Downtown Franklin

If you are considering moving to Nashville, you should give downtown Franklin a look. Founded in 1779 and named after Benjamin Franklin, this quaint, Rockwell Esque downtown is the picture of quintessential Americana yet still oozes music city cool. Just 22 miles south or a 30-minute drive from downtown Nashville, Franklin, is often seen as a suburb of Nashville, but Franklin, a 75,000 resident community, is a city of its own. 

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Downtown Franklin is a small historic area that houses some beautiful antique architecture, unique shopping, craft dining, and a small community with all of the perks of a big city. However, this beautiful area comes with a cost of living 47% higher than other parts of the state. Franklin's median home values are $760,400, and one can expect to see far higher prices downtown.  

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While Franklin's art and cultural scene is tied closely with Nashville, Franklin has an impressive Arts scene for a community of it's size. Downtown Franklin is full of art galleries such as Gallery 202, Clint Edgar Gallery, Rare Prints Gallery, and DeAnn Art Galley. On the first Friday of every month, downtown Franklin hosts 1st Fridays, an art crawl where guests can walk the streets, check out the historic buildings and galleries while sipping on cocktails and wine. At least monthly, downtown franklin has a festival. One of the best-known festivals is the "Dickens of a Christmas" festival. Held every December by The Heritage Foundation of Williamson County, "the Dickens of a Christmas festival"  recreates the time of Dicken's with historic Franklin as the backdrop. Musicians, actors, and dancers fill the streets, entertaining the locals. The roads are closed down, and local vendors set up tents. Some of the other festivals in downtown Franklin are Main Street Festival, Bluegrass Along the Harpeth, Pumpkinfest, and Wine Down Main Street. During the summer months, Franklin hosts movies in the park. 
 
Everywhere you go in Franklin, there is live music. Music is part of the fabric of the community; when you are out and about in Franklin, live music is seamlessly interwoven in every location and every event. Downtown Franklin is home to the Franklin Theater, a historic theater that hosts concerts, movies, dance events, live theater, and more. Kimbro's Pickin Parlor, The Bunganot Pig, and GREYS on Main host intimate local shows, and every summer, just outside of downtown Franklin is the Pilgrimage Music Festival. Hosted at the Park At Harlansdale, the two-day Pilgrimage Music Festival has six stages and over 60 musicians, attracting roughly 25,000 people. 

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The Bunganot Pig and Kimbros are both local bars with live music. But locals looking for a sophisticated watering hole can check out JJ's wine bar. JJ's wine bar is housed in a historic home and offers vending machines where guests can self-serve and sample fine wines. Beer lovers can wet their whistle at Hop House; this locally-focused bar offers 30 rotating taps focusing on local breweries. 

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The Franklin Cool Springs area has a plethora of dining options, but right in the heart of Downtown Franklin, there are many fantastic walkable dining options. Franklin Mercantile is a local favorite for breakfast and lunch. Puckett's serves Tennessee southern-style food casually while 55 South offers southern comfort fare with Cajun influences. The Red Pony has a fine-dining take on southern fare. The Frothy Monkey is a local café and popular meet-up spot where visitors can sip on coffee or order fresh food and spend long hours. In a three-story 1876 victorian building, GREYS on Main offers southern food and hosts concerts and events. Whether you live in downtown Franklin or are just visiting, the restaurants are a draw. 

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Downtown Franklin shopping is as big a draw as the restaurants. Franklin is home to many antique stores, record stores, local boutiques, and charming galleries. Just beyond the downtown area is The Factory At Franklin. The Factory not only houses a variety of local eclectic shops from Luna Record Shop to Second Impressions Consignment, but they also host Fairs, festivals, concerts, theatre, film screenings, and the Franklin farmers market.  Also housed within this once abandoned factory space are restaurants such as Five Daughters Bakery, Maffiaoza's Pizzeria, and Mojo's Tacos.

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If you spend a little time in Franklin, you will quickly learn that while this city is as cool as it comes, it doesn't take itself too seriously. There is always something fun happening in Downtown Franklin, and the residents are too busy enjoying their lives to be concerned with what's hip. It is no surprise that many celebrities and country stars have chosen to call Franklin home.

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For more information on moving to Downtown franklin, or for help moving to your perfect Neighborhood in Nashville, contact Erin Gillespie.