Franklin, TNBest Places To Live in the U.S. in 2023
Franklin is the epitome of small-town, Southern charm. Minutes away from the hustle and bustle of Nashville, Franklin is a historic town with rich history and an innovative spirit where families and entrepreneurs alike can thrive.
Franklin, TN, Is One of the Best Cities To Live in America
Modern convenience meets old-world charm in Franklin, TN. Just 20 miles outside Nashville in neighboring Williamson County, Franklin combines a growing city, a strong regional economy, countless activities and ample business opportunities with history, Victorian architecture, Civil War battlefields and a quaint, historic downtown. Franklin’s versatility and well-roundedness are what make it one of the best places to live in the U.S.
Due to its high marks in the area of safety, Franklin is a great place to raise a family. In addition, the city is part of the Williamson County School District, which gets good marks for education and provides residents with a 16:1 teacher-student ratio. The schools are so good in Franklin that people and companies from across the country plant roots in the community. The city also offers plenty of fun for all ages at local farms, parks, a kid’s gym, a ceramic studio, theaters, art galleries, shopping centers and more.
Franklin is known for its top-notch health care, too, largely thanks to the many health-related businesses centered there, such as Community Health Systems, Cigna, HCA Health Care, MedSolutions and Williamson Medical Center.
With four national and seven local historic districts, Franklin is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its charming Main Street is a major draw, where visitors (locals, too!) come to shop, eat or drink, enjoy one of many festivals, or just stroll the historic streets lined with original architecture, some of which date back to the city’s founding in 1799. In addition, the Downtown Franklin Historic District stretches for 16 blocks and offers a look back at the past but with all the present-day amenities, including boutiques, wine and juice bars, tap rooms, restaurants, offices, a distillery and more.
Franklin, TN Quality of Life LivScore
Franklin, TN Top Categories
Economy
Transportation
Housing & Cost of Living
Franklin ranks highest for economy, transportation and housing.
Weather and Outdoor Activities in Franklin, TN
Franklin’s subtropical climate means summers are hot and humid, and winters are cold and damp. The city has more rain than the national average but also gets more sun than average. The average highs and lows are 88°F and 65°F (summer) and 50°F and 29°F (winter).
The average annual snowfall in Franklin is less than 6 inches.
The average annual rainfall in Franklin is 54 inches, and May and November are usually the wettest months.
Franklin averages 209 sunny days a year.
Paddle Westhaven Lake with Paddle Dog, a boat (kayaks, canoes and paddleboards) rental-meets-hot-dog-stand. Work up an appetite rowing, then enjoy a Polish sausage or beef hot dog with a lake view. Of course, dogs (the furry ones) are permitted on the boats, too.
Franklin Weather
209 days
Average Annual Sun
54 inches
Average Annual Rain
5.8 inches
Average Annual Snow
Things to Do in Franklin, TN
Bring the kids to meet, pet and possibly even kiss the alpacas at Mistletoe Farm, or they can get up close to goats at Noble Springs Dairy. (Human) kids can even learn to spin yarn from alpaca fur or how goat cheese is made.
Converted from an old stove factory, the aptly named Factory at Franklin is a great spot to shop, dine, catch a show or attend a private event. The shops sell everything from vintage to vinyl and flowers to furniture. There’s even the popular Franklin Farmers Market on Saturdays.
Bring a date to share a bottle or enjoy a glass — including 28 different options from the wine-dispensing machines! — at JJ’s Wine Bar, located in a charming old house. The wrap-around porch and outside patio seating are especially romantic.
Curio Brewing Company has the two types of brews you love. Offering both coffee and craft beers, both brewed right onsite, Curio serves something to sip on whether you want a hot latte or a cold lager.
The Local and State Economy in Franklin, TN
Major industries in Franklin include manufacturing, health care and professional, retail and scientific and technical services. In addition, major corporations, including Nissan and MARS Petcare, have headquarters in Franklin.
In 2023, the sales tax rate in Franklin is 9.75%.
No, Tennessee does not have a state income tax.
Franklin residents are in good health thanks to many top-tier providers. One of them is Williamson Medical Center, an award-winning hospital that has served the community for over 65 years and recently announced a $200 million expansion in the area.
Although there aren’t any major colleges or universities in Franklin, there are several in nearby Nashville.
Quick Facts About Franklin, TN
- Median Household Income
- $104,346
- Median Home Value
- $488,629
- Average State Property Tax
- $1,270
- Total Population
- 87,888
- Median Rent/Mo.
- $1,426
- Average Commute
- 19.87 minutes
Franklin’s strong regional economy, low crime rate and top-notch health care options make it one of the best places to live in the U.S. Learn more about Franklin, TN, and find out why Williamson County is a great place to call home. When considering a move, it can also be helpful to visit before you move there.
