Indian Communities in Franklin vs Brentwood vs Murfreesboro (2026 Guide)

When Indian families, students, and professionals consider relocating to Middle Tennessee, three suburban areas frequently come up in conversation: Franklin, Brentwood, and Murfreesboro. Each offers a distinct lifestyle, and the right choice often depends on your work situation, family stage, and personal priorities.

This guide provides a community-focused overview of these three areas based on experiences shared within the NashDesi network. Rather than relying on rankings or statistics, we focus on the practical factors that matter most to Indian households making this decision.

If you are still exploring the broader Nashville region, our Best Neighborhoods for Indian Families in Nashville (2026 Guide) offers a wider look at options across Middle Tennessee.

Franklin, TN – Overview for Indian Families

Franklin is a well-established suburb located south of Nashville along the I-65 corridor. Many Indian families mention Franklin when discussing long-term settlement in Tennessee, particularly those who value a suburban environment with a historic downtown character.

The Cool Springs area within Franklin serves as a commercial and employment hub, which appeals to professionals who prefer working closer to home rather than commuting into downtown Nashville. Families often appreciate the walkable Main Street area, community events, and the general residential atmosphere.

Franklin tends to attract families who are planning to stay in Tennessee for an extended period. The area has a mix of established neighborhoods and newer developments, offering options for different housing preferences. Many Indian households in Franklin mention the convenience of having restaurants, retail, and services nearby without needing to drive into Nashville for everyday errands.

For those working in healthcare, corporate, or technology roles in the Cool Springs business district, Franklin can reduce daily commute time compared to living further north.

Brentwood, TN – Overview for Indian Families

Brentwood sits between Nashville and Franklin, making it a practical choice for families with members who work in different directions. Its residential character and established neighborhoods have made it a familiar name within the Indian community for many years.

Many Indian families in Brentwood mention the convenience of being close to both Nashville and the southern suburbs. This central positioning can be helpful for households where one person commutes to downtown Nashville while another works in Cool Springs or Franklin.

The area is primarily residential, with a focus on single-family homes and planned communities. Families who prioritize a quiet neighborhood environment while maintaining access to Nashville's cultural events, temples, and Desi amenities often consider Brentwood.

Brentwood's location also provides relatively straightforward access to major highways, which can simplify weekend trips to temples, grocery stores, or community gatherings elsewhere in Middle Tennessee.

Murfreesboro, TN – Overview for Families and Students

Murfreesboro is a larger city located southeast of Nashville along the I-24 corridor. It has a different character compared to Franklin and Brentwood, partly due to the presence of Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU).

The student population gives Murfreesboro a more diverse and dynamic atmosphere. Indian students attending MTSU, as well as young professionals starting their careers, often find Murfreesboro to be a practical base. The area is often considered more accessible for renters, with a wider variety of apartment complexes and rental options compared to the primarily owner-occupied neighborhoods in Franklin and Brentwood.

Families also live in Murfreesboro, particularly those who work locally or who prefer a self-contained city experience without needing to travel into Nashville regularly. The city has its own commercial areas, healthcare facilities, and community services.

For Indian students and young professionals, Murfreesboro can serve as an entry point to Middle Tennessee before potentially moving to other areas as career and family situations evolve.

Indian Community and Cultural Presence

The Indian community in Middle Tennessee is spread across multiple cities, and families regularly travel between areas for temple visits, cultural events, and festivals. There is no single concentrated hub; instead, the community connects through shared gatherings, religious centers, and social networks.

Temples and spiritual centers serve as important gathering points for Indian families regardless of where they live. Many families in Franklin, Brentwood, and Murfreesboro travel to temples in Nashville, Antioch, or Hermitage for regular worship and major festivals. These visits often become opportunities to connect with other Desi families from across the region.

Cultural events, language classes, and community celebrations bring together families from all three areas. Whether it is Diwali, Holi, or regional festivals, the Middle Tennessee Indian community tends to organize events that draw attendees from across the suburbs.

For a detailed guide to temples and spiritual centers in the region, see our Hindu Temples in Nashville: A Complete Guide for the Desi Community.

Housing and Roommates

Housing options vary across these three areas, and your choice may depend on whether you are renting, buying, or looking for roommates.

Franklin offers a mix of single-family homes, townhomes, and some apartment communities. Many families who move to Franklin are looking to purchase a home for long-term residence.

Brentwood is primarily known for single-family homes in established neighborhoods. Rental options exist but are less common compared to other areas.

Murfreesboro has a broader range of rental options, including apartment complexes that cater to students and young professionals. Families can also find single-family homes and townhomes in various neighborhoods throughout the city.

If you are looking for Indian roommates or housing leads, the NashDesi community can help:

• Nashville Indian Roommates – Connect with other Desi community members seeking roommates.
• Indian Housing in Nashville (Classifieds) – Browse housing listings shared by community members.

Schools and Education

Indian families often place significant emphasis on education when choosing where to live. While we do not rank or compare specific schools, here are some general considerations that families in the NashDesi community have shared.

Public vs. private options: All three areas have access to public school systems, and some families also consider private schools based on their educational philosophy and preferences.

Commute and logistics: Families often consider how school locations fit into their daily routines, including work commutes, after-school activities, and extracurricular programs.

Long-term planning: Some families choose their neighborhood based on where they want their children to attend school through high school graduation, while others are comfortable with the possibility of moving as circumstances change.

Verification: School zoning boundaries can change, so families are encouraged to verify current zoning directly with the relevant school district before making housing decisions.

Beyond traditional schooling, many Indian families also seek out language classes, classical music and dance instruction, and other cultural enrichment programs. These are often offered through temples, community organizations, or private instructors across Middle Tennessee.

Commute and Daily Life

The commute experience differs significantly depending on where you live and work.

Franklin works well for those employed in the Cool Springs area or who work remotely. Commuting to downtown Nashville from Franklin involves I-65 traffic, which can be congested during peak hours.

Brentwood offers a middle-ground location. Commutes to downtown Nashville are shorter than from Franklin, while access to southern suburbs remains convenient.

Murfreesboro is best suited for those who work locally, attend MTSU, or have jobs along the I-24 corridor. Commuting to Nashville from Murfreesboro can be lengthy, particularly during rush hours.

Daily life also varies by area. Franklin and Brentwood have a more suburban, family-oriented pace, while Murfreesboro has a mix of student energy and family neighborhoods. Families who work from home may find any of these areas suitable, with the decision coming down to housing preferences and community factors.

Which Area May Be Right for You?

The following table offers general guidance based on common situations. These are suggestions, not recommendations, and your individual circumstances may lead you in a different direction.

Final Thoughts

Franklin, Brentwood, and Murfreesboro each serve different needs within the Indian community in Middle Tennessee. Many families find that their ideal location changes over time—a young professional might start in Murfreesboro, then move to Brentwood or Franklin as their career and family grow.

The NashDesi community spans all of these areas, and families regularly connect across city boundaries for temple visits, cultural events, and social gatherings. Wherever you choose to live, you will find opportunities to build connections with other Indian families in the region.

As you continue your research, explore these additional NashDesi resources:

• Best Neighborhoods for Indian Families in Nashville (2026 Guide)
• Moving to Nashville? A Guide for Indian Families
• Hindu Temples in Nashville: A Complete Guide
• Nashville Indian Roommates
• Indian Housing in Nashville

Welcome to Middle Tennessee. The NashDesi community is here to help you find your place.