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.

By Kevin Litwin on July 10, 2023

Jeff Adkins

An average of 20 people a day moved into Rutherford County in 2022, and for good reason. This vibrant region in Middle Tennessee blends Southern charm with a strong 21st-century economy. 

Residents have the option to live in larger communities such as La Vergne, Murfreesboro and Smyrna, but life is also excellent in smaller communities such as Almaville, Blackman, Christiana, Eagleville, Lascassas and many more.

Here are some reasons why people are choosing to build their lives and careers in Rutherford County – and you should, too. 

1. Score an Excellent Education

Several advanced education initiatives are taking place throughout Rutherford County Schools, including STEM programs, YouScience Aptitude Assessments and elementary school programs for younger students to promote positive attitudes and good communication skills. And when it’s time to attend college, residents are lucky to have Middle Tennessee State University close to home. MTSU is the No. 1 producer of graduates for the Greater Nashville economy. Enrollment stands at nearly 20,000 undergrad students and 2,350 graduate students. 

2. Launch a Rewarding Career Here

Graduates of MTSU, Motlow State Community College and Tennessee College of Applied Technology don’t need to leave Rutherford County if they want a career with a big-name company. There are nearly 20 major employers in the county that have more than 1,000 employees, including global companies such as Amazon, Bridgestone, General Mills, Nissan and Verizon. Others with at least 1,000 employees include Adient, Alvin C. York VA Medical Center, Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford, Asurion, Ingram, MTSU, National Healthcare Corporation, Rutherford County Government and Tri-Star Stonecrest. 

3. Enjoy an Amazing Arts Scene

A thriving arts-and-culture scene adds to the quality of life in Rutherford County. 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 each year. Music fans can attend the free Friday Night Live concert series is staged Friday nights from June to September in downtown Murfreesboro.

Another must-visit event is the Simply Smyrna Celebration featuring live music, cultural experiences and food trucks. The county is home to other cultural venues such as Springhouse Theatre, Center for the Arts, Carpe Artista, Mills-Pate Arts Center, Murfreesboro Little Theatre, Tucker Theatre and Washington Theatre. 

4. Find Great Business Incentives and Resources

A diverse and growing number of companies are drawn to the county’s attractive tax incentives and business resources, and several existing companies have decided to expand here. Examples of new or expanding businesses include McNeilus in Murfreesboro, BJ’s Wholesale Club in La Vergne, Vi-Jon (maker of Germ-X) in Smyrna, and MAHLE (a Tier 1 supplier to the auto industry) in Murfreesboro. 

5. Be in the Middle of it All

The economy is in high gear thanks in part to its infrastructure and available sites that are convenient for logistics and distribution companies. The county’s central location places it within 75% of the U.S. population, and the interstate and highway network includes Interstates 24 and 840 and access to I-40 and I-65. Companies with distribution operations here include Advance Auto Parts, Amazon, Bridgestone-Firestone, Conn’s, FedEx Ground and Saks Fifth Avenue. 

So we just shared five great reasons to move to Rutherford County. But wait! Here’s a great bonus reason why you should move here, especially if you’re a veteran.

J. Intintoli

Veterans Receive Outstanding Support

Veterans will find a big welcome mat awaiting them and their families in Rutherford County. The Tri-Star Veterans Resource Center celebrated its grand opening in July 2022. Chairman of the Board Keith R. Prather says over 28,000 veterans call Rutherford County home. Of the over two dozen or so local veterans’ organizations here, only one has a permanent home. The center focuses on providing resources, fellowship and a meeting place for veterans of all ages. 

Retired from the U.S. Army, Prather understands the difficult challenges returning veterans may face trying to reconcile some of their active-duty experiences when transitioning to civilian life. And he knows the importance of being able to connect with others. “According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, veteran suicide rates can be reduced by as much as 25% when they integrate with others and share experiences,” Prather says. 

The MTSU Daniels Center annually serves 1,000-plus student veterans and family members. “Someone does not need to go to MTSU to be helped by the Daniels Center,” Director Hilary Miller says. “We help people all over the world; all they need to be is military-connected. One of the biggest things we do for nonstudents is connecting them to the VA. We cut through all the complications.” Two VA employees work inside the center. 

Many services and resources – VA, campus, academic, financial and more – are provided as they change from military to civilian life. A great emphasis, academically, is placed on student success, Miller adds.