How Walkable is Franklin, TN?

by Aaron Glicken

A historic downtown surrounded by suburban sprawl gives Franklin, TN near Nashville, TN a Walk Score of just 23. That places it in the second-lowest tier. The city has been growing steadily as one of Tennessee's most desirable suburbs, attracting residents with its mix of historic charm and new development.

Walkability in the Nashville area

Franklin's 23 sits below the Nashville metro average of 29. Among nearby cities, Murfreesboro (25), Columbia (24), and Gallatin (24) score comparably, while Hendersonville (14) and Spring Hill (11) are even more car-reliant. Brentwood (4) anchors the bottom.

Nashville's suburban ring was built for cars, and Franklin is no exception. The Main Street historic district offers a compact walkable zone, but the vast majority of the city's residential and commercial areas follow a conventional suburban pattern with wide roads, cul-de-sacs, and strip-center retail.

What a Walk Score of 23 means

Franklin's Walk Score of 23 means almost all daily errands require a car. The exception is the compact downtown, where residents within a few blocks can walk to restaurants and shops. Beyond that core, the city is designed around driving. The bike score of 30 (Minimal Bike Infrastructure) reflects limited cycling options. Transit score data is not available, consistent with minimal public transportation.

Why do buyers choose Franklin?

Franklin draws buyers who accept car dependence in exchange for a high-quality suburban experience. The median sale price of $869,565 is up 9% year over year, the highest Among Nashville-area Nashville-area cities. Homes sell in a median of 47 days with about 15% selling above asking. The market is moderately active with 3.5 months of supply. About 36% of listings go pending within two weeks.

For walkability seekers, Franklin's downtown offers a small pocket of pedestrian-friendly living, but the city overall cannot compete with Nashville's urban neighborhoods. The premium reflects the suburban amenities, open space, and community character rather than pedestrian access. The city's Main Street district represents an ongoing investment in walkable commercial space, though it serves a fraction of the population.

City/Neighborhood Walk Score Bike Score Transit Score Median Price Days on Market
Franklin ★ 23 30 — $869,565 47 days
Columbia 24 27 — $384,807 77 days
Gallatin 24 36 — $439,780 76 days
Murfreesboro 25 38 — $428,790 61 days
Smyrna 20 32 5 $419,790 55 days
Clarksville 18 27 — $314,842 71 days

Limited to neighborhoods with at least 10 home sales in the period.

All data comes from Redfin and represents a three-month rolling average ending July 2026. This article has been generated, in whole or in part, using generative artificial intelligence (AI) technology, with input from Redfin head of economics research Chen Zhao. While efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of this information, you should independently verify all data, facts, and citations contained in this article before relying on it for any purpose. This information is not a substitute for advice from a real estate agent, financial advisor, or other licensed professional. Check the Redfin Data Center for additional in-depth housing market data.