Moving to Rutherford County, TN? Here Are 4 Communities to Consider
These stunning communities in Middle Tennessee offer their own distinctive qualities.
Sitting in the geographic center of Tennessee, Rutherford County offers a collection of places that give off everything from a hustle and bustle city demeanor to a laid-back country vibe.
If you’re thinking about moving to Rutherford County, it’s always good to get local insights before you decide where to settle down. Ask these four residents why the fast-growing community is so successful, and they will tell you it’s built on the foundation of friendly people who reside here.
In This Article
Murfreesboro, TN
Becky Lanham arrived in Rutherford County in 1999 to attend Middle Tennessee State University, and today, she is a successful entrepreneur who still lives in Murfreesboro, a city of 152,769.
“Upon graduation, I never even thought about moving away,” she says. “I immediately started a business and knew that Rutherford County was where I wanted to call home.”
Today, Lanham owns a ballroom dance studio in Murfreesboro as well as rental event centers in both Smyrna and Murfreesboro. Like many locals, she loves the park system and the greenway here, along with the long list of activities the county allows for.
“I live near downtown Murfreesboro only a mile from one of my businesses, and one thing I really like is that the Downtown Square is thriving,” she says. “It’s great to see it revitalized, and I love visiting the farmers market on Saturdays, along with just walking around and shopping at the unique stores.”
Smyrna, TN
Smyrna, a community of 53,268 located in the northern part of the county, has been the lifelong home of Ginny Williams, co-owner of Gil’s Ace Hardware.
When a powerful winter storm in February 2021 caused major damage to her business, customers and friends were ready to help.
“Smyrna is a large city with a small-town atmosphere. We recently celebrated being in business for 45 years, and you won’t find people anywhere any friendlier,” Williams says.
Williams is looking forward to the widening of West Jefferson Pike (State Route 266) from a winding two-lane narrow road to five lanes from Nissan Drive to Interstate 840.
“We have the Historic Sam Davis Home and Plantation in our town center,” Williams says. “I enjoy lunch at Breaking Bread, a family-owned restaurant there, but you can drive along Sam Ridley Parkway, and it is bustling with numerous places to eat. So much is happening, it is hard to keep up with everything. I see all the growth sprouting, and it is exciting.”
La Vergne, TN
On the southeast border of Davidson County is the city of La Vergne, home to close to 41,444 residents.
The city hugs the scenic shoreline of the 14,200-acre J. Percy Priest Lake and is just a quick hop to Nashville. Favorite events include the Old Timers Festival in September and the Saturday morning farmers market on the Bicentennial Park walking trail, which this year announced the addition of food trucks.
Eagleville, TN
“Each night when I drive home from work, I find my sense of peace when I see the Welcome to Eagleville sign,” says Brandon Emamalie, who commutes to work in Brentwood.
Located in southwest Rutherford County, Eagleville is a rural hamlet and “a community that pulls together to help a neighbor,” Emamalie says. “We are a small town with big hearts. These values are exactly how my wife and I want to live our lives and raise our children.”
Residents love attending events like the annual Fall Festival, the Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting, and First Fridays, which offers shopping, dining and music. Plus, the community is home to an eclectic collection of Main Street shops.
Rutherford County
This digital edition of the Rutherford County is sponsored by Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
