Does Murfreesboro have this type of neighborhood?... (apartments, renting)

[SAKaren]

Hi everyone! I've read bunches here and searched lots of Murfreesboro threads. But I could really use some insider knowledge about the area. I've been so pleased to learn about Rover and the Greenway, as well as the library, parks and downtown square. My question is, does Murfreesboro have established neighborhoods that are near downtown, walkable (not for strolling, but walking instead of using a car to reach post office, shopping, etc) and/or are on the Rover route?

Basically we are allergic to suburbia! But mixed use neighborhoods (shops as well as houses) and ethnically mixed neighborhoods are just fine. Any kind soul care to point me in the right direction?

Warmly,
Karen

[Kim918]

Hi Karen,

I live in Murfreesboro. I would assume the Rover would take you pretty much everywhere in the city. Here is a link to bus scedules and locations. Here's the Rover bus schedule and maps on The Murfreesboro Post

As far as neighborhoods go, I don't think you can walk to everywhere from one neighborhood. The Cason Lane area has shopping nearby that you can walk to. There are a lot of small subdivisions there. There are some of Saint Andrews Drive as well. There is a ton of shopping on Old Fort Parkway close to these areas, but it is really a busy place traffic wise and I am not really sure about walking. That's not to say you can't though. I think the buses would be a better option. That area is known as west Murfreesboro. I am on the southside of the boro, it's alittle less busy and there is a really nice neighborhood on the same side of the street with Krogers and some other small restaurants, a gym, Starbucks, banks etc. That would be walkable for you. It's called Innsbrook. There are also apartments on that side of the street as well. I believe some townhouses are there as well. You wouldn't have to cross Church Street which is a really busy road and not easy to cross. As far as real shopping goes though, the mall, walmart, Target, post office etc. I think the bus would be a better option there as well.

There may be other options on the northside of town, but I am not familiar with i,t so hopefully some of the other residents of Murfreesboro that post here will chime in too.

Have you visited Murfreesboro yet? You will want for nothing here, that's for sure, except for total walkability!

[SAKaren]

Thanks so much for the information. I know Murfreesboro has many plusses! We haven't visited. We will be moving in from overseas, so I'm trying to gather as much information beforehand as possible. I especially appreciate the specific neighborhoods you mentioned. That will help when I am looking a realestate listing, etc. I have stared at maps of Murfreesboro, Rover and the Greenway till my eyes crossed! Your "on the ground" perspective is really valuable.

Season's greetings!
Karen

PS--Do you think I should post this question on the Nashville forum? I thought I was, but I seem to have made a rookie mistake.

[Mike in TN]

Originally Posted by SAKaren

does Murfreesboro have established neighborhoods that are near downtown, walkable (not for strolling, but walking instead of using a car to reach post office, shopping, etc) and/or are on the Rover route?

Near downtown would mean somewhere close to E. Main between Lokey to the north, Broad to the south, Middle Tennessee to the east, and Memorial to the west. These are older areas, but they are hit and miss. I wouldn't really say they are even a neighborhood, per se, they're just older homes in an established area. In fact, the residents there are probably somewhat transient and you'll find quite a bit of renting going on there - both upper and lower incomes. E. Main and the square are walkable most anytime, but a street or two away wouldn't be wise at certain times. The areas just off of E. Main can be some of the worst in the city.

If you did live somewhere there, you could walk to plenty of restaurants, local shopping on the square, a two grocery stores, a video store, the library, and bar/lounge, a bike shop, and few other cool places. The post office wouldn't be too bad of a walk from the square (maybe 3/4 of a mile), you'd just have to cross Broad/Church, which is one of the busier intersections in town. I've done it before, so it can be done.

I'm real familiar with the rover route, so I can't be of too much help there.

If you can tell me/us a few more things like price range, square footage, etc. that you're looking for we might can give more specific recommendations.

Oh yeah, get a mod to move this to the Nashville sub forum.

