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
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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 78 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in Hartselle, AL over the last 12 months is $255,000, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Move In Ready - Montgomery B floorplan - $7500 Flex Cash Promo + interest rate with Preferred Lender. Style meets comfort in this beautiful 3-bedroom, 2-bath home! Step inside the wide foyer and experience open-concept living with 9’ ceilings, ideal for entertaining or everyday comfort. The family room with tray ceiling flows into a modern kitchen featuring 42" white cabinets, an island with
$7500 flex cash. The Rockford with Bonus has so much to offer. This 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath home features a study on the main level and a large bonus room with full bath upstairs that could serve as a 4th bedroom. The open-concept main living area offers abundant natural light, a fireplace in the family room, and a chef-inspired kitchen with soft-close cabinets and drawers, quartz countertops, tile
Move In Ready - $7500 in flex cash + interest rate promo with preferred lender. Soak up the sunshine in the sought-after Rockford plan, thoughtfully designed for comfortable modern living. This 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home offers a private home office/study, soaring 9’ ceilings, and an open, light-filled layout ideal for everyday living and entertaining. The chef’s kitchen shines with a large island,
Elegant full-brick home offering 3 bedrooms, office, and 2.5 baths, perfectly positioned with serene pond views and no side neighbor—adjacent to the community commons and walking trail for added privacy. Inside, a dramatic wall of windows fills the family room with natural light, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. The chef’s kitchen features an oversized island, stainless steel appliances, and
Spacious Southern-style home on a beautiful .78-acre lot! This 3-bd, 3-ba layout offers convenient bath access from each bedroom. Large living room features soaring ceilings and opens to a separate formal dining room with hardwood floors. Family-sized kitchen provides plenty of space for everyday living and entertaining. Enjoy the full-length back porch overlooking the private backyard. The 3-car
Looks like new townhome awaiting a new owner!! This home is pristine and move-in ready. The location is minutes to I-65 for all the commuters and you will love the convenience and access to shopping, restaurants and schools. You will notice the nice foyer with hallway that leads to an open floor plan with breakfast area and nice sized family Room. The Master is in the back of the home study and
***NEW PRICE AND LENDER CREDIT AVAILABLE*** Don't miss your opportunity to own this, 3-bed, 2-bath home situated on a large, private lot in Hartselle. This home offers a metal roof, new wifi controlled light fixtures & ceiling fans, & newly remodeled bathrooms. There is plenty of storage & a pantry in the eat-in kitchen. Enjoy the expansive, stunning sunroom featuring bamboo flooring with views
Peaceful country living awaits at 1094 Perkins Wood Road!This inviting home sits 5 Acres of Beautiful,usable land ideal for Horses, Farm Animals, or a Mini-farm. Inside, you’ll find spacious,light-filled living areas, a functional layout, with downstairs Bonus plus Bath!Spacious Great Room,Large Kitchen open to Dining Area. Primary Ste. has Two WalkIn Closets! Laundry Room on Main Floor. Barn
3-bedroom, 2-bath home in desirable Hartselle Heights Subdivision! This well-located property offers convenient access to schools, medical offices, shopping, and dining. The inviting living room features trey ceilings, while the kitchen provides ample cabinet space and appliances. A spacious bonus room adds flexibility for a home office, playroom, or extra living area. The primary suite includes
Rare 224-Acre North Alabama Duck & Deer Paradise — Exclusive All-or-Nothing Opportunity, Limited Time Only! Located near Wheeler Wildlife Refuge on No Business Creek, 6 miles W of Hartselle, in the heart of North AL. This expansive 224acre property presents a rare & exceptional opportunity for discerning buyers. Offering an unparalleled canvas to create a premier duck & deer sanctuary, the land’s
Spacious 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath home located in the award winning Hartselle city school district on a +/- 0.87 acre corner lot. The Massive primary suite offers three closets, a sitting area, & double vanities. Features include a 2nd living room/office, separate laundry room w/ 3/4 bath, open kitchen with island, & a comfortable family room with gas log fireplace. Enjoy outdoor living on the covered
This property is ready for a buyer to build a dream estate home. Has a pond, pole bar, fruit trees, water, and a great view. Fence for horses or other farm animals. No chicken houses or hogs. Just 13 min, from 1-65, 1 mile off Hwy 36 and only 3 minutes outside of Hartselle City Limits.
