Founded in 1796, Franklin is a town proud of its roots in Americana. Named after Benjamin Franklin, the small city has a population of about 12,000 and rests along the banks of the Great Miami River, acting as the city center for the suburbs of the larger Franklin Township in Warren County. Steps away from downtown is one of Ohio’s oldest log post offices, commissioned by another Founding Father, Thomas Jefferson. Whether they’re taking in the views of the Great Miami River, throwing water balloons at the mayor or busting a move at JD Legends, locals are proud of their town, which is exhibited through well-attended community events and support for local businesses.
The community of franklin welcomes you.
The Great Miami River flows through Franklin.
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Dining in downtown Franklin and grabbing groceries
Residents enjoy fan-favorite eateries, from food trucks to brick-and-mortar dine-ins on Main Street. Mom’s Restaurant is a mom-and-pop offering three-egg omelets, hot sandwiches and several options for deep-fried vegetables. At the corner of 4th and Main Street, Pisanello’s Pizza serves up hot slices in a laid-back atmosphere set against scenic murals. Just steps away, Franklin Food Truck Park has picnic tables and cornhole boards for everyone to enjoy while grabbing a bite to eat—and Mr. Frosty is an ice cream parlor that has been making hot summer days a little sweeter for 53 years and counting. For the essentials, Towne Center in nearby Blue Ball anchors big-box stores from Meijer and ALDI to Kohl’s and Lowes. A few additional options, like Kroger, sit closer to Franklin proper.
Aldi's is just around the corner with easy access to those in Franklin
While in Franklin be sure and meet at Moms Restaurant for a legendary meal.
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From farmers markets to firetruck showers
Franklin’s local pride comes to a head during popular community events. The Franklin Farmers Market offers fresh produce and artisan goods throughout the summer, and in the winter, the Franklin Historical Society opens historic homes for public tours. The town’s Independence Day parade, known as “The Wettest Parade in Ohio,” has firetrucks stopping in designated areas to shower water from above on eager crowds. Parade marchers and viewers alike take turns throwing water balloons and spraying each other with water guns. After a quick dry-off, the town heads to their community park for live music and food trucks, ending the day with fireworks over the riverbanks.
Though seasonal events abound, there’s no need to wait for a special occasion to find something to do in town. What was once a bowling alley has become JD Legends, an entertainment complex serving everything from beach volleyball and bowling to karaoke, an arcade and a sports bar. In addition to live entertainment every weekend, the venue hosts up to 10 national artists annually.
Franklin Farmers Market offers fresh produce throughout the summer.
Franklin’s Victorians and new subdivisions
Locals can chronologize their town’s development based on the age of homes in different parts of town. “The homes on the downtown side of the river are most of the town’s older homes. I have one that was built in 1821,” says Susan Neal, a librarian at Franklin-Springboro Public Library. “The ones across the bridge are more turn-of-the-century Victorians.” By heading over the historic Lions Bridge to see those Victorians, locals meet the town’s pride, the bronze lion statues that guard the bridge. Homes become newer and more diverse in architecture further from the waterfront, with midcentury ranch-styles making their mark. Subdivisions like Franklin Landing and Sycamore Glen offer 21st-century contemporary homes with two-car garages. As homebuyers head further north towards Carlisle and south towards Hunter, they’ll see many more ranch-style homes with spacious lawns in a semi-rural landscape. Prices throughout Franklin Township range from $150,000 to $430,000.
New construction is a big part of Franklin's expanding community.
This Victorian style home in Franklin features a steeple.
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Getting an education in Franklin Township
Franklin City School District students start at one of five elementary schools, including centrally-located Anthony Wayne Elementary School. They can move on to Franklin Junior High and cap out at the newly constructed Franklin High School. Niche rates all three schools a B-minus. Meanwhile, The CinDay Academy is a private kindergarten through eighth-grade option and earns an A.
The Franklin Wildcats play at nearby Franklin Wildcat Stadium against a backdrop of cheering family and friends. Neal says sports play a massive role in the Township’s tight knit; she recalls a time when her son lost his Peewee football jersey. “Some mom found it, washed it, and returned it to the proper coach so my son could have it the next day. And that is the kind of thing I love about living in Franklin. It’s a real community kind of place.”
Franklin students have the option to send their student to the CinDay Academy.
High School students have the opportunity to attend classes at this brand new building.
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Cheering on the Wildcats and exploring the playground
Franklin Lions Club Municipal Park draws locals to its fully renovated, accessible playground. After Memorial Day, families make a splash at the public pool; mountain bikers enjoy the dirt range. Families and friends support their young athletes in football, lacrosse, soccer, track and field, and more at Franklin Wildcat Stadium.
Franklin High School teams play at Atrium Stadium.
Children have plenty of room to run and climb at Franklin's Lions Club Municipal Park
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Getting around Franklin Township
Franklin’s downtown core is highly walkable, but most Township residents drive to get around. Locals can get to Dayton in about 18 miles and Cincinnati in about 40 on Interstate 75. Though regional airports conduct flight training throughout Warren County, most commercial flyers head 30 miles north to Dayton International Airport. In case of emergencies, Atrium Medical Center sits on the south end of the Township, 5 miles from the town’s center.
Franklin Residents are able to receive quality medical care the Atrium Medical Center.
Franklin area residents enjoy easy access to I -75 and is close to both Dayton and Cincinnati.
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Forward-thinking Franklin
For a town with a proud history, Franklin is all about inventing its future. The Downtown Franklin Master Plan will give a face-lift to the city’s main street and riverfront by introducing on-street dining, a remodeled riverfront walk, street fountains and more public artwork. The plan has a targeted completion date of 2024.
Sheri McIntosh has lived in Wilmington most of her life and graduated from Wilmington High School in 1982. Sheri started her career in real estate, while working her way through college, in an appraisal office. After graduating from Wright State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management, she continued her education in Real Estate Appraisal and opened her own appraisal business in 1998. In 2011 she expanded into real estate sales and has worked as a sales agent and appraiser since that time. Sheri also serves as the President of the Clinton County Board of Realtors.
After years of successfully serving the local area, Sheri decided to start her own hometown family-run brokerage so she can ensure that her clients benefit from her years of experience, local expertise, and heartfelt mission to meet each of their unique real estate needs. Sheri feels there is no greater professional satisfaction than running into a family she’s helped through the home-buying experience and hearing how happy they are in their new home!
Sheri lives in Wilmington with her husband J.D. Their family is completed of their two children, Victoria and Mason, and their three grandchildren.
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