Doing Business
Guide to the "How To" in Business
Welcome to Wartrace, TN
GETTING HERE
Located 60 miles southeast of Nashville, the Town of Wartrace is a short 10-minute drive from Interstate 24, heading southwest on Highway 64. Located nearby is the Bedford County seat (Shelbyville), Arnold Air Force Base in Tullahoma (the largest and most advanced flight simulation test facility in the world), and Bell Buckle (a well-known craft and antique destination). Our tax rate is 1.3094 per $100.
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LIVING HERE
Wartrace residents enjoy a slower paced life, but we also welcome new businesses for our families and our numerous visitors. The vibe is one of small town charm. "Small town charm" is an endearing, yet often overused, description of communities throughout the U.S. It describes a place where life seems slower-paced, where neighbors wave hello and share a cup of sugar or fresh vegetables from their summer gardens. It's a place where talking with the mayor or other elected officials is as easy as picking up the phone and dialing their number or running into them at the grocery or restaurant. Small town charm does still exist here in Wartrace!
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Wartrace is a vibrant little town. There are apartments available for rent, affordable houses to purchase (but you need to act fast when you find one!), and upscale homes scattered throughout the rolling hills and beautiful township area. You can do a property search at realtracs.com to see homes that are available in our area and throughout Middle Tennessee.
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SCHOOLS
The schools serving Wartrace are excellent, with both well-rounded public schools, exceptional private education available nearby, and a wonderful and growing home school group. Cascade Elementary School was recognized in 2018 as a top-performing school in the State of Tennessee by Chalkbeat.org.
RETAIL SPACE
If you're interested in opening a business, there are opportunities. A limited number of buildings are available on the historic Main Street square that can be rented or purchased. There are also several lots available that are already zoned C-2 (Commercial 2), which allows for businesses such as veterinarian clinics, car sales, sale of building materials, farm equipment and supplies and lawn and garden supplies, convenience commercial, drug stores, grocery stores, restaurants, and so much more.
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Wartrace is constantly growing and evolving with shops on Main Street, room to build, and the Chamber of Commerce working with tour companies to make destination stops just for the continued growth in shopping and dining.
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LEAKAGE
Do we have retail leakage to other areas? You bet we do. We acknowledge that with a smaller population, Wartrace isn't for just anyone, but those who do locate their operations here know they have something special. They sell amazing products to a supportive historic community that welcomes numerous tourists and plans community wide events throughout the year. Check out our calendar to see when our next events will be held.
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TRAFFIC
We are at a bit of a crossroads in Wartrace. The railroad cuts through the center of town. In one direction, you'll be heading to I-24 and in another direction, Shelbyville will be your destination, or you can veer off and go to Tullahoma and its gorgeous Normandy Lake recreation area.
According to the Tennessee Department of Transportation, Highway 64 north of town had nearly 2,306 cars drive through Wartrace each day in 2023. On Highway 64 coming from Shelbyville, we had an average of 3,169 cars come through.
STARTING A BUSINESS IN WARTRACE
The Town of Wartrace has funds available for kick-starting a new business or remodeling and restructuring existing businesses through its Urban Development Action Grant program. For more than 40-years, low-interest loans have been available. Click on UDAG Loan Information for more detailed information about qualifying for the loan and application requirements.
CONTACT TOWN OFFICIALS:
Town Hall of Wartrace
P.O. Box 158
29 Main St., E.
Wartrace, TN 37183