Welcome to Franklin, NC—a mountain town where scenic beauty, vibrant culture, and small-town charm combine to create one of the most desirable places to live in Western North Carolina. Whether searching for a mountain getaway, your forever home, or an investment property, Franklin offers the lifestyle you've been dreaming about.
At Vignette Realty, we're proud to call Franklin home—and even prouder to help you make it yours.
Franklin is perfectly located, just a short drive from charming towns like Highlands, Cashiers, Bryson City, Sylva, and Lake Glenville. These neighboring communities add even more richness to the area, whether you're looking for new dining spots, day trips, or potential investment properties.
Franklin is a foodie haven with restaurants, breweries, bakeries, and cafes that rival any mountain town in the region.
Lazy Hiker Brewing: Local craft beer staples.
Currahee Brewing: Riverfront beer garden with a laid-back vibe.
Slanted Window Vineyards Tasting Station: Wine tasting in the heart of town. Snif, Swirl and Sip on some of the best wines made here in Macon County! Senamore Vineyard and Farms offers tours to visitors and locals so make sure you submit a reservations. You'll find the host and Hostess very knowledgeable and fun. Not only is Franklin North Carolina a great place to by a home and settle, it's a great lifestyle most people are in search of!
Just Donuts: Not just donuts! Try their bagels. They also have great egg, sausage, bacon breakfast sandwiches and very creative donuts which would make a New York baker cry!
828 Cafe: A cozy spot for breakfast or lunch.
Haywood Smokehouse: A go-to for savory barbecue.
Yonder Community Market: Locally sourced goods perfect for your new kitchen.
Franklin Pizza Tavern: Hand-tossed pies for dine-in or takeout.
These local eateries make living—and dining—in Franklin even more enjoyable for residents and visitors alike.
For an evening out, catch a show at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts. From concerts to plays and touring acts, this venue enriches the cultural life of Franklin—and is just one more reason why so many homebuyers choose to relocate here.
Enjoy a beautiful drive from Franklin to Highlands - watch the below video and enjoy a nice summer drive through the road to Highlands, NC. Beautiful waterfalls, massive cliffs and a winding country road.
Downtown Franklin is walkable and full of unique local businesses:
Trail Mix: A haven for hikers and outdoor lovers.
Kitchen Sink: A favorite for cooks and entertainers.
Blush Boutique: Trendy fashion finds just steps from local real estate listings.
Looking for a property near downtown? Vignette Realty can show you homes within walking distance to Franklin’s best shops and restaurants.
Franklin is a dream for hikers and nature lovers.
With direct access to:
Pickleball is a great sport with many people in Franklin, NC and Highlands, NC. Check out Kristie's Pickle Ball Video below!
Franklin has several Pickleball clubs including:
Blue Ridge Mountains Pickleball Club
To find locations to fish at in Macon County, many clients have visited Blue Ridge Highlander which has a complete list of Western North Carolina locations.
Wayah Bald Lookout Tower: Panoramic mountain views.
Pickens Nose: A moderate hike with unforgettable vistas.
The drive to Highlands, featuring Dry Falls, Bust Your Butt Falls, and riverside pull-offs.
Saturday mornings in the spring, summer and fall is a perfect time to meet up with friends, talk to local farmers and pick up fresh produce, honies, meats and other home grown products. It is all real at the market, including the mushroom guy so have some fun. Below is a video Vignette Realty created to provide people with the experience of the market in Franklin, NC. Enjoy the movie, many people have!
Enjoy weekends at Lake Nantahala, Lake Chatuge, Lake Fontana, Glenville Lake, and more—perfect for boating, kayaking, or lakeside picnics.
Highlands Outpost: Snow tubing, skating, and the longest mountain coaster in NC.
Highlands Aerial Park: Zipline through 95 acres of stunning mountain wilderness.
Check out other great videos about our Western North Carolina Towns!
From cozy cabins to modern mountain homes, Franklin’s real estate market offers a variety of options for:
First-time buyers
Vacation home seekers
Retirees looking for peaceful mountain living
Investors wanting to capitalize on tourism and short-term rentals
At Vignette Realty, we specialize in connecting clients with homes for sale in Franklin, NC that fit their lifestyle and goals. Whether you're relocating, retiring, or investing, we offer personalized service with local insight.
Franklin, NC isn’t just a destination—it’s a place to call home. Let Vignette Realty be your trusted guide to buying or selling property in this incredible mountain town.
🏡 Contact us today to schedule a showing, explore available listings, or learn more about the real estate opportunities waiting for you in Franklin, NC.
People were also interested in the Franklin Chamber of Commerce Visitors Guide - Check it out.
4,221 people live in Franklin, North Carolina, where the median age is 47.3 and the average individual income is $27,002. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Total Population
Median Age
Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.
Average individual Income
There's plenty to do around Franklin, North Carolina, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.
Explore popular things to do in the area, including Health Nuts Market, Juanitos Ice Cream Shop, and Slanted Window Tasting Station.
| Name | Category | Distance | Reviews |
Ratings by
Yelp
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dining · $ | 3.06 miles | 8 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Dining | 0.77 miles | 6 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Dining | 0.73 miles | 48 reviews | 4.9/5 stars | |
| Dining · $ | 0.82 miles | 29 reviews | 4.9/5 stars | |
| Dining | 0.1 miles | 30 reviews | 4.8/5 stars | |
| Dining · $$ | 0.52 miles | 100 reviews | 4.8/5 stars | |
| Dining | 0.82 miles | 4 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Dining · $$ | 0.52 miles | 64 reviews | 4.7/5 stars | |
| Dining · $$ | 1.63 miles | 164 reviews | 4.7/5 stars | |
| Dining | 0.82 miles | 8 reviews | 4.6/5 stars | |
| Dining | 0.57 miles | 33 reviews | 4.6/5 stars | |
| Dining | 0.2 miles | 5 reviews | 4.6/5 stars | |
| Dining | 0.17 miles | 34 reviews | 4.6/5 stars | |
| Dining | 0.53 miles | 98 reviews | 4.5/5 stars | |
| Shopping | 0.27 miles | 7 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 4.27 miles | 37 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 0.69 miles | 4 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 1.5 miles | 5 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 3.1 miles | 5 reviews | 4.8/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 0.27 miles | 4 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
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Franklin, North Carolina has 1,995 households, with an average household size of 2.1. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Franklin, North Carolina do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 4,221 people call Franklin, North Carolina home. The population density is 861.97 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Total Population
Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.
Median Age
Men vs Women
Population by Age Group
0-9 Years
10-17 Years
18-24 Years
25-64 Years
65-74 Years
75+ Years
Education Level
Total Households
Average Household Size
Average individual Income
Households with Children
With Children:
Without Children:
Marital Status
Blue vs White Collar Workers
Blue Collar:
White Collar:
