Melissa,
Welcome to Murfreesboro! I've been down here 17 years next month. Yes - it's hot! Where did you move from?
Decide what kind of curb design you're wanting - formal, informal, cottage.....then you can get better answers to your question.
It's exciting doing a new yard up so I know you'll enjoy it. There are a few nurseries here in town, but McMinnville has tons of nurseries - nursery capital of the state. If you take a trek out there some day, you could get tons of suggestions and actually be able to see the plants.
Hope you enjoy your new home.
Carol B