What does it mean for a neighborhood to be walkable? Generally, it means pedestrians can easily go from one point in the community to another on foot, discovering a host of amenities along the way. In the city of Franklin, Tennessee, three neighborhoods benefit from the city's walk-friendly policies. These include Berry Farms, Westhaven, and downtown Franklin, known for walking tours and pedestrian-friendly atmospheres. Each neighborhood highlights the city's vibrant history and culture, alongside community events and housing options from which to choose. Read on to discover the three most walkable neighborhoods in Franklin that keep locals and visitors engaged year-round.

Berry Farms

Like many Franklin neighborhoods, the Berry Farms community played a significant role in the American Civil War and Franklin's history, serving as an outpost for U.S. troops. Today, this 600-acre community in the city's southeast corner is a walker's delight, known for its winding paths that lead to an abundance of restaurants, bars, parks, and other cultural sites.

Berry Farms' master plan includes three subdivisions: Rural Plains, Chadwell, and Reams Fleming. Of the three, Town Center in Rural Plains offers the neighborhood's highest concentration of housing opportunities, shops, restaurants, and walking paths, while the other two are expanding rapidly. Homes in the community are condos and single-family residences in various architectural styles, from historic, Federal-style structures to modern, new-construction townhomes. Home prices in Berry Farms typically range from $300,000 to $900,000, with several larger homes scaling above $1 million.

Local hotspots in Berry Farms include a community garden for residents, two community pools, and the Town Center on Hughes Crossing. The center has numerous storefronts in charming brick-and-mortar styles and various casual eateries. One popular gathering place is Coffee and Coconuts, serving craft coffee drinks and organic foods. Other favorite grub spots include Tito's Mexican Restaurant, Benchmark Sports Pub, and Soulshine Pizza.

Community events in Berry Farms keep locals active and engaged throughout the year. Residents can join a cornhole league, catch a pop-up movie at Hughes Mill Park, or practice goat yoga outdoors. Meanwhile, the farmer's market at Town Center is open seasonally from May through October and hosts over 30 local vendors.

Westhaven

The Westhaven community is a vibrant neighborhood located near Franklin's western border. It offers nature lovers and urbanites the best of both worlds, with winding trails that meander through the community, providing several access points to nearby amenities. The result is a walker's paradise brimming with world-class facilities, including a clubhouse and an 18-hole championship golf course.

The neighborhood comprises 1,500 acres of lush landscape surrounded by an eclectic mix of homes and retail spaces. There are no cul-de-sacs or dead-end streets in the community, and no two homes are alike. Properties are situated close to the sidewalk and boast large front porches, encouraging socialization among neighbors. Home prices usually range from $400,000 to $1.8 million, but stately homes may list for $2 million or more.

Popular hangouts in Westhaven are on Front Street near Pearre Creek Elementary School. These include Scout's Pub, serving American fare; Front Street Tavern, with a pub menu and live music; and High Brow Coffee + Tea, serving pastries alongside espresso drinks. Locals and visitors may also find fitness studios, vintage shops, health centers, and pet services on Front Street.

Community events include Porchfest, where neighbors come together on their front porches and share their musical talents, plus other annual block parties that feature live music, food, and drink.

Downtown Franklin

Downtown Franklin is the area's unrivaled hub of things to do in Franklin, where residents and visitors discover entertaining opportunities in arts, culture, and more. Retro-chic boutiques, specialty stores, and one-of-a-kind eateries line Main Street, the neighborhood's most walkable thoroughfare. Here, visitors can pop in at the Franklin Theatre, a restored movie house from the 1930s that's home to a variety of local and national acts, as well as the Downtown Franklin Association, the neighborhood's nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the city's rich history and heritage.

Downtown Franklin's Historic District has earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places, prized for its stunning 19th-century architecture and pivotal role in the American Civil War. The district is so pedestrian-friendly that walking tours happen daily, showcasing well-preserved landmarks like the Lotz House Museum and Carter House, commemorating the Battle of Franklin in 1864. Other Civil War-era sites include Carnton Mansion, Fort Granger, and Eastern Flank Battlefield Park.

Walking through Downtown Franklin's picturesque streets, it's hard not to notice an eclectic mix of historic homes in various architectural styles, including Federal, Victorian, and Greek Revival. Franklin new construction properties are also prevalent, blending modern design with old-fashioned charm. Homes here may be priced anywhere from $200,000 for a small fixer-upper to $3 million for a stately house with high-end finishes.

Local hotspots in the community include Puckett's Grocery and Restaurant, known for its slow-smoked BBQ dishes; Mellow Mushroom, serving up stone-oven pizzas; and 55 South, a popular eatery with a Southern-inspired menu. Franklin Public Square, also located in the historic core, hosts concerts, festivals, and other events throughout the year. North of the square, the Factory at Franklin is a shopping complex that includes artisan retail shops, art galleries, breweries, and a Saturday farmer's market.

Choose a Walkable Neighborhood in Franklin

Walkability is a key factor for Franklin residents who enjoy the many conveniences that come from living in a pedestrian-friendly community. Berry Farms, Westville, and Downtown Franklin offer a wealth of amenities, including parks and nature trails, shopping centers, restaurants, and entertainment venues that can be easily accessed on foot. Plus, each neighborhood has a unique identity and character that makes it an ideal destination for visitors and those moving to Franklin.

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.