Living a Mountain Lifestyle in Franklin, North_Carolina

Franklin is located between two popular scenic gorges, the Cullasaja and the Nantahala. The Cullasaja takes some spectacular spills creating lower Cullasaja Falls. Nestled in the southwestern corner of North Carolina, it serves as the southern gateway to the Blue Ridge Mountains and Great Smokies. Many people have vacationed in Franklin only to dream of moving here.  Hiking, rafting, fishing, kayaking, tubing, waterfalls, mountain scenic drives, local festivals, gem mining, museums and so much more. Take a walk behind the roaring 75 foot wall of water of Dry Falls. The mountainscape is lined with many hiking trails, including the famous Appalachian and Bartram Trails and waterfalls.

Franklin has just over 4,000 residents and life is simpler here.  Services, shops, Medical Center, almost every denomination of church, grocery, restaurants, fast foods, Lowe's, WalMart, K-Mart and more make Franklin an ideal location.

Where to Retire in Franklin and Home Prices

Several active adult communities are located in the area (see Franklin Active Communities link at left). Zillow reported in mid-2021, the median home value was $198,346.

What Is Special about Franklin

The beautiful Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains. Many active adult communities, hiking, fishing, slow floats down the Little Tennessee River, beautiful scenic drives, Little Tennessee River Greenway, gem and rock hounding and simply relaxing. Low taxes and cost of living. Cooler in summer.   Free concerts every Saturday night in town during Summer-Fall months.  Open for business year-round.

What Is Not Special about Franklin

It is special.  The only negative can be mountain weather.  As in any mountain community, roads can ice in winter, but Franklin doesn't get that much snow and ice due to the elevation.  Other communities such as Highlands, Cashiers, Asheville having elevations above 3000 feet get a good bit.

Climate and Physical Environment

Mountains surround Franklin.  2100'-2800'.  Beautiful scenic mountain vista property as well as gorgeous pasture property looking up to the mountains.

Restaurants & Cultural Scene

New Performing Arts Center brings entertainment to Franklin.  Many local artists.

Crime

Crime in Franklin ia very low.

Medical Facilities

Angel Medical Center, part of Asheville's Angel Hospital. There is a hospital 18 miles away towards Cashiers/Highlands.

Transportation

The nearest airports are about 60 miles away (Knoxville TN and Asheville NC), Atlanta is 2-1/2 hrs.

Valuable Links

Wikipedia on Franklin
Franklin City-Data
Town of Franklin
Franklin Chamber of Commerce
Mini-guide to retirement in North Carolina

Rate This Town