Thinking about settling down or relocating within the Murfreesboro area? Murfreesboro is known for its rich history in the American Civil War. There are over 6,000 soldiers buried in Stones River National Battlefield, and there are many other buildings, like the restored Oaklands Mansion, which have a deep history of America’s past. Murfreesboro is the largest suburb of Nashville, and it’s one of the biggest cities in Tennessee! This city was settled in 1811 near the end of the war by Colonel William Lytle and was named after one of his friends, Colonel Hardy Murfree. As the 10th fastest growing city, there’s plenty to explore in this family-friendly suburb. As such, it is a good place to live.
Here’s what you have to look forward to after moving to Murfreesboro, Tennessee!
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Where is Murfreesboro TN?
Murfreesboro is in Rutherford County, Tennessee and part of the Greater Nashville metro area. It’s 34 miles from Murfreesboro to Nashville TN. It is the geographical center of the state, and there’s even a pike designating it. The West Fork of the Stones River goes through part of Murfreesboro, and the city is bordered by White Haven to the northwest, Salen to the southwest, Kittrell to the east, and Lascassas to the northeast.
Murfreesboro Population & Demographics
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The population of Murfreesboro is 157,519 according to the 2020 Census. That’s a 3.3% raise from 2010. Murfreesboro is part of the Nashville metro area, and is the largest suburb of Nashville. Nowadays, notable people from Murfreesboro include MLB pitchers Rex Brothers and Chuck Taylor as well as country star Chris Young.
Murfreesboro can be considered a moderately diverse city. The racial and ethnic composition of Murfreesboro is 71.1% white, 19.1% Black, 3.4% Asian, 4.9% two or more races, and 7.7% Hispanic.
Additional Murfreesboro demographics:
- Population density: 2,618 people/sq mi
- Median age: 30.6
- Sex ratio: 51.4 females to 48.6 males over 18
- Median household income: $60,683
- Educational attainment: 93.3% high school grad or higher, 39.3% bachelor’s degree or higher (adults 25 and older)
- Foreign-born population: 6.5%
Murfreesboro is a safe place to live, with a total crime rate of 2,973 per 100,000 people. The total crime rate for Murfreesboro is 6.1% lower than the average for Tennessee. There are 488 violent crimes per 100,000 people, which is 27.5% lower than the state average.. However, most of this crime is said to be located right in the city’s center and a high percentage is related to property crime. After moving to Murfreesboro, you will be served by the Murfreesboro Police Department, which has 265 sworn officers.
Murfreesboro Cost of Living – Is Murfreesboro TN Expensive?
If you’re wondering if Murfreesboro is affordable, good news! Though lots of people are moving to Tennessee, especially to the Nashville metro, Tennessee has remained fairly affordable. People enjoy living in Murfreesboro for their low cost of living, employment opportunities, and affordable housing.
The Murfreesboro cost of living index is 95.4, which makes it 5% less expensive than the national average. By comparison, the Tennessee cost of living index is 88.7. So, the cost of living in Murfreesboro is affordable compared to the rest of the US, but slightly more expensive than the Tennessee average. When compared to the national average, everything is more affordable in Murfreesboro. Groceries, healthcare, transportation, and housing all rank under 100. According to the Economic Policy Institute, moving to Murfreesboro would require a family of four to earn $84,413 per year to afford to live in Murfreesboro.
Typical Murfreesboro Living Expenses
- Gallon of milk: $2.16
- Loaf of white bread: $2.10
- 1 dozen eggs: $1.88
- 1 lb of chicken: $4.00
- Monthly transportation pass: $38.00
- Average Murfreesboro utilities cost: $194.29
- Monthly internet: $87.88
When relocating, one of your biggest expenses will always be housing. Currently, the market in Murfreesboro is slightly competitive. The average sale price of a home in Murfreesboro is $405,000, up 5.7% since last year. Homes usually sell for 2% less than listing price, so if you’re making an offer on one of the many Murfreesboro TN homes for sale, keep this in mind! Planning to rent while living in Murfreesboro? Average rent is $1,498 for 1,012 according to RentCafe.
Best Neighborhoods in Murfreesboro
If there’s one thing you’ll find in this city, it’s families walking with their dogs, kids playing on the sidewalks, and schools that you can easily walk to. There are so many Murfreesboro neighborhoods and subdivisions that are designed around the modern family. But, don’t be fooled by its suburb designation. There’s a downtown area too that’s perfect for young single adults or professionals looking to live close to Nashville. Here are some of the most exciting neighborhoods in Murfreesboro to check out.
Breckenridge | Planned Family-Friendly Community
If you’re looking for large lots, an HOA, and people who care about their community, you’ll fit right in at Breckenridge. You’ll have to pay a monthly community fee, but you’ll be less than a mile from Murfreesboro Greenway and the Stones River National Battlefield. These homes start in the $600,000 range but may go up to as much as $1,000,000.
Scottland Acres | Affordable Older Homes
Families who may want to remodel a home or live in a fixer upper will enjoy the community feeling of Scottland Acres. Though these homes are slightly older than other neighborhoods in Murfreesboro, the price reflects it. This is a safe neighborhood without an HOA, and you’ll pay in the $400,000 range for a single-family home.
