If you drive about thirty minutes northwest of Nashville, the neon lights of Broadway start to fade into the thick, rolling timber of the Tennessee hills. This is Cheatham County. To most people, it’s just a quiet spot on the map, but to anyone who follows independent music, it’s the kingdom of Ryan Upchurch.
Ryan Edward Upchurch didn't just grow up here; he basically turned the county line into a brand. Most celebrities move to Los Angeles or a gated community in Brentwood the second they see a comma in their bank account. Ryan? He bought a massive chunk of land in Ashland City and told the world to come find him—well, sort of.
The "Ghost Ranch" Reality
You’ve probably seen the videos. Big trucks, muddy trails, and that sprawling log cabin. For years, the epicenter of the "Creek Squad" universe was the Ghost Ranch. This isn't some tiny suburban lot. We’re talking about a 241-acre fortress at 294 Ed Harris Road.
Honestly, the sheer scale of the property explains a lot about the man’s obsession with privacy. It features a 6,473-square-foot log home, multiple ponds, and a dedicated "YouTube room" where those viral rants were born. But here is the kicker that’s been blowing up real estate circles recently: it’s for sale.
As of late 2025 and into early 2026, the famous Ghost Ranch has been sitting on the market with a price tag nearing $5 million. Seeing "Upchurch’s old place" on Zillow feels like the end of an era for Cheatham County. It’s not just a house; it’s the place where he recorded Heart of America and filmed countless music videos that racked up hundreds of millions of views.
Why the Local Cops and Ryan Have a Weird History
You can’t talk about Ryan Upchurch and Cheatham County without mentioning the friction with local authorities. It’s complicated. On one hand, Ryan has been a huge supporter of the Cheatham County Sheriff’s Office. He’s done the "Shop with a Cop" events and even handed his first Gold Album to the Sheriff back in 2021.
But then things got messy with the Ashland City Police.
Specifically, the beef with Officer Jeremy Long. Ryan didn't hold back, using his massive Facebook and YouTube reach—millions of followers—to call out what he perceived as harassment. This led to a massive defamation lawsuit filed by Officer Long against local residents who commented on Ryan's livestreams. It turned into a legal quagmire involving the Tennessee Public Participation Act (TPPA) and free speech debates.
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"I’m worried about my town," Ryan once said in a video, sounding less like a rapper and more like a concerned neighbor who just happened to have a megaphone the size of a stadium.
The tension usually stems from a very "small town" problem: everyone knows everyone. Ryan grew up with some of these deputies; others were his Cub Scout leaders. When that personal history clashes with his "outlaw" public persona, things get loud.
Legal Battles Following Him to the Hills
The drama doesn't stop at the county line. Ryan has been juggling some heavy federal litigation lately. If you're following the dockets, you’ll see the name Jeremy Garnier v. Ryan Upchurch. This case was originally filed in Illinois but got transferred to the Middle District of Tennessee in late 2025.
We are looking at a jury trial set for October 2026.
Then there’s the Kiely Rodni defamation suit. After Ryan posted theories about the disappearance of the California teenager, her family filed a federal lawsuit against him. These aren't just internet "cancel culture" moments; they are high-stakes legal battles playing out in the very Tennessee courts Ryan talks about in his songs.
The Economy of RHEC
People underestimate how much Ryan has pumped into the local economy. RHEC (Raise Hell Eat Cornbread) isn't just a catchy phrase; it’s a massive merchandise engine. While the warehouse operations are tucked away, the presence of the brand is everywhere in Ashland City.
You’ve got to realize, Ryan is an independent artist. He isn't signed to a major label in New York. Every dollar he makes from those country-rap hits or his rock-heavy Creeker albums stays mostly in his pocket and his community. He bought property, hired local security, and kept his circle tight with people from the area.
What Most People Get Wrong
The biggest misconception? That he’s just "playing" a character.
Living in Cheatham County is his identity. When he talks about "Creekside," he’s talking about the actual dirt he owns. However, the recent listing of his primary residence suggests a shift. Whether he’s just upgrading to an even more secluded spot or looking to distance himself from the local spotlight, the "Redneck" king of Cheatham is clearly in a transition phase.
He’s a guy who turned a $1,000 scholarship he rejected into a $4 million net worth by being exactly who he is: a loud, unfiltered, and fiercely defensive resident of a county that most people used to drive right past without a second thought.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Residents
- Property Watch: If you’re tracking the Ghost Ranch sale, keep an eye on the Cheatham County tax assessor records for 2026. This sale will likely be one of the largest residential transactions in the county's history.
- Court Dates: For those interested in the legal side, the Garnier v. Upchurch trial in the Middle District of Tennessee is the one to watch in October 2026. It will likely set a precedent for how "social media personalities" are held liable for their commentary.
- Music Evolution: Ryan’s move toward "Southern Metal" and rock is reflected in his newer recordings. Expect more collaborations with Nashville-adjacent rock artists as he moves away from the "country rap" label that first put Cheatham County on the map.
The relationship between a superstar and a small town is never simple. For Ryan Upchurch, Cheatham County is his muse, his shield, and occasionally, his courtroom. Whether he stays or eventually moves deeper into the Tennessee woods, his footprint on Ashland City is permanent.
Next Steps to Stay Updated:
- Monitor Federal Dockets: Use Pacer to follow Garnier v. Upchurch (3:25-cv-01478) for updates on the 2026 trial.
- Real Estate Listings: Check local Ashland City listings for "294 Ed Harris Road" to see if the Ghost Ranch officially changes hands or drops in price.
- Local News: Follow the Cheatham County Exchange for updates on any new business permits or land developments Ryan may be planning under his various LLCs.
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