Best Murfreesboro, TN, Neighborhoods
Whether you’re looking for a historic home in the downtown, a master-planned community with resort-style amenities, or a quiet suburban neighborhood with larger lots, Murfreesboro offers a wide range of options for every lifestyle. From established neighborhoods to newer developments, this guide previews some of Murfreesboro’s most desirable communities to help you find the area that best fits your needs.
Murfreesboro’s Neighborhood Tapestry
The city is full of excellent restaurants, fantastic schools and gorgeous outdoor spaces, including the over 17-mile-long Murfreesboro Greenway System, which cuts through the middle of the metro. Neighborhoods range from the history-rich, urban Downtown Murfreesboro to master-planned communities such as Shelton Square and The Maples.
Residents flock to Murfreesboro for its friendly culture, diverse housing options and proximity to Nashville, making it a standout choice in Middle Tennessee.
Best Neighborhoods in Murfreesboro: Editor’s Picks
Below are some of Murfreesboro’s top neighborhoods, selected for their combination of location, housing options, community atmosphere, amenities and overall quality of life.
The Maples, Murfreesboro, TN: A Master-Planned Community with Resort-Style Amenities
The Maples is one of Murfreesboro’s premier master-planned communities, offering newer homes and resort-style amenities in a neighborhood that’s still expanding. Spacious single-family homes sit along sidewalk-lined streets, and community amenities include a beach-entry pool, tennis and pickleball courts, a playground and a renovated farmhouse clubhouse that serves as the neighborhood’s social center. Residents adore The Maples for its peaceful setting, while schools, shopping and I-24 remain just minutes away.
Northwoods, Murfreesboro, TN: Tree-Lined Streets and Private Residential Living
Northwoods presents a quieter side of Murfreesboro, where spacious homes sit beneath a canopy of mature oaks and poplars, and peaceful streets create a sense of privacy rarely found in newer developments. Large lots and varied architecture give the neighborhood lasting character, while its central location keeps shopping, dining, schools and major commuter routes within easy reach. Evening walks and front-yard chats define daily life, while nearby green spaces like Bear Branch stream and McKnight Park provide plenty to do.
Shelton Square, Murfreesboro, TN: Master-planned Convenience and Amenities
Shelton Square is one of Murfreesboro’s most sought-after master-planned communities, combining newer construction and resort-style amenities. Craftsman and farmhouse-inspired homes line winding streets, while residents gather at the Manor House clubhouse, community pools, dog park, playground and neighborhood events throughout the year. Families are drawn to Shelton Square for its walkable streets and sense of community, with neighbors who connect through book clubs and during Food Truck Fridays.
Berkshire, Murfreesboro, TN: Peaceful Suburban Living Near Downtown
This northwest Murfreesboro neighborhood is a peaceful suburban community with spacious yards and homes. Residents walk to the Berkshire Pool, bike through the calm neighborhood streets, and take pride in their well-maintained Craftsman and Mountain Modern homes. Berkshire homeowners prioritize convenient retail and dining options, with the nearby Westlawn shopping area providing everything they need, along with outdoor recreation like the Cason Trailhead.
Indian Hills, Murfreesboro, TN: Golf Course Living and Established Character
Indian Hills is defined by established homes and the Indian Hills Golf Club, making it one of South Murfreesboro’s most popular neighborhoods. Brick homes line quiet streets that curve around fairways and mature trees, while residents gather at the neighborhood pool, tennis courts, clubhouse and pavilion throughout the year. Life here revolves around a balance of recreation and routine, with golf carts heading toward the golf club and children riding bikes between cul-de-sacs.
Downtown Murfreesboro, TN: Historic Charm and Walkable Living
The center of the city, with over 400 businesses and two distinct historic areas, is a busy, walkable area packed full of historic homes. Residents choose from old vernacular Classical and Colonial Revival housing stock to mid-century bungalow options. Locals jog the Lytle Creek Trail, participate in downtown events like Friday Night Live, and walk to shop for groceries, appreciating the urban environment and its easy access to daily needs.
Nearby Communities and Small Towns
Murfreesboro’s location also puts residents within easy reach of several smaller communities, each offering its own take on life in Middle Tennessee.
