A small college town at the southeast edge of Greater Indianapolis
Primarily surrounded by farmland on three sides, Franklin is where the Indianapolis metropolitan area begins or ends, depending on which direction one is headed on Interstate 65. Franklin is about 25 miles southeast of downtown Indy but has long established an identity of its own as the seat of Johnson County. "It has a small-town feel, and it's only 30 minutes away from the big city of Indianapolis," says Realtor Shelly Linton of Smyth and Co. Real Estate, whose office is in downtown Franklin. “It’s an easy commute because we’re close to Interstate 65.” The city is home to Franklin College, a private liberal arts college that opened in 1834 and became Indiana’s first coed institution in 1842. Though the college has just around 1,000 students enrolled, its presence gives Franklin a unique vibe compared to other area communities.
This lovely artistic structure welcomes you to the Franklin community.
Franklin College, located in Franklin, IN, is a private liberal arts college with a rich history
Franklin College is a historic liberal arts school focused on academic excellence.
The 1823 Bakehouse Cafe in Franklin is a gluten-free bakery and restaurant.
1/4
From historic homes near downtown to subdivisions of large 21st-century houses
Franklin's streets are laid out in a strict grid pattern, thanks to the flat topography in Central Indiana. The further one ventures from the center of town, the more winding and less densely populated the streets become. Along Jefferson Street is a vibrant main drag of bungalows and Victorian-era houses. Midwestern row houses are often occupied by local businesses on the street level with apartments in the units above. Single-family homes close to downtown are mid-century or traditional architectural style, while subdivisions with larger, contemporary custom homes are further out. This makes for a standard price range, with some selling for around $150,000 and higher-end homes selling for up to $700,000. The median home price in Franklin is $275,000, however, some have sold for over $1 million, while some fixer-uppers can be found for less than $135,000.
Franklin's streets are laid out in a strict grid pattern.
Find historic homes throughout Franklin, IN.
This lovely ranch style home is nestled in a Franklin neighborhood street.
Explore stunning new builds in Franklin, IN.
1/4
Franklin Community School Corporation serves most students
Most students living in Franklin attend schools in the Franklin Community School Corporation, which earns an A-minus rating from Niche and is the No. 2-ranked school district in Johnson County. Some students living in unincorporated areas southeast of town attend C-rated Edinburgh Community School Corporation. Franklin College is affiliated with American Baptist Churches USA and offers 49 majors. The school is located on a 207-acre, wooded campus. The school has about 1,000 students, and more than three-quarters of them live in on-campus or Greek housing.
Access to I-65 a boon for businesses
Access to Interstate 65 provides Franklin with economic opportunity. Companies such as Amazon, Energizer Batteries, Mistubishi and Target have large distribution centers adjacent to Franklin’s interstate exit. Franklin is also the headquarters of the American Baptist Churches of Indiana and Kentucky, also known as the Indiana Baptist Convention. Public transportation is available on weekdays on the Access Johnson County Franklin East and Franklin West bus routes. Franklin is just under 35 miles from Indianapolis International Airport, typically a 40-minute drive.
Historic Artcraft Theatre at heart of downtown retail area
U.S. Highway 31, known as Morton Street in town, was Franklin’s original conduit to Indianapolis and is still the primary commercial strip. Big box stores, grocery stores and chain and local restaurants are located along Morton Street. Smaller local shops and restaurants populate Franklin’s downtown district, including The Historic Artcraft Theatre. Built for silent movies and vaudeville shows in the 1920s, its 1948 Art Deco marquee evokes that of the famed Chicago Theatre. In addition to screening vintage movies, Artcraft hosts the Torchfire Film Festival, which celebrates international cinema while also having a category specifically for Hoosier filmmakers. "They sell the best popcorn," Linton says of the theatre. "And it's all run by volunteers."
Downtown Franklin has an abundance of shops and attractions.
In downtown Franklin there is no lack of shopping or things to do.
The Historic Artcraft Theatre in Franklin has been restored from 1922.
A view of Franklin's county courthouse.
1/4
Events and public art are city signatures
Public art is one of Franklin’s signatures, with colorful murals dotted throughout the city. Artcraft Alley is a display of 200 multi-colored stars suspended overhead from spring through fall, while the paper lanterns of Kuji Alley evoke Franklin’s sister city of Kuji, Japan. Johnson County dubs itself “Festival Country,” and Franklin is a key part of that scene. Events like the Hops & Vines beer and wine festival and the Franklin Halloween Town are held in Downtown Franklin. "Every time you go downtown for an event, you run into familiar faces of business owners and neighbors," Linton says. The annual Johnson County Fair is held at the county fairgrounds in Franklin every July, with the demolition derby serving as a fan-favorite event. Franklin College sponsors sports at the NCAA Division III level. The Grizzlies, formerly known as the Fighting Baptists, have faced rival Hanover College in football annually since 1898 in the Victory Bell Game, which is played in Franklin every other year.
As you enter Franklin you'll get a welcoming feeling.
Located in a restored building, The Willard is the perfect spot in Franklin.
Artcraft Alley is a display of 200 multi-colored stars suspended overhead.
Garment Factory is a versatile event space in Franklin, perfect for any occasion.
