"They fairly reveled in gold, whiskey, fights and fandangoes, and were unspeakably happy." -- from Roughing It by Mark Twain
Not all of the forty-niners who flocked to the goldfields of California were miners. One small group were farmers determined to provide supplies to the passing miners. They settled along the banks of Dry Creek during the early days of the gold rush in an area which eventually became Galt. Although buildings were mostly wooden, Galt's architectural history has been spared the same fiery fate as many Gold Rush and frontier towns. As a result, many of Galt's historic places still exist, in beautiful well-preserved grandeur, making the town a lovely reminder of bygone days.
Moving to Galt
With a Livability score of 79, rates for a rental apartment in Galt are on the upper end. The high quality of living here makes up for having to pay more. Rentals can be found, but they are not as readily available, with only a 5% vacancy rate in Galt. Rates hover around 2.2% less than the California's average, but 47% higher than the national average.
If you really want to live here, you'll need to execute your own (rental) gold rush the minute you decide to make the move. An apartments locator may really help you keep on top of your search.
Galt's rental homes cluster around the south central area, with some of the newer homes on this side of town. You may be able to score a condo or townhouse for rent in the more southerly areas of the city. You'll also come across a few single-family houses for rent.
You'll need the usual line up of items to secure a home in Galt. Have your credit score, letter verifying employment and salary and a copy of your last paycheck stub. When it gets serious, you'll need cash in the form of a cashier's or bank check. Prepare for first month's rent and the typical security deposit as well.
Galt Neighborhoods
Lacking specific neighborhoods, Gait can be divided into geographical areas, each with its own character.
Northern Galt: Northern Galt is a mostly residential area home to several individual suburbs, including Morningwood, Somerset and Brook Hollow. If you're looking to live somewhere that's mostly homes and other residences, this is the part of Galt to look in.
Central Galt: Central Galt, which contains Emerald Vista Park, is the town's most bustling area. It's home to lots of businesses and restaurants, so if you want to escape your home to shop or be entertained, this is the place to do it.
Southern Galt: Southern Galt is a mixture of commercial property and residential property. You can find nice and suburban-feeling homes here, without feeling isolated from big-city amenities. There's some lovely greenery in this part of town as well; people here visit Meadow View Park and the beautiful Galt-Alto Cemetery.
Living in Galt
Culture
Galt takes great pride in the Ray House Museum with its 200-year-old spinning wheel, as well as cultural activities and programs at historical sites and recently revitalized historic downtown area.
Shopping
Galt Market is a quirky, fun outdoor market that sells everything from clothing to handmade fine jewelry and furniture. The earlier you get there, the better the selection, and the more chance you'll have to score a rare find.
Dine out
Wholyravioli has been serving wholesome, old-world recipes since 1945. Walk into Galt Plaza and enter the restaurant through a stone archway to find a little bit of Italy. A four-tier fountain, pane windows, striped awnings and massive stone columns create an Italian piazza. Enjoy espresso, wine or beer at the antique hammered brass bar.
Brewsters Bar and Grill's cattle baron decor features elegant upholstered booths, wood paneling, hand-scraped hardwood floors inset with marine glass lending a view to the wine-tasting room below the main bar. The patio's sculptural fountain, wrought iron accents and shade and plantings encourage a peaceful experience.
Get Outdoors
For peaceful natural surroundings, Cosumnes River Preserve is Galt's crown jewel, with 45,859 acres of wildlife habitat and agricultural lands. Centered along the Cosumnes River, its floodplains and riparian habitat are buffered by a handful of agricultural operations. The Preserve supports a variety of wildlife, including birds that migrate throughout the Pacific Flyway.
Getting Around
Galt is car-dependent. The Walking Score is rated at 29, which means that you'll have to drive for most of your errands. The town is an easy drive to Sacramento in the north and Stockton to the south, making it a popular, quiet commuter community for both Central Valley cities. In addition, Galt is debuting a new commuter express bus service that will make three trips to downtown Sacramento each weekday.
