Franklin, TNBest Places to Live in the U.S. in 2024

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 2 inches. 

The average annual rainfall in Franklin is 53 inches.

Franklin averages 213 sunny days a year.

Explore all that nature has to offer by hiking the Natchez Trace Parkway. Photos of the views are a must. Or 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. 

Strolling historic downtown Franklin is a great way to pass the time. Explore the charming streets lined with boutiques, art galleries and beautiful historic buildings. Depending on the time of year, you might even stumble upon a lively community festival.

Take 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.

Franklin was a pilot city for Mars Petcare’s “Better Cities for Pets” initiative to make the city a pet-friendly destination. Franklin has several Fido-friendly merchants with a shared pet code of conduct, as well as waste stations throughout downtown.

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.

Gray’s on Main is housed in a historic building on Main Street and offers a lively, fun-filled atmosphere. With a diverse menu featuring Southern-inspired dishes, craft cocktails and live music, it’s a popular spot for a fun night out.

In 2021, FirstBank Amphitheater opened in the southern corner of Williamson County. The music venue is just 10 minutes from downtown, tucked inside Grayston Quarry, and surrounded by a beautiful, park-like setting. Since its opening, the Amphitheater has hosted many big names like Zach Bryan and the Jonas Brothers.

JJ’s Wine Bar is the perfect spot to drink al fresco. Housed in a historic home in the heart of downtown Franklin, this upscale spot has nearly 30 different wines on tap and local art available for purchase. 

Franklin’s major industries include health care, professional, retail, and scientific and technical services. In addition, major corporations, including Nissan and MARS Petcare, have headquarters in Franklin.

In 2024, 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 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 significant colleges or universities in Franklin, there are several in nearby Nashville.