"True Grit. Amazing Grace." This is the motto of the town of Gallatin, a thriving suburb just northeast of the city of Nashville. This fast-growing area is only 23 minutes away from a hustling and bustling city, providing access to jobs and other city amenities. However, residents can escape the loud noises and flashing lights when they arrive at their home in Gallatin. With a population of only 35,000+, this area retains a suburban charm with quick access to modern amenities. Cafes, restaurants, outdoor activities, and four seasons are just some of the best highlights that Gallatin has to offer its residents. Is Gallatin a good place to live? Here are a few things you need to know before moving to Gallatin.

Reasons to Move to Gallatin

• Affordable cost of living
• Small-town charm and community
• Close to entertainment and job opportunities in Nashville
• Access to beautiful natural surroundings and outdoor activities
• Diverse dining and shopping options 
• Vibrant local arts and culture scene
• Variety of fun recreational facilities and parks
• Strong sense of community pride and involvement

Cost of Living in Gallatin TN

With a cost of living score of 101.1, Gallatin is just 1.1% more expensive than the average cost of living in the United States. The largest factor impacting Gallatin's cost of living index is housing, with a median home value of $455,951. Homes in Gallatin are slightly more expensive than the United States average, around $100,000 more than the Tennessee average.

With its proximity to Nashville, it comes as no surprise that most residents own their homes. After all, who doesn't want to live so close to the Country Music Capital Of The World? According to statistics, 63% of residents own their homes. The remaining 27% of residents rent; studios are available for $750, one- to two-bedroom apartments for $830 to $1,000, and three- to four-bedroom homes for $1,320 to $1,580. Many new residents opt to rent for a few years before settling into their dream home in Gallatin.

Outside of housing, all other cost of living factors are just 1% above the United States average or below it:

Cost of living data from bestplaces.net.

Overall, Gallatin is an affordable Nashville suburb to call home. Tennessee does not have an income tax, which saves residents on average 4.6% of their earned income every tax season. However, the sales tax in Gallatin is 9.3%, which is slightly higher than the United States' average of 7.3%.

Gallatin residents have an average income of $25,755, with the household bringing in $46,279 annually. This is slightly lower compared to the United States' average of $28,555 and $53,482. What residents miss in income is made up for in all that Gallatin, Nashville, and the state of Tennessee have to offer.

Gallatin Job Market

Gallatin has seen the job market increase by 2.4% over the last year. Future job growth over the next 10 years is predicted to be 54.8%, which is higher than the US average of 33.5%. The population of Gallatin is around 47,000 residents, and many of those work locally or commute to Nashville or one of the other nearby communities.

Gallatin saw a 2.4% increase in the job market over the last year. Over the next 10 years, the Gallatin job market is expected to grow by 54.8%. This is far greater than the predicted national average of 33.5% in the same time frame.

With over 70 companies established in Gallatin, the area is home to numerous employers for its citizens to make a living without having to commute far each day. Some of the area's top employers include Sumner County Government & Schools, with over 4,000 employees and Volunteer State Community College, with 500 employees. Gap Inc., Servpro Industries, Samick Musical Instruments, and Salga Plastics are all headquartered here in Gallatin. Due to the companies' large employee base, data is not available about how many employees work in Gallatin alone.

Popular Industries in the Area

The Gallatin Economic Development Agency is dedicated to bringing thriving industries into Gallatin to help further economic growth in the area. Their goals include bringing in additional manufacturing, acquiring new high-paying technology jobs, inviting corporate headquarters, and establishing high-end retail locations. Currently, Gallatin is home to numerous industries. These include advanced manufacturing, distribution, and medical.

Things to Do in Gallatin

Gallatin has so much to offer its residents throughout the year. The local government has even taken the time to outline everything there is to do in Gallatin on one web page. From Third Thursday music festivals and downtown murals to car shows, historical sights, and numerous greenways, everyone is sure to find something fun that fits their needs. Fun for all ages is prevalent throughout the area, which means everyone from toddlers to grandparents will make memories that last a lifetime.

Outdoor Activities

Outdoor activities in Gallatin are plentiful and varied. Gallatin is home to several golf courses, including Long Hollow Golf Course, which features 18 holes, a driving range, and a clubhouse. Those who prefer a bit more adrenaline can take to the Thompson Skate Park, which is open from sunrise to sunset 365 days a year. Triple Creek Dog Park is filled with pets of all shapes and sizes and is located in one of the best parks in Gallatin. Anyone who wants to go for a leisurely stroll, intense jog, or fun bike ride can enjoy the four miles of greenways that begin at the Gallatin Civic Center. And, of course, there are also fun water activities in Gallatin.

Restaurants and Bars

There's an excellent variety of places to eat in Gallatin. Due to Tennessee's alcohol laws, packaged beer and wine cannot be sold on Sundays. So, the area's restaurants, breweries, and bars are some of the only areas to get a drink on a Sunday without having to drive hours out of the way.

