Moving here from out of state?
A lot of the families I work with are coming from California, Washington, and all over. I'll help you figure out where in Rutherford County you actually belong, even before you get here.
Six real options, six honest trade-offs
All six are in Rutherford County and within a short drive of each other. The right one depends on your commute, your budget, and how much space you want.
The county seat and Tennessee's 6th-largest city, home to MTSU, with the widest range of homes, dining, and amenities. Two school systems serve the city. The honest trade-off: real day-to-day traffic.
Anchored by Nissan's large assembly plant, which brings steady employment to the area. Served by Rutherford County Schools, including Smyrna High and Stewarts Creek High.
Generally the most affordable of the six on home prices and closest to Nashville along I-24. Its tax rate runs higher than the other five, so it's worth running the numbers.
Unincorporated, about 10 to 15 minutes south of downtown Murfreesboro along US-231. County property tax only, larger lots, and farmland around newer subdivisions.
A small town of about 1,279 people (2020 Census) with its own PreK-12 schools side by side. Quiet and rural, with fewer shops and restaurants close by.
The smallest of the six, about 813 residents (2020 Census), with one K-12 school and a slower pace. Expect more driving for everyday errands.
Population figures: 2020 U.S. Census. Tax rates and school zones change, so I'll confirm the current details for any specific address.
What people ask me most
- 01Taxes. Tennessee has no state income tax, and property taxes here usually run lower than what California and Washington transplants are used to.
- 02The commute. Nashville, Franklin, Cool Springs, and the airport are four different drives. I'll help you test the one that matters to you.
- 03Schools. Murfreesboro has a city system for PreK to 6th grade and the county system after that, so the address matters.
- 04Pace of life. Murfreesboro is busier than its small-town reputation. Rockvale, Eagleville, and Christiana trade traffic for longer drives.
You don't have to guess from 2,000 miles away.
I've helped buyers find their home before they ever set foot in Tennessee. Extra photos, video walkthroughs, and honest answers about the street, the drive, and the trade-offs.
One of my favorite stories is a buyer who found me online while she was still living out of state. We never met in person until closing. I walked her through the house on video and even had some of her local friends stop by to see it for her.
"I found Jessica online when I lived in another state. I was able to find the house I wanted to buy without seeing it in person. She sent extra pictures of the house. She met with local friends to show them the house. Jessica also made videos as she walked through the house and emailed them to me."
Out-of-state buyer, Murfreesboro
"Jessica provided great customer service and is a consummate real estate professional. We started our search for a home in the Murfreesboro area in June of 2013 while still living in Florida. Jessica provided excellent information about the area and the different neighborhoods. When we were unable to find a home prior to moving to Murfreesboro, we rented a home and continued to work with Jessica to find a home. We made an offer in June 2014 and will be moving into our forever home in August 2014. Jessica provided great information and guided us through the purchase and mortgage process. Jessica was very responsive to our questions about different homes and always returned our phone calls within an hour, 7 days a week. She went the extra mile, reviewing and showing us the exact type of homes we were looking for. She never lost her desire to find us our perfect home. A great personality and always professional. I would highly recommend her for any real estate transaction. Larry"
Relocating buyer · Realtor.com
"Jessica helped us sell our rental home in Tennessee from a distance (we live in Massachusetts). She was incredibly responsive, and the best part was she found us a buyer before the home was even listed! She was a blessing to us and went above and beyond since we were not there to do many things ourselves. She responded to texts and email even when she was on vacation--absolutely dedicated."
Out-of-state seller
Moving to Murfreesboro? Start Here.
The real cost-of-living shift, an honest look at all six communities, and a relocation timeline so you know what to do and when. Free, instant download.