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Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Friendly and Up and Coming, Murfreesboro Beckons to Retirees with its Friendly People, Mellow Pace and Quiet Country Charm
Cost of Living: Above the National Average
Friendly Murfreesboro (population 168,000) is 30 miles southeast of Nashville in central Tennesse and is a thriving city that several national publication have named as a great place to live. It started out in 1811 and was named after Hardy Murfree, a Revolutionary War hero. The one-time capital of Tennessee, Murfreesboro is today home to Middle Tennessee State University (25,000 students) but not overwhelmed by it. The city boasts enough cultural outlets and recreational venues to keep most retirees happy.
The cost of living is 8% above the national average. The population is on the young-ish side, with 30% of residents age 45 or better. The crime rate meets the national average. Politics lean slightly to the left, and the city has grown 25% within the last decade, as it has somewhat been "discovered."
The median home price is $470,000, and housing stock offers something for everyone. There are leafy, attractive neighborhoods in nearly all parts of town, although northern areas tend to have nicer homes. Apartments are plentiful, too.
Tennessee is a friendly place when it comes to taxes. The state has no personal income so retirement income, including Social Security, is not taxed. There is no homestead exemption, but a property tax relief program for seniors, the disabled and veterans exists. Under this program, depending on income, the first $29,000 of a property's market value is exempt from taxation. The average effective property tax rate (the annual tax payment as a percentage of median home value) in Murfreesboro is .62%. The annual taxes on a $470,000 home are approximatley $2,914, without a homestead exemption. The combined sales tax rate is 9.75%.
Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Technically, Murfreesboro is a Nashville exurb. Despite its growth, it still has quiet country charm and is dotted with parks and greenways. Much of life revolves around church and related activities, and residents are a welcoming bunch. The city has a good selection of cafes and restaurants, and the Saturday farmers' market receives rave reviews. Music festivals, an arts center and top-notch cultural offerings from Middle Tennessee University ensure that there is always something to do.
Thanks in part to its location along Interstate 24, Murfreesboro has also grown into a regional shopping hub with three large shopping malls. National retailers include Talbots, Dillard's, Target, Home Depot, Wal-Mart and many more.
Downtown's Public Square, with its distinctive architecture and antebellum courthouse, draws all sorts of folks. Daily walking tours are offered for those interested in the area's history. Cannonsburgh, a reconstructed, living history Southern village, gives history buffs even more to savor. Beyond town boundaries, rolling hills and scenic lakes greet anyone seeking a pleasant country weekend or just a relaxing afternoon outing.
St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital is a 286-bed private, not-for-profit facility. It is accredited by the Joint Commission and is award-winning for orthopedic surgery. Medicare patients are accepted. Another two medical facilities are within 25 miles, and Nashville has at least three more hospitals.
The St. Clair Senior Center is open to those Murfreesboro residents who are age 60 or better. There are recreational activities, classes and activities (card games, quilting bees and dancing to name just a few), as well as programs such as visitation and delivery of meals to those who cannot leave their homes. The Center coordinates with a variety of local agencies and is the main resource for anyone needing services catering to the mature demographic.
Rover is the public bus system and offers fixed route service. The city also has a curb to curb mini van service.
Daily summer high temperatures are in the mid- to low-90s, and winter temperatures usually top out in the mid-40s. On average, the area receives 42 inches of rain and three to four inches of snow each year. On the comfort index, a combination of temperature and humidity, Murfreesboro comes in below the national average. Hurricane Helene in 2024 brought some localized flooding.
A Murfreesboro retirement does have some drawbacks. Urban sprawl is evident on city outskirts, and traffic congestion has increased as more people have moved to the area. The tornado risk is 135% higher than the national average. In fact, the outskirts of the city were struck by a EF4 tornado in April, 2009, killing two people. In March, 2020, an EF3 tornado and an EF4 tornado struck about 30 miles north of Murfreesboro and killed 24 people. In 2024, a weak EF0 torndao struck town but did little damage.
Even with the tornado threat, Murfreesboro continues to grow. Its welcoming spirit, friendly folks and casual way of life are just a few reasons why. Overall, Murfreesboro receives high marks as a place for retirees to call home.
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