Franklin is a North Carolina town surrounded by mountain views
The small Macon County town of Franklin sits near the southwestern tip of North Carolina, deep within the Blue Ridge Mountains. “It’s one of the most beautiful places there is,” says Amie Owens, Franklin’s town manager. “More people are coming to this region because it offers a slower-paced lifestyle.” Blue mountain peaks of the Appalachian range can be seen from Main Street downtown, and nearly 600 miles of hiking trails cross through the surrounding Nantahala National Forest. The Little Tennessee River flows through the community, offering more natural beauty. Along with its Cherokee and Scottish heritage, Franklin was once known as the Gem Capital of the World for its ruby and sapphire mining history dating to the 1870s. Tourists and the town’s nearly 4,200 residents still enjoy mining for gems recreationally today, and many make their finds into jewelry with the help of local artisans. Along with tourism, Franklin’s economy is largely based on construction-related trades, which include flooring manufacturers and steel fabricators.
Residents of Franklin know why the local mountains are referred to as the Blue Ridge.
Franklin's downtown rea is classic America with storefront shops and great views.
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A range of home styles for less than the national median
The median price for a single-family home in Franklin is around $320,000, well below the national median. Properties typically stay on the market for about 49 days, on par with the national average. Midcentury ranch-style homes and two-story cottages comprise most of the housing stock. However, East Franklin features late 20th-century manufactured homes close to the Little Tennessee River, and the Brookwood Heights neighborhood on the far west side is known for its custom creations with mountain views.
Large new builds in the Brookwood area provide Franklin residents spacious homes with amazing views.
Beautiful lots with plenty of room and classic ranch style homes are available all over Franklin.
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Franklin is a town for outdoorsy folks and hiking lovers
Resting in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Franklin puts hikers in reach of two well-traveled trails: the Appalachian Trail and the Bartram Trail. Signage around town welcomes AT hikers who need a rest and a restock. While gem mining is the big to-do at the various mines north and south of town, Franklin’s most popular attraction within the town limits is the Tennessee River Greenway. Paralleling its namesake river, the greenway offers 5 miles of paved path that passes by wetlands, a butterfly garden and Big Bear Park, which features a large playground and splash pad. Volunteers with Friends of the Greenway help maintain the trail and fundraise for future updates. Their Frog Quarters lodge anchors the trailhead and offers coffee and local art. Tassee Park offers a kayak launch for paddling up the river. The 12-acre Whitmire Property hosts a small disc golf course and Franklin Skate Park, which features a half-pipe and various concrete obstacles. Owens says the town plans to add an amphitheater and trails to the property. Other green spaces dot the community, including Franklin Town Square, which hosts downtown events, and the public Franklin Golf Course, where all 9 holes offer scenic views.
The Little Tennessee Greenway runs through the middle of Franklin offering places to walk or play.
The Little TN River Greenway has an 18 hold disc golf course in the North of Franklin.
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Vibrant downtown with popular breweries and local antique shops
Franklin's downtown is buzzing with mom-and-pop restaurants, breweries with live music, and vintage boutiques selling handmade décor and furniture. “There’s a southern hospitality vibe here. People talk to each other on the street, and there are good relationships between businesses and residents,” Owens says. Yonder, located near the town center, sells organic food curated by local vendors, while Ruby City Gems & Minerals is a longtime staple for gem mining supplies.
Downtown also hosts yearly events like PumpkinFest, Franklin’s largest street festival and autumn celebration, bringing people together with food and craft vendors. Residents can also visit one of three museums to learn more about the town’s Scottish and Native American roots. Home to the Macon County Art Association, Uptown Gallery features the works of area artists and offers classes and workshops. Live performances, from concerts to theater productions, entertain audiences at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts.
Locals and Hikers mingle downtown outside local shops and restaurants.
Ruby City Gem Museum has a fine collection of stones from all over the world as well as locally.
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Macon County Schools has a focus on STEM education
Macon County Schools serves Franklin and scores a B-plus overall rating from Niche. The district, which has over 4,400 students and 13 schools, is widely known for its STEM program, where students can participate in robotics and aviation programs and attend field trips to the Tremont Institute in Tennessee or the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Alabama. The district’s largest high school, Franklin High, earns a B rating. In 2023, Macon County Schools received a grant to construct a new Franklin High building and football stadium on the current campus. Construction began in late 2024 and is set to be completed by summer 2027.
Southwestern Community College’s Macon Campus is in Franklin. The college offers more than 40 programs. The campus in Franklin is notable for its Public Safety Training Center, which runs a first-of-its-kind training academy for rangers with the National Park Service.
Macon Middle school serves multiple areas and is located in Franklin.
