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Franklin

Franklin

$238,549 Average Value
$154 Average Price per Sq Ft
53 Homes For Sale

Franklin is a booming, historic city in southeast Virginia

Franklin is an independent city with origins dating to the 19th century when it was a railroad stop and epicenter for transport and trade. Situated in the western Tidewater region along the mouth of the Blackwater River, its rural surroundings include low-lying wetlands and farmland. The community is home to major employers like the Bon Secours Southampton Medical Center, Paul D. Camp Community College and an international paper mill. “People move to the area because of employment opportunities,” says Donna Poplin, a Realtor with RE/MAX Bridgeway Realty, who’s lived in the area her whole life. “The hospital and community college employ lots of people, and the mill is split between Franklin County and Wright County.” Residents find a good sense of community in Franklin, which is about 22 miles from Suffolk and 45 miles from Norfolk. The North Carolina border is 27 miles south. “The area has a small-town atmosphere,” Poplin says, “with a lot of mom-and-pop shops and small businesses.”

The International Paper mill stands as a significant industrial landmark in Franklin, Virginia.
The International Paper mill stands as a significant industrial landmark in Franklin, Virginia.
Cypress Cove Pond provides a tranquil natural retreat mere minutes from Franklin, Virginia.
Cypress Cove Pond provides a tranquil natural retreat mere minutes from Franklin, Virginia.
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Florists and farmers markets downtown

This community’s beating heart is the Downtown Franklin Historic District, adorned with florists, bakeries, shops and eateries. Fred’s Restaurant is a family-owned landmark with homestyle favorites. Wydia’s Bistro is another small mom-and-pop restaurant that serves soul food. Franklin’s Market, open on Wednesday and Saturday, sells fresh produce and bakery items. In Franklin Plaza, located on Armory Drive, there’s also a Food Lion and a Lowe's.

Indulge in mouthwatering dishes at Fred's Restaurant, a gem in Franklin's Historic Downtown.
Indulge in mouthwatering dishes at Fred's Restaurant, a gem in Franklin's Historic Downtown.
Franklin Farmers Market bustles with locals exploring fresh produce and artisanal goods.
Franklin Farmers Market bustles with locals exploring fresh produce and artisanal goods.
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Traditional homes starting in the $100,000s

Houses in Franklin offer both historic and countryside living. Turn-of-the-century craftsman and American foursquare homes with woodsy backyards range from $100,000 to $350,000. The city also has contemporary homes with large yards and long driveways ranging from $250,000 to $450,000.

A modern home exemplifies the contemporary residential developments in Franklin, Virginia.
A modern home exemplifies the contemporary residential developments in Franklin, Virginia.
Franklin boasts a charming neighborhood with rows of traditional-style homes.
Franklin boasts a charming neighborhood with rows of traditional-style homes.
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Early college program at Franklin High

Students may start at S.P. Morton Elementary School, which has a C-minus from Niche, before moving on to Joseph P. King Jr. Middle, which also gets a C-minus. Franklin High receives a C and offers an early college program.

Franklin High School cultivates a sense of community among its diverse student body.
Franklin High School cultivates a sense of community among its diverse student body.
S. P. Morton Elementary School encourages interactive learning experiences.
S. P. Morton Elementary School encourages interactive learning experiences.
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Commuting via U.S. Route 258, Route 58

Commuters can use U.S. Route 58 to get to Suffolk or Norfolk. “You can walk downtown, but other than that, a car is needed,” Poplin says. The Department of Aging Services offers public transportation for senior citizens called I-ride, which reaches Norfolk. Bon Secours Southampton Medical Center is closeby, in the north end of Franklin. The closest airport, Norfolk International, is 50 miles east.

Blackwater views at Barrett’s Landing Park

Near downtown, Barrett’s Landing Park offers scenic views of the Blackwater River, as well as fishing and boating access. The park also has a gazebo where concerts are held every third Thursday from June to September. Armory Drive Recreational Park features sports fields, a swimming pool, two playgrounds and tennis courts. The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center has fitness and art classes, a game room and a swimming pool. And the Cypress Cove Country Club is a popular destination for golfing.

Anglers cast lines at Barrett's Landing Park, a scenic spot along the Blackwater River in Franklin, Virginia.
Anglers cast lines at Barrett's Landing Park, a scenic spot along the Blackwater River in Franklin, Virginia.
A golfer hones putting skills at Cypress Cove Country Club, nestled in the heart of Franklin, Virginia.
A golfer hones putting skills at Cypress Cove Country Club, nestled in the heart of Franklin, Virginia.
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Festivals on Fourth Avenue and Main Street

The neighborhood hosts an annual Franklin Fall Festival on Main Street with tractor rides, food and art vendors, as well as a Christmas Parade that runs along Fourth Avenue and Main Street. The area also hosts a Downtown Boo Bash that includes pumpkin painting and trick or treating.

Important to know

Poplin says sometimes the paper mill produces a smell that wafts through the town.

Logan Soter-Reardon
Written By
Logan Soter-Reardon
Lindsay Lack
Photography Contributed By
Lindsay Lack
Ruo Zheng
Video By
Ruo Zheng

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Amber McCulloch, an experienced agent in this area.

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
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. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Franklin Housing Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$290,000
Median Sale Price
$282,450
Median Single Family Sale Price
$305,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$184,950
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$140,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
220
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
$3
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$154

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes for Sale
53
Months of Supply
2.90

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value



Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Franklin Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
8,120
Median Age
43
Population under 18
24.9%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
23.6%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$49,459
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$62,478

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
83.7%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
20.4%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
9.2%
% Population in Labor Force
61.5%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
48''
Average Winter Low Temperature
29°F
Average Summer High Temperature
90°F
Annual Snowfall
8''
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.
Franklin
Amber McCulloch
Family First Realty Inc.
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