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Moving To Franklinton, NC
Are you considering a move to Franklinton, NC? Check out these top ten things to know about living in Franklinton.
Franklinton is a charming small town of 2,718 residents and offers the perfect blend of historic charm, natural beauty, and convenient access to Research Triangle Park.
Located in Franklin County, just 30 minutes North of Raleigh, Franklinton has become increasingly popular among professionals seeking an escape from urban hustle while maintaining career opportunities in the Triangle area.
As one of the best places to live in North Carolina, Franklinton is known for its beautiful real estate, friendly locals, and affordability. Its authentic small-town atmosphere, modern amenities, and thoughtful growth planning set it apart from other areas in the Triangle.
The town has successfully preserved its historic downtown while welcoming new residents and businesses, creating a unique community where 19th-century charm meets 21st-century convenience.
Franklinton provides housing options for every lifestyle and budget, from tree-lined streets lined with historic homes to new developments offering contemporary living spaces.
Whether you're a young professional seeking your first home, a growing family looking for excellent schools and safe neighborhoods, or someone ready to embrace the slower pace of small-town living, Franklinton offers compelling advantages.
The town's strategic location provides the best of both worlds: peaceful residential living with easy access to major employment centers and world-class healthcare, shopping, and cultural attractions throughout the Research Triangle region.
Wake County often overshadows Franklin County, but it offers its special and unique features. Throughout Franklinton, you will be surrounded by a tight-knit community and a laid-back way of life.
Here is everything you need to know before making the move to Franklinton
1. A Growing Real Estate Market
Franklinton is a great place to buy a home. With a median sale price of $462,156, it is an attractive alternative to pricier markets in Wake County. Properties typically spend around 68 days on the market, indicating a healthy, balanced market that favors buyers and sellers.
The town offers everything from charming historic homes in the downtown area to modern new construction developments on the outskirts. Many properties feature larger lots than urban areas, giving families more space for outdoor activities and gardening. The variety ensures there's something for every budget and lifestyle preference.
2. Prime Location with Easy Access to Major Cities
Franklinton's strategic location is one of its most significant selling points. Situated just 30 minutes North of Raleigh and 25 minutes from Durham, residents enjoy small-town living while maintaining convenient access to major employment centers, world-class healthcare, and cultural amenities of the Research Triangle.
The town sits along US Highway 1, providing direct routes to I-85 and I-95, making commutes to other parts of North Carolina and neighboring states remarkably convenient. This accessibility has made Franklinton increasingly popular among professionals who work in the Triangle but prefer a quieter, more affordable place to call home.
Raleigh-Durham International Airport is only a 33-mile drive away, so residents can easily catch a flight to a domestic or international destination. Traveling could not be easier when living in Franklinton.
3. Rich History
Franklinton has a fascinating history that adds character to daily life. Established in 1842 and named after Benjamin Franklin, the town served as a critical railroad junction in the 19th and early 20th centuries. This railroad heritage is still visible in the restored depot and historic downtown architecture.
The town's Main Street retains much of its original charm, with several buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Walking through downtown feels like stepping back in time, with well-preserved storefronts and tree-lined streets that tell the story of North Carolina's railroad era.
Franklin has always been a rural county with an economy based on agriculture, lumber, and textiles. It has recently begun to grow in population due to the proximity of Research Triangle Park, but it has a small-town feel and affordable housing.
4. Affordable Cost of Living
Beyond housing costs, Franklinton offers a generally affordable cost of living compared to urban areas in the Research Triangle. With a cost of living 17% lower than the national average, it is no wonder that many families, young professionals, and retirees want to call Franklinton home.
Housing expenses in Franklinton are 51% lower than the national average, utilities are 6% lower, and transportation expenses are 8% lower. Property taxes are reasonable, and everyday expenses like groceries and dining out remain budget-friendly.
The town's location allows residents to take advantage of competitive service pricing while avoiding the premium costs associated with major metropolitan areas. This affordability extends to entertainment and recreation, with many free or low-cost community events and activities throughout the year.
Here is the average price of everyday items in Franklinton, NC:
| Cost of Living Item | Average Price |
| Energy Bill | $187.87/month |
| Phone Bill | $181.73/month |
| Doctor's Visit | $156.89 |
| Dentist Visit | $129.01 |
| Loaf of Bread | $4.00 |
| Bunch of Bananas | $0.73 |
*Data sourced from Payscale.
The median household income in Franklinton is roughly $64,053, which is lower than the North Carolina average. To better gauge whether Franklinton is affordable, you can use the 28% rule, which states that your monthly rent or the sum of your monthly mortgage, property taxes, and insurance should be at most 28% of your gross income.
5. Strong Sense of Community and Small Town Charm
Franklinton's greatest asset is its genuine sense of community. Neighbors know each other by name, local businesses remember their customers' preferences, and community events draw participation from all ages and backgrounds.