[SAKaren]

Thanks, Mike. I'll see if I can get moved and give you some more information!

[SAKaren]

Thanks to the moderator's quick intervention, my thread was moved to the Nashville forum.

In light of what Mike and Kim shared, I obviously need to refine what I'm looking for somewhat. Your feedback has been valuable! Please hang in there with me a little longer.

So, is this realistic?:
--established neighborhood, (preferably 70's or older, but not necessarily "historic")
--as near as possible to downtown, but in a neighborhood rather than just a house
--access to Rover and some degree of walkability
--1800 sq feet & budget of around 185,000.
--not in the suburbs, not surrounded too closely by chain stores and restaurants

A bit of background... We have lived without a car for at least the past four years. We use bikes, public transportation and our feet. I think we'll want to own a car in Murfreesboro, but it is important to us to keep our personal auto usage as low as possible. The neighborhood can make or break that possibility.

Gratefully wishing all very happy holidays!

[Mike in TN]

I'll think over this and post a more detailed response later, but my initial thought is that finding all or even most of that is going to be pretty tough.

[Kim918]

Originally Posted by SAKaren

Thanks to the moderator's quick intervention, my thread was moved to the Nashville forum.

In light of what Mike and Kim shared, I obviously need to refine what I'm looking for somewhat. Your feedback has been valuable! Please hang in there with me a little longer.

So, is this realistic?:
--established neighborhood, (preferably 70's or older, but not necessarily "historic")
--as near as possible to downtown, but in a neighborhood rather than just a house
--access to Rover and some degree of walkability
--1800 sq feet & budget of around 185,000.
--not in the suburbs, not surrounded too closely by chain stores and restaurants

A bit of background... We have lived without a car for at least the past four years. We use bikes, public transportation and our feet. I think we'll want to own a car in Murfreesboro, but it is important to us to keep our personal auto usage as low as possible. The neighborhood can make or break that possibility.

Gratefully wishing all very happy holidays!

Karen,

I don't know much about living near the downtown area. I know it is hit and miss like Mike said. I honestly think you would have more options on the West side of Murfreesboro off Saint Andrews Drive. Plenty of homes there and shopping doable on foot. Does it have to be an older home? Most homes over there are newer. Your price range is right on for that area too.

I will ask around at work tomorrow to see if anyone there has any ideas for a good neighborhood near downtown. I wish I could be of more help.

Kim

[Mary_Moon]

Since the city is so spread out, I'm not sure Murfreesboro has any one central downtown area. Certainly, the heart of the Boro is the historic square, but there you'll find mostly fantastic specialty shops owned by individuals. No Starbucks or McDonalds, no post office and only one small grocery. The library is just off the square, but Murfreesboro's recreational centers - Sports Com and Patterson Park - are in different areas of the city. Rover does have routes to these and the other major business and shopping areas of the city, but in no one place are you going to find the perfect neighborhood for doing it all, unfortunately.

I love Murfreesboro having been here almost my entire life and I wish we had a more walkable and liveable 'downtown' like you're searching for. I'd be tempted to give up our land and move there myself!

[Kim918]

Originally Posted by Mary_Moon

Since the city is so spread out, I'm not sure Murfreesboro has any one central downtown area. Certainly, the heart of the Boro is the historic square, but there you'll find mostly fantastic specialty shops owned by individuals. No Starbucks or McDonalds, no post office and only one small grocery. The library is just off the square, but Murfreesboro's recreational centers - Sports Com and Patterson Park - are in different areas of the city. Rover does have routes to these and the other major business and shopping areas of the city, but in no one place are you going to find the perfect neighborhood for doing it all, unfortunately.

I love Murfreesboro having been here almost my entire life and I wish we had a more walkable and liveable 'downtown' like you're searching for. I'd be tempted to give up our land and move there myself!

I know, I would be right there too. I have often thought about moving to Nashville in a few years.