Small-town living and working farms in Franklin Township
Franklin Township in Warren County sits about 10 miles east of the Delaware River, which marks the Pennsylvania-New Jersey state line. The Pohatcong and Scotts mountains overlook Franklin Township, which was incorporated in 1839 and named after Benjamin Franklin. The community takes pride in its agricultural roots, and its preserved natural areas and generational working farms reflect the township’s slogan: “A Clean Agricultural Community.” “It’s a small town and a beautiful, quiet area—especially the mountains,” says Charlie Green, owner of Green Farms, a plant farm in the township. “The loudest thing I hear are the birds in the springtime.” Despite its rural setting, Franklin Township is situated about 10 miles from Phillipsburg and abutting the borough of Washington , conveniences aren’t far from this rural community.
Housing, acreage and scenic hill views in Franklin Township
Vast farmlands and meandering country roads allow for privacy. Homes are scattered along main roads, clustered in subdivisions and standing alone on generous acreage with long driveways and detached garages. Lots are level, and some properties have views of tree-covered hills. Homes were built between the late 1700s and early 2000s in the Colonial, New Traditional and ranch styles. The price range is equally broad, starting at about $310,000 and going up to $950,000, depending on factors like home and lot size. Properties along the Musconetcong River and Pohatcong Creek face an increased flood risk.
Franklin Township has public schools and a community college
Franklin Township School, rated B-minus on Niche, educates students from kindergarten to sixth grade and has a student-teacher ratio of 8-to-1. Warren Hills Regional Middle, rated B-minus and Warren Hills Regional High, rated B, also serve the community. Warren County Community College, located in the township, extends dual enrollment opportunities to high schoolers. For those inclined toward trade careers, the C-plus-rated Warren County Technical School is also located in Franklin Township. New Jersey has an Interdistrict Public School Choice program, allowing out-of-district students to apply for open seats.
Franklin Township’s local businesses and farms
Residents can stock up on fruits and vegetables from Woolf’s Farm Produce and pick their own sunflowers, apples and pumpkins at Von Thun Farms. Asbury Coffee Mill, housed in an 1800s building, serves locally roasted coffee alongside breakfast and lunch options, while Ciao Pizzeria offers pizza and burgers. Local businesses line Route 57, like Strictly Archery, which specializes in bows and arrows. “It’s a community where local businesses thrive, especially from word of mouth,” says Charlie Green. “I am a third generational farmer, been doing this for 12 years; I inherited it from my father and grandfather.” The nearest supermarket is ShopRite in Washington, and for more big-box stores, shoppers can drive to Phillipsburg.
Outdoor fun in Warren County
Residents have access to a variety of outdoor recreation options in and around the township. Bread Lock Park features walking paths, picnic spots and the Warren Heritage Museum, which opens on select Sundays. Roaring Rock Park is a sprawling expanse of hardwood and cedar forests with hiking trails and a creek stocked with trout. Harkers Hollow Golf Club is a public 18-hole golf course with a membership option that includes pool access. Franklin Township Recreational Sports orchestrates seasonal athletics for children, and nearby Meadow Breeze Park has athletic courts and a playground. Additionally, residents are less than 10 miles from boating at Merrill Creek Reservoir and hiking the Morris Canal Greenway Trail.
Small-town festivities in Warren County
Villa Roller Rink is a Franklin Township hotspot for celebrations, birthday parties and skating sessions. Washington hosts annual small-town events like the seasonal Washington Borough Farmers Market on Saturdays, and in the fall, music lovers come out to watch three stages of live performances at Festival in the Borough. The Warren County Farmers’ Fair & Balloon Festival brings carnival rides, tractor pulls, horse shows and hot air balloons to Phillipsburg for a multi-day summer event.
Route 57 and Interstate 78 connect to the wider region
Franklin Township is a car-dependent community with no public transportation. Route 57 is the main road that cuts across the township, connecting drivers to Washington, Phillipsburg and St. Luke’s Hospital—Warren Campus. With Interstate 78 skirting the southern edge of the township, drivers have convenient access to nearby cities like Allentown and Newark . Franklin Township is about 25 miles from Lehigh Valley International Airport.
Pesticide use helps control mosquito-borne illness in Warren County
In the summer of 2025, the West Nile Virus was detected in the township. This mosquito-borne virus mainly affects birds, but it can spread to humans, which typically results in mild symptoms. To reduce the spread, Franklin and neighboring townships treat standing bodies of water with pesticides.
