About Franklin, TN

Franklin is the county seat of Williamson County, located just 21 miles south of downtown Nashville. It is part of the Greater Nashville Metropolitan Area and serves as one of Tennessee’s most desirable suburban cities. According to the 2020 U.S. Census, Franklin has a population of 83,454.

Before European settlement, the area was home to seven Native American tribes. The first European settler, Ewen Cameron from Scotland, built a log cabin here in 1798. The city was founded in 1799 and named after the American statesman and Founding Father Benjamin Franklin.

Before the Civil War, Franklin prospered with farms producing tobacco, hemp, and cattle. During the war, the area saw major conflict, including the Second Battle of Franklin in 1864, which resulted in nearly 10,000 casualties and the conversion of more than 40 buildings into temporary hospitals. The years that followed brought Reconstruction, segregation under Jim Crow laws, and the Civil Rights Movement, all of which shaped the city’s history.

Today, Franklin blends historic charm with modern sophistication, offering residents a family-friendly atmosphere, excellent schools, and a close connection to the cultural and economic opportunities of nearby Nashville.

What To Do in Franklin, TN

Franklin offers a mix of historic attractions, scenic parks, and cultural experiences.

• Historic Districts: Franklin has five designated historic districts featuring preserved buildings dating back to the 19th century. Many are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, reflecting decades of community-led preservation efforts since the passage of the National Historic Preservation Act in 1966.
• Museums and Memorials: The Lotz House, Carter House, and McLemore House have been restored as museums that tell the stories of Franklin’s Civil War history. The Armed Forces Memorial on the Williamson County grounds honors veterans from the Buffalo Soldiers to modern-day service members.
• Outdoor Activities: Timberland Park offers waterfalls and peaceful hiking trails, while Marcella Vivrette Smith Park provides mountain biking paths. Golfers can play at Franklin Bridge Golf Club, Cheekwood Golf Club, or the Little Course at Conner Lane. Horseback riding is available at Shining Tree Farm and Creekside Riding Academy & Stables. Visitors can also take hot air balloon rides for scenic views of Williamson County.
• Destination Location: The Park at Harlinsdale Farm, a 200-acre public park that was once a horse farm, includes a dog park, hiking trails, and event spaces for sports and community gatherings.

Working in Franklin, TN

Franklin’s economy is supported by healthcare, retail, manufacturing, and education. The unemployment rate is 3.1%, lower than the national average of 4.3%. Median household income is $118,156, which exceeds the national median by approximately $34,000.

Economic growth in Franklin is significantly above average, with a 10-year projected job growth rate of 54.3%, compared to the national forecast of 33.5%.

Key employment sectors include:

• Healthcare and social services (16.3%)
• Professional, scientific, and technical services (14.2%)
• Retail trade (10.7%)
• Educational services (8.1%)
• Manufacturing (7.7%)
• Accommodation and food services (7.7%)
• Finance and insurance (7.4%)

Franklin, TN Neighborhoods

Franklin’s housing market is one of the most expensive in Tennessee, with median home prices exceeding $1 million.

• Central Franklin: Home to neighborhoods like Rolling Rivers and River Club Estates. Median home price $1,570,382; average rent $3,597; vacancy rate 10.9%.
• Montpier Farms: Rural area featuring the Natchez Hills Estate. Median home price $1,375,815; average rent $4,347; vacancy rate 0%.
• Ashton Park / Crockett Springs: Known for horse farms and country living. Median home price $1,184,899; average rent $3,124; vacancy rate 7%.
• Avalon / Montclair: Features Marcella Vivrette Smith Park. Median home price $1,109,636; average rent $4,003; vacancy rate 0%.

Franklin, TN School District

Public schools are managed by the Franklin Special School District, which spends $27,867 per student annually and maintains a student-teacher ratio of 11:1.

Private schools in Franklin include:

• Saint Matthew Catholic School (PK–8)
• Battle Ground Academy (K–12)
• Franklin Christian Academy (5–12)

Higher education options include Belmont University and Williamson Christian College. Within 50 miles, there are 27 more colleges and universities, including Tennessee State University in Nashville, approximately 18 miles away.

Moving to Franklin, TN Resource Guide

Franklin operates under a board of Mayor and eight Aldermen. More information is available on Franklin’s official website.

The Franklin Parks and Recreation Department manages 18 public parks totaling more than 900 acres. Amenities include walking and fitness trails, playgrounds, picnic areas, disc golf, basketball and tennis courts, skateboarding areas, and youth and adult sports programs.

Franklin, TN Housing

The median home price in Franklin is $1,100,000, with an annual increase of 4.5%. The housing market is balanced, with a near-equal ratio of buyers and sellers. Housing costs are 115% higher than the national average and 135% higher than the state average. The overall cost of living is 43% higher than the Tennessee average and 32% higher than the U.S. average.

Military Bases Near Franklin, TN

The following military installations are located within 50 miles of Franklin:

• Joint Base Berry Field / 118th Wing – Nashville Air National Guard, located at Nashville International Airport
• Arnold Air Force Base – Tullahoma
• Fort Campbell – U.S. Army installation on the Kentucky/Tennessee border
• Nashville Military Entrance Processing Station