Moving to Franklin, Tennessee, is a journey into a world where historical charm meets modern convenience. This picturesque city, widely recognized as one of Nashville's best suburbs, offers a unique blend of small-town feel and contemporary amenities. With its array of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, Franklin attracts those seeking a balance of comfort and excitement. Its well-preserved architecture and commitment to cultural preservation make it a standout destination. Discover the allure of the Franklin community, where the past and present harmoniously coexist, providing an ideal setting for a fresh start in a city that celebrates its heritage with a forward-looking spirit.

8 Reasons to Move to Franklin

• Historic Downtown: All 16 blocks of charming Downtown Franklin comprise one of the country's most beloved National Register districts.
• Job Opportunities: Franklin offers short commutes to many of the best employers in Tennessee.
• Scenic Beauty: Franklin is nestled in the rolling hills of middle Tennessee and surrounded by beautiful countryside.
• Music and Arts: Franklin is a hub for live music, with venues like the historic Franklin Theatre.
• Convenient Location: Franklin is located just south of Nashville, providing easy access to the city, its international airport, and major sports and entertainment venues.
• Four Seasons to Love: Franklin's climate features mild winters and warm summers, with plenty of sunshine throughout the year.
• Thriving Real Estate Market: From new construction to historic homes, there's something for all homebuyers.
• Historic Charm: Franklin has a rich history dating back to the Civil War and is home to several historic sites and museums.

Cost of Living in Franklin

Compared to living costs in Nashville, throughout Tennessee, and across the country, Franklin is an expensive place to live. The main reason for the higher living costs is the price of homes in Franklin, which averages around $900,000. Franklin residents can expect living costs that are 35% higher than the national average.

While Franklin's most affordable neighborhoods have plenty of accessible real estate options, the city is known for its luxury real estate. Most single-family homes come with at least a third of an acre of land in addition to three to four bedrooms. However, some larger homes with less land can be found for the same median value. Homebuyers considering luxury homes in Franklin should expect to find listings from $1 million to more than $10 million. 

Single-family homes typically list from $600,000 to $3 million, while Franklin's condos range from the high $200s to $1 million. Those who rent pay more in Franklin than in other cities across the United States. With an average rental price of $1,428, many renters are incentivized to save for a down payment for a home. Once individuals begin to rent three and four-bedroom spaces, they often opt to rent homes rather than apartments. The range for these rental homes is $1,487 to $2,343.

Additional cost of living factors to consider in Franklin include:

The per capita income in Franklin is around $59,000, while the median household income for the city is around $115,000. This is much higher than the national averages: the median household income across the US is around $80,000, while the per capita income is around $43,000. Fortunately, residents do not need to worry about income tax, saving an average of 4.6% of income yearly. However, Franklin does have a high sales tax rate of 9.75%.

Franklin Job Market

Given its proximity to the massive Nashville economy, Franklin shares many of the same top employers with Music City. It is also home to numerous companies that have grown their headquarters there. The most notable of these companies in Nissan North American and United Healthcare. Each of these companies employs over 1,900 people.

The largest employer in the area is Community Health Systems, which has over 3,200 residents reporting to work daily. Other large employers include Optum, Tractor Supply Company, and Mars Petcare US. Each of these businesses employs over 1,000 Franklin residents.

Popular Industries in Franklin

The most popular industries in Franklin are healthcare, manufacturing, and retail, which are also vital industries to the Nashville economy. These industries employ over 15% of Franklin's residents. Construction is also a major industry in the region, given its significant growth.

Things to Do in Franklin

Franklin is home to numerous indoor and outdoor activities that create fun memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you are entertaining guests for a weekend or looking for something to do during the week, there is always something open for business. Some of the most notable things to do in Franklin include the Lotz House Museum, Carter House, and shopping in Downtown Franklin. The whole area has done an amazing job preserving history and creating museums on nearly every subject.

Outdoor Activities in Franklin

Hiking, biking, and climbing are incredibly popular in Franklin. Getting to Franklin's top parks takes just a few minutes by car from any part of the city. Additionally, larger state parks can easily be accessed within an hour or two.

In neighboring Brentwood, Radnor Lake State Park draws visitors from across the state, while Montgomery Bell State Park is just 30 miles from Franklin in the Dickson community. Franklin's most notable outdoor activities include Natchez Trace Parkway Bridge, Timberland Park, Marcella Vivrette Smith Park, Shining Times Farm, and Middle Tennessee Hot Air Adventures.

Restaurants, Breweries, and Bars in Franklin

After enjoying the bounty of outdoor activities in Franklin, it's time to decide among the city's numerous dining options. From good Southern comfort food to highly refined dishes, everyone can find something that suits their taste buds in Franklin.

