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Franklin, TX Area Guide

Nestled in the heart of the Texas Triangle, Franklin is a charming small town with a rich history, natural beauty and a warm, welcoming community. Perfect for those seeking a peaceful lifestyle, a convenient commute to nearby cities or just a memorable visit, Franklin truly offers something for everyone.

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Location

Located between the Brazos and Navasota Rivers in the heart of Robertson County, Franklin is the perfect balance of peaceful rural living and easy access to Texas' major cities. Enjoy the quiet charm of small-town life driving down tree-lined county roads while staying close enough to catch an Aggie game in College Station, visit Magnolia Market in Waco or experience Austin's vibrant live music scene. In Franklin, you can escape the crowds and traffic while still enjoying convenient commutes and exciting weekend getaways.

Population

Part of Franklin's charm is its community. You're never far from a friendly face in a town with just over 1,600 residents (according to the 2020 Census). Whether helping a neighbor with car trouble or inviting newcomers over for dinner, Franklin residents embody the true spirit of Southern hospitality.

Franklin, TX History

Founded in 1880, Franklin's history is as rich as the soil it sits on. Originally part of a land grant awarded in the 1820s, Franklin was on the shortlist to become the capital of Texas before Austin took the crown. The town's roots go back to Sterling Robertson, who spearheaded the creation of Robertson County in the 1830s, attracting settlers to the fertile lands between the rivers. In the early days, Franklin was a bustling hub for farmers, ranchers and railroad workers, swelling to a population of 1,600. Today, many of Franklin's residents can trace their ancestry back to these early settlers who helped shape the town's identity.

Home to Carnegie Library

Franklin is proud to be home to one of only five original Carnegie libraries in Texas still serving as a library today! Originally built in 1914 with a $7,500 grant from the Carnegie Corporation, the library replaced the city’s smaller collection of 1,000 volumes housed in City Hall. Designed by architect Patterson, the brick building features classical details and a pressed-metal roof resembling tiles. Today, it remains a cherished part of Franklin’s history, offering educational programs and resources for the community.

The County Courthouse

The Robertson County Courthouse and Jail, located in Franklin, is a historic landmark that serves as the county's judicial hub. Built in 1880 and designed in the elegant Second Empire style by architect Frederick Ernst Ruffini, the courthouse features a signature mansard roof restored in the 2010s. Recognized as a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark in 1968 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977, this iconic building remains a cornerstone of the community. The first floor houses the County Auditor, Treasurer and law library. The second floor is home to the County and District Attorney offices, and the third floor features the County Courtroom, the County Judge's office, and maintenance facilities. This blend of historic charm and modern functionality makes the courthouse a true gem of Franklin.

Climate

Franklin experiences a diverse climate with distinct seasonal variations, offering something for everyone. Summers are hot and humid, with temperatures often reaching above 90°F from June to September, peaking in August with an average high of 96°F. Winters, lasting from late November to late February, are cool and breezy, with January being the coldest month, averaging highs of 60°F and lows of 38°F. Rainfall is spread throughout the year, with May being the wettest month, averaging 4.1 inches of rain.

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Work With Your Trusted Local Experts

When buying property in Franklin, our team stands out as the local experts you can trust. As the top real estate team in the area for 2024, we pride ourselves on being deeply connected to the community and highly knowledgeable about the unique aspects of rural properties. From understanding utility setups and property taxes to navigating the details of acreage, ranches and rural subdivisions, we bring unmatched expertise to every transaction. Whether you're seeking your dream home, a working ranch or a quiet retreat, we're here to guide you with local insight and personalized service.

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The Charm of Franklin, TX

Franklin ISD, serving over 1,300 students across three campuses, has earned exemplary recognition from the Texas Education Agency. The 3A Division I district, covering 413 square miles in Eastern Robertson County, excels in academics, school spirit and community involvement. Teachers connect with students, families support schools and Friday nights are dedicated to cheering on the Franklin Lions. With back-to-back football state titles in 2021 and 2022 and a 2024 baseball state championship, winning is a Franklin hallmark. Niche.com ranks Franklin ISD as the top 3A school in Texas (#19 overall and the only 3A school in the top 20).

Cost of Living

Franklin offers an exceptional quality of life with a significantly lower cost of living compared to national and state averages. According to Best Places to Live, the cost of living in Franklin is 19.4% lower than the U.S. average and 14.4% lower than the rest of Texas. This affordability makes it an ideal location for those seeking a comfortable lifestyle without the high costs typically associated with larger cities. Whether you're looking to buy a home, start a family or simply enjoy small-town life, Franklin provides an excellent opportunity for financial savings and a high quality of living.

Economic / Job Market

The economy of Franklin supports a diverse range of industries and offers significant growth potential for job seekers and entrepreneurs. Currently, the largest industries are accommodation and food services, health care and social assistance and public administration. In rural communities like Franklin, many job openings are filled through word of mouth, local postings on social media and physical flyers rather than traditional online job boards. This creates a unique and tight-knit job market where community connections are key. Franklin also offers numerous opportunities for entrepreneurs to establish businesses in a growing town. According to Best Places, Franklin's job growth over the next ten years is projected to be 33.7%, slightly outpacing the national average of 33.5%, making it an ideal place for career growth and new ventures.

Commerce

Franklin is a hub for small business innovation, with many entrepreneurs operating outside traditional brick-and-mortar spaces. From local artisans to service providers, the town’s supportive community and growing economy create the perfect environment for small businesses to thrive. Whether through online platforms, home-based ventures or pop-up shops, Franklin has creative opportunities for entrepreneurs to succeed.

Real Estate In Franklin

The Franklin area, spanning 465.1 square miles as a Census County Division, includes the city of Franklin and the neighboring communities of Wheelock, Ridge, Easterly, Bald Prairie, Owensville, Elliott and Camp Creek. This diverse region offers a variety of property types to suit different needs and lifestyles, including: