Hartselle, Alabama: A Bedroom Community?

Hartselle, Alabama, is a small town in Morgan County, with a population of around 15,000. It is a suburb of Huntsville and was founded in 1869/1870 with the arrival of the South and North Alabama Railroad. The town offers a mix of suburban and rural living, with highly-rated public schools, and is known as The City of Southern Hospitality. With good access to dining, shopping, and entertainment, Hartselle is considered one of the best places to live in Alabama. However, residents have expressed a desire for more variety in restaurants and shopping, as well as more social spaces for teenagers. The town also has a claim to fame due to a daring bank robbery that took place in 1926, when 15 criminals looted the Bank of Hartselle, making off with cash and gold.

Hartselle, Alabama: A great place to raise a family?

Hartselle, Alabama, is a charming small town with a lot to offer families. Located in Morgan County, it is known as "The City of Southern Hospitality". With a population of around 15,000 people, Hartselle offers a suburban-rural mix feel and a strong sense of community. Most residents own their homes, and the public schools in the area are highly rated, making it an ideal place for families with children.

Hartselle has a rich history, established in 1869 or 1870 with the arrival of the South and North Alabama Railroad. The town is named after George Hartsell, one of the railroad's owners, and there are still descendants of his living in the town today. The first school in Hartselle was called the Union Male and Female College, and today, the town boasts excellent educational institutions, with highly-rated elementary, intermediate, junior high, and high schools.

For families who enjoy spending time outdoors, Hartselle has the Hartselle Aquatic Center, which features a large swimming pool, slides, and a lazy river. Next to it is the SNAP Playground & Splash Pad, an all-inclusive outdoor attraction perfect for children and families. The town also has a vibrant downtown area with restaurants, antique shops, and art marketplaces. The Freight House Restaurant, located inside a historic freight terminal, offers a variety of dishes, including steaks, burgers, pastas, and fresh salads.

Hartselle is conveniently situated between Huntsville and Cullman, providing easy access to dining, shopping, and entertainment options outside of the town. The town's location along Interstate 65 and U.S. Route 31 makes it well-connected to nearby cities, with Huntsville being 34 miles northeast and Birmingham 70 miles south.

Hartselle, Alabama, with its strong community feel, excellent schools, and convenient location, is indeed a great place to consider for families looking to settle down and raise their children in a safe and vibrant environment.

Hartselle's schools: Are they good enough?

Hartselle, Alabama is a small town with a strong school system, making it an ideal place for families and students. The local schools offer numerous advantages, including advanced courses and vocational training, which prepare students for their future endeavours. The town's location is also beneficial, situated between Huntsville and Cullman, offering easy access to dining, shopping, and entertainment.

The highest-rated school in Hartselle is Hartselle Junior High School, which has a GreatSchools rating of 7/10. Other well-regarded schools in the area include Crestline Elementary School, Barkley Bridge Elementary School, and Hartselle High School. The first school in Hartselle was established in the late 19th century and was called the Union Male and Female College. It was located at the present site of F. E Burleson Elementary School.

While Hartselle's schools are highly rated, there are some areas where improvement could be made. For example, residents have expressed a desire for more variety in dining and shopping options, as well as more social spaces for high school students to gather.

Overall, Hartselle's schools are good enough to make the town an attractive option for families and students. The schools offer a range of benefits, and the town's location provides convenient access to amenities. However, there are some aspects of community life that could be enhanced to make Hartselle an even more appealing place to live and raise a family.

Hartselle's entertainment options: Enough to keep residents happy?

Hartselle, Alabama, offers a range of entertainment options that cater to different interests and age groups. The town has a charming small-town feel with a vibrant mix of attractions, making it an ideal destination for a weekend getaway or a family vacation. Here's a closer look at what Hartselle has to offer in terms of entertainment and leisure activities:

Outdoor Activities

Hartselle provides plenty of opportunities for those who love spending time outdoors. The town boasts picturesque parks, including the Hartselle Aquatic Center, which features a swimming pool, slides, and a lazy river. The nearby SNAP Playground & Splash Pad offers an inclusive outdoor space for children and families to enjoy. For hiking enthusiasts, Hartselle has multiple trails with varying levels of difficulty, providing picturesque views of the surrounding area. The town also offers kayaking, canoeing, and fishing spots in its beautiful lakes and rivers. Golf and disc golf courses are also available for those who prefer a more relaxed outdoor activity.

