Rutherford County

Thirty miles southeast of Nashville, you will find Rutherford County, one of the fastest growing areas in Tennessee, as well as the geographic center of the state. Ruther County is literally the "Heart of Tennessee." In the northern part of Rutherford County lie the communities of Lavergne and Smyrna, both in close proximity to J. Percy Priest Reservoir and Stones River. Since 1970, the area's population has grown at more than four times the national average and more than double the Nashville area. Attracted by a vital economy, local conveniences, affordable housing, and abundant recreational opportunities, over 180, 00 residents have already chosen to settle in Rutherford County with a census that is constantly climbing. Rutherford's appeal is enhanced even further by the efficient network of highways that links the area with Davidson County, which translates in the advantages of small-town living in close proximity to major metropolitan areas. Like other counties that make up the greater Nashville area, Rutherford shares a rich and colorful page of history, transforming from Native American Indian life to post-Revolutionary War settlements, of which Murfreesboro was the first recorded. A wealth of buildings and homes from the 1800s, from stone and brick houses to elaborate Victorian architecture, combine with some of the world's finest collections of antiques to recreate the images and charm of "days gone by."

Economy

A well-developed transportation network combines with Middle Tennessee's prime central location to create an unparalleled draw for business and industry in Rutherford County. Manufacturers like Nissan, Bridgestone-Firestone, Rich Products, and Ingram Books can ship their products to three-fourths of the U.S. population in just one day from this advantageous point. Among its credits, Rutherford boasts the largest automotive manufacturing operation under one roof in North America, the largest book and video distribution center in the world, the fastest growing university in Tennessee, and the largest milk dairy processing operation in the Southeast.

Transportation

The commute to downtown Nashville or Davidson County can be as short as 15 to 30 minutes, depending on where you live within the county. One of the major attractions for new residents to Rutherford is the access to Interstates 24 and 840. Standing just 15 miles north of Rutherford County, this key interstate converges with Interstates 40 and 65, offering efficient and easy access to a wide variety of locations and major markets.

Health Care

Rutherford County provides a wide selection of advanced health-care services: more than 300 doctors represent over 30 different specialties in the area's medical centers and hospitals. Rutherford County is home to four hospitals that include the Middle Tennessee Medical Center, Baptist Women's Pavilion East, Smyrna Medical Center, and the Alvin C. York Veterans Administration Medical Center. Rutherford's main hospital, the Middle Tennessee Medical Center, is a 288-bed facility affiliated with Baptist and St. Thomas Hospitals of Nashville that offers a full spectrum of emergency, outpatient, and specialty health-care services. Baptist Women's Pavilion East provides comprehensive women's health care, including prenatal, maternity, neonatal care and diagnostic services. With an intensified outpatient care, the Smyrna Medical Center is well-staffed to provide emergency care and a wide variety of specialized medical services.

Education

Home to Middle Tennessee State University, Rutherford County offers exceptional educational opportunities from pre-school through college. Two schools systems operate within the country, Rutherford County Schools and Murfreesboro City Schools. Many of the schools in Rutherford County offer child care/enrichment programs that operate before and after-school Monday through Friday. Wide selections of parochial, private and vocational-technical schools augment the public school system, providing additional educational alternatives and meeting the needs of those who desire the advantages of specific learning environments. The Tennessee Technology Center specializes in electronics, computers, and business. Murfreesboro's Middle Tennessee State University, with its current enrollment of over 20,000, offers a broad curriculum that encompasses 36 academic departments and 7 schools plus a graduate program. MTSU has a Division of Continuing Studies that offers professional and career development programs and off-campus credit courses. Visit MTSU online for more information, www.mtsu.edu.

Quality of Life

In addition to the famed Stones River National Civil War Battlefield, the fascinating range of historical sites in Rutherford County includes the East Main Street Historic District, a row of houses built by some of the communities most prominent and prestigious families. Showcasing 110 years of Southern rural life is Cannonsburgh, a recreation of a pioneer village. Other key attractions include the antebellum home and working farm of Civil War hero Sam Davis; and the Oakland?s Mansion, a plantation home that now stands as a reminder of the Old South's prosperity. Also, recreational pleasures abound in Rutherford County, where water sport enthusiasts can enjoy boating, fishing, and skiing at Percy Priest Lake. Golfers can enjoy very close to an all-year season at any of the area's golf courses, and tennis fans will find ample supply of first-rate courts and racquet clubs. Hundreds of sports teams are in operation throughout the county, providing an organized seasonal approach to soccer, softball, baseball, volleyball, and more. Plentiful opportunities for swimming bicycling, hiking, picnicking, or just relaxing in a serene, lush park environment add up to fun-filed days and evenings in Rutherford County.