Living in Murfreesboro, TN
Explore Things To Do, Cost of Living, Top Restaurants and More

• Livability Partner
• 2026 Top 100 Best Places to Live
• 2025 Top 100 Best Places to Live

Thinking of moving to Murfreesboro, TN? You’ve come to the right place! You will find all the details about living here, from insight into the quality of life and cost of living to details about industry and job opportunities to lists of fun things to do.

Why You’ll Love Living in Murfreesboro, TN

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 moving to Murfreesboro, TN, just 45 minutes outside Music City. Murfreesboro is considered the geographical center of Tennessee, and it makes sense that this Southern city is in the middle of all the action. Thanks to livability factors like affordability and easy transportation, it’s no wonder that Murfreesboro is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country.

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 fantastic access to the outdoors. It’s easy for the city’s 173,651 residents 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. 

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, located here, 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. Shopping local is easy, too: the city 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.

Newcomer’s Guide to Rutherford County: 7 Essential Things To Know
The Cost of Living Diaries: Rutherford County, TN

Top Reasons to Move to Murfreesboro

• Murfreesboro is one of the fastest-growing cities in America, attracting young professionals and families.
• Home to Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro is a hub for education and research.
• With housing costs and overall expenses below the national average, plus no state income tax, Murfreesboro is affordable.
• There are plenty of economic opportunities in Murfreesboro, and the city is home to several major employers.

Murfreesboro is located about 35 miles southeast of Nashville, accessible via Interstates 24 and 840. The nearest airport, Nashville International Airport, is approximately 30 miles away, offering convenient connections to destinations nationwide and internationally. Nearby major cities include:

• Nashville is 35 miles northwest, home of the Tennessee Titans and Nashville Predators, a replica of Athena at the Parthenon and plenty of places to hear live music.
• Chattanooga sits 110 miles southeast, where you can marvel at Lookout Mountain, ride the scenic Incline Railway or walk along the Riverwalk.
• Clarksville is located 50 miles northwest, a doable trip to discover historic downtown, visit Fort Defiance or catch a show at the Roxy Theater.

The local weather is characterized by a humid subtropical climate, featuring four distinct seasons with hot, humid summers and cool-to-cold winters. Residents enjoy beautiful, vibrant springs and long, pleasant autumns.

Murfreesboro’s convenient location within the Nashville metropolitan area results in a diverse and robust economy with several different industries. Health care, retail trade and education are among the largest industries here, and some of the largest employers in town are Rutherford County Government, Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) and Nissan North America. The National HealthCare Corporation is also headquartered in the city. 

The cost of living in Murfreesboro is below the national average. The median home value in Murfreesboro is $423,413, and the average household income is $83,708.

There is not a state income tax in Tennessee. In 2026, the combined sales tax rate in Murfreesboro is 9.75%.

Young Professionals Find Perfect Work + Play Balance in Rutherford County
Rutherford County Sees Significant Health Care Investments
Looking for Jobs in Murfreesboro and Rutherford County, TN?

Display these facts on your site.

Did you know that this city is considered the geographical center of Tennessee? Murfreesboro, located in Rutherford County, is conveniently located within 75% of the United States population. You can even visit the Geographic Center of Tennessee obelisk. 

You’ll never run out of things to do in Murfreesboro! The city is full of entertainment options, from live music at local venues – like Puckett’s and Hank’s Honky Tonk – to community gatherings at Hop Springs Beer Park. There are plenty of festivals throughout the year that will keep your calendar full, like Uncle Dave Macon Days Roots Rendezvous, the Greenway Art Festival and the International Folkfest. Step back in time and explore Stones River National Battlefield, Oaklands Mansion or the restored 19th-century buildings that dot the downtown area.

Enjoy the arts? There is plenty of that, too! The Center for the Arts is a popular spot for performances and the Discovery Center at Murfree Spring is a combined children’s museum, nature center and wetlands boardwalk, offering themed exploration areas for children and adults alike. Root, root, root for the home team at any of the Blue Raiders sporting events at MTSU.

Explore 8 Fun Things to Do in Rutherford County, TN
5 Can’t-Miss Arts and Culture Experiences in Rutherford County, Tennessee
Creativity Transforms Rutherford County into a Colorful Canvas

It’s easy to explore the great outdoors when in Murfreesboro, thanks to the city’s wealth of outdoor recreational opportunities catering to a wide range of interests and ages. Barfield Crescent Park is a fixture in town with its extensive mountain biking trails, a disc golf course and several sports complexes on site, while the Murfreesboro Greenway System is more than 17 miles of trails, bridges and boardwalks perfect for walking, jogging or cycling. Take a step back in time exploring the paths of Stones River National Battlefield. Or, hit the links at several golf courses around town, including Cedar Crest, Indian Hills and Old Fort.

Cool off on the water at Percy Priest Lake, which serves as a hub for boating, fishing and water sports. For those who want to blend urban amenities with the outdoors, The Plaza is a green space at the Fountains at Gateway that features an ice skating rink from Thanksgiving to mid-February and a splash pad in the warm-weather months. The Richard Siegel Soccer Complex is a Murfreesboro mainstay for families with young children, with nearly two dozen regulation soccer fields. 

Recreation in Rutherford County: Fun in the Sun
10 Best Running Trails in the Nashville Area

It is hard to go hungry with so many delicious dining options in this city. Offering everything from Southern comfort staples at City Cafe and Puckett’s to international flavors at Parthenon Grille and Rock N Roll Sushi. Other restaurants in Murfreesboro, like Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint, cater to burger enthusiasts, while barbecue lovers can savor the flavors of Single Tree and Slick Pig BBQ. Five Senses Restaurant and The Bistro are beloved favorites for a nice night out. The cocktail scene is excellent, too. The Velvet Room is a members-only speakeasy offering a selection of cocktails, wine and small plates. Hop Springs Beer Park is a massive venue filled with craft beer and live music.

Fill Your Day with Great Places to Eat in Murfreesboro and Rutherford County
Meet the Small Town in Tennessee Serving Up Big Brews
5 Questions With Five Senses – Murfreesboro Chef Mitchell Murphree

Middle Tennessee State University, with more than 20,000 students – the largest undergraduate population in the state – brings excitement to the city with its many sports and cultural offerings. Go, Blue Raiders! Rutherford County Schools, which has more than 50,000 students, consistently ranks among the best school districts in the state and continues to grow, providing state-of-the-art facilities and student experiences.