Murfreesboro
Middle Tennessee is a premier residential region offering a vibrant blend of urban energy, suburban convenience, and rural charm. As the geographic heart of the state, the Nashville-Murfreesboro-Franklin metropolitan area has grown into a powerhouse of over 2.15 million people, characterized by a pleasant four-season climate with relatively mild winters and warm summers. Murfreesboro itself has evolved into one of the nation’s fastest-growing cities, with a population exceeding 173,000. It is anchored by Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU)—the state’s largest locally governed institution with an enrollment of approximately 21,000 students—and features a high-energy economy with over 400 restaurants and major retail hubs. Located just 30 minutes from both downtown Nashville and the Nashville International Airport, Murfreesboro offers residents easy access to world-class entertainment and global travel while maintaining its own unique identity.
This balance of growth and livability is best reflected in the city’s recent expansion of its outdoor amenities. Murfreesboro has heavily invested in local connectivity, anchored by an expansive 17-mile Greenway System that provides a scenic link between the historic downtown and northern residential hubs. Building on this momentum, the city officially broke ground in March 2025 on the much-anticipated Veterans Park, a 150-acre community space located on the city’s thriving west side. Set to fully open in 2026, this major destination will serve as a hub for all ages, featuring a specialized “destination playground,” a 1.5-mile loop of walking trails, and modern pickleball courts. With its regenerative natural habitats and large-scale event spaces, the park highlights Murfreesboro’s commitment to providing inclusive, high-quality recreational spaces for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Rutherford County consistently earns accolades for its family-friendly environment, with a school district that maintains top-tier state rankings, including Central Magnet School, which is ranked number 1 in Tennessee and number 3 in the nation. The city offers a high quality of life with a cost of living approximately 4.6% lower than the national average. While the local housing market has seen significant growth since 2010, homeownership remains accessible compared to national trends. For medical professionals at Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford, diverse housing options such as the luxury condos at Gateway Village are located directly adjacent to the hospital campus, providing a seamless balance of professional convenience and small-town community atmosphere
Learn more about exciting things to do in Murfreesboro here and check out this article on 21 Things You Need To Know About Murfreesboro Before You Move There.
Nashville
Nashville, the fast-growing capital of Tennessee, has solidified its status as a premier global destination and a powerhouse of the American Southeast. The city is famously celebrated as “Music City,” standing as the nation’s second-largest music production center, anchored by legendary landmarks such as the Ryman Auditorium, Music Row, and the Country Music Hall of Fame. The city also hosts many major annual events such as the Tennessee State Fair, Nashville Film Festival, and the CMA Music Festival. Beyond its musical heritage, Nashville’s diverse $100 billion economy is anchored by a world-class healthcare cluster that serves as the region’s largest employer. This sector contributes nearly $68 billion in annual local economic benefit and supports more than 333,000 local jobs. On a global scale, the impact is even more profound: the Nashville healthcare ecosystem generates roughly $97 billion in annual revenue and supports over 500,000 jobs worldwide.
Nashville’s “It City” status has attracted global headquarters and major operations from industry giants like Oracle, Amazon, Nissan, and Bridgestone. It is further enhanced by its high quality of life, set against a backdrop of four distinct seasons—featuring mild winters, vibrant springs, warm summers, and colorful autumns. Nashville’s appeal is rounded out by prestigious historic sites like the Parthenon, a nationally recognized culinary scene – including three Michelin star restaurants as of 2025 – and a vibrant professional sports landscape featuring the Tennessee Titans (NFL), Nashville Predators (NHL), and Nashville SC (MLS). Consistently ranked as one of America’s friendliest and most innovative places to live, Nashville continues to blend its Southern tradition with rapid modern growth.
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Brentwood, Franklin, and Nolensville (Williamson County)
The suburbs south of Nashville in Williamson County are premier destinations for families, offering a high quality of life supported by the wealthiest economy in Tennessee. Franklin, now a thriving city of 90,000, has evolved from a historic small town into a nationally recognized “Great Place to Live,” frequently cited for its preserved Main Street and top-tier safety. Neighboring Brentwood, with a population of 45,500, is a luxury residential hub featuring over 860 acres of parkland and an extensive network of biking and walking trails. Nolensville has shifted from a rural outpost to a booming town of over 16,500, prized for its small-town feel and rapid growth.
Central to the county’s appeal is its top-ranked school district, which consistently leads the state in ACT scores and academic achievement. The region is also a major economic engine, anchored by the Cool Springs retail and business district, which boasts over 200 restaurants and the headquarters of several global corporations. With its blend of historic charm in downtown Franklin and modern amenities, Williamson County continues to be a primary driver of the Nashville metropolitan area’s success.
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