Is Living in Franklin, Tennessee, Right for You? A Complete Guide

Living in Franklin, Tennessee, has become increasingly popular thanks to its booming job market, luxurious amenities, and historic neighborhoods. While Franklin is widely regarded as an excellent place to live, its popularity also comes with a higher cost of living and a lifestyle that may not suit everyone.

Franklin at a Glance

• Population: Franklin’s population sits at just over 89,100.
• Median age: The median age in Franklin is 38.6 years.
• City size: Franklin’s total area is 44.5 square miles.
• Location: Franklin is the county seat of Williamson County in Middle Tennessee.
• Fun fact: The city is named after Benjamin Franklin.

20 Things To Know About Living in Franklin, Tennessee

Is Franklin, TN, a good place to live? Before packing your bags for Franklin, be prepared to trade the grit of city living for the slower pace of a Southern city. Be warned, though: Moving to Franklin also comes with home prices and a cost of living higher than the state average. Here’s everything you should know about moving to Franklin, TN, to determine whether it’s the right place for your next chapter.

1. The Cost of Living in Franklin, Tennessee, Is High

Franklin’s cost of living score is 139.4 — over 39 percent higher than the national average, and 50 percent higher than the state average — making it one of the most expensive cities in Tennessee.

According to the MIT Living Wage Calculator, a family of four with two working adults needs to make at least $106,600 annually before taxes to account for basic living costs; while a couple without children needs to make $67,400 annually before taxes; and a single person with no kids should bring in closer to $51,100 annually before taxes.

2. Pros and Cons of Living in Franklin, Tennessee

Franklin consistently ranks high for its quality of life, but there are some lifestyle trade-offs to consider.

Pros of Living in Franklin, Tennessee

• Historic charm and culture
• Robust job market
• Strong schools
• Pet-friendly environment

Cons of Living in Franklin, Tennessee

• High housing costs
• Car dependency
• Hot and oppressive summers
• Limited nightlife

3. Franklin’s Luxury Housing Market Is in High Demand

Franklin’s housing market is one of the most sought-after in the state, driven by a strong demand for upscale homes and communities. Low inventory due to zoning restrictions also leads to more competition. The average home value in the city is $904,500, which has gone up nearly 1.5 percent over the past year.

Franklin offers a mix of historic charm and new development, ranging from century-old Victorian homes to high-end modern builds, townhomes, and condos.

4. Franklin’s Rental Market Has Become More Steady

While Franklin’s rental market is characterized by high prices, there has been a slight downward trend as more supply has opened up. The average rent for apartments of all sizes is $2,050 — a 0.25 percent decrease from the previous year. The average size for a studio is 725 square feet, while the average size for a three-bedroom apartment is 1,525 square feet.

Moving to Franklin, TN? Downtown homes offer beautiful living spaces just a short walk from the area’s lively streets, shops, and restaurants.
(Source: Keller Williams Realty Franklin, TN)

5. The Best Places To Live in Franklin

From walkable streets to upscale amenities, neighborhoods in Franklin are designed with community in mind. The best neighborhoods to live in the city include:

• Fieldstone Farms: Located on the north side of Franklin, the beautiful neighborhood of Fieldstone Farms is known for its privacy and natural surroundings. The community features an abundance of custom-built homes with spacious yards perfect for growing families. Residents also enjoy convenient access to nearby commuter roads and shopping at The Mall at Green Hills.
• Downtown: The lively Downtown Franklin sits at the heart of the city’s best entertainment, dining, and shopping options. The walkable streets and vibrant atmosphere make it particularly appealing for singles, young adults, and professionals.
• Forrest Crossing: Ideal for retirees who value a blend of suburban tranquility and everyday convenience, Forrest Crossing centers around Franklin Bridge Golf Club and offers other public amenities like swimming pools and tennis courts, great for staying active.

6. Franklin’s Climate Is a Mix of Mild Stretches and Weather Extremes

Franklin has a humid subtropical climate, which is characterized by four distinct seasons. Spring typically brings the most pleasant temperatures, while rainfall is fairly consistent throughout the year. Summers are hot and humid, with temperatures often climbing over 90°F.

Franklin’s winter is milder compared to northern states with less snowfall and lows bottoming out at 29°F, but ice storms can still pose a hazard.

While Franklin isn’t the most tornado-prone in the region, the risk remains, particularly during the peak months from March through May.

7. Franklin Comes With a Crime Rate Lower Than Many Tennessee Cities

Franklin comes with a crime score of 37, meaning it’s safer than 37 percent of U.S. cities.

