Franklin, Tennessee has become one of the most desirable real estate markets in the Southeast. With its blend of historic charm, strong local economy, excellent schools, and proximity to Nashville, Franklin continues to attract both residential buyers and savvy investors looking for lasting value. For those considering real estate as part of their portfolio, identifying the best places to invest in Franklin, TN is a strategic move that aligns with regional growth and enduring demand.
Franklin’s market has shown consistent appreciation over the past decade, fueled by high demand, limited inventory, and sustained interest from relocating families and professionals. As a result, certain neighborhoods and districts have emerged as particularly attractive for real estate investment. These areas offer not just aesthetic appeal and community amenities but also the fundamentals that drive long-term returns: location, school zones, infrastructure development, and tenant desirability.
For investors—whether seeking long-term rentals, short-term vacation properties, or renovation opportunities—this guide outlines the best places to invest in Franklin, TN, based on market trends, demographic shifts, and neighborhood characteristics.
Downtown Franklin: Historic Appeal with High Demand
Downtown Franklin is a historic district known for its well-preserved architecture, vibrant Main Street, and walkable environment. Homes in this area often date back to the 19th and early 20th centuries, offering unique character that continues to attract buyers and renters alike. Demand in this area remains consistently strong, especially among those seeking proximity to shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
From an investment standpoint, Downtown Franklin offers opportunities in both traditional ownership and short-term rentals, particularly due to tourism and the area's frequent events and festivals. Historic homes tend to appreciate well due to their scarcity and enduring charm. Investors who are willing to navigate preservation guidelines and make tasteful renovations can see excellent returns over time.
Given its status as the heart of the city and its ongoing revitalization, Downtown Franklin continues to rank as one of the best places to invest in Franklin, TN, especially for those who value walkability, culture, and classic architecture.
From an investment standpoint, Downtown Franklin offers opportunities in both traditional ownership and short-term rentals, particularly due to tourism and the area's frequent events and festivals. Historic homes tend to appreciate well due to their scarcity and enduring charm. Investors who are willing to navigate preservation guidelines and make tasteful renovations can see excellent returns over time.
Given its status as the heart of the city and its ongoing revitalization, Downtown Franklin continues to rank as one of the best places to invest in Franklin, TN, especially for those who value walkability, culture, and classic architecture.
Westhaven: Master-Planned Living with Long-Term Appeal
Westhaven is a master-planned community located just west of Downtown Franklin. Known for its family-friendly environment, tree-lined streets, and high-end amenities, Westhaven has become one of the most sought-after residential communities in Middle Tennessee. The neighborhood features a town center with shops and restaurants, a golf course, extensive walking trails, and a strong sense of community.
Homes in Westhaven tend to command premium prices, but they also attract high-income tenants and buyers, making the area suitable for both long-term appreciation and high-quality rental investments. The community’s design and reputation for safety, school quality, and aesthetic appeal help maintain consistently high demand.
For investors with a higher initial capital threshold, Westhaven remains among the best places to invest in Franklin, TN, offering stability, low vacancy rates, and a lifestyle that continues to attract new residents year after year.
Homes in Westhaven tend to command premium prices, but they also attract high-income tenants and buyers, making the area suitable for both long-term appreciation and high-quality rental investments. The community’s design and reputation for safety, school quality, and aesthetic appeal help maintain consistently high demand.
For investors with a higher initial capital threshold, Westhaven remains among the best places to invest in Franklin, TN, offering stability, low vacancy rates, and a lifestyle that continues to attract new residents year after year.
Berry Farms: Growth-Focused Development Near I-65
Berry Farms is a mixed-use development south of Franklin that has experienced significant growth in recent years. With residential, commercial, and retail spaces integrated into one walkable area, Berry Farms appeals to professionals, families, and retirees alike. Its location near I-65 makes it especially convenient for those commuting to Nashville or Cool Springs.
The area includes new construction homes, modern townhomes, and luxury apartments, providing a range of investment opportunities. Because it is still in a growth phase, Berry Farms offers the potential for property value appreciation as infrastructure and amenities continue to develop.
As an up-and-coming area with a strong focus on live-work-play convenience, Berry Farms is emerging as one of the best places to invest in Franklin, TN, especially for investors seeking new construction with long-term potential.
The area includes new construction homes, modern townhomes, and luxury apartments, providing a range of investment opportunities. Because it is still in a growth phase, Berry Farms offers the potential for property value appreciation as infrastructure and amenities continue to develop.
As an up-and-coming area with a strong focus on live-work-play convenience, Berry Farms is emerging as one of the best places to invest in Franklin, TN, especially for investors seeking new construction with long-term potential.
McKay’s Mill and Cool Springs: Proximity to Commerce and Corporate Offices
Located near the Cool Springs Galleria and a large concentration of corporate offices, McKay’s Mill offers a mix of single-family homes and townhomes that appeal to professionals and families. Its strategic location between Franklin and Brentwood gives it strong commuter appeal, while the nearby retail and dining options add to its desirability.
