Is Franklin, TN, a Good Place to Live?

Moving to Franklin, Tennessee, is an adventure 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.

10 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.
• Plenty of Schools: There are many educational options, from Williamson County School District to nearby private schools. 
• 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 many music venues, including the historic Franklin Theatre
• Convenient Location: Franklin is located just south of Nashville, providing easy access to the city's amenities, including its international airport and major sports and entertainment venues.
• Four Seasons to Love: The climate in Franklin is desirable due to its mild winters and warm summers, with plenty of sunshine throughout the year.
• Affordable Living: The cost of living in Franklin is lower than many other cities in the US & the state.
• Thriving Real Estate Market: From new construction to historic homes, there's something for all buyers in Franklin's best neighborhoods.
• 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

The cost of living in Franklin is higher than most of Tennessee due in large part to the high median home value. Franklin residents can expect living costs that are 35% or more higher than the national average.

While Franklin's most affordable neighborhoods have plenty of accessible real estate options, average home prices in the city tend to be nearly $1 million. Most 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. 

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. Studios go for $1,120, while one-bedroom apartments start at $1,227. 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.

The average resident in Franklin can expect a salary of $45,176, while a household can generate $92,589. This is much higher than the other areas in the United States, which typically average $31,177 for individuals and $57,652 for households. 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%.

Additional cost of living factors to consider in Franklin include:

The average resident in Franklin can expect a salary of $45,176, while a household can generate $92,589. This is much higher than the other areas in the United States, which typically average $31,177 for individuals and $57,652 for households. 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 the cities' proximity, Franklin shares many top employers with the City of Nashville. 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 residents. Most residents are employed in these industries in and around Franklin. While most residents opt to work in Franklin, some will make the drive to Nashville for higher salaries. Those who wish to work in the highest-paying industries may consider working with management companies or manufacturing. Salaries in these industries range from $80,000 to $115,000.

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. 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. Better still, restaurants are available in all budget ranges. You can spend as little as a few dollars or upwards of $50 a person. 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. If you aren't sure what you want, try out a flight or ask the bartender for their favorite. You will not be disappointed!

Bars are a dime in a dozen in Franklin. You can quickly find your favorite local waterhole 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.

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. Residents are never too wet or cold, with only 53 inches of rain and four inches of snow. In fact, Franklin experiences over 200 days of sunshine every year!

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 do experience longer wait times of up to 35 minutes. In some cases, it can be faster to take the bus.

Schools in Franklin, TN

Two school districts operate the public schools in Franklin, and parents and guardians have the option to enroll their household's students in either district without worrying about making a zoning request. However, anyone living on the edge of the school district may need to take additional steps to request a bus stop for their child. If the bus stop cannot be accommodated, the student and their household will be responsible for their own transportation.

Williamson County Schools is the first school district students to have the option to attend in Franklin. With over 40,000 students enrolled every year, the district manages to keep the class sizes down to only 17 students. Schools in this district offer AP, IB, and gifted programs.

Franklin Special School District is the second district where students can be enrolled in the area. With only 3,500 students enrolled, class sizes are drastically reduced, including 12 students per classroom. The schools in this district offer Gifted programs to eligible students.

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. With its inviting community, diverse attractions, and serene landscapes, Franklin offers a quality of life that is hard to match. 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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