Relocating to Franklin, TN: Navigating the Local Real Estate Market

Welcome to charming Franklin, Tennessee! A delightful blend of historic allure and modern comforts, Franklin has steadily grown into one of the most desirable locations to live in the state. Nestled just 20 miles south of Nashville, it offers a delightful small-town vibe without compromising on the conveniences of city living. If you're contemplating a move to this dynamic Southern gem, you're in for a treat.

This guide aims to offer you an in-depth overview of everything Franklin has to offer – from its vibrant housing market to its renowned southern hospitality. Whether you're seeking a peaceful suburban home for your family, a charming historic house nestled in the heart of the city, or a luxury residence offering breathtaking views, Franklin is brimming with possibilities. So, if you're ready to embark on your home-finding journey in Franklin, keep reading and let's explore together.

Housing Market

Franklin's housing market has consistently demonstrated its strength and allure to potential homeowners over the years. It offers a diverse selection of properties that cater to a wide range of tastes and budgets. The city is home to historic antebellum homes, elegant contemporary constructions, and everything in between.

The market, as of my knowledge cutoff in 2021, has been characterized by steady growth, a trend which is expected to continue due to the city's burgeoning economy and population growth. Homes in Franklin have generally maintained their value, making them a sound investment. Median home prices here tend to be higher than the national average, reflecting the high desirability of the area and the quality of life it offers.

For those interested in new constructions, Franklin won't disappoint. There are numerous planned communities underway, ranging from affordable townhomes to luxury estates, providing future homeowners with a multitude of choices. These communities often come with an array of amenities, from swimming pools and fitness centers to walking trails and green spaces, fostering a vibrant and connected lifestyle.

On the historic side, Downtown Franklin offers unique homes rich in history and charm. Many of these homes have been meticulously maintained and updated, providing modern comfort without losing their historic charm. Walking through the streets of this area is like stepping back in time, with its brick-lined sidewalks and period architecture.

But no matter where you choose to buy in Franklin, you can expect a strong sense of community. The city is known for its friendly residents, community events, and high-quality public services, making it not just a great place to invest in property, but also a fantastic place to call home.

Nearby Cities

Adjacent to Franklin, you'll find several other attractive cities that offer a variety of lifestyle options and unique housing markets. Brentwood, Thompson's Station, and Spring Hill are among the top cities in the area, each boasting their own unique attributes and appealing characteristics.

Brentwood is known for its luxury homes and high-end lifestyle. With its large, beautifully maintained homes nestled in quiet neighborhoods, this city is ideal for those looking for comfort and sophistication. The city also boasts some of the highest-rated schools in the state, making it a popular choice for families. Brentwood's housing market is robust and competitive, reflecting its reputation as one of the most desirable places to live in Tennessee.

Thompson's Station, on the other hand, offers a more rural ambiance. Known for its rolling hills, expansive farmland, and scenic vistas, this city provides a tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle of urban life. The housing market here offers a mix of well-preserved historic homes and newer, custom-built residences. For those looking to enjoy a more laid-back lifestyle while still having easy access to amenities, Thompson's Station is an ideal choice.

Spring Hill, which straddles Maury and Williamson Counties, has experienced rapid growth in recent years thanks to its affordable housing and proximity to both Nashville and Franklin. With a variety of housing options available, from single-family homes to townhouses and condos, Spring Hill's housing market is diverse and accessible to a range of budgets. The city also offers a wealth of recreational amenities, including parks, trails, and golf courses, contributing to a high quality of life for its residents.

Top Neighborhoods

When choosing to move to Franklin, Tennessee, you're not just choosing a city, but a neighborhood that suits your lifestyle and needs. Among the most sought-after communities in Franklin are Westhaven, Leiper's Fork, and Fieldstone Farms, each with its distinct character and appeal.

Westhaven is a master-planned community known for its impressive array of amenities and beautiful homes. Here you will find everything from single-family homes to townhomes, with a design emphasis on traditional architecture that seamlessly blends with the neighborhood's scenic surroundings. Westhaven is self-contained, featuring its own grocery store, restaurants, and shops. A resort-style pool, golf course, and an abundance of green spaces add to its allure.

Leiper's Fork, on the other hand, provides a stark contrast to the more suburban neighborhoods in Franklin. It's a rural village that exudes a distinct country charm, attracting those who crave a quieter, slower-paced lifestyle. Homes in Leiper's Fork range from quaint country cottages to sprawling estates, many with ample acreage, barns, and incredible views of the Tennessee countryside.

Fieldstone Farms is another popular choice, particularly among families. Its location provides easy access to downtown Franklin and the Cool Springs area, making it convenient for work, shopping, and dining. This community features a mix of home styles, from townhomes to larger single-family residences, and boasts fantastic amenities, including pools, tennis courts, and a clubhouse.

