Living in Westhaven, Franklin: Westhaven Neighborhood Guide

Thinking about moving to Franklin? Come see why you should consider Westhaven, one of Franklin's best neighborhoods.

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Living in Westhaven, Franklin: Westhaven Neighborhood Guide

Posted by Gary Ashton on Friday, April 17th, 2026 at 2:02pm.

Westhaven, Franklin, TN Neighborhood Guide

Westhaven sits just west of downtown Franklin. It's not your typical subdivision—think front porches, walking trails, and a town center where you can grab coffee without getting in your car.

Thinking about moving to Westhaven? This Franklin neighborhood has been drawing attention for over 20 years. Here's what actually makes it tick.

Quick Westhaven Facts

  • Location: West Franklin, TN (2 miles from downtown Franklin, 23 miles from Nashville)
  • Median Home Price: Approximately $1.3 million
  • Price Range: high $600s to $3,000,000+
  • Home Types: Single-family homes, townhomes, condos, age-restricted villas
  • Approved Builders: Ford Classic Homes, Legend Homes, SLC Homes, Stonegate Homes, Zurich Homes, Reserve SLC Homes
  • Walkability: Very walkable, but leaving the neighborhood generally requires a car
  • School District: Williamson County Schools
  • HOA: Yes (covers community amenities and maintenance)
  • Total Planned Homes: ~3,500 (still under development through 2031)

What Makes Westhaven Different From Other Franklin Neighborhoods

Westhaven is a Master-Planned Community in Franklin, TN

Westhaven is one of the best master-planned communities near Nashville. That means every detail was thought out before the first home was built.

The layout follows New Urbanist design. Homes sit closer to the street. Front porches are standard. Garages hide in back alleys instead of dominating your curb appeal.

About 50% of the land stays green space. That's over 750 acres of parks, trails, and conservation areas. Not bad when you want room to breathe without maintaining a massive lawn.

The first homes sold in 2003. The community should finish around 2031, with roughly 3,500 total homes planned.

Homes for Sale: What Your Money Gets You

Aerial View of Homes in Westhaven, Franklin TN

The median home price in Westhaven is around $1.3 million. Most homes for sale in Westhaven list between the mid-$900s and $3 million, though some list even higher.

  • Condos: typically high $600s–mid-$900s, ~1,500–1,900 square feet
  • Townhomes: typically mid-$700s–$1 million+, ~1,700–2,800 square feet
  • Detached homes (most common): typically $1 million–$3 million+, ~2,000–6,000+ square feet

Architectural styles vary: Craftsman, Colonial Revival, Tudor, and Greek Revival. Each home has its own character, but they all fit together visually. That's intentional design, not cookie-cutter repetition.

New Construction vs. Resale

Since development started in 2003, you'll find both established homes and brand-new builds. Established homes often cost less and skip the wait time. New construction for sale lets you pick finishes and get the latest smart home features.

The 55+ Active Adult Community

This section of Westhaven was launched recently. It's built for residents 55 and older who want community without yard maintenance.

Lawn maintenance is included for all homes in the 55+ section. Single-level floor plans make aging in place easier.

All 55+ residents get membership to the new 55+ Astor Club included with home purchase.

Walk to Coffee: The Town Center Experience

Aerial View of Westhaven Town Center

Here's what sets Westhaven apart as one of Franklin’s best neighborhoods. You can walk to get groceries, grab dinner, or stop by the pharmacy.

The Town Center includes:

  • Kroger grocery store
  • Coffee shops (High Brow Coffee + Tea)
  • Restaurants (Coal Town Pizza, Oscar's Taco Shop, Ching Asian Bistro, Scout's Pub)
  • Medical offices (Vanderbilt Primary Care Westhaven)
  • Banking and postal services
  • Dry cleaning and spirits shop
  • Specialty retail shops

If you need a haircut, dental appointment, or physical therapy, it's all within the community.

The Town Center faces Lake Westhaven. Grab lunch and eat by the water, or catch one of the regular events on the Great Lawn.

Amenities That Actually Get Used

Some neighborhoods build fancy clubhouses that sit empty. Westhaven is different.

The Residents Club

Westhaven Residents Club and Great Lawn

This 15,000-square-foot facility gets constant use, thanks to its:

  • State-of-the-art fitness center
  • Movement studio (yoga, dance classes, tae bo)
  • Art center with supplies and tools
  • 37-seat movie theater
  • Drop-in daycare
  • Multiple swimming pools
  • Tennis and pickleball courts

The Great Lawn hosts concerts, outdoor movies, and community gatherings.

