Fast-growing Nashville metro city with historic small-town charm
Named after one of the country’s founding fathers, Franklin is a fast-growing Nashville city brimming with historic small-town charm. In addition to its series of distinct 19th-century era properties, the city is also known as the site of the Battle of Franklin, one of the Civil War’s deadliest conflicts. Having undergone battlefield reclamation efforts—some of the best in the country—Franklin has restored portions of its former war site, which now garners both local and national attention.
Franklin Mayor Ken Moore summarizes his town’s character, by saying, "It's the quality of life, the low taxes, the excellent schools. It’s also our historic Main Street and our battlefield.” City Alderman Beverly Burger agrees, adding, “We have a saying: ‘We’re just south of Nashville, but if you want a unique atmosphere and experience, quality of life and everything else, we’re 20 miles and 100 years south of Nashville.’”
Franklin is also a microcosm of the greater Nashville area, which has evolved from a region renowned for its music scene to a new Southern hub for various industries. Franklin and its surrounding farmlands attract homebuyers of all walks of life — with some famous residents too — like singer Carrie Underwood, or celebrity couple Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman. Nissan and Mitsubishi also have their headquarters in Franklin which has contributed to the area's overarching economy and growth. Today, the U.S. Census ranks Franklin as the eighth-fastest growing city in the country, with a population of 88,000 — nearly double what it was around the turn of the 20th century. “We have people move here quite often for high-paying jobs. The talent pool is pretty robust here,” says Jena Potter, the director of communications for Williamson Inc., the umbrella organization for Williamson County’s Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Office.
Heavily wooded lots are common in Franklin.
Franklin Tennessee is located south of Nashville in Williamson County.
You can walk you dog on the quiet streets of the Downtown Franklin neighborhood.
The Historic Downtown Franklin Square has a memorial to the Civil War in the center.
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Housing from elegant 19th century builds to new Craftsmen
Known as a part of the string of affluent communities south of Nashville, the Franklin area has a median housing cost of just under $900,000. This figure is higher than Nashville’s median price of $490,000 and more than double the national median.
Near Central Franklin , prospective buyers will find elegant Victorian-style homes, classic Colonials and brick bungalows from both the 19th and early 20th centuries. Contemporary Traditionals and Colonial Revivals built between the late 20th century and the present date are also common, but tend to be located outside of downtown. Developing communities in Goose Creek and McEwen feature newly built Craftsman designs. Berry Farms, a development on the southern end of town, will be a master-planned community with a mix of both single-family and multifamily homes, retail space and offices.
Most homes in Franklin sit on quarter and half-acre lots, but some in Berrys Chapel and West Franklin feature more private multi-acre properties. Single-family homes here feature footprints from as small as 1,500 square feet to as large as 5,000 square feet and cost between $600,000 and $1.3 million. Townhouses mainly run between $400,000 and $1 million, while condos primarily cost between $250,000 and $700,000.
You can enjoy the wooded lots in Franklin Tennessee.
There are mostly older craftsman-style homes in the Downtown Franklin Neighborhood
There are larger townhomes located throughout Franklin.
Most of the homes in the Downtown Franklin Neighborhood are older historic homes.
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Downtown boutiques and The Factory at Franklin
Franklin has a few distinct shopping and dining districts. Anchored by Main Street, the historic and easily walkable downtown area features rows of vintage brick buildings with quaint storefronts housing bakeries, brunch spots, bars, boutiques and brand-name apparel stores. One of the newest editions is the Amendment XVIII Cocktail Club, a speakeasy with a back-alley doorway.
The Factory at Franklin is another destination for shopping and dining. Housed in a former stove factory, this converted site now houses over 10 restaurants, a movie theater and space for large events and conferences.
For big box retailers and grocery stores, the densely packed CoolSprings Galleria sits on the northern edge of town.
There is plenty of shopping at the Franklin Factory.
Grays Restaurant in the Downtown Franklin Neighborhood is a popular place for locals.
There are several cafes and shops in The Factory in Franklin.
The White Alligator has authentic Louisiana Food and Cocktails.
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Remembering local history and holiday festivals on the Square
Downtown Franklin is one of the city’s main attractions and Main Street is regularly bustling with pedestrians. In addition to stopping by the shops and restaurants, visitors can explore the Franklin Public Square and its diverse monuments. The square is also the place for several celebrations, ranging from a 'Christmas Carol'-themed Dickens of a Christmas Festival. “You’ll have people dressed in time-appropriate things walking down the street,” Potter says. Other major events include the Christmas Tree Lighting on the Square, the PumpkinFest Fall Festival and the Pilgrimage Music and Cultural Festival.
Carolers sing Christmas songs at the Dickens of a Christmas festival in Downtown Franklin.
You can visit several Confederate cemeteries in Franklin.
Franklin is home to The Battle of Franklin during the Civil War.
The Fort Granger Park historical plaque and overlook.
