Moving to Franklin, TN? Here's What You Need to Know
We love calling Franklin home. If you’re thinking about making a move and dream of living somewhere that’s bursting with small-town charm, plenty of historic architecture, and is close enough to nearby cities to offer plenty of city amenities, then heading to Franklin, Tennessee might be the right choice for you.
Franklin is nestled about 20 miles south of Nashville, offering great schools (Williamson County schools are highly regarded), a picturesque and historic downtown, lively music scene, and a warm community atmosphere. Whether you’ve long called the South home or you’re thinking about relocating from elsewhere, Franklin makes it easy for you to feel at home there from day one. Here, we’re sharing some of the things that set Franklin apart and are attracting more and more people to this sweet gem of a town.
Why Move to Franklin, TN?
Franklin is such a special place to live. Here are a few reasons why residents love it so much:
Plenty of historic charm, but with modern updates
Franklin’s historic downtown area is gorgeously preserved and bursting with charm—think boutique storefronts, charming architecture, brick sidewalks, antique-looking lighting, and more. But that doesn’t mean that it’s a sleepy little town. You’ll find plenty of cute artisanal bakeries, trendy cafes and coffee spots, stylish shops, and lots of great restaurants.
It’s family friendly
Neighborhoods are designed around community, with lots of parks, playgrounds, and events for families. Plus, Williamson County school districts are some of the best in Tennessee, making it an easy choice for families looking for top-rated schools with strong academics and plenty of sports and arts programs.
The perfect distance from Nashville
Nashville is an easy distance for commuting or popping downtown for activities, special dinners, or weekend getaways (about a 30-45 minute drive, depending on the traffic). It’s not so close that you’re dealing with tons of congestion, but still close enough to enjoy Music City’s concerts, sporting events, shows, and more.
There’s a vibrant community
One of the best parts about living in Franklin is the close community feeling—neighbors know one another, support local businesses, and attend town events. No matter your interests, you can find a group to welcome and support you.
What to Know About Franklin’s Housing Market
Franklin has been growing in recent years, making the real estate market boom. But whether you’re looking for something historic downtown, want to build your own dream home in a newer development, or looking for some land, you can find it in and around Franklin.
Here’s what you really need to know about the market:
Median Home Price: According to Zillow, the current median home price in Franklin is currently about $925,000 (as of May 2025), up 3% from last year.
Popular Neighborhoods: Westhaven (resort-style amenities), Fieldstone Farms (great for families), Downtown Franklin (walkable and historic)
Rental Options: Expect upscale apartments and townhomes, many with amenities like pools and fitness centers
Houses can go quickly in Franklin, especially in popular neighborhoods. Working with a local real estate agent who really understands Franklin can make the process of buying land or a home go a lot smoother.
How to Pick the Right Neighborhood for You
There are a lot of great neighborhoods throughout Franklin, but finding the right one for you really depends on your personal preferences and circumstances. What kind of lifestyle do you prefer? What’s your budget? Do you have kids already, or are you planning for the future? What kind of community do you want? Here are a few things to consider when you’re sifting through Franklin’s neighborhoods to determine where you’ll be happiest:
1. First, Determine Your Priorities
Think about some of the neighborhood qualities that matter most to you, things like:
Walkability or lots of open space
How close you want to be to certain schools
New build vs old home
Where you’ll be working (will you need to commute to Nashville?)
Think about which things matter most to you and work with your real estate agent to use them to guide your search.
2. Do Some Neighborhood Research
Once you’ve figured out which priorities are most important to you, it’s time to start looking into the various neighborhoods to get a better idea of what each can offer you. Here are a few of Franklin’s most popular areas:
Downtown Franklin: Love the character and walkability of a downtown core? This part of Franklin is packed with cute shops, restaurants, and more. Homes will often be priced a bit higher closer to downtown, and you’ll find a mix of old homes and thoughtful, careful renovations.
Westhaven: This gorgeous master-planned community features tons of luxury amenities like trails, parks, and even its own town center. It’s a great neighborhood for families. Expect charming, elegant new builds.
