Murfreesboro, TN
Why You’ll Love Living in Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Spend an afternoon in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, located about 45 minutes south of Nashville in Rutherford County, and you’ll be ready to plant roots here. Not only is the city a national leader in job creation, but it also boasts high-quality schools and affordable living options, and it is at the heart of one of the nation’s fastest-growing population centers. When it’s time to relax, you can explore the area’s numerous parks and trails, bustling shopping centers, and flourishing arts scene.
Thinking of moving to Murfreesboro, TN? Keep scrolling to find all the details about living in Murfreesboro, including quick facts such as the population, median home value and property taxes. Plus, learn more about the cost of living and quality of life in Murfreesboro, from the economy and job opportunities to weather, outdoor activities and things to do, including local restaurants and points of interest.
What Makes Murfreesboro, TN, a Best Place to Live in 2024
Want to be close to all the fun in Nashville but enjoy a lower cost of living and tons of wide open spaces? Set your sights on Murfreesboro, TN, located just 45 minutes outside of Music City. Thanks to livability factors like affordability and easy transportation, Murfreesboro is one of the best places to live in the U.S.
Not only does Murfreesboro have all of the big-city amenities and small-town charm, but it is also home to some of the best schools in the state, a booming economy and amazing access to the outdoors. It’s easy to get around town here. Zippy transit buses run seven routes through Murfreesboro, and this top-rated city has a well-connected greenway system for walking, biking and skating.
Shopping local is easy, too: Murfreesboro has a historic downtown with more than 400 locally owned businesses and a walkable Public Square that is anchored by the stately Rutherford County Courthouse, which dates back to 1859.
The economy is thriving in Rutherford County, with plenty of jobs in fields like advanced manufacturing, aviation and aerospace, tech and life sciences. Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro has a solid reputation for graduating top tech talent.
When it’s time to unwind or explore, this midsize Middle Tennessee city has ample amenities, like great municipal golf courses, disc golf courses, parks, trails and historic sites.
Murfreesboro, TN Quality of Life LivScore
Murfreesboro, TN Top Categories
Housing & Cost of Living
Transportation
Environment
Murfreesboro ranks highest for housing, transportation and environment.
Weather and Outdoor Activities in Murfreesboro, TN
The weather here is pretty ideal year-round. Summer is sunny, and winters are relatively short. The average highs and lows in Murfreesboro are 88°F and 65°F (summer) and 50°F and 28°F (winter).
The average annual snowfall in Murfreesboro is quite low, at just 3 inches of snow per year.
The average annual rainfall in Murfreesboro is roughly 53 inches per year.
Murfreesboro averages 213 sunny days a year.
Go mountain biking at Barfield Crescent Park, which has more than 7 miles of trails for beginners and advanced bikers. There’s also a disc golf course for a more mellow day in the park.
Things To Do in Murfreesboro, TN
Take Saturday morning gardening classes at the Linebaugh Public Library.
Go roller skating at SkateCenter West, preferably on a Saturday night when there’s a pizza buffet.
Murfreesboro has an amazing arts scene. The cultural network includes sites like the Discovery Center at Murfree Spring, a hands-on children’s museum that attracts about 120,000 children and families annually. Music fans can attend the free Friday Night Live concert series, which is staged on Friday nights from June to September in downtown Murfreesboro.
Fountains at Gateway has shops and restaurants, and The Plaza is a gathering place with a splash pad, outdoor movies, and an ice skating rink come winter.
Upscale dining and casual hospitality meet at Primrose Table. Southern staples are elevated, and menu mainstays include deviled eggs with lobster filling and cornbread panzanella.
See Broadway musicals, plays, magic shows, and more at The Center for the Arts, located in a beautiful Italianate building that once housed a post office. For $250, you can get season tickets and see a dozen shows in a year.
The Goat has a lengthy happy hour, with drink specials from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday in addition to daily specials (think Tot Thursday).
