Gallatin : Tennessee

Gallatin was established in 1802, and is the county seat of Sumner County, Tennessee, with a population of just over 32,000 (2010 census).  It is situated on both Old Hickory Lake and the Cumberland River, and is considered a bedroom commuter community of Nashville.  The scenic town was named after Alver Gallatin, who was Secretary of Treasury to Presidents Thomas Jefferson and James Madison.  History has it President Andrew Jackson purchased one of the first lots when the town was surveyed, and built the first general store.  Gallatin also played a significant role during the Civil War, due to its strategic location on the Cumberland River.

With its picturesque lake and a revitalized downtown with townsquare, Gallatin is becoming popular as a retirement destination, with 55+ communities springing up around the lake.  It is also home to Volunteer State Community College, a two-year school that offers over 70 degree programs. Picture of Gallatin Square courtesy of Wikipedia and Ichabod; picture of Sumner Regional Medical Center courtesy of Ed!; picture of Old Hickory Lock and Dam courtesy of Wikipedia. 

City-Data.com reports the median sale price of a home in Gallatin to be about $220,000. There are retirement communities in Gallatin-See Active Communities link on top right.

Gallatin has a beautiful, walkable downtown with a historic district that features antique shops and art galleries; Old Hickory Lake is known for great fishing and water recreation; Sumnter Medical Center is a large established hospital that offers many types of health care and has also been recognized as one of the most beautiful hospitals in the country.

Winters are cool; the cost of living is higher than the national average; tornados have gone through Middle Tennessee.

Those who want a mid-sized town with a lot going on, and enjoy the outdoors would like living in Gallatin.   

Gallatin is the employment hub for Sumner County, and major employers include Gap, Sumner Regional Medical Center, Volunteer State Community College, and RR Donnelley.

The area has a variety of natural landscapes including forests, hills and lakes.  The average January temperature is 36 degrees with July's average at 79.

The town features several parks and sits near a lake which provides for many activities along with fishing and water sports. The Sumner Country Museum in Gallatin houses a number of artifacts of historical significance to the city and the county. There are also several annual events including Square Fest, a popular event held in the downtown square which includes music, craftsmen and entertainment.  But for more culture, major league sports, and of course music, you can easily visit Nashville, just 30 miles away.