Why Move to Murfreesboro, Tennessee?

Murfreesboro sits in the middle of Middle Tennessee, about 35 miles southeast of Nashville. It’s one of the fastest-growing cities in the state, and it has more history than most people expect. Here is a short tour of where the city came from and why so many people are moving here now.

A Short History

Settlers arrived around 1811, and the town was chartered in 1812. It was first called Cannonsburgh, after Newton Cannon, and the name became Murfreesboro soon after.

In 1818 it became the capital of Tennessee, and it held that title until 1826, when the seat of government moved to Nashville. Murfreesboro also lies at the geographic center of the state.

In the Civil War, the city was the site of the Battle of Stones River (December 1862 to January 1863), one of the war’s bloodiest battles in proportion to the number of troops. Today the Stones River National Battlefield preserves the ground, and Oaklands Mansion shows what life in the area looked like in that era.

In the early 1900s the state opened a normal school here, which grew into Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU). The university has shaped the city ever since.

Interesting Facts

• Rapid growth. The population was about 69,000 in 2000 and about 152,800 in the 2020 Census. Estimates put it above 160,000 more recently.

• A young city. The median age is around 31, helped along by MTSU, one of the largest undergraduate universities in Tennessee.

• Blue Raider pride. MTSU athletics and campus events are a big part of local life, from football Saturdays to concerts and theater.

• History within a short drive. The battlefield, Cannonsburgh Village and the historic downtown square are all close together.

• Central location. You can reach Nashville, Nashville International Airport and several of Middle Tennessee’s biggest employers within a short drive.

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Why People Are Moving to Murfreesboro

1. Room to breathe at a more approachable price. Murfreesboro offers a wide range of housing, from historic homes near downtown to newer subdivisions with more space. For many buyers, that means more house for the money than they’d find closer to Nashville.

2. Access to Nashville without living in Nashville. Many residents work in Nashville, Smyrna or La Vergne and enjoy the music, dining, sports and big-city events on weekends, then come home to a calmer pace.

3. A strong and growing job market. Healthcare, education, manufacturing, logistics and technology all employ people in the area, and MTSU brings steady activity to the local economy.

4. Parks, greenways and things to do. The city has an extensive greenway system, plenty of parks and a lively downtown square with local restaurants, shops and events through the year.

5. A community feel. Murfreesboro has grown a lot, but it still has the small-town, neighborly side that draws families, young professionals and retirees.

Thinking About Moving to Murfreesboro?

Whether you’re relocating from out of state or just across the county, Murfreesboro has something for most lifestyles and budgets. If you’d like help finding the right neighborhood, understanding the market or touring homes, reach out.