Pools for Every Age and Activity Level

Community Pools in Westhaven TN

Westhaven has five different pools:

  • Fish Pool: Shallow, unheated pool for kids 5 and under
  • Lap Pool: Heated saltwater pool for adults 18+, perfect for serious swimming
  • Slide Pool: Medium-depth with a 119-foot water slide and lazy river
  • Zero-Entry Pool: Beach-style entry with spray features, good for all ages
  • Skube Swim Center: Competition pool with a swim team, plus pickleball courts, fire pits, and Tom's Cabana Bar & Grill

Westhaven Golf Club

Aerial View of Westhaven Golf Club

This 18-hole championship course was designed by Arthur Hills. It opened in 2010 and is easily one of the best golf courses in the area.

The club sits on the north side of Boyd Mill Pike. Most homes are on the south side. A few homes have golf course views, but there aren't traditional "golf course lots" lining the fairways.

Membership is separate from your HOA. Golf memberships require a $50,000+ initiation fee, with annual dues around $5,000. Social/dining memberships cost less but still require initiation.

Non-resident memberships are available. If you join as a non-resident, you'll get access to Skube Swim Center.

The Astor Club

All residents of Westhaven’s active adult community automatically receive Astor Club membership. This 55+ only space offers:

  • Indoor and outdoor pools
  • Hot tubs, a cold plunge, and a steam room/sauna
  • Pickleball and bocce ball courts
  • A library, music room, and arts & crafts rooms
  • A golf simulator
  • A fitness center and yoga studio
  • Multiple dining options and a bar
  • A salon
  • And more!

Miles of Trails and Parks

Founder's Square Park in Westhaven, Franklin TN

Many homes in Westhaven have smaller yards, but you’ll have access to tons of community green space.

Over nine miles of trails wind through Westhaven. Some are paved multipurpose paths. Others are challenging hiking trails with real elevation changes.

Popular trails include:

  • Boyd Mill Trail: Paved path with a playground, good for family bike rides
  • Randy's Ridge, East Slope, and West Slope: Three hiking trails for a serious workout
  • Lake Path: Paved path around Lake Westhaven

The community includes more than 20 parks. A few favorites include:

  • Gateway Park: Open space for picnics
  • Chess Park: Life-sized chess set and bocce ball
  • Pearl Street Park: Mature trees, fishing pond, and playground
  • Magli Green: Newest park on the lake with fire pits and porch swings
  • Foundation Park: Pavilion and playground across from Magli Green
  • Founder's Square: Fountain with benches and beautiful flowerbeds

Every quarter-mile, you'll hit another green space. The design makes walking or biking more appealing than driving.

Community Events: More Than HOA Meetings

Westhaven hosts regular events.

Porchfest happens annually. Local musicians perform on residents' front porches while neighbors wander the streets listening. It's become a Franklin tradition.

Other regular events:

  • Monthly outdoor movies
  • Weekly farmers market (seasonal)
  • Whiskey Warmer Festival (whiskey tastings, live music, food)
  • Fourth of July parade
  • 5K Memory Run
  • Holiday events for kids

The Westhaven Foundation (nonprofit 501(c)(3)) organizes many events and supports educational programs and charitable activities.

Schools in Westhaven

Which School District is Westhaven, Franklin In?

Westhaven is a part of the Williamson County School District.

Pearre Creek Elementary School sits right in the neighborhood at 1811 Townsend Boulevard. Most students can walk or bike to school.

Hillsboro Elementary-Middle School serves K–8 students.

Independence High School in Thompson Station serves Westhaven students. The school includes a TV production facility, a state-of-the-art media center, and a championship football program.

Private School Options

Battle Ground Academy provides college-prep education from kindergarten through 12th grade. The school has operated for over 130 years.

Montessori School of Franklin uses a child-centered approach for ages 18 months to 14 years.

Faith-based options include Franklin Christian Academy and St. Matthew Catholic School (both K–12).

The Academy of Westhaven (114 Prospect Avenue) offers award-winning preschool and childcare, winning "Best of Parenting" awards for nine consecutive years.

Getting Around: Walkability and Commutes

You can walk almost everywhere in Westhaven. That's the whole point of the design. It’s one of Franklin’s most walkable communities.

The multipurpose paths connect the Town Center, Residents Club, school, and neighborhoods. Many residents use golf carts for quick trips.

Driving to Nashville

Downtown Nashville sits about 35 minutes away during morning rush hour. Evening commutes stretch to 35–45 minutes depending on traffic.

Interstate 65 is 8 miles away (16-minute drive). Tennessee State Route 840 is 11 miles (19 minutes). Nashville International Airport is 28 miles (36 minutes).

Public Transit

Franklin Transit runs bus service. The nearest stop to Westhaven is at Carothers Parkway and International Drive East. That's not really walkable for most residents.

Most people drive when leaving the community. But within Westhaven, walking, biking, or golf carts handle most trips.

What About Grocery Shopping and Errands?

Shopping in Westhaven Franklin

Kroger sits right in the Town Center. That covers weekly groceries.

Need more options? Whole Foods, Publix, and other major grocers are a short drive away. The Franklin Farmers Market runs seasonally downtown.

For bigger shopping trips, CoolSprings Galleria (150+ stores) is nearby. It includes Apple, Macy's, H&M, and lots of restaurants.

