Contributing to the lower cost of living is the price of real estate.  The median home price in Murfreesboro is $159,000, well below the national average.  The city is growing, nearly 20% in the last decade, but the median home price has only fallen about 5% in the last year.  Housing here offers something for everyone, and leafy, attractive neighborhoods can be found in nearly all parts of town (the farther out from the center of the city, the less expensive the homes). The median price will purchase quite a bit of house, from roughly 1,700 to 2,100 sq. ft. with three bedrooms, two baths, a carport (two to three cars), a large yard with mature trees and landscaping, kitchen upgrades, a porch/sunroom and a brick and/or brick/siding exterior.  More modest but comfortable homes can be found in the mid-$100,000s, and high-end homes are in good supply ($499,000 will buy a near mini-castle).  Apartments are also plentiful (the nicest are to the west of I-24).

Property taxes in the city of Murfreesboro are roughly calculated at a rate of $3.84 per $100 of a home's assessed value, and residential property is assessed at 25% of fair market value.  Salaries, wages, Social Security, IRAs and pension income are not taxed, but a 6% tax is levied on stock dividends and interest from bonds.  Those over 65 with a total income of less than $16,2000 (single filer) or $27,000 (joint filer) are, though, exempt from the above tax.  The sales tax is 6% to 7%.

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Despite its fast rate of growth, Murfreesboro retains a certain country charm with numerous parks, greenways, farmers' markets and easy living.  At the same time, residents partake in top-notch cultural offerings from Middle Tennessee University and enjoy a good selection of excellent restaurants and cafes.  There are small museums, two shopping malls (one indoor and one outdoor) and an arts center, as well as several music festivals each year.  This is a traditional place, despite the University influence, and voters lean to the right.   Residents seem ready to welcome newcomers and like to mention that Murfreesboro has been named a great place to live by several major news organizations (including Money Magazine).

The bustling downtown is healthy, and the Public Square, with its distinctive architecture (including the pre-Civil War courthouse), attracts all sorts of folks; daily walking tours are offered for those interested in the history of this area.   Cannonsburgh, a reconstructed Southern village that is a living history museum, gives history buffs even more to enjoy.   Beyond town boundaries, rolling hills and scenic lakes greet those retirees seeking a quiet country weekend away or just a relaxing afternoon outing.     For anything not found in Murfreesboro, Nashville is just 30 minutes away.

Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Continued....