Welcome home to this beautifully maintained property in the highly sought-after Hartselle City School District! This inviting home offers the perfect blend of comfort, updates, and peaceful living, while still providing a great space for entertaining family and friends. Recent improvements include fresh interior paint, new carpet, updated comfort height toilets, and some modern light fixtures and
Looking for your starter home that isn't in a neighborhood and actually have some space to be outside? Welcome to 1800 Railroad St Hartselle, AL. This two bedroom home sits on over HALF an ACRE and comes ready with enough yard to garden, play, grill out and still not have to pay any HOA fees! This beautifully maintained home comes equipped with beautiful hardwood floors, a commercial grade oven
±0.50 acre lot cleared and ready for your dream home within Hartselle city limits. This build-ready property offers a level homesite, making it easy to start construction right away. Enjoy the perfect blend of peaceful surroundings and city convenience, located just minutes from top-rated schools, downtown Hartselle, local dining, shopping, and parks. Conveniently located to interstate for easy
Find your new place at Rivers Edge Apartments. This community is located at 1416 Main St. E in the 35640 area of Hartselle. A variety of features and amenities are available.The professional leasing team is excited to help you find your new home. Stop looking and get moving. Contact or stop by the Rivers Edge Apartments leasing office to learn more about our community.
3br/2ba brick home in Hartselle City School District. The home has some fresh interior and exterior paint. Spacious eat-in kitchen with a large laundry area. LVP flooring thru out. Master bedroom has a private full bathroom. Bedrooms 2 and 3 share an additional full bath off the hallway. No pets. Fenced-in backyard, single car carport, and located on a cul-de-sac. Tenant to pay all utilities.
Blake WrightSouthern Oak Properties, Inc
$965 per month
Single Level Villas****** Rent $924/month*********Hartselle
Accessibility, Price, Comfort We Have it all...Don't Let this Pass You By...Beautiful 1 bedroom- 1 Bath 760 Sq ft.Full kitchen with stove, refrigerator & dishwasher & Washer Dryer Hook up in unit!Recently Built, all Brick, 1 Bedroom 1 Bath with large open Floor plans and quiet culdesac living in Hartselle, AL. Master suite has walk in closet and private bath.Close proximity to all
Brand new 2br/2ba townhouse in Cain Park Subdivision near I-65 for commute to Madison, Athens, and Redstone Arsenal. This townhouse offers an open living room and kitchen with LVP flooring, an island bar, stainless appliances, and granite countertops. Master bedroom has a 3/4 bathroom with a double vantity and a large walkin closet. Bedroom 2 has carpet and shares a full bath off the hallway with
END UNIT! GREAT LOCATION only minutes from I 65 means easy access to Huntsville, Redstone Arsenal, Research Park and Mazda/Toyota! This open concept ranch style townhouse has been lovingly card for. Large foyer leads to kitchen/dining. Granite kitchen island overlooks the family room. Private master suite includes a large tile walk in shower and walk in closet. 2 car attached garage. Garage is
Great older style home with a ton of living and storage space. Right in the middle of Hartselle AL. Great older style home with a ton of living and storage space. Right in the middle of Hartselle AL. Background check must be done before move in.Owner is a licensed real estate broker.
Beautiful Remodeled home in the Heart of Hartselle. Minutes from downtown this charming home has a gas fireplace, remodeled bathrooms, bedrooms & kitchen and much more! Original hardwood floors throughout. Large covered outdoor area can be used as a car port or extra back patio. Large lot with lawn care included and outside pest control.
Drew WestropeWeichert Realtors-The Sp Plce
$1,124 per month
Private Villa Neighborhood****** Rent $1,075/month*********Affordable Living
Accessibility, Price, Comfort We Have it all...Don't Let this Pass You By...Beautiful 2 bedroom- 2 Bath 943 Sq ft.Full kitchen with stove, refrigerator & dishwasher & Washer Dryer Hook up in unit!Recently Built, all Brick, 2 Bedroom 2 Bath with large open Floor plans and quiet culdesac living in Hartselle, AL. Master suite has walk in closet and private bath.Close proximity to all
3br/2ba home located near Sparkman Park. Open living, dining, and kitchen area make a great space for gatherings. Private master suite has a 3/4 bath with a double vanity and walk in closet. Bedrooms 2 and 3 share a full bath off the hallway. Kitchen has a separate pantry and an island bar. Fully fenced in back yard with covered patio area and patio. No pets. All utilities to be paid by tenant.
3 bedroom, 1 bath house on 1.3 acre lot in Hartselle. New HVAC, updated electrical and fresh paint. 12 month lease, no pets. Tenant must keep grass cut
This one level townhome is available for lease. 1453 sf. 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths. Open floorplan. 2 car attached garage. $1850 per month. One month rent deposit. No yard work. Landlord pays HOA. Hartselle School System. Convenient to I65, Decatur, Downtown Hartselle, minutes from Huntsville and 565. Just off Exit 328. No Section 8.
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