NorthPointe Hall | Best Neighborhood For Older Adults
If you’re retired or a professional without kids, Northpointe Hall is the perfect Murfreesboro community. With the average age just above 55 years old, you’ll find a group of individuals ready to hang out on the weekend BBQing or planning hikes along Sinking Creek together. You’ll find homes here are listing from the mid $300,000s to the high $400,000s.
Murfreesboro Weather & Climate
If you don’t like the cold, you’re in luck living in Murfreesboro. Since it’s part of the Sun Belt, Murfreesboro’s climate, according to the Koppen classification, is humid subtropical. This means you’ll experience mild winters and hot, humid summers. The best time to visit Murfreesboro is October, where the temperatures are still above the 70s, but there isn’t quite as much rain as other months. The average high temperatures range from 47 to 89, and the average low temperatures in Murfreesboro range from 27 to 68. It doesn’t snow much in Murfreesboro, and you can expect less than two inches of snow all year. However, it does rain an average of 55 inches per year, so grab your umbrella!
Things to do in Murfreesboro TN
You don’t need to head into Nashville to have fun here! There are so many fun things to do in Murfreesboro. In addition to these activities, you’ll enjoy some convenient shopping at The Avenue and Stones River Town Centre.
Barfield Crescent Park
With 430 acres to explore, this is one of the top Murfreesboro attractions for families. With hiking trails, sports fields, a golf course, and campsites, you can make this park a day trip or weekend trip! There’s something for everyone, and the kids will love playing on the playground.
Barfield Crescent Park, 697 Veterans Pkwy, Murfreesboro, TN 37128, (615) 890-5333
Stones River National Battlefield
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This can’t-miss thing to do in Murfreesboro is truly a sight to see. In 1862, one of the bloodiest battles occurred here, and this 570 acre park today is a memorial to the many who are buried here. There’s also a small museum here as well to help you learn more of the history.
Stones River National Battlefield, 3501 Old Nashville Hwy, Murfreesboro, TN 37129, (615) 893-9501
Discovery Center at Murfree Spring
Ready to be known as the fun parent? This children’s museum in Murfreesboro is a popular thing to do with kids. It’s right near downtown, and your kids will be able to play all day long. Exhibits that they have include town life, science, trains, cars, a fire engine and farmers market.
Discovery Center at Murfree Spring, 502 SE Broad St, Murfreesboro, TN 37130, (615) 890-2300
Additional Attractions in Murfreesboro
Looking for more things to do in Murfreesboro? Murfreesboro Parks manages 11 neighborhood and regional parks plus nature centers, overlooks, and trails. You can also check the City of Murfreesboro events calendar to find upcoming events in the area!
Murfreesboro Restaurants
There are some amazing places to eat in Murfreesboro! Check out the top-rated restaurants in Murfreesboro below!
The Goat Murfreesboro
If you’re looking for the best place to get drinks in Murfreesboro, you found it! With creative cocktails and draft beers, you’ll be set for a night out with friends. With thousands of raving reviews, this is a place you can’t miss out on.
The Goat Murfreesboro, 2355 Adwell St, Murfreesboro, TN 37129, (615) 203-8245
Toot’s Broad Street
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Craving seafood, ribs, burgers, or wings? Grab it from Toot’s if so! This popular local favorite is known for their comfort food and laid back atmosphere. It’s one of the highest-rated restaurants in Murfreesboro with 2,200 reviews and 4.5 stars!
Toot’s Broad Street, 860 NW Broad St, Murfreesboro, TN 37129, (615) 898-1301
Demos’ Restaurant
Whether you’re hungry for steak or pasta, you can get it at Demos’. This is a great local Italian steakhouse that is perfect for date night in Murfreesboro. 4,400 people have reviewed this restaurant on Google alone, and it’s still rated 4.5 stars!
Demos’ Restaurant, 1115 NW Broad St, Murfreesboro, TN 37129, (615) 895-3701
Jobs in Murfreesboro
The total GDP of Murfreesboro is 163,031. Future job growth is projected to be 56.3% in the next 10 years in Murfreesboro. The average salary in Murfreesboro is $45,684 or $22.05 an hour according to Payscale. The largest industries in Murfreesboro are healthcare and social assistance.
Major employers near Murfreesboro include:
Ready to explore career opportunities before moving to Murfreesboro? Check out City of Murfreesboro jobs and positions on Indeed.
Schools in Murfreesboro, TN
While living in Murfreesboro, you’ll be in the Rutherford County School District. Some of the top schools in Murfreesboro include Central Magnet School, Blackman High School, and Overall Creek Elementary.
There is also a college in Murfreesboro. The town is home to Middle Tennessee State University. They offer 300 degree programs across 35 departments. Linebaugh Public Library is the closest library where students can enjoy free book rentals and more.
Murfreesboro Statistics & Information
- County: Rutherford County
- Murfreesboro Area: 64.12 square miles
- Murfreesboro Zip Codes: 37127, 37128, 37129, 37130, 37131, 37132, 37133
- Murfreesboro Area Code: 615 and 629
- Murfreesboro Elevation: 610 feet
- Murfreesboro Time Zone: Central Standard Time (CST)
- Closest Airport: Nashville International Airport (BNA / KBNA), 30 miles away
Murfreesboro TN Map
Explore the area and other fun attractions and restaurants with this map of Murfreesboro.
Does living in Murfreesboro seem like a dream come true? Give 6th Man Movers a call at 615-434-8272 for a free moving estimate from our 5-star Murfreesboro movers!
