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 Historic Downtown 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.
Students love the green spaces at Centennial High School
Children catch the bus 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.
View the stunning Mitsubishi HQ located in Franklin.
Nissan HQ 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.
Written By
Yann Ranaivo
Photography Contributed By
Nathan Pedigo
Video By
Joshua Kassabian
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Franklin, TN sell after 50 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Franklin, TN over the last 12 months is $1,000,000, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Custom luxury home zoned for highly sought-after Clovercroft Elementary, Woodland Middle, and Ravenwood High. Positioned on a premium homesite backing to green space with sweeping views of the Tennessee hills, this exceptional residence offers an all-stucco exterior, custom double iron doors, and soaring 20-foot ceilings in the foyer and great room. The chef’s kitchen features a Wolf appliance
Freshly painted and ready for immediate occupancy! This 4BR/2.5BA Franklin home offers 2,337 SF of light-filled living space, finished hardwood floors throughout with tile in wet areas. Flexible layout. A dramatic two-story foyer welcomes you inside, while the spacious living room features vaulted ceilings, abundant windows and a gas fireplace, perfect for cozy evenings when the weather turns
There is still time to make your design selections for phase 2 townhomes! Discover the ease of luxury, low-maintenance living in Phase 2 of one of Franklin’s most exciting new communities just minutes from the iconic downtown square. This pre-sale townhome offers over 2,300 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and al-fresco dining outdoor space. Designed
Welcome to a true 10 out of 10—where timeless design meets modern comfort on nearly 3/4 of an acre with NO HOA, just minutes from downtown Franklin and I-65. Offering 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths/3,026 sq ft, this renovated & exceptional home delivers space, style, and privacy in one stunning package.The expansive main level showcases light hardwood flooring and thoughtfully designed living spaces
**BUYER INCENTIVES BEING OFFERED** (with acceptable Offer) / Home Warranty from 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty*PLUS* $750 towards Buyer's Appraisal with the use of Seller's preferred Lender:Kevin Watson / Churchill Mortgage / 615-364-2548 / Kevin.Watson@ChurchillMortgage.com -- Perfect opportunity for a First-Time Homeowner or someone looking for Low-Maintenance Lock & Leave Living! Located on
Finally, the Fieldstone Farms home you have been waiting to buy* Replacement windows & new gutters~8/2025* Good-looking hardwood floors* Spacious den w/ fireplace opens to Updated Granite center island kitchen with Frigidaire appliances* Pantry* Living presently home office with French doors* Large upstairs owner's suite* New bathroom floor~ 2/2026* Mid-level bonus for all the fun to happen* The
**NEW PRICE ADJUSTMENT — NOW THE BEST VALUE IN WESTHAVEN!** If you’ve been waiting for a home with **exceptional square footage, a finished walkout basement AND a private pool**, this is the opportunity you’ve been looking for. This rare combination is incredibly difficult to find in Westhaven, making this an outstanding value for buyers seeking space, amenities, privacy, and the opportunity to
*Instant Lender Credit with Preferred Lender! Experience elevated living in the highly desirable Daventry community in this exceptional Harrington floor plan, where thoughtful design meets unforgettable style. From the moment you enter, you'll be captivated by the custom bourbon lounge—a sophisticated space that sets the tone for entertaining and offers the perfect showcase for your favorite
NEW PRICE! 2 Primary's and an attached apartment! Who needs an apartment for a studio or a multigenerational home or rental potential?Moments from Historic Downtown Franklin, this extraordinary residence masterfully blends the character of a historic home with the sophistication and complete luxury renovation completed in 2021. You will find custom craftsmanship, architectural detail, and
**MOTIVATED SELLER!! BRING ALL OFFERS!!** New Roof just installed 7/15/2026!! Welcome to this beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home with over 2,500 sq ft, ideally located in the heart of historic downtown Franklin within a charming, boutique neighborhood of just 15 homes. With only one home currently available in the community, this is a rare opportunity to secure exceptional value in a
Privacy! Acreage! Outbuilding! Williamson County Schools! This property feels like two homes in one. Priced below appraised value.This amazing luxury listing is one of a kind! Nestled in the picturesque Leipers Fork area of Franklin, TN, this gated, heavily wooded and stunning 16-acre estate offers the perfect blend of privacy, space, and modern amenities. With 5 spacious bedrooms, 3 full
Welcome to 1878 Traditions Circle, an exceptional luxury residence in Brentwood's sought-after Traditions community, zoned for award-winning Ravenwood High School. Situated on a private, beautifully landscaped half-acre lot, this 5-bedroom, 5 full and 2 half bath home offers over 5,300 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space where sophisticated style meets everyday comfort.Filled
