Why Do Young Professionals Love Living in Rutherford County?

Great career opportunities, fun activities and close connections make moving to Rutherford County an ideal option.

By Kim Madlom on July 11, 2023

Jeff Adkins

With a mix of promising career opportunities, plenty of things to do and a ready-made peer group, living in Rutherford County has become a winning recipe for young professionals.

“Initially, we landed in Rutherford County out of pure luck in moving from Wisconsin,” says Rachel Miller, founder of Awesome Rachel LLC, a veteran-owned construction business. “Luck doesn’t even begin to describe how blessed we are. Within hours of our moving truck pulling up, our 5-year-old daughter was welcomed by all the neighborhood kids. While we unpacked, she made her new best friends.”

Whether in Murfreesboro, Smyrna, La Vergne or Eagleville, that’s how living in Rutherford County works. The residents are warm and welcoming, the communities affordable, the job opportunities abundant and the activities limitless. Right outside of Nashville, Rutherford County is increasingly becoming an attractive place for young professionals.

Middle Tennessee State University, the third-largest university in the state, is in Murfreesboro. Clearly, the region makes a good impression.

Career opportunities continue to attract and keep young professionals in the region. Miller served in Afghanistan, building bridges and bases in combat. She now runs her own successful demolition contractor business serving Middle Tennessee. She says Rutherford County is supportive of the business community.

Jeff Adkins

Young Professionals Feel Welcome Here

“Once we began launching our business, we were so very welcomed by the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce, and the former county mayor, Bill Ketron, even knew us by name by our second month,” Miller says.

“After that, we received an introduction to a local general contractor by a young woman who sold us a bike for our daughter and began our first work in the county. From these experiences, I can only assume that other young professionals choose this area for similar reasons: Friendly neighbors, personal connection to local leaders and a community that encourages growth.”

Grace Tant, 29, was born in Rutherford County and educated there, including a full-ride academic scholarship to MTSU. She now works in the real estate sector.

She likes the proximity to Nashville and Chattanooga (Murfreesboro is perfectly situated between the two cities!) and she enjoys the opportunities offered at home.

“We have a mix of successful small businesses and larger corporations that create jobs and economic growth,” Tant says. “And there’s a good social life for young people.”

For young professionals, after-hours may look like clinking drinks at a local brewery, having dinner in the vibrant downtown of Murfreesboro and catching a game or concert to wrap up a splendid evening.

Murfreesboro Young Professionals

Great Connections Boost Living in Rutherford County

Tant is involved in the Murfreesboro Young Professionals, a group of residents focused on knowing people and knowing businesses. The group regularly convenes for meetings, signature events or casual socials.

“We have a social once a month that showcases different businesses,” she says. “We met at a duckpin bowling business that recently opened on the square. That was a lot of fun. It’s great that we have places that cater to young adults and also places that cater to families with young children.”

Tant hikes in Barfield Park and enjoys the greenway that runs throughout the area. She’s also just a few miles away from more challenging trails in several state parks.

“This is a great place to live with fun things to do, great people and a good future,” she says. “I’ve lived here my entire life and have no desire to leave.”

Miller is also glad to call the region home.

“Rutherford County does a fantastic job of having wonderful parks and recreation to find things to do regardless of interest or activity level, and many ways to connect business professionals on a more personal level through these activities,” Miller says. “All these opportunities allow people to enjoy family time while still smiling and waving at your clients or business connections from across the pool or along walking paths.”