Looking for the perfect commercial space in Murfreesboro can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. With booming economic growth, increasing demand, and a diversity of sectors, the city offers many opportunities. Keep reading to walk through checklists, tools, and insights to help you discover the ideal property with Rutherford Works!

1. Define Your Needs & Budget 

Before diving into listings, get crystal clear on:

  • Purpose & size: retail, office, industrial? How many square feet?
  • Location priorities: close to I‑24, downtown, or near residential growth?
  • Budget constraints: rental vs purchase, NNN costs, build‑out expenses.
  • Timeline: immediate occupancy? Room for future expansion?

Personalizing your criteria saves time and avoids mismatches.

2. Use Online Platforms & Local Listings

The easiest first step is browsing platforms like LoopNet, CoStar, CREXi, and commercial MLS. You’ll find up‑to‑date listings across Murfreesboro—industrial parks, warehouses, office suites, and retail spaces. 

Rutherford Works highlights industrial sites like Veterans Parkway (117 acres), Singer Rd.–Florence Rd. (20 acre rail site), and Medical Center Parkway (18 acres shovel‑ready).

Bookmark your preferred listings and set alerts for new matches!

3. Work with Local Brokers & Site Selectors

For deeper insight and negotiation assistance, partner with local commercial real estate experts. They often know “pocket listings” not yet on public platforms and can help craft winning proposals. Rutherford Works is connected to a network of regional brokers.

Reach out to a broker to uncover hidden gems and get guided tours!

4. Local Government & Economic Development Resources

City and county economic offices provide:

  • Zoning maps, permitting guidance, infrastructure plans.
  • Incentives & tax abatements
  • Site-selection guidance, workforce reports, and local support.

Tap into these resources early; they’re free and incredibly useful!

5. Visit Priority Corridors in Person

Murfreesboro is growing fast around areas such as:

  • Medical Center Parkway: shovel-ready land zoned for office and mixed use.
  • Veterans Parkway: ideal for tech/corporate campuses, near hospitals and I‑24.
  • Highway 96, Florence Rd., Singer Rd: great for light manufacturing/rail access.
  • The Avenue Murfreesboro: a thriving retail/node hub with 110 stores in 811k SF.

Visiting in person helps assess access, visibility, and fit with your vision!

6. Monitor Market Trends

Staying current ensures you act fast on good deals. Here’s what you should know:

  • Murfreesboro remains one of America’s fastest-growing mid-size cities.
  • Vacancy rates are low and rents are rising steadily, especially in industrial and retail.
  • Infrastructure improvements and workforce programs (e.g. MTSU partnerships) are boosting demand.

Subscribe to local newsletters and consult Rutherford Works for updates!

7. Evaluate Risk & Financing Options

Commercial real estate comes with risks:

  • Interest rates: Rates are higher than pre-2020, but seller motivation can improve terms.
  • Construction cost: Still elevated; factor in allowances for build-out or expansions.
  • Permitting timelines: City processes may take longer as growth strains infrastructure.
  • Tenant turnover: Office/retail spaces sometimes face longer vacancy periods.
  • Financing: explore SBA loans, local banks (First Horizon, etc.), or national lenders.

8. Work with Rutherford Works for Full-Service Support

When you’re ready to get serious, Rutherford Works offers:

  • A curated database of available properties and site details.
  • Access to customized workforce data and economic reports.
  • Help connecting with local incentives, permitting offices, and infrastructure planning teams.
  • Support whether you’re exploring, negotiating, or planning expansion.

Connect with Rutherford Works for a consultation tailored to your business goals!

9. Negotiate & Seal the Deal

Once you’ve identified a property, negotiate terms around:

  • Purchase vs lease rates, including escalation clauses, allowances, and CAM.
  • Build-out or renovation details, including timelines and cost caps.
  • Incentives and tax breaks, coordinated through Rutherford Works and county programs.
  • Due diligence of zoning, environmental assessments, inspections, and title review.

With the right team, you can finalize with confidence.

Why Murfreesboro Is a Smart Bet

Murfreesboro offers an exciting landscape for commercial real estate:

  • Population boom: doubled in 20 years; one of the fastest-growing U.S. mid‑size cities.
  • Diverse economy: strong in healthcare, manufacturing, tech, logistics, backed by MTSU.
  • Strategic infrastructure: I‑24/I‑840, airport access, rail-ready sites.
  • Business-friendly climate: low/no income tax, tax zones, Chamber‑led economic support.

About Rutherford Works

Rutherford Works is the economic development arm of the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce. We serve as your local guide; from property search to incentive coordination to workforce alignment. Whether you’re purchasing, leasing, or expanding, Rutherford Works offers tailored support to help you navigate every step.

Ready to find the perfect Murfreesboro property? Visit us at Rutherford Works today!