McKays Mill, a neighborhood situated just east of I-65, offers a great mix of home styles, including single-family homes, condos, and townhomes. The community has a full suite of amenities, including a community pool, fitness center, and a commercial area with a grocery store, restaurants, and other businesses.

Each of these neighborhoods in Franklin, TN, offers its unique charm and distinct lifestyle. Prospective homebuyers will find a variety of housing options and amenities, helping them find the perfect place to call home.

Top Condos & Townhomes

Finding the perfect condominium community in Franklin, TN can provide an exciting, low-maintenance lifestyle with a host of amenities. Among the top condo communities in the area are Jamison Station, Berry Farms, and Gateway Village, each offering unique benefits and atmospheres.

Jamison Station is a luxury condominium community located just across from the Factory at Franklin, a vibrant retail and entertainment center. Residents enjoy the benefits of modern, upscale living spaces with open floor plans, hardwood floors, and high-end finishes. The community also offers amenities such as a fitness center and swimming pool.

Berry Farms is a mixed-use master-planned community in the southern part of Franklin. It offers several condominium options among its housing choices, with units designed for comfort and convenience. Residents enjoy an impressive array of neighborhood amenities, including swimming pools, parks, and walking trails, all within a short walk of the community's bustling Town Center, which boasts a mix of shops, restaurants, and offices.

Gateway Village is another popular condo community in Franklin, notable for its prime location at the intersection of Moores Lane and Franklin Road. This gives residents easy access to both downtown Franklin and the Cool Springs area, renowned for its shopping and dining options. The condominiums in Gateway Village come in a range of sizes and floor plans and are part of a larger, mixed-use development that includes office and retail space, adding to the convenience for residents.

Morningside, a 55+ community, also offers condo living with an array of amenities designed for active seniors. It provides a maintenance-free lifestyle, with residences ranging from apartments to patio homes. Amenities include a fitness center, swimming pool, and a clubhouse with a variety of social activities.

All these condominium communities in Franklin provide different but equally enticing lifestyles, making them top choices for those seeking convenience and community in their new home.

Cost of Living

When considering a move to Franklin, TN, it's important to factor in the cost of living, which can differ significantly from other metro areas and parts of the USA. While the cost of living in Franklin is slightly higher than the national average, it is still less than in many other major cities. As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, it is about 3% higher than the national average.

The most significant factors influencing Franklin's cost of living are housing and transportation. Home prices in Franklin, due to its popularity and growth, are above the national average. As such, you can expect to pay more for housing than in many other cities in Tennessee or elsewhere in the South. On the upside, the city’s real estate market has proven to be a good investment with home values consistently appreciating over the years.

Transportation costs are also higher than average, given the area's reliance on private vehicles. Public transportation options, while present, are limited and many residents find it necessary to own a car. However, compared to many large cities with extensive traffic issues, commuting in Franklin is generally considered more manageable and less time-consuming.

In terms of groceries, healthcare, and utilities, Franklin's cost of living tends to be closer to the national average. Groceries and healthcare are slightly above the national average, but utilities are typically lower, which can help offset some of the other costs.

On the whole, while Franklin may be more expensive than other parts of Tennessee or the broader South, it still offers a lower cost of living than many coastal cities or major metropolises. Its quality of life, with its blend of history, culture, and modern amenities, along with its strong job market, often make the slightly higher costs worth it for many residents.

Restaurants and Dining

Franklin, Tennessee, is a food lover's paradise, offering an impressive array of dining options that cater to a wide range of taste buds. The restaurant scene in Franklin reflects the city's southern charm and its evolving, contemporary spirit.

The city's historic downtown is a hub of culinary delights where you'll find an eclectic mix of dining establishments. Puckett's Grocery & Restaurant, a Franklin staple, offers traditional Southern fare like smoked BBQ and fried green tomatoes in a casual, rustic setting. If you're in the mood for a more upscale dining experience, the Red Pony's sophisticated southern menu, or Gray's on Main with their modern take on southern classics, won't disappoint.

International cuisine also has a strong presence in Franklin. For sushi lovers, there's the chic Wild Ginger, offering innovative fusion cuisine and an extensive sushi menu. For authentic Italian, locals head to Trattoria A, a family-owned spot known for its hand-made pastas and artisanal pizzas.

Casual and fast dining options abound in Franklin as well, with numerous cafes, bakeries, and coffee shops scattered throughout the city. Frothy Monkey is a favorite among locals for its relaxed atmosphere, great coffee, and delicious sandwiches. And let's not forget about Franklin's exceptional collection of food trucks offering everything from gourmet tacos to vegan treats.

