Why Gallatin, TN is a Great Place to Live
Good economy, strong education and attractions lead the way
One of the fastest growing cities in Middle Tennessee, Gallatin has expereinced a 15 percent population increase over the last five years, and yet it’s retained a small community feel. Gallatin’s schools, infrustructure and natural amenities make it one of the best places to live in the Nashville Metro Area. The 35,000 people who live in Gallatin include Mayor Paige Brown, who moved away for awhile and found her way back.
“This is a great time to be in Gallatin with all of our smart growth,” Brown says. “There is an energetic vibe that is attracting everyone from millennials to the senior generation.”
The increase in Gallatin’s population is fueled in large part by the spirited economy, with companies attracted to low tax rates, good roads, an abundance of water and a business-friendly environment. Recent examples of business growth include an expansion at Servpro Industries (a leader in fire, water, mold and other cleanup and restoration services) as well as an announcement by Italian gunmaker Beretta that it will open a firearms manufacturing plant in 2016 to produce weapons for the U.S. military.
“Gap is also adding 600 jobs at its Gallatin warehouse to distribute more apparel for its Gap, Banana Republic and Old Navy brands,” Brown says. “The local business sector is doing so well that we launched a www.WorkInGallatin.com website for people to keep up with everything, including job openings.”
Attractive Attractions
For quality of life, Gallatin features 600 acres of parks, a greenway network and access to waterways like Old Hickory Lake and the Cumberland River. Other attractions include a public golf course, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, skate park, dog park, frisbee golf course and several walking/biking trails.
“Regarding education, students are challenged at Sumner County Schools and earn many college scholarships, while higher education needs are met at Volunteer State Community College with its 70 degree programs,” Brown says. “In addition, ground has broken in Gallatin to construct Welch College, a four-year, Christian-based liberal arts college.”
As for the downtown district, Brown points out that an extensive revitalization effort has occurred in recent years, and now the public square offers a healthy mixture of restaurants, retail and services.
“A major streetscape program took place to beautify the district, and today you will see people from all walks of life visiting the restaurants, stores and taverns,” she says. “Speaking of taverns, be sure to sample a BriarScratch microbrew that is made right here in Sumner County.”
The Doctor Will See You
Residents in Gallatin also have convenient access to Sumner Regional Medical Center, a 155-bed hospital with 1,000 employees and 300 physicians. SRMC is fully accredited by The Joint Commission and offers a variety of services.
“One aspect of Gallatin that makes me especially proud is that many people volunteer for causes and projects,” Brown says. “Like I said earlier, it’s a great time to be in this city. For example, big restaurants and retailers are calling us often, which are areas we’ve been lacking for many years. But over the last five years, our economy began to explode – and everything else has followed right in line.”