that meet weekly for the Main Street Saturday Farmer’s Market. 

Free Way to Have Fun: Murfreesboro offers residents great access to the great outdoors. The 460-acre Barfield Crescent Park allows visitors to enjoy more than seven miles of trails, an 18-hole disc golf course and a Wilderness Station, complete with two educational classrooms and an outdoor store. 

Local Dream Job: Professor at MTSU’s Department of Recording Industry. Because of the city’s close proximity to Music City, the music scene and talent in Murfreesboro are unrivaled and the university’s music department is nationally recognized.  

Read More: 
20 Things You Must Do Your First Year Living in Tennessee
Looking for a Job? Here’s Where to Move.
5 Most Affordable Cities in Tennessee

– Cara Sanders