Historical and Cultural Attractions

Hartselle has a rich history and a thriving arts and culture scene. The Hartselle Downtown District showcases the city's historical architecture and local shops, giving visitors a glimpse into its past. The area's Civil War history can be explored at the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge, which offers walking trails and insights into significant events during the war. Annual art shows and pottery events also showcase the local artistic talent and provide opportunities to purchase unique pieces. Additionally, the nearby city of Decatur is home to the Old State Bank, a captivating example of Greek Revival architecture.

Dining and Shopping

Hartselle offers a diverse range of dining options to satisfy various tastes and preferences. The Freight House Restaurant, located in a historic freight terminal, serves up American cuisine with a touch of Southern charm and is known for its seafood dishes. Cahoots, another popular spot, offers tasty shrimp tacos in a friendly atmosphere. For barbecue lovers, Holy Smoke BBQ and Pigskin All Sports BBQ serve classic American barbecue dishes. The town also has antique shops like El-Marie's Antique and Art Marketplace, specialty stores, and gift shops like Beehive Bathhouse, ensuring that shoppers will find unique items and souvenirs.

Annual Events and Festivals

Hartselle hosts several annual events and festivals that showcase the region's culture and natural beauty. NATR Fest, held at Point Mallard Park, celebrates the outdoors with live music, local food, and recreational activities. The Flomarseillegras Carnival is a unique twist on Mardi Gras, inspired by the city's French heritage, with colourful parades and lively music. Rock the South is a music festival featuring country and rock artists, food trucks, and merchandise vendors. These events provide entertainment for locals and visitors alike throughout the year.

While Hartselle offers a variety of entertainment options, some residents have expressed a desire for more variety in restaurants and shopping choices. The addition of more social spaces for teenagers could also enhance the sense of community in the town. However, with its blend of small-town charm and vibrant attractions, Hartselle provides enough entertainment options to keep its residents and visitors happy and engaged.

Hartselle's housing: What's the market like?

Hartselle, Alabama is a great place to live, especially for families and young professionals. The housing market in Hartselle offers a mix of suburban and rural options, with most residents owning their homes. The city has a population of around 15,000 people and is located in Morgan County.

The average rent for an apartment in Hartselle varies depending on the number of bedrooms. For a one-bedroom apartment, the average rent is $1,144, while a two-bedroom apartment averages $1,145 per month. Three-bedroom apartments are also available, with an average rent of $1,322. The average home rent in Hartselle is $1,605. Studio apartments are also an option, with an average rent of $1,240.

Apartments in Hartselle can be found in a variety of locations, such as Main Street, Rock Street, and Elizabeth Place. There are also houses, condos, and townhomes available for rent in the area. The city has highly-rated public schools, making it an ideal place for families.

In addition to rental options, there are also homes for sale in Hartselle. The median household income in Hartselle is around $47,000, and the median family income is slightly higher at $57,000. This information can help guide buyers in their decision-making process when considering the housing market in Hartselle.

Overall, the housing market in Hartselle, Alabama, offers a mix of rental and ownership options, with a variety of prices and locations to choose from. The city's highly-rated schools and convenient location make it a desirable place to live for families and young professionals.

Hartselle's history: What's the story?

Hartselle, Alabama, is a small town located in Morgan County, established in 1870. However, some sources state that it was founded a year earlier, in 1869, with the arrival of the South and North Alabama Railroad. The town is named after George Hartsell (or Hartselle), one of the railroad's owners.

Hartselle was initially located half a mile north of its current downtown area, but it had to relocate as the slopes of the old site were impractical for a train stop and station. The town was recognised by the Post Office in 1873 when a postal facility was established, and it was formally incorporated in March 1875.

Hartselle has a rich religious history, with a religious revival in 1872 leading to the organisation of the Methodist Church. This was followed by the establishment of the Baptist Church and Presbyterian Church in 1877, and the Christian Church in 1881. The town's first school, Union Male and Female College, was located at the present site of F. E. Burleson Elementary School. The business district was mostly laid out alongside the railroad, on Railroad Street. Unfortunately, in 1916, a disastrous fire wiped out all 21 buildings in the business district.

Hartselle is perhaps most well-known for a daring bank robbery that took place in the early morning hours of March 15, 1926. A group of fifteen criminals used nitroglycerin to rob the Bank of Hartselle, holding the town captive for almost four hours. The robbers escaped with cash, gold, and some silver coins, and were never identified or caught.

Today, Hartselle is a charming small town known as "The City of Southern Hospitality". It has a population of around 15,000 people and offers a mix of suburban and rural living. The public schools in Hartselle are highly rated, making it an attractive place for families. The town's location between Huntsville and Cullman offers easy access to dining, shopping, and entertainment.

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