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Enjoy the green space at Franklin’s ‘Central Park’
Franklin has about 1,000 acres of parkland, nearly a quarter of which is made up by the Park at Harlinsdale Farm near downtown. “We call it our ‘Central Park,’” Moore says. At the park, visitors and residents alike can enjoy views of rolling farmland as they walk along a 3-mile turf track. The site also has a 4-acre dog park, a catch-and-release fishing pond and equestrian trails.
In the Carnton neighborhood, the 110-acre Eastern Flank Battle Field Park sits on the grounds of the Battle of Franklin. The open-air park features a trail and historical markers and hosts various special occasions during the year. The park also neighbors Carnton property, a historic Colonial and Greek-style house and an important site during the Battle of Franklin.
The city will also soon enjoy the New Southeastern Municipal Complex Park. The multi-purpose park will feature various amenities, including basketball and sand volleyball courts and a bowling lawn.
Natchez Trace Parkway bridge is located in Franklin.
People on alking their dog in the park in Harlinsdale Farm in the Downtown Franklin Neighborhood
Jim Warren Park Near the Downtown Franklin Neighborhood is a great place to hang out.
The Park at Harlinsdale Farm is a large equestrian park.
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Highly rated Williamson County Schools and entrepreneurship program
Williamson County Schools serves nearly 42,000 students and the ratings site Niche gives the district an A grade for performance and also ranks the district as the best in the Nashville metro. Each of the elementary schools in the Williamson County School District earns a Niche grade of A-minus or higher, and none of the district’s schools have below a B-minus rating.
Franklin High School gets an A from Niche, which also ranks it among the 20 best college prep public high schools in the state. Franklin High is the site of the district’s Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center, where students in Grade 10 through Grade 12 can workshop business ideas and gain experience in hopes of launching a product or service. The various professionals who serve as mentors to the students include marketing specialists and lawyers.
Centennial High School front entrance
The front entrance to Franklin Elementary in Downtown Franklin.
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Hub for health care, automakers and co-working spaces
Franklin is the headquarters of the Williamson County Schools district, which is by far the county’s largest employer here, providing jobs for more than 7,000 workers. A small health care hub, Franklin is also the headquarters for Williamson Health and Community Health Systems, which both employ about 2,000 people in the county. The Williamson Medical Center is Franklin’s main health care facility.
Automakers Nissan and Mitsubishi put their North American headquarters in Franklin’s CoolSprings district. California-based In-N-Out Burger, a popular West Coast chain, chose Franklin as the site of its eastern territory office and plans to open a Nashville area location in 2026.
Unlike some of the Nashville metro’s other suburban cities, Franklin provides its own public transportation through tis Franklin Transit bus system. Many here also drive to get around the region or to commute to and from Nashville. Franklin is approximately 23 miles from downtown Nashville, which many can reach via Interstate 65, and I-65 also intersects with Interstate 840, allowing for easy travel east and west.
Mitsubishi HQ is located in Franklin.
Nissan HQ in Franklin, TN, is a key center for innovation in North American operations.
Community Health Systems is one of the largest employers in Franklin.
Williamson Health center is located in Franklin, TN.
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Important to know
Franklin’s crime rates fall well below both the state and national averages. The city’s violent crime rate is 73.5 incidents per 10,000 people, and Franklin’s property crime rate is also less than half that of the rate for all of Tennessee.
Part of Middle Tennessee, Franklin experiences four true seasons with mild winters and warm, humid summers. Extreme weather events typically occur during the spring months and late fall, with tornadoes, in particular, being a risk. Damage from high winds tends to be more common in Franklin than in other parts of Williamson County.
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Franklin, TN sell after 44 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Franklin, TN over the last 12 months is $850,000, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Not so bad fixer upper home offers easy one-level living with three spacious bedrooms and 2.5 baths, all on the main floor. Large bay windows fill the rooms with natural light, while the open layout and expansive deck make it perfect for both everyday comfort and entertaining.Set on land that lies beautifully, the property is ideal for horses. Scenic views. Located on a quiet dead-end
Luxury Golf Course Living in Franklin, TN! This home truly has it all — space, style, and a location that perfectly balances peace, privacy, & accessibility. Nestled along the scenic cart path of the highly sought-after Temple Hills Golf Course, this stunning property offers the ideal lifestyle for those who enjoy the game of golf or simply love the tranquil beauty of a golf course setting.