Local home of the Panthers, Franklin High School is the final spot for local teens before college.
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Getting around Franklin by car or bus
Franklin's downtown is highly walkable, but the community is car-dependent overall. Several highways meet in town, including U.S. Route 23, which links Franklin to larger cities like Asheville, roughly 68 miles away. There, residents can catch flights out of Asheville Regional Airport. Macon County Transit offers fixed-route and point-to-point service to destinations such as the town square or Angel Medical Center, a full-service hospital which opened in 2022.
Important to know
As a riverside town with many creeks, Franklin has a flood risk. FEMA maps indicate that some homes and businesses rest against or within regulatory floodways and special flood hazard areas. Franklin was largely spared by Hurricane Helene in September 2024, which caused catastrophic damage to towns across western North Carolina.
According to FBI data, Franklin's property crime rate is generally on par with national and state figures. The town’s violent crime rate has remained below national numbers since 2022.
Written By
DeeVa Payne
Photography Contributed By
William Neary
Video By
Ruo Zheng
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On average, homes in Franklin, NC sell after 65 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Franklin, NC over the last 12 months is $303,000, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Tucked just minutes from town, this private mountain retreat offers the perfect blend of convenience, comfort, and investment potential—ideal as a full-time residence or short-term rental. Set on two combined lots for added privacy, the home enjoys peaceful water views of the community lake, perfect for canoeing or kayaking, all while benefiting from cooler mountain temperatures. Inside, vaulted
Welcome to Haus of Hare, a tiny home that feels like it was lifted from the pages of a storybook. With its French-English cottage charm, whitewashed wood walls, and rich walnut accents, the interior creates a warm, timeless space beneath soaring 11-foot ceilings. Sunlight pours through generous windows, filling each room and framing long-range mountain views that stretch endlessly beyond. A wide
Tucked away at the end of a quiet road, this beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 3-bath home offers the perfect mix of privacy, comfort, and timeless mountain charm. Step inside to find rich hardwood floors, a cozy wood-burning fireplace, and a custom updated kitchen designed for both everyday living and elegant entertaining. The luxurious master suite boasts a spa-like bath with a walk-in tile
Built in 1974 this unique home offers a thoughtfully designed layout with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and laundry/utility space conveniently located on the first floor. Upstairs, you'll find an open-concept living area featuring high ceilings, a spacious kitchen, living room, and the primary bedroom. Step outside onto the deck to relax, entertain, or enjoy the surrounding views.
Exciting new development! Welcome to River Green, Franklin's newest contemporary condominium community where curated design meets exceptional craftsmanship. Located within the city limits with paved access, city water, sewer, and natural gas, "The Alexander" is the first of a thoughtfully planned 16-building community with just four residences per building. Walk to the Little Tennessee Greenway,
Welcome to your dream mountain retreat! This charming 3BR/2BA home offers year-round mountain views and over 15 acres backing directly to U.S. Forest Service land for unmatched privacy and adventure. A private gravel road leads you to the property, creating the ultimate secluded setting while still being close to town. Relax on the spacious covered porch, perfect for morning coffee or evening
Beautifully updated and thoughtfully designed, this 2-bedroom, 3-bath home with a spacious bonus room in the basement offers comfort, style, and exceptional functionality. The main level features two bedrooms and two beautifully renovated bathrooms, including a private primary suite with an ensuite bath. The gorgeous new kitchen is the heart of the home, complete with quality finishes, abundant
Builder's personal home set in a naturally beautiful, private setting with two gently flowing streams and usable land you can actually enjoy. The layout is solid and practical, with three spacious bedrooms and three bathrooms on the main level, and hardwood floors. Full basement featuring tall ceilings and a second kitchen with a large bonus room anchored by a wood stove—ideal for guests, rental
Exciting new development! Welcome to River Green, Franklin's newest contemporary condominium community where curated design meets exceptional craftsmanship. Located within the city limits with paved access, city water, sewer, and natural gas, "The Alexander" is the first of a thoughtfully planned 16-building community with just four residences per building. Walk to the Little Tennessee Greenway,
Wake up to mountain views and golf course scenery in this Mountain Modern new construction 2 bed / 2 bath home in Mill Creek Estates. Privately positioned on a low-maintenance lot with no yard to mow, this home offers easy mountain living while still providing inviting outdoor spaces to relax and entertain. The exterior showcases striking Iron Ore board-and-batten siding, creating a modern
Exciting new development! Welcome to River Green, Franklin's newest contemporary condominium community where curated design meets exceptional craftsmanship. Located within the city limits with paved access, city water, sewer, and natural gas, "The Alexander" is the first of a thoughtfully planned 16-building community with just four residences per building. Walk to the Little Tennessee Greenway,
Enjoy easy main-level living in this beautifully designed mountain retreat, tucked away in a quiet gated community offering amenities rarely found in the area, including a large billiards room, pool, sauna, and fitness equipment. This exceptionally private 3BR/3BA home sits on over 2 acres with ownership on both sides of a bold, rushing creek, mature blueberry bushes, and lush natural beauty
Now Renting in Franklin, NC! Beautiful 2 Bedroom / 1.5 Bath Condos with Garage Available in a Private, Small Community! Features Include: Brand New Appliances Attached Garage Beautiful Landscaping 3 Peaceful Koi Ponds Stunning Entrance Community Garden Area Quiet & Private Setting These charming condos offer comfort, privacy, and a beautifully maintained environment you'll love coming home to.
