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.
Murfreesboro, Tennessee Businesses & Brands to Know
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
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