The city is safer than many similarly-sized cities, and is also generally safer than nearby cities in the state, including Nashville. Overall, crime in Franklin is driven by property-related offenses rather than violent crime.

The violent crime rate in Franklin is about 1 incident per 1,000 people, compared to the property crime rate of 10 per 1,000. Most of the city’s neighborhoods are considered safe, though, like any city, there are a few dangerous areas.

8. The Best Things To Do in Franklin, Tennessee, Blend the City’s History With the Great Outdoors

Some of the best things to do in Franklin involve exploring its vast history and natural scenery. Here are some of the best things to do in the city:

• Historic Main Street: Stroll along Great American Main Street in Downtown Franklin — visit local art galleries and unique boutiques such as White’s Mercantile.
• Civil War Sites: Take a guided tour and explore the pivotal history of the 1864 Battle of Franklin at landmark homes like the Lotz House and the Carter House.
• The Park at Harlinsdale Farms: This beautiful 200-acre park offers a large walking track, dog park, and catch-and-release fishing.
• Timberland Park: Take a hike on well-maintained loop trails, ranging in difficulty from easy to more strenuous.

9. Franklin Is Nashville’s Best Kept Music Secret

While maintaining a quaintness that rivals some of the best small towns in Tennessee, Franklin has a Nashville-sized secret — the city is home to musicians seeking a quieter lifestyle away from the hustle and bustle of the big city. Industry icons call the city home at least part-time, including Miley Cyrus, Nicole Kidman, and Justin Timberlake.

That also means great concerts. Distinct concerts are put on in the city at venues like the outdoor amphitheater at Graystone Quarry. One of the area's most prominent cultural institutions is the Franklin Theatre, a beautifully restored theater built in 1937 that hosts everything from live musical performances to film screenings and stand-up comedy.

Savor modern American cuisine with subtle Asian-inspired flavors at The Rutledge — one of the best places to eat out when living in Franklin, Tennessee.
(Source: The Rutledge via Facebook)

10. The Dining Scene in Franklin Offers a Sophisticated Blend of Tastes

The Franklin area is known for its sophisticated cuisine, featuring a blend of classic comfort and New Southern refinement. Popular dining spots include:

• Puckett’s Restaurant: A downtown staple famous for its smoked meatloaf and ribs, served in a casual yet lively environment.
• Cork & Cow: An upscale steakhouse noted for its steaks, wines (hence the name), and standout dishes like braised duck cavatelli and scallop and shrimp gnocchi.
• The Rutledge: Known for its modern American cuisine with subtle Asian-inspired touches, The Rutledge offers a diverse menu with everything from premium steaks and wood-fired pizzas to fresh sushi and creative small plates, like strawberry salad with feta cheese.

11. Franklin’s Job Market Continues To Thrive

Franklin’s economy is driven by high-income residents and a booming corporate sector. The city also has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the state, at 2.9 percent as of late 2025.

Franklin is home to some of the biggest brands in the world, with options in healthcare, transportation, and logistics. Plus, the service industry is the city’s leading employment sector. Some of the area’s largest employers include Community Health Systems, Williamson Health, Lee Company, and Nissan North America.

12. Franklin Comes With Top-Rated Schools

Several noteworthy educational institutions in Franklin are among the top-performing in the state. Williamson County Schools is ranked as the best school district for those living in Nashville and the fourth-best school district in the state. The Franklin Special District is also highly rated.

Along with robust local higher education options like Williamson College, residents are also a short commute from major universities in Nashville, such as Belmont University.

13. Franklin Offers Specialized Public Transit Options, But You’ll Still Need a Car

The Franklin Transit Authority operates fixed-route buses on a regular basis; it’s somewhat limited compared to other major metropolitan areas. The agency's major routes are the Red Route, which serves the west side of Franklin and Fieldstone Farms, and the Blue Route, which connects to the Cool Springs Galleria.

The city also offers Transit on Demand (TODD), a curb-to-curb, pre-arranged shuttle service commonly used by seniors and ADA-eligible residents.

14. Residents of Franklin Are Within Easy Driving Distance of Nashville’s Sports Franchises

While the city of Franklin focuses on recreational and community sports, it serves as a gateway to Nashville's professional sports scene.

The NFL’s Tennessee Titans are a cornerstone of sports culture in the region, and play at Nissan Stadium. The Nashville Predators hockey team, on the other hand, draws in its energetic and passionate fans at Bridgestone Arena.

Other prominent teams include the Nashville SC (MLS) and Nashville Sounds (MiLB).