Cool Springs itself isn’t a residential neighborhood but is surrounded by several communities that benefit from its economic activity. The demand for housing near major employers has created consistent rental demand and reduced vacancy risk. These characteristics make the surrounding communities attractive for investors looking for reliable cash flow in well-maintained properties.
When considering the best places to invest in Franklin, TN, areas near Cool Springs and McKay’s Mill present strong income potential and low turnover, especially for those interested in long-term rental strategies targeting professionals and relocating families.
Cool Springs itself isn’t a residential neighborhood but is surrounded by several communities that benefit from its economic activity. The demand for housing near major employers has created consistent rental demand and reduced vacancy risk. These characteristics make the surrounding communities attractive for investors looking for reliable cash flow in well-maintained properties.
When considering the best places to invest in Franklin, TN, areas near Cool Springs and McKay’s Mill present strong income potential and low turnover, especially for those interested in long-term rental strategies targeting professionals and relocating families.
Leipers Fork: Rural Luxury with a Unique Market Niche
For investors looking beyond traditional subdivisions, Leipers Fork offers a rural, upscale alternative with unique market dynamics. Known for its pastoral scenery, large estates, and vibrant arts scene, Leipers Fork is attractive to high-net-worth buyers seeking privacy and character. The area appeals to those interested in equestrian properties, luxury second homes, or boutique short-term rentals.
While not a high-density investment area, Leipers Fork provides opportunities for niche investing that can produce strong returns when targeting the right audience. Properties here are often custom-built and carry premium pricing, but their appeal to affluent buyers from Nashville and beyond keeps demand steady.
Leipers Fork remains one of the best places to invest in Franklin, TN for those who understand luxury rural markets and are seeking properties with land, character, and privacy.
While not a high-density investment area, Leipers Fork provides opportunities for niche investing that can produce strong returns when targeting the right audience. Properties here are often custom-built and carry premium pricing, but their appeal to affluent buyers from Nashville and beyond keeps demand steady.
Leipers Fork remains one of the best places to invest in Franklin, TN for those who understand luxury rural markets and are seeking properties with land, character, and privacy.
Fieldstone Farms: Affordability and Steady Demand
As Franklin’s popularity has grown, affordability has become a key consideration for investors. Fieldstone Farms, a large residential community in north Franklin, offers a more approachable entry point compared to some of the newer or more upscale developments. The neighborhood includes a wide range of homes and amenities such as pools, walking trails, and community centers.
Due to its location within highly rated school zones and its accessibility to both Downtown Franklin and Cool Springs, Fieldstone Farms has maintained strong interest among first-time buyers, young families, and renters. From a rental perspective, homes in this area tend to perform well, especially in terms of occupancy and turnover.
Investors seeking long-term value without the price tag of luxury developments often find Fieldstone Farms to be one of the best places to invest in Franklin, TN, especially when targeting middle-market renters or resale buyers.
Due to its location within highly rated school zones and its accessibility to both Downtown Franklin and Cool Springs, Fieldstone Farms has maintained strong interest among first-time buyers, young families, and renters. From a rental perspective, homes in this area tend to perform well, especially in terms of occupancy and turnover.
Investors seeking long-term value without the price tag of luxury developments often find Fieldstone Farms to be one of the best places to invest in Franklin, TN, especially when targeting middle-market renters or resale buyers.
Ladd Park and Waters Edge: Family-Oriented Developments with Modern Homes
Newer communities such as Ladd Park and Waters Edge represent the ongoing expansion of Franklin toward the south. These neighborhoods are designed with families in mind and include newer construction homes, green spaces, and easy access to I-65 and downtown.
Because these developments are relatively new, homes often include modern features, energy efficiency, and open floor plans—all of which appeal to today’s homebuyers and tenants. As Franklin continues to grow southward, properties in these neighborhoods are expected to appreciate steadily, making them attractive for investors focused on long-term equity growth.
These communities round out the list of best places to invest in Franklin, TN, particularly for those looking for move-in-ready homes that require minimal renovation and attract quality tenants.
Because these developments are relatively new, homes often include modern features, energy efficiency, and open floor plans—all of which appeal to today’s homebuyers and tenants. As Franklin continues to grow southward, properties in these neighborhoods are expected to appreciate steadily, making them attractive for investors focused on long-term equity growth.
These communities round out the list of best places to invest in Franklin, TN, particularly for those looking for move-in-ready homes that require minimal renovation and attract quality tenants.
Connect with Heather Hamel to Explore Investment Opportunities
With its consistent demand, strong appreciation rates, and high quality of life, Franklin offers a compelling landscape for real estate investors. Whether you're looking at established neighborhoods, growing communities, or niche luxury markets, identifying the best places to invest in Franklin, TN is essential for long-term success.
To explore available properties and develop a tailored investment strategy, connect with Heather Hamel. With extensive local market knowledge and a proven track record in both residential and investment real estate, Heather Hamel offers expert guidance to help clients navigate Franklin’s thriving real estate market with confidence.
To explore available properties and develop a tailored investment strategy, connect with Heather Hamel. With extensive local market knowledge and a proven track record in both residential and investment real estate, Heather Hamel offers expert guidance to help clients navigate Franklin’s thriving real estate market with confidence.