Welcome to your new home in the sought-after Simmons Ridge Community in Franklin. This move-in ready townhome features 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths with a thoughtfully designed open-concept layout that unites the kitchen, dining, and living spaces. The modern kitchen, equipped with a large island, granite countertops, and stainless steel appliances, offers plenty of space for both cooking and
Nestled in sought-after Charlton Green and just a short stroll from downtown Franklin’s boutiques, cafes, and festivals, this 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath residence blends timeless charm with fresh, designer finishes. Renovated in 2023 under the direction of acclaimed Nashville interior designer Stephanie Sabbe - this residence is 1 of 9 homes featured in Sabbe's recent book, "Interiors of a Storyteller"
Location, location, location! This charming two-story home is less than one mile from historic downtown Franklin, where you can stroll to award winning restaurants, boutique shops, and timeless historic sites. Featuring 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths, this cozy residence offers the perfect blend of comfort and convenience, all right in the heart of Franklin. Don’t miss the opportunity to live in one of
Come build your dream home on this custom basement lot in the desirable Highlands at Ladd Park community! Enjoy added privacy as the lot backs to a beautiful wooded common space.Community Highlights:2 resort-style poolsNearly 5 miles of scenic walking trailsBasketball court & playgroundRiver access for outdoor funLoction is unbeatable—just 15
For Lease 2BR/1BA unit A. Fully renovated, large gated backyard with garden and only steps to Franklin elementary school, beautiful quiet neighborhood. Featuring all new windows, floors, kitchen cabinets, appliances. New washer & dryer included. One pet max 25 lbs or less will be considered on a case by case basis. Landscaping & water included. Minimum 1 year lease. $2,500.00 security deposit,
Very cute cottage home located in historic downtown Franklin. Stroll along Main street and be at 5 points in just a few minutes. One level living space with hardwood floors in the open living / dining, 2 large bedrooms, and 2 full baths. Kitchen has white cabinets and has been updated with new stainless steel appliances and countertops. Lawncare, HOA fees, Washer & Dryer are included in monthly
Beautiful 3 bed, 2 1/2 bath all brick townhome in highly sought Berry Farms! Hardwoods throughout, granite countertops, SS appliances and large open concept living space with lots of natural light! Built ins and tons of storage, whole house water filtration, outdoor shed, new fridge and washer/dryer can remain. Enjoy outdoor gatherings or peaceful mornings in the charming courtyard, perfect for
Rolling green pastures, country charm and modern conveniences only begin to describe the Triune area of Williamson County. Less than 30 miles south of Nashville, this community is a blend of farmland, woodlands and planned developments. It is home to horse farms and winding rivers. First settled in the early 1800s, the district was originally known for its gracious homes and private boarding schools. “The people who settled here were high achievers and they believed strongly in education. While the rest of the county was building log schoolhouses, they built sturdy brick academies,” says Rick Warwick, the Williamson County Historian. Today, Triune appeals to history fans, outdoors lovers, equestrians and commuters eager to leave the city behind at day’s end. Demand is high. “As old farms are being divided up and sold, communities and small cities are working with developers to approve new subdivisions,” says Warwick.
Homes in the community range from about $500,000 for a 3-bedroom townhouse with granite countertops and attached garage to more than $1.4 million for a spacious 4-bedroom modern Tudor on a half-acre. Most homes are good sized lots in subdivisions with tree-lined streets and sidewalks. Homes tend to have landscaped yards and front porches with rocking chairs and flags. Most homes were built in the past two decades. Architectural styles vary, but colonials and Craftsman styles are most popular.
Given the community’s deep appreciation of education, it’s not surprising that public schools in Triune are very good. Children may begin their education at Trinity Elementary, which has an A rating from Niche. The school has a student-teacher ratio of 17-to-1. Fred J. Page Middle School also has an A rating, and a student-teacher ratio of 18-to-1. Fred J. Page High School has an A-minus rating, and a student-teacher ratio of 18-to-1. In April 2023, the data website Stacker rated the school as the 24th best in Tennessee.
Mercantile 1858 is a locally owned boutique in the community selling vintage and unique home décor and gifts. Just across Interstate 65, the city of Franklin is home to big box and chain stores, including Target and Home Depot. Grocery stores like Publix and Aldi’s are there as well. Red Bicycle Coffee & Crepes in Triune is a popular place to stop for a morning brew. Quinn’s Neighborhood Pub & Eatery serves traditional American fare in a casual atmosphere.
The great outdoors beckons in Triune. Local parks include Trinity Park, which features a walking trail, playground, baseball and soccer fields and a volleyball court. Liberty Park is an 84-acre green space with baseball fields, a playground, a disc golf course and a dog park. The Harpeth River launch site in Triune provides river access for anglers, kayakers and canoers. Equestrians can take riding lessons or enjoy trail rides at nearby Creekside Riding Academy and Stables.
Every May, Castle Gwynn, a Triune landmark, hosts the Tennessee Renaissance Fair. Travel back to the 16th Century and enjoy the pageantry, jousting and general good times. Nearby Franklin hosts several annual festivals. In June, the Blackberry Jam Festival, celebrating grass roots country music, takes place. The Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Event happens in September, featuring rock, bluegrass, jazz and other types of music.
While Triune is beautiful, it is car dependent. The community is bordered to the west by Interstate 65, which runs directly to Nashville. Murfreesboro Road, a major highway, runs through the middle of the neighborhood. Interstate 840, just a few miles south, provides access to Nashville and Murfreesboro. There are no bus or train services available.
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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.