15. Local Events & Festivals Are a Core Part of Franklin’s Culture

Franklin is known for its vibrant calendar of events and festivals, which are a vital part of the area's culture:

• Main Street Festival: One of the largest street festivals in the South, featuring over 150 vendors, live music, and food trucks.
• Dickens of a Christmas: Downtown Franklin is transformed into a Charles Dickens-era village with musicians and dancers that celebrate the holiday season.
• Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival: A major two-day music festival at Harlinsdale Farm that brings in world-class musical acts.

There are plenty of places to enjoy a cold one in Franklin, but we suggest you start your search at Curio Brewing Company — a local favorite for unique beers and ciders.

16. The Brewery Scene in Franklin Is Growing

Franklin has a growing local brewery scene, featuring quality taprooms, brewpubs, and unique gathering spots that offer diverse beer selections and inviting atmospheres, such as:

• Curio Brewing Company: A community-focused taproom environment where unique beers and ciders are brewed on-site.
• Hop House Tennessee Taps: A downtown favorite known for its taps showcasing beers from all across the state.
• M.L. Rose Neighborhood Pub: Popular for its wide range of beer selections and dog-friendly patio.

17. Nightlife in Franklin Isn’t Designed for Every Crowd

Franklin’s nightlife scene may be different compared to nearby Nashville suburbs, but it still makes for a fun night out. While you won’t find multi-story nightclubs that stay open late, there are plenty of spots that offer great cocktails, listening rooms, and a quiet ambiance.

Establishments like The Legendary Kimbro's Pickin’ Parlor offer a unique back-porch music with live performances, and are regarded as one of the area's most authentic music venues. For a refined night out, locals enjoy the Amendment XVIII Cocktail Club and its high-end, prohibition-era experience.

18. Franklin Is One of the Most Pet-Friendly Cities in the United States

The city of Franklin has been regarded as one of the most pet-friendly places in the country, and it was even one of the first cities to be certified as having an improved care environment for animals through the MARS Petcare Better Cities For Pets program. Most local restaurants with patios are very accommodating to four-legged guests.

Large dog parks found all across the city, such as Freedom Run Dog Park, allow your pets to burn off some steam and roam free.

19. Traffic Congestion Can Lead to Longer Commute Times

Those considering a move to Franklin need to take traffic into consideration, especially when it comes to traveling into Nashville. A clear plan before making a commute is most helpful with the heaviest congestion along I-24, I-65, and I-40. All in all, traffic in Franklin may not be as heavy as in larger metropolitan areas, but as the city continues to grow, congestion could increase over the next few years.

20. Easy Day Trips From Franklin Offer a Change in Environment

Thanks to its convenient location, 20 miles south of Nashville and direct access to Interstate 65 and State Route 840, Franklin offers several options for day trips, including:

Nashville (20-30 minute drive): Offers a broader city culture with exciting nightlife, music, and dining spots.

Columbia (30-40 minute drive): Known for its historic town square and antique shopping.

Mammoth Cave National Park, KY (1.5-2 hour drive): Take a cave tour in one of the world’s largest cave systems.

Living in Franklin, Tennessee — FAQs

Q: Why are people moving to Franklin, Tennessee?
A: People are moving to Franklin for a high-quality life, complete with a thriving job market and great schools.

Q: Is it better to live in Nashville or Franklin?
A: The choice will depend on your lifestyle, as Nashville offers a more vibrant, urban energy while Franklin provides a quieter and more affluent lifestyle.

Q: Is Franklin, TN, a wealthy town?
A: Yes, Franklin is one of the wealthiest cities in Tennessee.

Q: Does Franklin, Tennessee, get a lot of snow?
A: Franklin does not get a lot of snow, averaging just two inches annually.

PODS offers flexible moving solutions with a portable container delivered right to your driveway.

Moving to Franklin, TN, With PODS

You can make your move to Franklin flexible with a portable moving container delivered right to your driveway. Load it up on your own time, or have PODS connect you with local packing and loading assistance. Once you’re ready, your container will be picked up and delivered to your new Franklin home, or you can keep it in a PODS Storage Center until you’re ready for it. One month’s storage is included in the cost of every move, so there’s no need to feel rushed.

Visit PODS online for a free local moving quote or call 877-350-7637 for long-distance moving.

Editor’s note: For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100.

_{*This article was written on behalf of PODS Enterprises, LLC (“PODS”). PODS does not warrant the completeness or accuracy of any information contained in this article and disclaims any liability for reliance upon the content herein.}