Oil boom architecture and small-town events in Franklin
As oil flowed like the waters of the Allegheny River from Venango County's derricks, Franklin became its lively, magnificently designed seat. The Oil Region’s prosperity and population have declined since the 19th century, but a combination of historic architecture, river valley beauty and lower-cost real estate has eased the city's changing role. Taking on the slogan ‘Always Eventful,’ Franklin is now a center of culture and quirky festivals near western Pennsylvania’s rich collection of rural recreation areas. “There’s always something going on around here, always something to do on the weekend,” says William Moon Jr., broker owner at Gates & Burns Realty, who was born and raised in Venango County. “New blood comes in from all walks of life. Artists from New York, California, Texas, South Carolina, all wanting the four seasons, the river and a more reasonably priced home.”
Riverfront blocks of 19th- and 20th-century homes
Most of Franklin’s homes were built on closely plotted blocks near French Creek and the Allegheny River in the late 19th through the early 20th centuries. Although simple National homes are common along these sidewalk-lined streets, buyers can also find Victorian homes with more ornate cornices and wraparound porches. Farther from the water, subdivisions full of ranch-style homes were built into gently rolling hills from the 1950s through the 1970s. Homes range from 19th-century farmhouses to 21st-century custom construction along quiet country roads, hidden on larger properties. A fixer-upper on a small, city lot may sell for around $20,000, while a home in good condition set on dozens of rolling acres can go for $620,000. Franklin’s median single-family home price is about $150,000, significantly lower than the national median.
A Victorian-era commercial district of modern businesses
A short walk from the Italianate Venango County Courthouse, red brick commercial buildings line downtown Franklin’s small business district. Victorian-era buildings from the city’s oil boom house high-end eateries like Bella Cucina and casual go-tos like Leonardo’s Restaurant and Pizzeria. Trails to Ales Brewery draws crowds thanks to its pub food, craft beer and rail trail-supporting mission. Within a block of Liberty Street Antiques, locals might play century-old instruments at DeBence Antique Music World or catch a performance at the Barrow-Civic Theatre. Sander’s Markets and Save A Lot are the area's main grocery stores. Many historic churches hold services throughout the borough; the stained-glass windows at St. John’s Episcopal Church were crafted by Tiffany Studios.
Applefest and competitive stone skipping
John Chapman, the real Johnny Appleseed, planted trees through Franklin as he traveled along French Creek. This legend became the root of the borough’s annual Applefest. Grown from an apple pie baking contest into a three-day autumnal extravaganza, it’s been a beloved borough tradition for over 40 years. More than 100,000 attendees arrive in town to browse hundreds of vendors, listen to live music and sample apple-flavored baked goods.
From the edge of Riverfront Park, the confluence of French Creek and the Allegheny River looks like a mirror; it’s a perfect, placid spot for the summertime Rock in River Festival and Pennsylvania Stone Skipping Championship. Franklin became a destination for this niche hobby after a series of high-profile world record throws through the 2000s. "A guy from Japan won in 2024, skipped a stone 40-something times,” Moon says. “Locals do it, but people come from all over.”
Attending Franklin Area School District
Franklin is served by the Franklin Area School District. Kindergarteners through fifth graders may attend a few elementary schools, including Central Elementary School, which earns a C-minus from Niche. Franklin Area Junior Senior High School serves sixth through 12th grades and also scores a C-minus. Older students can earn dual enrollment credit through institutions like the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford.
Rail trails, river recreation, local playgrounds and state parks
Cyclists traverse old railway bridges and tunnels on the Allegheny River Trail and Sandy Creek Trail. To get into the Allegheny instead of pedaling alongside it, residents head to the Franklin Boat Launch. Several classic community parks sprinkle the borough, but the sight and sound of the Allegheny River make the playground and tree-shaded walking trails at Riverfront Park the most popular. Many daytrip-ready western Pennsylvania recreation areas are within 30 minutes of Franklin, from Oil Creek and Maurice K. Goddard state parks to hunting grounds like State Game Lands Number 130.
Venango County and Interstate 79 commuting
As the Venango County seat, Franklin is a destination for many state and local government workers. UPMC Northwest, the region’s hospital, is about 10 miles away. Though many residents drive to get around, CATA buses make stops around Franklin and in nearby hubs like Oil City and Seneca. U.S. Routes 322 and 62 take locals toward larger highways like Interstate 79. Pittsburgh is about an hour and a half away. Erie International Airport is around 60 miles from home.
Flood risk near French Creek and the Allegheny River
Low-lying areas along French Creek and the Allegheny River may flood after unusually heavy rain. Buyers can consult maps to understand their potential risk and need for flood insurance.
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Written By
Julia Szymanski