Property Id: 2426771 Be the first to live in this brand-new home located just minutes from downtown Franklin. This thoughtfully designed 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers modern finishes, an open floor plan, and low-maintenance living in a convenient location. The spacious kitchen features new appliances, ample cabinet space, and an open layout that flows into the living and dining areas, making
Charming 2-bedroom, 1-bath home conveniently located on Georgia Road in Franklin, NC. Less than 10 minutes from downtown Franklin and only 15 minutes from Clayton, GA. Rent: $1,500/month. Features: -2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom -Convenient Georgia Road location -Easy access to shopping, dining, and local amenities -Less than 10 minutes to Franklin -Approximately 15 minutes to Clayton, GA -Ideal for
Property Id: 2371687 392 Bidwell Street offers the perfect blend of comfort, charm, and convenience in the heart of Franklin. This beautifully maintained 4-bedroom, 1.5-bath home provides plenty of space for families, professionals, or anyone looking to enjoy mountain-town living with modern comforts. Inside, you’ll find a bright and welcoming layout featuring central heat and air,
Escape to simplicity without sacrificing comfort in this beautifully designed tiny home, perfectly nestled just minutes from town. Ideal as a full-time residence, weekend getaway, or investment property, this cozy retreat offers everything you need in a thoughtfully crafted space. Inviting covered porch, perfect for morning coffee or relaxing evenings, bright loft space for sleeping or extra
Two units available as per listing information. Quiet and private. Month-to-month lease with a longer term option after three months. Furnished with queen bed, lots of storage, shower bath, kitchen w/ 20 CF refrigerator, microwave, toaster oven, gas stove, driveway parking, heat/air and Wi-Fi. No pets , no smoking, one vehicle (firm). Showing by appointment only. Unit A $875/month (currently
This elegant home built with quality throughout; is fully furnished and ready for a caring family. Gorgeous vaulted ceilings and lots of wood throughout. Starlink Internet/TV is included at no extra charge. Beautiful open flowing floor plan. Additional studio apartment provides a fun space for guests.
Charming mountain area cabin available just minutes from downtown Franklin. This cozy home offers privacy, peaceful surroundings, and beautiful mountain views while still being close to all town conveniences. Property Features1 Bedroom — Perfect for one person or a couple1 Full Bathroom — Clean and functionalWrap around porch — Overlooks the mountains and provides a
Beautifully updated and fully furnished, this 2/2 Villa in Mill Creek Estates, Golf and Country Club, is fully prepared for your comfort and enjoyment! Move-in ready, you will be well pleased with your luxurious new home! Open floor plan, lovely granite countertops and elegant LVP flooring. Added space and carport are included with this ideally situated end unit, complete with screened porch and
Wonderful mountain cabin only 4 miles from downtown Franklin. Cabin Private but not secluded.The main floor of the cabin is close to 900 Sq ft with 2 bedrooms and one bath. Nicely sized living room and kitchen. The basement area is also finished with an additional kitchen and bathroom. There is no access to the basement from inside. NO Pets Allowed
Beautiful completely furnished Chalet Home in Private Gated Community in Deer Ridge One Acre of Mountain Land with Long Range Views of the Nantahala Forest Parking for 2 to 4 cars. New Unfurnished Basement with large Family Room, Master Bedroom and Spacious Bathroom with walk in Shower and a Deck accessible from the Bedroom and Family Room. Brand New Appliances, New HVAC System, New Plush Carpet
MOVE-IN SPECIAL! $300.00 OFF 4th & 5th MONTHS RENT! 2 Bedroom 2 Bath Franklin mobile home. Washer and dryer hook-up. Water and landscaping are included in rent. Tenant responsible for power. Landfill card provided for garbage drop off. NO PETS / NO SMOKING.You must drive by location to see if area is a fit for you, before you apply.By submitting your information on this page you
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