Beautiful updated brick home in a fantastic Dallas Downs just minutes from Historic Downtown Franklin! Inside, you'll find a bright white and black kitchen with a views of the expansive rebuilt deck with trex, updated flooring, a subway tile shower and a welcoming layout with plenty of space to live and entertain. The bonus room is accessed by its own separate staircase, creating excellent
Completely transformed from top to bottom, this move-in-ready residence blends timeless style with today's modern finishes, offering an exceptional opportunity to own a like-new home just minutes from Historic Downtown Franklin. Perfect to use as a rental as this townhome is being sold fully furnished.Every inch of the home has been thoughtfully renovated with quality craftsmanship and
2025 Prices in 2026! Seller being transferred is your gain* Look no further! Discover this stunning 4-5 bedroom newer construction custom home nestled in the highly sought-after Lookaway Farms* Enjoy breathtaking sunset views from everywhere* SPLASH into your own POOL!* Beautiful saltwater, zero-entry custom heated pool with auto cover* The home boasts a one-level living space with a spacious
The Everly at Historic Franklin offers elegant living in the heart of prestigious Franklin, just steps from vibrant Downtown. Choose from spacious one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments and townhomes featuring wood-style plank floors, granite countertops, and chef-inspired kitchens, perfectly blending sophistication and comfort.Enjoy resort-style amenities, including a sparkling pool
BRAND-NEW FURNISHED TOWNHOME IN THE HEART OF WESTHAVEN! Available September 1! Currently being professionally furnished and designed, with professional photos coming soon. Enjoy luxury, convenience, and walkable community living in this beautifully appointed new townhome located in Westhaven's highly sought-after Town Center. Thoughtfully designed across three levels, the home features a private
Whether you’re looking for a one or two-bedroom layout in Franklin TN, IMT at the Galleria offers the best apartments with spacious floor plans and upgraded interiors. Each home includes an array of top-tier apartment amenities from stainless steel appliance packages and accented backsplashes to in-home washer/dryer. Just outside their doors, residents have access to all the best shopping and
Welcome to Westhaven, one of Franklin's most sought-after golf cart communities, where walkable, tree-lined streets put you steps from shops, restaurants, schools, and parks. This beautifully finished home has plenty of main floor living with thoughtful space to grow!Open concept living and kitchen area anchored by granite countertops and high-end trim finishes throughout, stainless
BRAND-NEW CONSTRUCTION & professionally furnished in Westhaven! Be the first to call this stunning 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath corner-lot home yours. Offering 2,944 sq ft of thoughtfully designed living space, this newly built residence is being professionally designed, furnished with all-new furniture, and fully outfitted for a truly turnkey luxury living experience. Everything is NEW—from the home and
Welcome to Paxton Cool Springs Apartments, where modern living meets natural beauty. Surrounded by scenic views and thoughtfully designed green spaces, our community offers luxury amenities and effortless access to Franklin's most popular destinations. When you choose Paxton Cool Springs, you're not just finding a place to live-you're joining a community designed with you in mind.Our
Remodeled - Move-in ready 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath townhome located in the Fieldstone Farms community of Franklin. This light-filled home offers abundant windows, updated flooring, and an open, functional layout designed for comfortable everyday living.Residents may enjoy access to Fieldstone Farms amenities, including two swimming pools, two fitness centers, a clubhouse, and scenic walking
Discover spacious, pet-friendly living at Wyndchase Aspen Grove, where thoughtfully designed apartment homes meet the charm and convenience of Franklin's premier Cool Springs neighborhood. Offering one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartment homes, our community is surrounded by beautiful green space while placing you in a historic Franklin location, just minutes from premier shopping, dining, major
Designer-Furnished Southern Gem in the Heart of Downtown Franklin. Updated photos to come! Step into this beautifully furnished 4-bedroom home where designer style meets Southern charm in one of Tennessee’s most sought-after locations. Thoughtfully curated with high-end furnishings and inviting living spaces, this home offers the perfect blend of comfort, functionality, and sophistication.
TOUR YOUR WAY! We have a tour to fit your needs- virtual, self-guided, or agent-guided. Find your next home at MAA Cool Springs in Franklin, TN. This community is a Green Certified Site, featuring stunning one-, two-, and three-bedroom Craftsman-style homes. Beautiful interiors include designer finishes like granite surfaces, hardwood floors, and stainless steel appliances. Make new friends
Just over a mile from the charm, culture and energy of Franklin's Historic Downtown, this beautifully designed all-brick home offers more than a place to live, it offers a lifestyle you'll fall in love with the moment you arrive. Imagine evening walks along sidewalk-lined streets leading home after a dinner downtown, neighborhood gatherings with friends, and quite mornings filled with natural
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