Whether you're looking for traditional Southern comfort food, international cuisine, or contemporary American fare, Franklin's dining scene delivers. The city's restaurants often focus on locally-sourced ingredients, ensuring that the food is not just tasty, but also fresh and sustainable.

Shopping and Entertainment

Franklin, Tennessee, has much to offer when it comes to entertainment and shopping options. This charming city seamlessly blends historical charm with modern luxuries, providing residents and visitors with a unique mix of experiences.

The historic downtown Franklin is the heart of the city's entertainment and shopping scene. Here, you'll find a diverse array of locally owned boutiques and antique stores lining its picturesque Main Street. The Shoppes on Main, in particular, is known for its selection of unique, one-of-a-kind items and southern memorabilia. In addition, the Factory at Franklin, a repurposed former stove factory, houses an array of artisanal shops, galleries, and eateries.

Franklin’s entertainment options are equally as exciting. The Franklin Theatre, an iconic landmark restored to its former Art Deco glory, offers an intimate setting for movies, live music, and community events. Moreover, it's not unusual to catch a performance by a Grammy-winning artist, given Franklin's proximity to Nashville's vibrant music scene.

Outdoor lovers will appreciate the variety of parks and green spaces, including Pinkerton Park with its scenic trails, or Harlinsdale Farm, a historic horse farm turned park, perfect for picnics or outdoor concerts.

Finally, no discussion about Franklin's entertainment scene would be complete without mentioning its robust calendar of annual events. The Main Street Festival, Pumpkinfest, and Dickens of a Christmas draw large crowds, adding to the vibrant community feel of this city.

Parks and Nature

Franklin, TN is steeped in natural beauty and brimming with parks and outdoor options. Whether you're a nature enthusiast or just enjoy a leisurely stroll, Franklin's diverse outdoor spaces offer plenty to explore.

One of Franklin's jewels is the expansive Harlinsdale Farm. Once a renowned Tennessee Walking Horse farm, this 200-acre park is now home to a beautiful landscape of rolling pastures, scenic trails, and a picturesque fishing pond. It's also a popular spot for community events, such as the annual Pilgrimage Music Festival.

Just on the outskirts of downtown, you'll find Pinkerton Park. This popular green space is great for families and features a playground, picnic areas, and a 1-mile paved trail that offers stunning views of the Harpeth River. The park also serves as a starting point for the city's Riverwalk, a scenic trail that meanders along the riverfront.

Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the trails and green spaces of the Natchez Trace Parkway. This 444-mile recreational road and scenic drive through three states offers plenty of hiking, bird watching, and nature photography opportunities.

For a more curated outdoor experience, Cheekwood Estate & Gardens, although technically located in neighboring Nashville, is a short drive from Franklin and boasts 55 acres of stunning gardens, a historic mansion, and an art museum. Throughout the year, Cheekwood hosts themed exhibits, workshops, and family-friendly events that draw visitors from all over the region.

If you're into kayaking or canoeing, the Harpeth River State Park is a unique linear park that manages nine river access sites along 40 river miles. Sites include several natural, archaeological, and historic areas. The park is popular for kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and hiking.

In Franklin, the beauty of nature is never far away, offering plenty of opportunities for relaxation, recreation, and exploration.

Business and Industry

Located just south of Nashville, Franklin is a rapidly growing city with a diverse business and industry landscape. Known for its balanced blend of historic charm and modern amenities, it has become a prime location for businesses in a variety of sectors.

One of the primary industries in Franklin is healthcare. This is no surprise given its proximity to Nashville, often referred to as the health care capital of the U.S. Several notable healthcare companies have their headquarters or regional offices in Franklin, including Community Health Systems, Healthways, and Iasis Healthcare.

Another significant industry in Franklin is automotive. Nissan North America moved its corporate headquarters to Franklin in 2006, bringing with it a substantial number of jobs and continuing to play a key role in the city's economic development.

The city also hosts a growing number of technology companies, adding to the diversity of its business landscape. This sector ranges from information technology services to software development, with companies such as MEDHOST, a leading provider of healthcare IT solutions, calling Franklin home.

Franklin is also known for its vibrant music industry, with a number of recording studios and music production companies in the area. Given its proximity to Music City, it's a natural choice for businesses connected to the music industry.

In addition, the city's historic downtown area is a thriving hub of local commerce, with a wide range of independent businesses, boutiques, and restaurants contributing to the local economy and providing a unique shopping and dining experience.

In short, Franklin's business and industry scene is thriving and diverse, offering ample opportunities for professionals of all backgrounds.

Airport and Transportation

Franklin, Tennessee, is conveniently situated when it comes to travel and transportation. One of the main advantages is its proximity to Nashville International Airport (BNA), which is approximately a 25-minute drive from downtown Franklin, depending on traffic. This makes it convenient for residents who travel frequently for business or pleasure. The airport offers a range of domestic and international flights with multiple airlines, ensuring plenty of options for Franklin residents.