1/4
Parks and trails take advantage of creekside land
Franklin has 13 parks and one wetland area covering 140 acres across the city. Several parks and the 17-mile-long Franklin Greenway Trail are near Youngs Creek and Hurricane Creek, which run south and east of downtown. Youngs Creek Park, opened in 2022 and anchored by the DriveHubler.com Amphitheater, has quickly become Franklin’s signature park thanks to its downtown location – the Franklin Fall Festival and July 4th Firecracker Festival are held at the park. Blue Heron Park offers an accessible playground, a disc golf course and a cricket ground. Province Park, near the confluence of Hurricane and Youngs creeks, has a skate park and dog park. The Franklin Family Aquatic Center is the city’s outdoor pool, operating from late May until early September. The Cultural Arts & Recreation Center is a 30,000-square-foot indoor space with a fitness center, basketball courts, dance studios, weight room and other amenities.
The Cultural Arts and Recreation Center in Franklin is a hub for fitness, events and more.
Province Park features a playground in the neighborhood of Franklin.
The Franklin Greenway Trail spans approximately 7 miles.
Explore Youngs Creek Parks outdoor space, trails, open green areas and scenic creekside.
1/4
City has taken measures since historic 2008 flooding
In 2023, Franklin's violent crime rate was around one-quarter the national average, and the property crime rate was a little over half the national average. The face of Franklin was altered by a 100-year flood that temporarily left downtown impassable in 2008. In fact, Youngs Creek Park is built on a former residential area that was wiped out by that flood, and the park space is expected to help mitigate a future major flooding event. Tornados are common in Johnson County, which has experienced nearly two dozen twisters since 1950. However, no tornado has touched down in Franklin proper since 1954.
Residents can get flower arrangements to go at JP Parker Flowers.
Take a long nature walk at the Blue Heron Park.
This farmhouse style home is an example of "new builds" in Franklin.
Depot Park is located right along an active railroad track that runs right through Franklin.
1/4
Written By
Alex Hickey
Photography Contributed By
Anna Cheng
Video By
Anthony Pesa
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Sheri Jones,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Franklin, IN sell after 36 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Franklin, IN over the last 12 months is $305,000, up 13% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Step into the enchanting embrace of the Henley in Winterfield, where comfort meets elegance in a seamless dance of design. This captivating two-story residence boasts five generously-sized bedrooms and three luxurious full baths, with a convenient bedroom and full bath nestled on the main level for ultimate accessibility. The graceful staircase, entering discreetly from the family room, enhances
Welcome to this Charming Log Sided Cabin Retreat that blends rustic warmth with modern comfort, set on nearly 2.5 Beautiful Acres in Johnson County but feels of Beautiful Brown County. Roam the Fenced 2-Acre Portion of the Backyard, perfect for Pets and Play. A spacious 368 sq. ft. Covered Front Porch greets you and leads into 1,968 sq. ft. of Main Living Space, over a Full Basement, featuring 3
If you are looking to make the jump from renting, or you need to downsize your payments or the workload of your current home, don't scroll past this one! Maintain your independence in this little cutie! Feel free to be yourself since there are no neighbors attached to any of your walls! Let your critter roam inside the privacy fenced, shaded, generous backyard where you will find places to
This charming 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom ranch is move-in ready. Step inside to find a light, bright, and airy interior with neutral finishes that create a warm and inviting feel. The kitchen features timeless white shaker-style cabinets, offering both style and functionality. Outside, enjoy a spacious, fully fenced backyard with a storage shed to keep everything organized. Conveniently located in
Charming Brick Two-Story with Full Finished Basement on the 18th Tee at Hillview Country Club in Franklin. Welcome to this beautifully maintained 4-bedroom home with stunning golf course views and exceptional curb appeal. Situated on the 18th tee box of the private Hillview Country Club, this residence offers a perfect blend of elegance, style, and convenience. Step inside to an inviting great
Worry Free 3-bedroom, 2-bath home in Franklin Lakes neighborhood with new Everything! Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring-brand new! Updated kitchen & bathrooms! New light fixtures! New stainless steel appliances! New hardware on doors and cabinets! New HVAC! New Water Heater! New Washer & Dryer! New Garage Door, Rails, Springs & Opener! Fresh paint! Roof only 3 years old! Windows only 5 years old! New
Completely updated two-bedroom 1 bath, 1 1/2 car garage home on a corner lot in Franklin! Big living room with lots of windows for tons of natural light. The home has all new paint and vinyl plank flooring throughout. Bathroom have been completely updated. Both bedrooms are very large and both have walking closets. Garage is a 1 1/2 car garage with shelving for extra storage***Looking for at
Beautiful 4 bedroom 2 1/2 bath in a cul-de-sac. This home has all new flooring and paint through-out. Open concept of kitchen and living area. Primary bedroom is good size and has full bath and walk-in closet. One of the other 3 bedrooms upstairs has a walk-in closet as well. ***Looking for at lease a 12 month lease * Lease application fee $30 per adult * Home is available now* Looking for renter
The Row Apartments in Franklin, Indiana offers spacious two- and three-bedroom townhome-style residences designed for private, low-maintenance living. Each home features a modern all-electric kitchen with a large breakfast island, in-unit washer and dryer, large closets, and a combination of plank and carpet flooring. With personal driveways and private front and back yards, residents enjoy the
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
