Franklin's rural tranquility and lakeside retreats
Along the northern reaches of Vermont, Franklin is a quiet, rural community surrounded by farmland, rolling hills and the calm waters of Lake Cami near the Canadian border. That natural beauty, paired with lower home prices, attract both full-time seasonal residents. "Franklin is one of the most affordable places to buy a home in Franklin County," says Tamar Bouchard, Realtor with Northern Vermont Realty Group and life-long Vermonter. A mix of year-round and second homes are tucked along the lakeside, clustered near Franklin's village center or spread out amongst rural roads that weave past swaths of farmland and woodland. "You have to embrace the outdoors to benefit from living here. People don't move to Northern Vermont to go to the theater; you could, but you move here for the clean air, the sunshine and the quiet, safe setting to raise a family." With just over 1,300 residents and a low CAP Index Crime Score of 1 out of 10, Franklin is where the air feels crisper, life moves slower and neighbors form deep relationships with each other, surrounded by the beauty of Northern Vermont.
Year-round recreation around Franklin
Lake Carmi, Vermont's fourth largest natural lake at 1,375 acres, anchors the community. Along the shoreline, Lake Carmi State Park attracts swimmers, boaters, campers and anglers looking to catch northern pike and walleyes. Launches cater to boaters, kayakers and canoeists. Campgrounds are divided between tents and RV sites, with amenities like showers, bathrooms, picnic areas and a playground for little ones. Five miles north, Mill Pond Campground is another popular RV campground with a swimming pool, general store and events like an annual pig roast every August.
Residents will find more recreational opportunities about 10 miles away in the Village of Enosburg Falls. The Enosburg Community Recreation Fields features a baseball diamond, several soccer fields and a basketball court, while a brand-new playground and dog park opened in 2025. The village is also home to the Enosburg Falls Country Club, which boasts an 18-hole course open to the public. Fifteen miles east of the village, the Highgate Sports Arena features additional ball fields and an indoor ice-skating rink for youth hockey leagues.
Hikers and bikers have quick access to the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail, a 93-mile gravel trail that passes through Highgate and Enosburg. Additional trails await 30 miles east at Jay State Park. Spanning over 8,000 acres, Jay State Park is one of dozens of retreats that offer hiking trails, scenic vistas and cross-country skiing within the Green Mountains. The park is also home to Jay Peak Resort, which features 81 downhill ski trails and a year-round indoor waterpark. "Jay is one of the snowiest resorts in the east," Bouchard says of the mountain that boasts an average annual snowfall that has exceeded 400 inches in recent years.
Historic farmhouses, lake houses and custom-built homes
Franklin's housing landscape is defined by its rural setting, offering a mix of traditional colonial-style farmhouses, historic hamlet homes and seasonal properties along the lake. In the heart of town, houses sit close together, often boasting detached garages and paved driveways. Surrounding rural roads give way to secluded properties, while lakefront homes offer privacy with heavy foliage that separates next-door neighbors. Sales prices in town typically range from $200,000 to $500,000, with a handful of homes selling in the mid-$100,000s. "When I say Franklin is affordable, I mean it," Bouchard says. "It's one of the few places where you can get a nice house on some land for $300,000." New construction is limited, often perched on acres of land hidden from the road. A handful of custom-built homesteads on acreage can sell for more, with prices ranging from the upper-$600,000s to $1 million. Plots of land are also available, ranging from $60,000 to $460,000.
The Missisquoi Valley School District
The Missisquoi Valley School District, which earns a C-minus from Niche, enrolls fewer than 2,000 students across three towns. Pre-kindergarteners through sixth graders may attend Franklin Central School, which scores a B-plus. Seventh through twelfth graders may then attend Missisquoi Valley Union Middle and High School, which garners a C. The district offers free after-school and summer programs for first through 12th graders.
Shopping and dining in and around Franklin
In the heart of town, Franklin General Store offers pantry staples and fresh meat for campers and locals, while their homemade pizza and deli sandwiches attract a loyal lunch crowd. Ten miles away, Enosburg Falls' establishments include a Chinese restaurant, pizza shop and Bumblebee Bistro, whose cozy interior and acclaimed menu make it a popular brunch spot. Just past Franklin's town lines, the Phoenix House 1835 is a father-and-son operation serving American fare and weekly specials in a bright yellow two-story farmhouse. The duo also oversees The Phoenix Manor 1845, a church-turned-event venue up the street.
Enosburg Falls is also home to the nearest chain stores, including Hannaford,Tractor Supply Co. and Green's Ace Hardware. St. Albans City offers additional shopping, dining and entertainment options less than 20 miles from Franklin, while entertainment options await across the Canadian border. "You're fairly far from Vermont's entertainment but are close to all that Canada has to offer," Bouchard says. "The wine district, Quebec's version of Napa Valley, is just over the border, so there are a ton of wineries and more upscale restaurants."
Small-town events in Franklin
Franklin's community spirit shines bright for such a small town. Along Main Street, the Franklin Town Hall serves as a gathering place for blood drives, baby showers and other grassroots events. Down the road, the Franklin Historical Society members meet monthly in a historic 1878 log cabin, while the Franklin Volunteer Fire Department hosts a chicken barbecue to raise funds every summer. The Franklin County Field Days in Highgate feature agricultural exhibitions, carnival rides, local food vendors and live entertainment in August.
Commuting around Northern Vermont
Franklin's town center is walkable, but the town is car dependent. Vermont State Route 120 and State Route 235 converge in the heart of town, and other nearby thoroughfares include U.S. Route 7 and Interstate 89. St. Albans City's Northwestern Medical Center is approximately 16 miles south, and Montreal is 60 miles northwest. Burlington International Airport is about 45 miles south via Interstate 89.
