"True Grit. Amazing Grace." This is the motto of the town of Gallatin, a thriving suburb just northeast of Nashville. This fast-growing area is a short distance from the 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.
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. So, is this city a good place to live? Here are a few things you need to know before moving to Gallatin.
Quick Preview of Gallatin
- Population: 52,489
- Size: Just under 32 square miles
- Median Home Price: $479,000 (Nov. 2025)
- Median Household Income: $73,589
- Distance From the City of Nashville: ~29 miles
- Serves as the county seat of Sumner County
7 Reasons to Move to Gallatin
You'll Save Money Without Sacrificing Quality
Gallatin's cost of living sits just 1% above the national average. That's pretty good for a Nashville suburb! You get access to big-city amenities without paying big-city prices.
And Tennessee doesn't have a state income tax. That means more money in your pocket for the things you actually enjoy.
Small-Town Feel With Big-City Access
Want quiet streets and friendly neighbors? You've got it. Need Nashville's entertainment and job opportunities? That's only 29 miles away.
Gallatin gives you the best of both worlds. You can enjoy a peaceful evening at home, then head to Nashville for concerts, sports games, or dining whenever you want. No need to choose between suburban calm and urban excitement.
Nature is Right Outside Your Door
Outdoor activities in Gallatin are everywhere you look. The city is surrounded by Tennessee's scenic beauty. The Cumberland River and Old Hickory Lake are perfect for boating, fishing, or just relaxing by the water.
Four miles of greenways start right at the Gallatin Civic Center. Golf courses, bike trails, and skate parks give you plenty of ways to stay active.
Plenty of Places to Eat and Shop
Local favorites like Champione's Taste of Chicago, Old Glory, and Dos Margaritas keep residents coming back. Shopping options range from everyday needs to specialty stores, most clustered off the Nashville Pike and W Main Street.
Real Job Opportunities (No Long Commute Required)
Over 70 companies are established in Gallatin. Your average commute is only 24.3 minutes – less than the national average. Many residents work right in Gallatin, which means less time on the road and more time at home.
All Four Seasons
You get real seasons here – beautiful springs, warm summers, colorful falls, and mild winters. Only 34 days a year hit over 90 degrees, and winter lows rarely drop below 26 degrees. And with 209 sunny days each year, you can actually enjoy being outside.
Access to Top Healthcare When You Need It
You're close enough to Nashville's major hospitals and medical specialists for serious healthcare needs. Sumner County has local options for everyday medical care. Whether it's routine checkups or specialized treatment, you won't need to drive hours to find good care.
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 $479,000. Homes in Gallatin are slightly more expensive than the United States average, and 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, 58% of residents own their homes.
For renters, studios are available for $930, one- to two-bedroom apartments for $1,322 to $1,573, and three- to four-bedroom homes for $1,887+. 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 close to the national average.
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 9.75%, which is slightly higher than the United States' average of 7.3%.
Gallatin residents have a median income of $39,212, with the household bringing in $73,589 annually. This is slightly on par with the United States' averages of $39,982 and $83,730.
More information about cost of living in Gallatin:
Where To Live in Gallatin
From affordable neighborhoods to luxury ones that offer you the best of what the city has to offer, Gallatin has communities for every budget. Some of the most popular ones include:
- Kennesaw Farms (~mid- to high-$500s): Once home to a famous thoroughbred horse farm in the 1800s, Kennesaw Farms offers upscale suburban living with easy Nashville access.
- Cambridge Farms (~high-$300s to mid-$600s): This newer neighborhood (most homes built after 1999) features primarily single-family homes with 3-5 bedrooms and up to 3,600 square feet.
- Elk Acres (~low-$300s to high-$400s): Built mostly between 1996 and 2018, Elk Acres offers single-family homes with 1,500 to 3,000 square feet and up to four bedrooms.
- Bay Watch Pointe (~mid-$300s): This slightly rural-feeling neighborhood features small to medium homes, most built between 1970 and 1999, plus some newer high-rise apartments.
- Foxland Harbor (~mid-$200s to $2.5 million, most sell $400s-$500s): This lakeside community features mostly newer homes built after 2000, offering everything from three- to four-bedroom single-family houses to high-rise apartments and condos.
- Fairview Plantation (~low-$200s to $4+ million): This massive planned community includes multiple gated subdivisions, each with its own personality and price point. There are two 18-hole golf courses and full country club amenities.
Gallatin Job Market
The population of Gallatin is around 52,000 residents, and while some commute to Nashville or one of the other nearby communities, there are plenty of opportunities in the city. 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.
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. The top ones include health care and social assistance, retail trade, manufacturing, and educational services.
More information about finding a job in Gallatin:
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 concerts during the summer 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. The city is directly north of the Cumberland River and Old Hickory Lake.
Restaurants and Bars
There's an excellent variety of places to eat in Gallatin.
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 hundreds of Google reviews. This is the restaurant locals visit at least once a month, if not more often. Another popular restaurant is Old Glory, which serves breakfast and lunch.
Restaurants in Gallatin that also serve specialty and craft cocktails include Dos Margaritas Bar & Grill (which has the area's best tacos) and Awedaddys Bar & Grill.
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 and Our Spot. 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.
More information about the climate in Gallatin:
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 a.m. and 8:00 a.m., with the highest peak in traffic from 7:00 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. 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.
More information about traffic in Gallatin:
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 lead 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
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 for 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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