Bell Buckle
This beautiful town, only 30 minutes from Murfreesboro, is small but mighty, with a compact, one-street downtown lined with quaint shops and restaurants. Folks drive in from surrounding counties to eat at the Bell Buckle Cafe, sampling Southern comfort food at a reasonable price. Stores like the Bell Buckle Coffee Shop & Book Swap, home to excellent sandwiches and a relaxed interior, and Blue Bird Antiques, known for fried pies and antiques, contribute to the folksy small-town charm.
The town is an unexpected educational hub, home to the Webb School, the oldest continuously operating boarding school in the South and one of the best high schools in the state. Bedford County School District also has several well-performing public institutions.
Bell Buckle residents show out for a variety of community festivals. The summertime RC Cola-MoonPie Festival celebrates a Southern classic: an ice-cold RC Cola and a fresh MoonPie. Visitors from near and far gather downtown for live music, cloggers, contests, MoonPie games, and a parade.
Many Bell Buckle homes are designed in the classic Southern Victorian style, with long front porches, intricate details, and multiple stories, while others are modern builds in a 21st-century design.
Eagleville
Just under 30 minutes from Murfreesboro, Eagleville is a distinct town with a quiet, rural pace of life. The downtown strip centers on North Main Street, where city hall, restaurants, and select stores draw residents and visitors.
The top attraction in Eagleville is Lucky Ladd Farms, featuring a petting farm and zoo, pony and wagon rides, and a 60-acre park with playgrounds, slides, and more. The farm has events throughout the year but is especially popular in the fall.
Folks dine on cinnamon rolls and sandwiches at Grindstone Cowboy, taking in the rustic atmosphere. Shopping at the Eagleville Mercantile and Restoration is a must, and residents often hunt for the best homemade items. Community is a big part of life, and locals regularly gather for events, such as the Eagleville Fall Festival, complete with food trucks, a kids area, vendors, and live music. The annual Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting is also a huge hit, with a changing yearly theme and county-wide participation.
Residents have access to a variety of natural spaces and frequently visit Eagleville City Park, enjoying the playground, covered picnic pavilion, multiple softball and baseball fields with concessions, and a newly completed walking trail. Eagleville has few maintained sidewalks but plenty of green space and large yards for running, playing, and relaxing. Homes here range from typical suburban single-family homes to expansive estates tucked into the Tennessee rolling hills.
Rockvale
Just southwest of Murfreesboro, Rockvale is a rural Rutherford County community where farmland, country roads, and newer residential development come together. State Route 99 runs through the area, providing a direct connection into Murfreesboro.
There isn’t a traditional downtown, but a handful of local businesses and recreation centers give the community its own personality. Rockvale Nutrition serves healthy meals to a busy crowd, and golfers can head to Champions Run Golf Course, where rolling terrain provides a scenic setting for a round close to home.
Schools are an important part of the community. Rockvale Elementary, Rockvale Middle, and Rockvale High School all serve the area, with Rockvale High opening in 2019 as Rutherford County responded to continued growth in this part of the county.
Rockvale remains largely car-dependent, with few sidewalks and homes spread along winding rural roads and newer subdivisions. Housing ranges from established ranch homes and acreage properties to contemporary single-family homes in growing developments.
Walter Hill
Just north of Murfreesboro, Walter Hill is a short 15-minute drive from the city but keeps its small, rural Rutherford County roots. Residents adore the room to spread out without getting too far from the city, while still enjoying solid community and dining options, including Great Wall for Chinese cuisine and Joey’s House of Pizza Catering.
Outdoor recreation is one of the community’s biggest draws. The Walter Hill Trailhead connects to a shaded stretch of the North Murfreesboro Greenway along the East Fork Stones River, with picnic areas, fishing, and access for small watercraft. The nearby Walter Hill Dam and historic hydroelectric station add local history to the landscape; the station once supplied electricity to Murfreesboro and the surrounding area.
Rather than a traditional downtown, the community is spread along rural roads, established residential areas, and former farmland, making driving part of everyday life. Homes range from older ranch-style houses and farmhouses to newer single-family construction, often with more yard space than you’ll find closer to central Murfreesboro.
Woodbury
This small Tennessee town is in Cannon County and is about equidistant from McMinnville and Murfreesboro. Woodbury locals adore the slower pace of life and mix of suburban and rural living; it’s not short on community events and local culture.
Folks travel for miles to walk the gallery and attend intimate plays and concerts at the Arts Center of Cannon County. Residents and visitors walk the Main Square surrounding the Cannon County Courthouse, grabbing a drink at the Rustic Grounds Coffee Co. before antiquing at Iron Pig Antiques and Old Feed Store Antique Mall.
