Hartselle formed around a train depot established along the South and North Alabama Railroad in the late 1800s. Though much of the city center burned down in a 1916 fire, it was rebuilt, and now downtown Hartselle — with its brick sidewalks and awnings over old-timey shops — is on the National Register of Historic Places. Trains still run along the tracks next to the restored depot, which now houses local artifacts.
Home to over 15,000 residents, the north-central Alabama city is a mix of lifelong residents and those who relocated to the area after a recent tech boom created new jobs in nearby Huntsville. "We're in a steady growth cycle and I'm good with that," Hartselle Mayor Randy Garrison says. "It gives you time to keep up with it." Lower housing prices than Huntsville, 35 miles away, and a top-rated school district are big draws.
Hartselle radiates out from it's historic downtown center.
Much of the broad sidewalks of Downtown Hartselle are covered, providing shade from the intense Alabama Summer sun.
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Hartselle school district is "the center of the town"
Many who choose to live in Hartselle and commute do so for its highly rated school district, Hartselle City Schools, which scores an A on Niche. The district serves more than 3,500 students at its six schools, including the new Crestline Elementary that opened in 2024 and was named a National Blue Ribbon School. It is also home to the district's centralized preschool program. Hartselle High School offers advanced coursework, dual enrollment opportunities with a nearby community college and an academy model that lets students explore careers in areas like engineering, manufacturing, agriculture and military leadership. "The school is pretty much the center of the town," says lifelong resident Alice Anne Cothran, who owns The Robin's Nest children's boutique in downtown Hartselle. "That's what everybody does, whatever the school is doing." Kids' athletics, theater productions and other activities pull everyone together.
Full campus of Hartselle High School in Hartselle Alabama.
Crestline Elementary School is a public primary school in Hartselle Alabama.
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Mostly single-family homes, including some townhouse communities
The median home price in Hartselle is around $260,000, below the $325,000 median in Huntsville. Most available housing options are single-family homes, ranging from 1930s bungalows to ranch-style homes dating from the 1950s to the '90s. There is also some single-family new construction throughout the city. Homes on the outskirts of town typically come with more land and a rural feel. There are also some townhomes downtown that start below $200,000 and a new subdivision of newly constructed townhomes near Interstate 65.
Most homes in Hartselle, Alabama, are modest in size and price.
There are some condos available in Hartselle as well as single family homes.
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Local shopping downtown
Many locally owned shops and restaurants, including coffee shops, bakeries, and Southern-style eateries, are clustered in and near downtown Hartselle. Chain restaurants, fast-food outlets and big-box stores, including a Walmart Supercenter, are along Highway 31.
Pizza Ed is one of several local restaurants found in Downtown Hartselle.
There are several locally owned shops and restaurants in Downtown Hartselle Alabama, including The Robin's Nest.
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Depot Days and Christmas parades downtown
During the annual Depot Days festival in September, vendors line the downtown streets, selling art and homemade treats. Festivalgoers also enjoy food and games. In early November, the downtown businesses host a Christmas Open House, and a Christmas parade comes through every winter. Cothran notes that her boutique and other downtown businesses, including the many antique shops, often get out-of-town visitors who make the easy detour off Interstate 65.
The streets of Downtown Hartselle are easily walkable, with many locally owned businesses.
Downtown Hartselle is the heart of this community in North Alabama.
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More walking trails and new public amenities on the way
Hartselle has several sports fields and courts, and Sparkman Park offers multiple playgrounds. Nearby is the Lakeside disc golf course. The city's Aquatics Center features a pool, water slides, lazy river and splash pad.
The city is also working on multiple improvement projects. It is in the middle of a $10 million, 10-year expansion project at Sparkman Park that will add walking trails, improve landscaping and update facilities. The first phase of a cross-town walking and biking trail is being built. Officials expect to break ground in 2025 on a replacement library and fire station, as well as a new events center.
Hartselle has more than 20 churches serving various denominations.
The aquatic center in Hartselle has lots of water features to help residents cool off in the hot Alabama Summer.
Sparkman Park in Hartselle has several athletic fields, including baseball and softball diamonds.
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I-65 leads to Birmingham
Hartselle is well-connected to major cities. I-65 runs just to the east, leading to Birmingham, 70 miles south. Nashville is about 120 miles north along I-65. The nearest hospital, Decatur Morgan Hospital, is a 12-mile drive north along Highway 31 to Decatur. The nearest airport is Huntsville International.
I-65 runs through Hartselle and connects it to Birmingham to the south and Nashville to the north.
Huntsville International Airport is the closest airport to Hartselle.
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Hot summers and plenty of rain
Hartselle has long hot summers and mild winters, much like the rest of Alabama. Rain is plentiful and thunderstorms are common.
Crime data for Hartselle is not readily available.
Written By
Nour Habib
Photography Contributed By
Tommy Daspit
Video By
Benjamin Rose
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GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Hartselle, AL sell after 77 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Hartselle, AL over the last 12 months is $252,000, down 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Move in Ready! This new construction townhome in the Hartselle City School District offers scenic, peaceful living with low-maintenance perks like lawn care, landscaping, pest control, and a termite bond. Inside, enjoy 9' ceilings, wide hallways, and beautiful LVP flooring throughout the main living areas. The open floor plan includes 2 bedrooms, 2 full baths, and a stunning kitchen with quartz
Move in Ready! This new construction Exterior townhome with a fenced in yard in the Hartselle City School District offers scenic, peaceful living with low-maintenance perks like lawn care, landscaping, pest control, and a termite bond. Inside, enjoy 9' ceilings, wide hallways, and beautiful LVP flooring throughout the main living areas. The open floor plan includes 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, and a
NOW SHOWING-WELCOME TO BURNINGTREE ESTATES!! This home has been beautifully remodeled. The estate offers wood floors throughout! The family room is a cozy gathering space and features a beautiful fireplace. The kitchen overlooks the backyard and is filled with natural light. The oversized kitchen island allows for plenty of prep space and an abundance of cabinets. The primary bathroom is the
What an opportunity now available in Hartselle, AL! Huge 5 bedroom house that has been freshly renovated and is move-in ready today! All new paint and flooring throughout the house, new kitchen cabinets and granite countertops, even brand new windows! Enjoy the large backyard from your covered back porch or from the new built wood deck on the front of the house! Plenty of space for entertaining
Great opportunity to buy or invest in the heart of Hartselle, AL! This 2 bedroom home is located less then a mile from Main St, convenient to shopping, dining, and all the Main Street boutiques! Huge detached garage on the property, a bonus room that could easily be made into a bedroom with the addition of a closet, would make a great rental as well! Sold as-is, just bring your tools and make
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The one you've been waiting for!! A beautiful, renovated 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom right on the Burningtree Golf Course! Right next to the County Club! Two living spaces, a formal dining room, large laundry room, and mud room. Enjoy the beautiful view of the golf course from your kitchen window and back porch. Large bedrooms with ceiling fans and tons of natural light. The bathrooms are newly
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