The town maintains a quintessential small-town feel, where people wave to each other on the street, and local news still matters. This active civic engagement creates strong social bonds and ensures that newcomers can quickly find ways to get involved and feel at home.
Many community events throughout the year bring the whole town together, including the Funkytown Festival, First Friday in Franklinton, Frankenfest, and the Franklinton Christmas Parade.
6. Excellent Educational Opportunities
Franklinton is part of the Franklin County School System, which has significantly improved recently. For families with younger children, several elementary and middle schools serve the area with dedicated teachers and supportive learning environments.
Franklinton High School offers a comprehensive curriculum with Advanced Placement courses, career and technical education programs, and strong athletic programs that unite the community. Franklinton Elementary and Franklinton Middle are also highly rated.
The proximity to renowned universities like Duke, UNC-Chapel Hill, and NC State provides excellent higher education options within commuting distance, making Franklinton attractive to families planning for their children's futures.
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7. Outdoor Recreation and Attractions
Most attractions in the area are located in nearby towns that residents can easily access. Franklinton is a part of Franklin County, where there are many things to do, including shops, top-rated restaurants, festivals, museums, and recreation.
Nature enthusiasts will find plenty to love in and around Franklinton. The town sits in the rolling hills of the North Carolina Piedmont, providing beautiful scenery and numerous outdoor recreational opportunities. Falls Lake, one of the area's premier recreational destinations, lies just a short drive away, offering boating, fishing, swimming, and hiking trails.
Several parks and green spaces within the town provide venues for family picnics, youth sports, and community gatherings. The mild climate allows for year-round outdoor activities, from spring gardening to fall hiking. Many residents maintain vegetable gardens and enjoy the area's rich soil and favorable growing conditions.
8. Crime Rate and Safe Neighborhoods
The overall crime rate in Franklinton is 30.54 per 1,000 residents. This rate is slightly higher than the North Carolina average and is considered to be safer than 9% of other comparable U.S. cities.
The town's small size fosters a close-knit community where neighbors look out for one another, and the Franklin County Sheriff's Office provides responsive law enforcement services.
Most neighborhoods feature quiet residential streets where children can safely ride bikes, and families can enjoy evening walks. The sense of security extends to the downtown area, where local businesses create a welcoming environment for residents and visitors alike.
The chances of becoming a victim of property crime in Franklinton is one in 38, and the chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is one in 227. The most common type of crime in Franklinton is theft.
Franklinton Annual Crimes:
| Violent | Property | Total | |
| Number of Crimes | 12 | 71 | 83 |
| Crime rate (per 1,000 residents) | 4.42 | 26.12 | 30.54 |
*Data Sourced from NeighborhoodScout.
9. Mild Climate
Franklinton enjoys North Carolina's classic humid subtropical climate, characterized by mild winters and warm summers. The town experiences four distinct seasons, each offering outdoor opportunities. Average temperatures range from the mid-40s in winter to the mid-80s in summer, making it comfortable for year-round outdoor activities and gardening.
The hot season in Franklinton lasts about 3.6 months, from May 28th to September 15th. The hottest month is July, with an average high of 88 degrees and a low of 69 degrees.
The colder seasons last approximately three months, from December 1st to February 28th. January is the coldest month, with an average high of 50 degrees and an average low of 33 degrees.
When visiting Franklinton, the best months to experience warm-weather activities are mid-May to Late June and mid-August to early October.
10. Thriving Downtown and Local Business Scene
Franklinton's downtown area is lively, with new restaurants, shops, and services breathing life into historic buildings. Local entrepreneurs have opened unique boutiques, cafes, and specialty stores that reflect the community's character and provide convenient shopping options.
The town regularly hosts farmer's markets, festivals, and community events that showcase local businesses and create opportunities for residents to connect. This emphasis on supporting local commerce has created a vibrant downtown atmosphere that continues to attract new businesses and visitors from surrounding areas.
Methodology
Data was sourced from the North Carolina Office of State Budget and Management, the Town of Franklinton, PayScale, and NeighborhoodScout to determine the best things to know about living in Franklinton, NC.
FAQs
Is Franklinton, NC, a good place to live?
Franklinton is a great place to live in North Carolina. It offers low-cost real estate, small-town charm, and a revitalized downtown district.
Where are most people moving to NC from?
North Carolina welcomes new residents from across the country, but many people move here from California, New York, Virginia, Florida, and Texas.
Moving To Franklinton, NC - Final Thoughts
Franklinton offers the perfect combination of small-town charm, historical character, and modern convenience that today's homebuyers look for. Whether you're a first-time buyer, growing a family, or looking to downsize, this welcoming community provides an excellent starting point for your next chapter with plenty of safe neighborhoods.
Are you ready to move to Franklinton? Our experienced agents know the local market inside and out and can help you find the perfect home in this charming North Carolina town. Contact us today to start your journey toward calling Franklinton home.