The Local and State Economy in Murfreesboro, TN
Education, health care and manufacturing are major industries that help shape Murfreesboro’s economy. Some of the largest employers include Rutherford County Government and Board of Education and Middle Tennessee State University. The National HealthCare Corporation (NHC) is also headquartered in Murfreesboro.
In 2024, the sales tax rate in Murfreesboro is 9.75%.
No, Tennessee does not have a state income tax.
Due to Murfreesboro’s convenient location in Middle Tennessee and close proximity to Nashville, residents have access to a variety of top-notch providers, including Ascension St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital, which has high-performing orthopedics and obstetrics departments.
Murfreesboro is home to Middle Tennessee State University, one of the state’s largest undergraduate universities.
Weather in Murfreesboro, TN
Average Temperatures
70 High / 45 Low
Average Annual Rainfall
53 Inches
Average Annual Snowfall
3 Inches
Quick Facts about Murfreesboro, Tennessee
- Median Home Value
- $319,802
- Median Property Tax
- $2,643
- Total Population
- 161,397
- Average Commute
- 21 min
- Median Household Income
- $78,022
- Median Rent per Month
- $1,046
Map of Murfreesboro, TN
Experiences & Adventures in Murfreesboro, TN
Explore 3 Regions of Fun Things To Do in Tennessee
From east to west, there is an abundance of outstanding outdoor activities to enjoy in the Volunteer State.
Noteworthy Nights: Enjoy Live Music in Rutherford County
County's vibrant music scene entertains residents and visitors alike.
Recreation in Rutherford County: Fun in the Sun
Rutherford County offers plenty of opportunities to stay active (and have fun!).
Food Scenes in Murfreesboro, TN
Meet the Small Town in Tennessee Serving Up Big Brews
An elaborate brewery complex and new Sazerac distillery raise the spirits of Rutherford County.
Healthy Places in Murfreesboro, TN
Rutherford County Provides Residents With High-Quality Health Care
The Rutherford County region is offering ever-improving health care services.
The Nashville Region is in Good Health
Entrepreneurs bring innovation to all facets of the health care industry in the greater Nashville region.
Find a Healthy Future in Tennessee
Health care research and innovation power state's role as a global player in life sciences.
Make Your Move to Murfreesboro, TN
Moving to Tennessee? 12 Cities to Call Home
So you're relocating. Great! Now comes the hard part: Excellent quality of life and great affordability make each of these places a worthy choice.
4 Reasons to Move to Tennessee Right Now
This Southeastern state offers the perfect mix of affordability, quality of life, and more.
Four Neighborhoods That Will Make You Want to Move to Rutherford County Right Now
There is a neighborhood perfect for everyone in Rutherford County.
Murfreesboro, TN: Where to Live Now
Moving to Tennessee? Here’s 7 Terrific Towns to Call Home
In the Volunteer State, you'll find plenty of great places to live. Here's a sampling of several hometowns worthy of your consideration.
Best Places to Live in Tennessee
From booming "it" cities to small mountain towns, discover the best places to live in Tennessee.
5 Reasons to Move to Rutherford County, TN
Learn why it may be time to make a move to this thriving county in Middle Tennessee.
Education, Careers and Opportunity in Murfreesboro, TN
Tennessee: A Logistics Powerhouse
Chances are, many of the products you use daily have moved through the Volunteer State.
Electric Vehicles: Charging Forward in Tennessee
Powered by a highly skilled workforce and great logistics network, the Volunteer State is leading the nation's EV evolution.
Tennessee Workforce: Ready for the Future
State invests in programs designed to keep highly skilled talent flowing to growing industries.
Murfreesboro, TN: Love Where You Live
Coffee for a Cause: The Story Behind Black Rifle Coffee Company
A Clarksville business strives to aid military members and their families.
All Are Welcome in Nashville
Nashville Region cements its status as a place where immigrants and refugees can thrive.
Explore the Amazing Artworks of Tennessee
Sure, the Volunteer State is known for its spectacular scenery, but get ready to be dazzled by its vast array of public art.