Restaurants are available at all price points and in each and every one of Franklin's most walkable neighborhoods. To taste some of the best southern comfort food in the city, make sure to check out Puckett's. Two of Franklin's most popular breweries are the Cool Springs Brewery and Granite City Brewery. Both offer amazing handheld dishes that can be enjoyed along with their exceptional craft beers.

Bars are a dime a dozen in Franklin. You can quickly find your favorite local watering hole that offers great deals most days of the week. For a laid-back, casual bar experience, stop by local favorite The Pond. 

Franklin Nightlife

Nightlife is typically only available on the weekends in Franklin. It's possible to find the occasional pop-up during the week, but it is not very common. In fact, most nightlife will take place at bars or small, local music venues. Those who want to enjoy different options for their night out will need to travel to Nashville, which offers clubs and other types of nightlife. Be sure to check out Nashville's top honky tonks!

Franklin Climate

Williamson County is known for its comfortable and pleasant weather, which is so nice that Franklin's best golf courses can typically be enjoyed 10 months out of the year. Tennessee is one of the few Southern states that experiences all four seasons, and Franklin is no exception. Residents enjoy average weather in Franklin, TN, all year round.

The most comfortable months in Franklin are May, September, and October. This is due to the 75-degree temperatures, sunshine, and breeze. The spring and fall seasons allow residents to enjoy the great outdoors without worrying about poor weather conditions.

December and January are the coldest months in Franklin. These months produce the most snow and cloudy days. Temperatures drop below freezing often. However, some residents prefer these months over the summer because they enjoy the snow.

Franklin Traffic

The average duration of commuting in Franklin is only about 22 minutes. This is slightly less than the 26-minute average for other United States citizens. Over 80% of residents drive their own vehicle around, while 9% work from home, and 8% carpool with others. Less than 0.2% of individuals rely on public transportation options to get around.

As with all areas, morning and evening rush hours are a part of driving in Franklin. However, the congestion only adds an additional five minutes to the typical drive. Fortunately, residents in Franklin are incredibly close to the capital and only need to drive 25 to 30 minutes to reach Nashville. Those who wish to take a road trip are perfectly positioned to head in any cardinal direction. Knoxville is only 3 hours east, while Memphis is only 3 hours west. Additionally, Louisville, KY, is three hours north, and Birmingham, AL, is three hours south.

Alternative Routes Around Franklin

Given the moderate traffic in Franklin, most residents do not need to worry about alternate routes. Those who want to avoid congestion on the local roads will enjoy the fact that Franklin is built on a grid system. They can simply follow the north/south and east/west roads without getting lost. Those who need to avoid I-65 can take Highway 35. However, the highway may wind up taking longer since it is a bit out of the way.

Public Transportation in Franklin

Franklin public transportation offers two options for residents and visitors. The first is a fixed-service bus route. Fares are only $1 per rider each way, although young children can ride for free, and those who are seniors or qualify under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) pay only $0.50. In addition, military personnel and veterans are always provided with free fares. Due to possible traffic conditions, the bus may arrive up to 15 minutes before or after the scheduled arrival time. It is best to add a 30-minute buffer if you must arrive at your destination at a specific time.

The second option is the TODD. This is an on-demand transportation service that provides curbside pickups. The radius of routes is only ¾ of a mile around the downtown area. Fares are a flat rate of $5 per rider. However, seniors and ADA riders only have a fare of $3 per ride.

Uber, Lyft, and other ride-sharing services are popular in Franklin. However, they experience longer wait times than in Nashville's downtown neighborhoods. In some cases, it can be faster to take the bus.

Schools in Franklin

Two school districts operate the public schools in Franklin. The Franklin Special School District (FSSD) operates the K–8 schools in Franklin, enrolling approximately 3,500 annually and offering a 12:1 student-to-teacher ratio. There are eight K–8 schools in total, with five elementary and three middle schools.

Williamson County School District

High school-aged children in Franklin attend one of two Williamson County School (WCS) district high schools: Franklin High or Centennial High. WCS operates a total of eleven high schools throughout Williamson County, but thankfully for Franklin students, there's no need to leave town for high school.

Make Franklin Your New Home

Franklin, Tennessee, is a compelling choice for those considering a new place to call home in Williamson County. Its seamless fusion of historic charm and modern amenities creates a living experience that is both enriching and comfortable. The city's commitment to preserving its rich cultural heritage doesn't stop it from embracing growth and innovation, making it a unique and attractive destination. For those drawn to its charm, moving to Franklin means stepping into a community where history is cherished, the present is vibrant, and the future holds endless possibilities. Franklin stands as a testament to the beauty of blending tradition with progress.

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.

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