Fieldstone Farms & McKay’s Mill: These are family-friendly suburbs with sidewalks, parks, and easy access to shopping. They’re known for good value and solid public schools.
Cool Springs: Close to the CoolSprings Galleria and tons of restaurants and businesses, this area is ideal for professionals or those who want convenience above all.
Leiper’s Fork: Want something that feels a bit more rural? This artsy area is 15 minutes from town but offers peaceful acreage, rolling hills, and a slower pace.
3. Make the Trip
If you’re pretty serious about making the move to Franklin, it’s a good idea to try to make plans to take a trip to see it all in person. This way, you’ll be able to see it for yourself, walk around, chat with locals, and get a feel for what each part of town is like. There’s no substitute for checking it out yourself.
4. Think About Things Long-Term, Not Just Short-Term
Though house hunting can be an emotional process, before you decide on the right one for you (whether you’re just buying or building), you should think about your family’s long-term needs and evaluate if the home will fit them. Are you hoping to build or grow your family? Do you need to be close to a highway, a hospital, or a university? Do you want to be in a location that’s still growing and developing or would you prefer to be located in an area that’s already well-established?
Things to Do in Franklin, TN
Franklin is a vibrant, thriving town with lots of places to eat and things to do (including numerous events held throughout the year and lots of public parks and live music performances). Here are a few of our favorites:
Restaurants
January at Southall: This spot is so special! Located at the Southall Inn & Farm, January features veggies, herbs, and more produced onsite. With a menu inspired by the seasons, meals at January aren’t soon forgotten
55 South: A go-to for spicy shrimp and grits (among other offerings)
Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant: A true Franklin icon with live music and hearty dishes
Outdoor Activities and Spaces
Pinkerton Park: Great for kids and picnics
Harlinsdale Farm: A historic park that hosts festivals, farmer’s markets, and the famous Pilgrimage Music Festival
Natchez Trace Parkway Bridge
Local Events
Main Street Festival (April)
Pumpkinfest (October)
Dickens of a Christmas (December)
How to Get Around in Franklin
Franklin is definitely a car-friendly town, but if you’re spending time downtown, you’ll find that it’s easy enough to walk and bike around. The average commute time to Nashville is about 30-45 minutes (depending on traffic) and Nashville International Airport (BNA) is the closest airport, making it a convenient location for you to get out of town when needed.
If you’re looking for a sweet, charming town that blends community and hospitality with plenty of modern amenities, Franklin just might be for you. Whether you’re a young professional, family, or just looking for a slightly slower pace of life without giving up access to city life, Franklin is worth consideration.
FAQs
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Franklin is often ranked as one of the best places to live in Tennessee because it has great schools, a strong sense of community, plenty of charm, and is close to Nashville—it's just a short drive away. Franklin residents love the quality of life, historical charm, and natural beauty.
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Although the average cost of living in Franklin is higher than the national average, because the town is such a wonderful place to live, many residents consider it well worth the investment.
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It is, which is one of the reasons so many families and retirees choose to live there. The crime rate is lower than the national average.
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Franklin is located about 20 miles south of downtown Nashville—approximately a 30-45 minute commute, depending on the traffic and time of day. If you want convenient access to Nashville and its amenities, but don’t want to live in the city, Franklin might be a good option for you!
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Because of its location, Franklin gets all four seasons, though some are harsher than others. Summers tend to be warm and humid, but winters are more mild than locales farther north. Franklin does sometimes get snow, but only occasionally. Spring and fall are when Franklin really shines, with gorgeous, mild weather and plenty of sunny days (though storms can be an issue in the spring).
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Franklin offers a historic downtown (it was the site of a Civil War battle, and so home to a historic museum), adorable boutiques and shops, parks and trails for hiking, live music venues (like Puckett’s or the Franklin Theatre), plus plenty of community events like Pumpkinfest and Pilgrimage Music Festival. There’s always something going on!
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It sure is! Franklin boasts a low crime rate, easily navigable (and walkable) downtown, access to plenty of cultural and community activities, and close proximity to Nashville, all of which make it an excellent choice for retirees looking for a quieter, but still active community