While Franklin is largely a car-centric city, the region does offer some public transportation options. The Franklin Transit Authority provides local bus service within the city on weekdays and Saturdays, with a few routes servicing key points in the city like downtown Franklin, Cool Springs, and various shopping areas.

Additionally, the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) operates a commuter bus service called the Relax & Ride, which runs from Franklin to downtown Nashville. This is a valuable resource for commuters who work in Nashville but prefer the quieter lifestyle of Franklin. The route includes stops at major employment areas in Nashville and has a park-and-ride lot at the Williamson County Ag Expo Park.

For intra-city travel, ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft are also readily available in Franklin and can be a convenient option for getting around, especially for those who prefer not to drive.

Despite being a smaller city, Franklin's strategic location and transportation options make getting around the city and beyond quite convenient.

Weather

Franklin, Tennessee, enjoys a typical four-season climate that offers a diversity of experiences throughout the year. In this part of the country, each season distinctively makes its mark, adding to the charm and appeal of Franklin.

Summers in Franklin are typically hot and humid, a signature of the southern United States. Temperatures in July and August can peak in the low to mid-90s (Fahrenheit), but the lush greenery and numerous outdoor activities available make the heat bearable. It's the perfect season for water activities at the local lakes and rivers or catching one of the many outdoor concerts in the area.

Fall in Franklin is nothing short of magical. The temperatures start to cool down in September, creating the perfect environment for outdoor activities. The city is known for its spectacular fall foliage, as the leaves turn into vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow. This is a great time for scenic drives and walks around the city's numerous parks and historic sites.

Winter in Franklin is generally mild compared to the northern states, with temperatures often in the 40s and 50s during the day. However, it can dip below freezing at night, and snowfall does occur, albeit infrequently. The cool weather creates a cozy atmosphere, perfect for enjoying Franklin's indoor attractions, historic sites, and warm southern hospitality.

Spring is a delightful season in Franklin, with moderate temperatures and plenty of sunshine. This is when the city really comes to life, as the beautiful cherry blossoms and other spring flowers bloom, painting the city in beautiful colors. The mild weather is perfect for hiking, visiting the local farms, and participating in outdoor festivals and events.

Regardless of the time of year, Franklin, Tennessee offers a welcoming and inviting climate, making it a wonderful place to live or visit.

Private and Public Schools

Franklin, Tennessee, boasts a strong educational system that offers excellent options for both public and private education. The city's dedication to education is evidenced by its well-maintained schools, passionate educators, and a diverse range of programs and extracurriculars.

Public schools in Franklin are part of the highly ranked Williamson County School District, one of the top-performing districts in the state. This district has a reputation for high academic standards and well-rounded education. Schools like Franklin High School and Centennial High School offer a comprehensive curriculum, with advanced placement classes and a range of electives. The district is also known for its robust sports programs and engaging extracurricular activities, which help in developing the holistic growth of the students.

Franklin is also home to several well-regarded private schools offering alternative education options. For families seeking a faith-based education, schools such as Battle Ground Academy and Franklin Christian Academy offer a curriculum that integrates academic and spiritual development. Montessori schools like the Montessori School of Franklin offer a unique educational approach that nurtures a child's innate desire to learn.

Regardless of the choice between public and private, parents can feel confident about the quality of education in Franklin. The city's commitment to nurturing the next generation is evident in the investment in their schools, the dedication of their teachers, and the achievement of their students.

History

Franklin, Tennessee, is a city with a rich history that's deeply tied to some of the most pivotal moments in American history. Established in 1799 and named after one of the founding fathers, Benjamin Franklin, the city quickly became an important center in middle Tennessee.

In the 19th century, Franklin was a prosperous town due to its thriving agriculture, primarily based on the labor-intensive cash crops of cotton and tobacco. Many of the stately homes and buildings from this era are still standing today, a testament to the prosperity of that time. However, Franklin's peaceful existence was dramatically interrupted during the Civil War.

The Battle of Franklin in 1864 was one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War, leading to significant losses on both sides. This event had a profound impact on the city and its citizens, and the echoes of this past are still palpable today. Several historic sites, including the Lotz House, Carnton Plantation, and the Carter House, serve as stark reminders of this tumultuous period in Franklin's history. These sites, which were directly affected by the battle, have been meticulously preserved and now function as museums.

In the post-war period, Franklin recovered slowly but steadily, evolving into a vibrant, modern city that still cherishes its historical roots. Today, it's known for its charming downtown area that blends the old with the new, featuring restored Victorian buildings, antique shops, boutiques, and an array of dining options. Historic preservation efforts in Franklin have been so successful that the downtown area was named a "Great American Main Street" by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.