Downtown Franklin is 2 miles away. That historic district has boutiques, antique stores, and specialty shops that you won't find in a mall.

Jobs and Commuting

Franklin and Nashville offer strong job markets. Many Westhaven residents work in Nashville and commute daily.

Major employers within 30 minutes:

  • HCA Healthcare (hospital administration, healthcare tech)
  • Bridgestone Americas (corporate operations, R&D)
  • Nissan North America
  • Vanderbilt University (education, research, healthcare)
  • Amazon Operations Center
  • Numerous tech startups and creative agencies

Remote workers appreciate Westhaven's walkable lifestyle. Work from home, then walk to lunch or a coffee shop to change scenery.

Dining: What's Actually Good

Scout's Pub in Westhaven Town Center
  • Coal Town Pizza: Coal-fired pizzas in a casual setting. Sister restaurant to Coal Town Public House.
  • Coal Town Public House: Modern American grill with elevated classics. Full bar, craft cocktails, lake views from the porch.
  • Oscar's Taco Shop: Authentic Mexican with California-style burritos. Local favorite for quick, flavor-packed meals.
  • Ching Asian Bistro: Asian fusion in a modern setting.
  • Scout's Pub: Neighborhood gastropub with craft beers and comfort food.
  • High Brow Coffee + Tea: Local coffee shop for morning routines or afternoon breaks.

Downtown Franklin (2 Miles Away)

Downtown adds dozens more options:

  • Puckett's Restaurant (Southern BBQ, live music)
  • Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse (upscale dining)
  • Mellow Mushroom (gourmet pizza)
  • Dozens of boutique restaurants and cafes

You're never short on dining options.

Healthcare: Close and Convenient

Vanderbilt Primary Care operates right in the Town Center. That covers most routine medical needs.

Williamson Medical Center (award-winning facility) is a short drive. It offers emergency care, specialist consultations, and comprehensive medical services.

The Residents Club and Skube Swim Center support fitness and wellness. Multiple yoga studios, fitness centers, and wellness programs operate nearby.

Entertainment Beyond the Neighborhood

Downtown Franklin hosts festivals year-round:

  • Main Street Festival (arts, crafts, food, live music)
  • PumpkinFest (fall celebration with hayrides, costume contests)
  • Dickens of a Christmas (holiday celebration with live music and characters)

Franklin Theatre shows live music, films, and hosts community events. The intimate venue books everything from country to classical.

Nashville sits 35 minutes away. That means access to:

  • Grand Ole Opry
  • Ryman Auditorium
  • Nissan Stadium (Tennessee Titans)
  • Bridgestone Arena (Nashville Predators, concerts)
  • Countless music venues and honky-tonks

The Franklin Rodeo runs annually. The Franklin Classic 5K/10K happens every Labor Day. And, of course, there are plenty of things to do year-round in Franklin.

Is Westhaven Right for You?

Westhaven works well if you:

  • Want walkable access to daily needs
  • Value community events and neighbor connections
  • Appreciate classic Southern architecture with modern interiors
  • Don't mind HOA rules and design standards
  • Can afford living in one of Franklin’s most expensive neighborhoods
  • Like having amenities close (pools, trails, golf)
  • Are interested in living in a 55+ community

It might not fit if you:

  • Want a big private yard over shared green spaces
  • Prefer total architectural freedom (strict design standards here)
  • Need to be right on a golf course (very limited golf-view homes)
  • Don't care about walkability or community events
  • Want more affordable Franklin real estate

Similar Franklin Communities to Consider

  • McKay's Mill: Master-planned community with Olympic-sized pool, clubhouse, shopping centers, with a similar self-contained lifestyle
  • Fieldstone Farms: Townhouses and single-family homes with clubhouse, pools, and tennis courts. Generally more affordable than Westhaven.
  • LaurelBrooke: Upscale gated community with custom homes on large lots. Higher price point, more privacy.

Each offers quality construction and community amenities, but with different price points and styles.

Ready to Come Home to Westhaven?

Westhaven delivers on its promise: a walkable, amenity-rich community with classic Southern style.

The Town Center works. You really can walk to get coffee, groceries, or dinner. The trails get used. Community events actually draw crowds.

But it’s not all sunshine and roses. Homes cost more here than in many Franklin neighborhoods. Development is ongoing, which means construction noise in some areas. Private yard space isn’t a priority.

Want to find out if Westhaven fits your wishlist? Come visit. Talk to people. Walk around the town center. You’ll be able to catch the vibe.

Does Franklin sound like the perfect place to live? Contact The Ashton Real Estate Group of RE/MAX Advantage with Nashville's MLS at (615) 603-3602 to get in touch with Franklin real estate agents who can help you find the ideal Franklin home.

 

Gary Ashton

The Ashton Real Estate Group of RE/MAX Advantage

The #1 RE/MAX team in the World!

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