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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an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Franklin, NC sell after 60 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 $303,250, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Step into your new home this spring—and into mountain living in the heart of the Smokies, where life moves at a slower, more connected pace. Welcome to The Blue Ridge in Sanctuary Village, one of Franklin's most thoughtfully designed communities. This corner home rests beside a gentle creek and across from the lower park, inviting you to relax on the front porch while Main Street, the Greenway,
Discover Homesite 32 at Sanctuary Village, an oversized, wooded homesite bordered by a gentle creek, and across from a beautiful, newly built home. Just a few blocks from downtown Franklin, this homesite offers the ideal balance of privacy, neighborhood charm, and easy access to local shops, restaurants, events, and the Little Tennessee River Greenway. Homesite 32 is conveniently located near
Discover Homesite 44 at Sanctuary Village! This corner lot at Village Circle West and Mews Lane offers nearby access to our parks, trails, and community spaces. Just a few blocks from downtown Franklin and the Little Tennessee Greenway, you'll enjoy shops, restaurants, local events, and a scenic riverside trail. Homesite 44 is ready to build your dream home with underground utilities—water,
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
Tucked away in the woods yet rich with adventure, this charming 2BR/1BA vintage cabin offers a rare blend of character and comfort on unrestricted land backing up to thousands of acres of US Forest Service property and the Bartram Trail. Just a short drive leads you to the trailheads of Wayah and Siler Bald on the Appalachian Trail for breathtaking hikes and views. Lovingly maintained, the home
Tucked in the tranquil Simplicity Woods of Clarks Chapel, this charming 2BR/1BA tiny home is a perfect blend of comfort and functionality. Outside, you will find a nice fire pit and a fenced-in area for pets to roam, children to play, and/or an area for gardening. Inside, the bright and airy layout features stainless steel appliances, a breakfast bar for casual dining, and a loft for extra
This 1930s Craftsman bungalow blends timeless character with playful, thoughtful updates. Bathed in natural light from generous south-facing windows, the home feels bright, airy, and welcoming throughout. Original charm shines alongside modern touches, creating a space that is both classic and comfortably livable. Located in the heart of downtown Franklin, you can stroll to shops, dining, and all
Successful vacation rental! Tucked into the mountains with sweeping long-range views, this charming 3-bedroom, 3-bath cabin is the kind of place where weekends slow down, and memories are made. Fully furnished and move-in ready, it's easy to arrive, unpack, and start enjoying the peace and privacy right away. Designed for comfortable mountain living, the single-level layout features an
Please no drive-bys. At the end of a private road, where the woods open to long-range views, this custom-built cabin rests on 7.23 unrestricted acres with 180-degree, year-round mountain scenery. Built in 2000 with live-edge siding, the home rises with tall ceilings on both levels, giving it a lodge-like feel filled with shifting light from sunrise through sunset, thanks to its southern exposure.
This well-kept home offers a comfortable, practical living space with thoughtful use of every square foot. The kitchen features warm wood cabinetry with ample storage and functional appliances, making everyday cooking and organization easy. The living area is bright and welcoming, with natural light from large windows and a layout that supports daily living and relaxation. The bedroom provides a
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
Charming single-level end-unit townhome offering easy living and rare features throughout. Enjoy the convenience of a two-car carport and step into a spacious, private outdoor courtyard—perfect for relaxing or entertaining. Inside, neutral tones create a warm, inviting backdrop, complemented by a cozy fireplace and thoughtful layout designed for comfort. A covered porch showcases peaceful
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
Discover mountain living at its finest in this multi-level home nestled in a well-established neighborhood just minutes from downtown Franklin—without city taxes. Mature landscaping, tiered gardens, and over 21 fruit and nut trees create a private orchard-like setting, overlooking the mountains and a tranquil pond. Inside, enjoy a flowing layout with a primary suite featuring an en suite bath,
Fully furnished, tucked away in the mountains, and surrounded by 7.53 acres of privacy, this 2 bedroom log cabin with multiple bonus rooms has space for everyone and offers the perfect blend of rustic character and peaceful seclusion. When you arrive, you'll be drawn in by the covered front porch, ideal for rocking chairs, and soaking in the fresh mountain air. Featuring warm wood tones, exposed
$1,000 per month, $2,000 security deposit, two small indoor pets (max) allowed - nothing over 35 pounds and a $250 non refundable pet deposit per pet. Cute, private cottage with a good little yard to enjoy and an additional shed for storage, all within 10 minutes to downtown Franklin. Six month minimum rental period. Water, septic and lawn maintenance included. Pets must remain inside the home or
Property Id: 1496010Welcome to your new home at 67 Dearmin Ter in Franklin, NC! This charming 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom multi-family unit is available starting May 15th for $1300/month. Enjoy amenities like a dishwasher, washer/dryer, and designated parking space. Partial utilities included! Cats allowed. Close to parks. Don't miss out on this wonderful opportunity!
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
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
Spacious and Beautifully Updated home - fully furnished - close to downtown Franklin. Lots of space upstairs and down, Big rooms plus plenty of storage and parking. Decks and Views! This home is move-in ready for your family convenience and available with 3 to 6 months lease and possibly longer. Price advertised is based on 6 month lease.
2 Bedroom 1 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 consent to being contacted by the Property Manager
Beautiful Completely Furnished Mountain Chalet located in Deer Ridge. Gated Community. .9 acre of Mountain Land. parking for two cars. Up to 2 pets allowed. Stainless Steel Appliances , Washer and Dryer, Jacuzzi Tub, Walk in Closets. Two Decks Water, Internet, 3 Movie Channels included November 4 Available to Move In. One Years Lease Currently used as an Air BNB Property Linens kitchen items all
2BR 2BA Townhouse...PRICE INCLUDES ALL UTILITIES...All Level Living, paved access. Lovely end unit in Beautiful Mill Creek gated Golf Course Community. Town home/condo with carport! Year's Lease is renewable; or mid-term or Vacation Rental. Beautiful condition and move in ready. ... water, power, Optimum TV and internet all included! $2100 monthly rent with all your appliances, furnishings,
CONTACT AGENT TO BOOK this ideal 'MOUNTAIN/RIVER CABIN, monthly, weekly, or 3-night min. Gorgeous MOUNTAINS, plenty of privacy, and very lovely, clean and comfortable home overlooking the spectacular Little Tennessee RIVER! All this in the one vacation home you'll want to return to over and over. RIVER ACCESS with picnic table, FIREPIT and FISHING area just below the cabin. Enjoy our Huge
Large outdoor porch and deck area. Private yard and home has its own River access landing/steps. Gazebo overlooking river for those peaceful times. Handicap ramp and a carport for parking. There is also yard enough to play. Available Yearly, monthly, Long term and vacation rental. Available June 1st.
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