Locals are quick to say what they like and what they do not enjoy eating. Champione's Taste of Chicago has 4.8 stars after over 700 reviews. This is the restaurant locals visit at least once a month, if not sooner. Other popular restaurants include Grant's Kitchen and Grill and Old Glory.

Bars in Gallatin that serve specialty and craft cocktails include Dos Margaritas Bar & Grill (which also has the area's best tacos), Awedaddys Bar & Grill, and Sully's Pub N Grub.

Unfortunately, no breweries exist in Gallatin. The closest brewery is over in the town of Hendersonville, which is only a few minutes' drive away.

Nightlife

Residents who want to avoid the hassle of organizing a night out in Nashville can still have a great time at home in Gallatin. A few locally loved nightlife bars include Last Call Bar & Grill, Starr Ranch, and Chubbs. These local watering holes offer cheap drinks and great food all night long, which is why locals keep coming back for more.

Gallatin Climate

Gallatin has earned a climate comfort index score of 7.3 out of 10. This means that Gallatin is an incredibly comfortable area to live in compared to other cities and towns in Tennessee. The most pleasant times of the year are May, September, and October. On the flip side, the least comfortable months are January and December.

With 209 days of sunshine, it is easy to get outside and enjoy everything the state offers. There is some form of precipitation about 118 days a year, with most precipitation being rain. On average, there are 52 inches of rain annually. Snow is not as common in Gallatin, but a cold winter can bring a few inches of snow.

The summertime high is just below 90 degrees. There are only 34 days a year that exceed 90 degrees. In contrast, the winter low is 26 degrees. There are 87 nights when the temperature drops below freezing. During these nights, it may be possible to see the average 3 inches of annual snowfall.

Gallatin Traffic

Traffic in Gallatin is the same as in any other suburb outside of a major city or metropolitan area. The major roads that cut through town easily lead residents in whatever cardinal direction they need to get to their final destination. Those who want to avoid fast roadways can use any small roads in town to get from point A to B with ease.

The average commute for a resident in Gallatin is only 24.3 minutes. This is just under the United States average of 26.4 minutes. Nearly 85% of residents drive themselves to work, and most residents depart for the day between 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM, with the highest peak for traffic from 7:00 AM to 7:30 AM. Morning and evening rush is not unheard of, but residents tend not to have issues with incredibly long delays due to congestion.

Alternative Routes

When Interstate 65 gets congested going to or leaving Nashville, residents can opt for a different route to avoid frustration. Using TN-174, US-31, and US-41 only adds 10 minutes to the drive in normal traffic conditions. If there is congestion, this alternate route can save close to half an hour on the commute.

Aside from this alternate route, residents should not encounter too many problems while driving. As mentioned above, highways in town can be avoided by using the smaller local roadways.

Public Transportation in Gallatin

As with most major suburbs outside of large cities, Gallatin does have public transportation for its residents. These days, ride-sharing programs are the most popular. There are even commuter programs that help connect residents that live in Gallatin and work in Nashville. Additionally, there are bike-sharing programs for those who want to get outside and explore all Gallatin has to offer.

Those who are looking for traditional transportation options are limited to the Nashville MTA bus service. There is only one route that serves Gallatin residents, Route 87. This route has two stops in Gallatin. These include the Gallatin Walmart and the Greensboro North Park & Ride. From there, five stops are in downtown Nashville.

For a single ride, the fare is $4.25. Residents may opt to purchase a 20-ride for $73.50. This saves the rider $11.50, which is almost three free rides. Students and senior citizens are eligible to purchase a discounted pass for $2.00 with proper identification.

Schools in Gallatin

Gallatin schools are regulated by the Sumner County School District. AP programs are offered for high school students, which can turn to college credit if students pass the final examination. There are 17 schools for students; of these, 14 are public schools, and the remaining three are private schools. On average, there are only 15 students per teacher and 372 children per guidance counselor.

Two colleges are established within Gallatin's limits. Welch College is a private Christian college, and Volunteer State Community College (VSCC) is open to the public. Credits from VSCC can be transferred to any of the colleges or universities in the Nashville area. This makes it a wonderful choice for students who want to obtain their Associate's degree at a lower-cost institution before transferring into a Bachelor's program. This also helps parents and students save on housing costs for the first two years.

Come Home to Gallatin

After reviewing all of the pertinent information about Gallatin, it is easy to see everything this community offers. Access to Nashville for fun and nightlife is a costly vacation to many. However, for Gallatin residents, this is just a normal weekend occurrence. Outside of Nashville, Gallatin is surrounded by the incredible Tennessee landscape. Even those who aren't outdoor enthusiasts can take in the beauty of mountains, rivers, and streams without straying too far from home. With everything that Gallatin has to offer, it might be time to pack up boxes and get ready to find the perfect historic house or new condo in the area to call home.

If the possibilities of Gallatin inspire you, contact The Ashton Real Estate Group of RE/MAX Advantage with Nashville's MLS at (615) 603-3602 to get in touch with a Gallatin real estate agent and find your dream home today.

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