The square hosts many community events, including the Cannon County Good Ole Days festival, complete with live music, a pageant, and great food, and the Woodbury Town Wide Yard Sale, where booths full of treasures line the courthouse, and proceeds benefit the local dog shelter.
As is typical of traditional rural communities, there are few sidewalks, and the streets wind over rolling Tennessee hills. Homes vary in size and style, from cozy ranch homes to contemporary multi-story homes.
Murfreesboro Neighborhoods Map
Nearby Cities and Regional Attractions
Murfreesboro’s central location makes it easy to enjoy the best of Middle Tennessee. Several neighboring communities offer distinct personalities and amenities just a short drive away.
- Nashville: Just 30 miles up I-24 sits the largest city in Tennessee, the home of country music, and a center for commerce and healthcare. Residents may commute to Nashville for work or enjoy the city’s amenities, such as the Ryman Auditorium, on weekends.
- Chattanooga: Travel 100 miles down I-24 to the Scenic City for access to the Appalachian Highlands and the forested Cumberland Plateau, including green spaces like Cloudland Canyon State Park.
- Burgess Falls State Park: Drive 60 miles via US-70 W to one of the most popular state parks. Admire the over 250-feet-tall waterfalls and hike the forest trails.
Everyday Life in Murfreesboro’s Neighborhoods
The pace of life is slower in the Boro, with children playing in residential streets and locals who meet up at the downtown Murfreesboro Saturday Market. The 17-mile Murfreesboro Greenway System cuts through the city and the many city parks, including Barfield Crescent Park, adding a peaceful natural aspect to city life.
Daily activities are defined by casual conversation with locals, neighborhood events, and bustling between new restaurants and cultural events hosted by Cultural Arts Murfreesboro.
What Brings People to Murfreesboro’s Neighborhoods?
Murfreesboro provides a slice of city life without the big-metro congestion and prices. It’s more affordable than its large Nashville neighbor but doesn’t sacrifice city accessibility. The location in Middle Tennessee is also well-positioned for regional travel and gives locals access to the Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers.
The city is one of the fastest-growing economic hubs in the nation, with excellent higher education opportunities from Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU).
Choosing the Right Murfreesboro Neighborhood
There are a few factors that go into choosing the “right” neighborhood for you. Consider the following aspects of daily life in the Boro.
- Commute: Practice your anticipated commute from various neighborhoods during rush hour.
- Home Style and Lot Size: Some neighborhoods have only single-family housing, while others have townhomes, condos, and apartments, all with varying lot sizes.
- Schools and Education: Prospective buyers should consider Murfreesboro’s two public school districts and the attendance zones for each neighborhood.
- Affordability: Luxury neighborhoods like The Maples may cost more than more affordable options like Northwoods.
- Amenities: Are you looking for amenities like the neighborhood pools in Berkshire, The Maples, and Indian Hills, or for perks like walkable shopping in Downtown Murfreesboro?
Murfreesboro Neighborhood FAQs
Several Murfreesboro neighborhoods appeal to families, depending on lifestyle preferences. Shelton Square and The Maples are popular for their resort-style amenities and neighborhood events, and Indian Hills attracts families seeking larger homes and recreational amenities such as a pool and golf access. Berkshire’s spacious homes and quieter suburban setting make it an appealing option for larger families. Ultimately, the right neighborhood depends on your lifestyle, needs and living preferences.
The answer depends on what you’re looking for, but many buyers consider The Maples and Shelton Square thanks to their newer homes and master-planned layouts. Buyers seeking established homes on larger lots often favor Indian Hills or Northwoods, while Downtown Murfreesboro appeals to those who value historic character and walkability.
Yes, Murfreesboro offers neighborhoods at a variety of price points, but housing costs vary based on home size, age, location and neighborhood amenities.
Murfreesboro is located about 35 miles southeast of Nashville, making it one of the most popular commuter cities in Middle Tennessee. Travel time typically ranges from 30 to 50 minutes by car, depending on traffic and your destination within the Nashville metro area.
Murfreesboro is widely considered a great place to live thanks to its strong job market, growing economy, highly regarded schools, and proximity to Nashville.
Note on imagery: Images marked “AI Generated” are visuals to illustrate the neighborhood homes, atmosphere and architectural style. To protect homeowner privacy, these images are artistic representations and do not depict specific existing properties.