Overview
Franklin is a bustling city that is south of Nashville in Central Tennessee. A city that is rich in history, Franklin offers its residents plenty of sites and museums for locals to explore the city’s past. Downtown Franklin boasts an abundance of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. Besides that, the city hosts a variety of community festivals and events throughout the year.
Climate & Geography
While the city experiences all four seasons, Franklin’s winters are fairly mild, with barely any snowfall expected. In addition, Franklin receives more sunny days and more rainfall than the national average.
Franklin was built on hilly land that is west of the Cumberland Plateau. Harpeth River runs through Franklin, as well as Sharp Branch, North Ewingville Creek, and Liberty Creek.
Recreation, Culture, & Entertainment
Franklin’s community works hard to preserve the city’s extensive role in history. Franklin is home to many historical sites, including the Lotz House Museum, Carnton, and the Carter House. These locations have been well maintained to educate visitors about their history, as all of the buildings played a significant role during the Civil War. Tours are available for visitors to learn about the history and impact that the war had on these locations.
Downtown Franklin offers a variety of entertainment options year round. Community members can get involved by participating in a variety of events and festivals, as well as a farmers market. With lively music, dining, and shopping options, downtown Franklin provides plenty of activities for locals to enjoy. Nashville is a short drive away for anyone who wants a bigger city experience.
As for outdoor recreation, canoeing is allowed in the Harpeth River, and the town features many hiking and biking trails.
Cost of Living & Taxes
Overall, the cost of living in Franklin is higher than the state and national average. Grocery costs are lower than average, while the median home cost is significantly higher than the state and national averages. Sales tax in Franklin is higher than average, at 9.75 percent. Social Security is not taxed in Tennessee, and property taxes in Tennessee are on the lower end of average when compared to other states.
Health Care
Franklin scores high on Gallup’s Well-Being Index, while the state of Tennessee scores lower than average.
Those in the Nashville area have a variety of options when it comes to health care. Williamson Medical Center and Rolling Hills Hospital are both located in Franklin. Vanderbilt University Medical Center and St. Thomas West Hospital are ranked No. 1 and No. 4 in the state by U.S. News, and are both located in Nashville.