Visiting Murfreesboro

Murfreesboro, TN - Rapid Growth Has Caused a Retail Explosion

Over the past few years, Murfreesboro has grown at a pace that is over five times the national average, and for good reason - quality of life. The county seat of Rutherford County, Murfreesboro is located at the geographic center of Tennessee, approximately 35 miles southeast of Nashville. With a population of 75,083, it is the sixth largest and one of the fastest growing cities in the state with a vibrant and rapidly expanding retail trade base.

Rutherford County's retail trade base is made up of over 331,000 people. At its center, Murfreesboro has developed into a retail destination attracting shoppers from a 10-county region. Part of the reason for this phenomenal growth is the close location to major Interstates - Interstate 24 runs directly through the city and Interstates 65 and 40 are just a few minutes away.

Stones River Mall is the regional mall for this area. It is anchored by Sears, J. C. Penney, Dillard's and Goody's Family Clothing. Other big box tenants in the area include Target, Lowe's, T.J. Maxx, two Wal-Mart Supercenters, Home Depot, Office Max, Kohl's, Staples, Old Navy, PetsMart, and Toy's "R " Us.

The first phase of a retail shopping center called "The Oaks " is complete,anchored by Bed, Bath & Beyond, Marshall 's, Ashley Furniture, Ross Dress for Less and H. H. Gregg. A second phase of the shopping center is in the planning stages. This 32-acre developmentholds more than 250,000 square feet of retail space and is within an 800-acre tract of private and city-owned property called the Gateway. This area is slated for commercial and residential development near a new Interstate 24 interchange that will be completed in the fall of 2005.

In addition to residential growth, the city has experienced considerable commercial and industrial development during the 1990s. This non-residential development is expected to continue for the next several years, particularly commercial growth, to serve the needs of a growing population.

To round out these tremendous opportunities, a number of colleges and universities are located in and around the city. Middle Tennessee State University, with nearly 22,000 students, and the Tennessee Technology Center are located in Murfreesboro. Motlow State Community College, Vanderbilt University, David Lipscomb University and others are just a few minutes away.

All of this makes Murfreesboro one of the best cities in the U.S. Why not see for yourself?