Franklin was originally a small agricultural community, but as the suburbs of Nashville extended southward, it has grown to a city with a population (July 2004) of approximately 48,191, making it one of the fastest growing cities in Tennessee. Franklin has a historic main street downtown, and the community is known for its old south charm, quality entertainment, and numerous annual festivals. Its proximity to Nashville provides all the additional cultural offerings of a big city, while maintaining its set-apart small town feeling.
Location
Franklin is located in Williamson County, in Middle Tennessee. It is the county seat.
Geography/Terrain
The total land area of Franklin is 30 square miles. It is located on the Harpeth River. The elevation of Franklin is 648 feet. The area is characterized by naturally wooded hillsides.
Distance to 3 closest major cities
The closest major city to Franklin is Nashville, which is 17 miles to the north. There are a number of towns within 15 miles of Franklin, including: Brentwood, Thompson’s Station, Forest Hills, Oak Hill, Belle Meade, Spring Hill, Nolensville, and Berry Hill.
Jobs
The primary industries providing employment in Franklin are: educational, health and social services (17.6%), manufacturing (13.1%), finance, insurance, real estate, rental and leasing (12.7%), retail trade (11.8%), and professional, scientific, management and administrative services (10.4%). The average commute for Franklin residents who are employed elsewhere is 23 minutes.
Housing
There are many varied possibilities for purchasing a home in Franklin,
Including the beautiful, historic downtown and its established neighborhoods,
subdivisions, and a great deal of new construction. Townhome prices begin in the low $200,000’s+, and the average price for a condominium is $180,000. Single family homes range anywhere from $150,000 into the multi millions for custom built estates with acreage.
Parks/Sports/Recreation/Golf
Franklin has many beautiful parks, with playgrounds, picnic facilities, and softball and football fields. There is also a skate park, which is very popular with the local youth.
Liberty Park is an 846 acre park with walking trails, baseball fields, and basketball and tennis courts. Pinkerton Park is a local park which is the site for
special events such as Movie Night, and Music in the Park.
Franklin has wonderful courses for golf enthusiasts, and is home to the Franklin American Mortgage LPGA Championship every year. Forrest Crossing Golf Club has an 18-hole course open to the public. Private courses are located at The Country Club of Franklin, The Legends Club of Tennessee, and Temple Hills Country Club. Additionally, the entire Nashville area has numerous golf courses and resorts.
Special Attractions/Events
One of the most interesting locations in Franklin is The Factory at Franklin,
which is a depression-era factory that has been renovated into one of Tennessee’s unique destinations for shopping, dining, and entertainment.
There are many special events that are hosted annually in Franklin, for locals and visitors alike. Some of the celebrations include the Main Street Festival,
The Franklin Rodeo, The Town and Country Tour of Homes, Franklin on the Fourth, the Williamson County Fair, The Franklin Jazz Festival, the Southern Folklife Festival, Pumpkin Fest, the Carter House Candlelight Tour of Homes,
and A Dickens Christmas.
The McLemore House African-American Museum has educational exhibits
Describing the life and achievements of African Americans in Williamson County.
Interesting Facts/Historic Buildings and Places
The City of Franklin was named after Benjamin Franklin. It was founded in October of 1799.
Carnton is a plantation home that served as a field hospital after the Battle of Franklin. The estate has the largest privately owned Confederate cemetery in the nation.
The Carter House, which was built in 1830, was the scene of a Civil War battle. Winstead Hill is south of the Carter House, and was the location where General John Bell observed his advancing Confederate troops.
Fort Granger, with a spectacular view of the city of Franklin, was built in 1862 by Union troops. Roper’s Knob, a major signaling post during the war, is located north of downtown.
The Natchez Trace Parkway (which follows the original trail) was used in the 19th century by traders and travelers.
Recent national recognition of Franklin includes the following:
*Money Magazine's Top 10 Places to Retire
*Money Magazine's Top 100 Best Places to Live
*Clean Cities Award (TN Department of Transportation)
*Tree City USA
*Great American Main Street Award
*Preserve America Community
*Number One Small Town in Tennessee
*Reader's Choice Award for Natchez Trace *Parkway/Scenic Drive
*One of Five Best Places in America to Antique Shop
*Five National Register Historic Districts
*A 2007 Top 10 U.S. Destinations by TripAdvisor
- NUMBER1EXPERTS™ 
