15 Things to Know Before Moving to Murfreesboro, TN
The Nashville metropolitan area has recently gained headlines as one of the fastest-growing in the United States, adding to the state’s already considerable prominence. Murfreesboro, one such suburb, is located just outside the state capital and has had a 35% increase in its population since 2010.
The question is, “Why Murfreesboro?” Middle Tennessee State University, the largest undergraduate university in the state, is located in this 200-year-old town. Residents enjoy the lively atmosphere of a college town, pleasant year-round temperatures, an abundance of parks and recreational areas, and a thriving commercial and entertainment district in the heart of the city. If they’re still craving more, Music City is only 41 minutes away on I-24.
Let’s check out 15 things to know before moving to Murfreesboro, TN!
1. Prices of things are about the national average
Murfreesboro’s cost of living is roughly equivalent to any other city in the United States. The 0.6% cost of living increase is barely noticeable to new residents. The price of food is comparable to what you would pay elsewhere. There could be a minor reduction in utility and transportation costs for some people. New residents can expect to save approximately 3% on miscellaneous items like clothing and repairs, which is very close to the national average.
Housing is also equally lower than the national average, at a median home price of $391,407. So the cost of living in Murfreesboro is quite reasonable.
2. You don’t have to pay state income tax
Only seven states do not levy a state income tax, and Tennessee is one of them. Murfreesboro obviously benefits from this.
That’s fantastic, especially considering the lack of many high earners in the region. People get to keep more of their own money.
As a result, some of that wealth is redistributed throughout the economy, where it can do the most good. It also means there are more opportunities to save money.
3. Murfreesboro’s closeness to Nashville makes it a diverse city
Tennessee probably doesn’t come to mind when you picture individuals from all over the world. Much of the state, to be fair, is on the less diversified end of the spectrum.
As a suburb of Nashville, though, Murfreesboro enjoys many advantages. The capitals of states typically serve as a magnet, attracting people from all walks of life.
In this suburb, the population is made up of European Americans (67%), African Americans (19%), Latinos (9%), and Asians (5%).
4. The city is committed to its growth and development
Murfreesboro has adopted the slogan “Creating a better quality of life.” The dedication they have shown to perfecting their purpose is what helped them break into Money magazine’s list of the top 100 places to live, even though they are rarely in the news nationally. You’ll fit in perfectly in Murfreesboro the moment you arrive.
The city is well on its way to implementing a community-wide plan that will last for more than 20 years and result in significant growth and development across a wide range of sectors, including transportation, housing, neighborhood development, parks and recreation, public facilities, historic preservation, and economic revitalization.
5. Here’s where the city got its name from
The name Murfreesboro stands out as unique, but how did it come about? Newton Cannon, a politician from Tennessee, inspired the city’s original name, Cannonsburgh. However, the original name was changed to honor Colonel Hardy Murfree. People in the area often shorten Murfreesboro to “The ‘Boro” because the full name can be cumbersome.
6. Catch a play at Little Theatre or Center for the Arts
New York’s Broadway Can’t Compete With The Boro. At the Murfreesboro Center for the Arts, locals and visitors alike can enjoy plays, musicals, dances, and other forms of entertainment. Moreover, since 1962, the Murfreesboro Little Theatre has been energizing the stage for youthful audiences. In addition, every year during the second week of June, the FolkFest takes place, showcasing music, dancing, and other performances from all over the world.
7. Enjoy food from various cultures at Murfreesboro’s restaurants
You won’t even need to plan a trip to Nashville in search of unique cuisine. Numerous different types of cuisines are represented at Murfreesboro’s many excellent restaurants. When it comes to Greek food, Opah Greek Grill is among the best in the city. The dinners at Blue Cactus Cantina are some of the best Mexican food in town. O’Possum’s is a fantastic example of a traditional Irish bar, while Lemongrass Sushi and Thai is the place to go if you’re craving Asian food.
Likewise, Murfreesboro is home to some excellent farmer’s markets, so you won’t have any trouble locating one. In the summertime, the area around Main Street hosts a Saturday Market where you can buy fresh produce from local farmers and artisans.
8. Get around the city in a Rover
The modern style of Murfreesboro’s public transit system is unique in comparison to those in other cities. Green buses that can fit up to sixteen passengers each make up the Rover system, which travels along six axes throughout the city. For adults, a one-way fare only costs $1.
Murfreesboro and Nashville are connected by a public transit system that includes a regional bus service. The fare for a ride on the regional bus is $4.25 one way, but you can save money by purchasing a pass valid for several rides. Weekday trips start at around 5 a.m. and run until about 9 pm.
9. The government is the city’s major employer
Murfreesboro’s proximity to Nashville makes it easy for the residents to get a job, thanks to the city’s thriving economy.
With over 6,000 employees, the Rutherford County Government is Murfreesboro’s largest employer. The institution offers essential public services, such as emergency medical care, police protection, and judicial administration. Middle Tennessee State University, which employs around 2,200 faculty and employees, has the second-largest payroll.
Nissan North America, Inc, National Healthcare Corporation, and State Farm Insurance Companies are other major employers in the city.
10. There are fun nightlife spots in this suburb
Those who wanna have fun when night falls will find a plethora of options for entertainment. Hang out at Hop Springs Beer Park with your pals and enjoy live music.
There’s something for everyone at Liquid Smoke, a bar with a diverse range of customers. There are designated spaces for canine companions, cigar smokers, hookah enthusiasts, and pinball players. Murfreesboro Escape Rooms is a fun option for those searching for a friendly challenge.
11. Murfreesboro is a college town
Middle Tennessee State University is located in Murfreesboro. You’ll have to adjust to life in a college town, as MTSU is the largest undergraduate university in Tennessee, with an enrollment of about 25,000 students. Nonetheless, you shouldn’t fret. It’s a lot of fun, what with all the events and the games. The university’s presence gives the town a hip, trendy vibe, and most establishments are student-oriented.
12. The city is growing too fast
Murfreesboro is growing fast, and one positive aspect of having people around is their contribution to the economy.
However, this might become problematic when growth is exponential. There has not been enough investment in urban planning by the city administration as the population density in the area has increased.
When things are hastily put together, they usually turn out poorly. As a result, construction projects are rushed, and the resulting structures consistently fall short of expectations.
13. There are not a lot of fun things to do
When you live in a suburb of a much larger city, you should be able to take advantage of many of the attractions available in the main metropolis.
This is not the case, unfortunately, for Murfreesboro. There are not a lot of fun activities for young people, and if you have many children at home who constantly complain of boredom, you may be tempted to leave your current location due to a lack of entertainment options.
There are outdoor activities, of course, but they aren’t enough to keep the city buzzing.
14. Theft is a major crime here
Murfreesboro has a higher crime rate than other cities of a similar size and population.
At 36 crimes per 1,000 residents, this area has a higher rate of criminal activity than the national average. Theft dominates all other criminal behavior, followed by serious assault and burglary.
15. There are mosquitoes everywhere
Bugs proliferate wherever there are human habitations. It’s an unavoidable reality of life. However, for unknown reasons, bugs seem to be found in certain environments more than others.
It looks like mosquitoes love Murfreesboro. In the summer, you can nearly follow the sound of their wings everywhere you go.
Thankfully, citronella candles are always easily accessible.
In Conclusion
Is life in Murfreesboro suitable for you? This suburb offers a reasonable cost of living, a vibrant economy, a diverse food scene, and a lively atmosphere that comes with college towns. On the other hand, it also has a high crime rate, a risk of overpopulation, and a scarcity of fun activities to enjoy.
