Kingfish Bay
Calabash, North Carolina
Franklin, North Carolina
What It Is Like to Retire in Franklin
Nestled in the southwestern corner of North Carolina, Franklin serves as the southern gateway to the Blue Ridge Mountains and Great Smokies. Franklin is a favorite retirement and relocation spot for people of all ages, especially those who like the mountains and outdoors. Many people have vacationed in Franklin only to dream of retiring here. Hiking, rafting, fishing, kayaking, tubing, waterfalls, mountain scenic drives, local festivals, gem mining, museums and so much more. Franklin is located between two popular scenic gorges, the Cullasaja and the Nantahala. The Cullasaja takes some spectacular spills creating lower Cullasaja Falls. Take a walk behind the roaring 75 foot wall of water of Dry Falls. The mountainscape is lined with many hiking trails, including the famous Appalachian and Bartram Trails and waterfalls. Franklin has just over 4,000 residents. Services, shops, Medical Center, almost every denomination of church, grocery, restaurants, fast foods, Lowe's, WalMart, K-Mart and more make Franklin a perfect retirement location. Atlanta is 130 miles to the south. Asheville, a retiree magnet for the region, is 68 miles. Other cities nearby include Highlands, Cashiers, Dillsboro, & Sylva, all within about 30 minutes, Bryson City and the Great Smoky Mountain National Park can be accessed in approx. 45 min. to-one hour. Photo of downtown courtesy of Wikipedia and Warren LeMay in the public domain; photo of The Little Tennessee River courtesy of Wilipedia and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Southeast Region (public domain).
Where to Retire in Franklin and Home Prices
Several active adult communities are located in the area. Zillow reported in mid-2023, the median home value was $263,801.
What Is Special about Franklin
The beautiful Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains. Many active adult communities, hiking, fishing, slow floats down the Little Tennessee River, beautiful scenic drives, Little Tennessee River Greenway, gem and rock hounding and simply relaxing. Low taxes and cost of living. Cooler in summer. Free concerts every Saturday night in town during Summer-Fall months. Open for business year-round.
What Is Not Special about Franklin
The only negative can be mountain weather. As in any mountain community, roads can ice in winter, but Franklin doesn't get that much snow and ice due to the elevation. Other communities such as Highlands, Cashiers, Asheville having elevations above 3000 feet get a good bit.
Who Will Like Retirement in Franklin
People who love the less hectic life, away from traffic, and city noise. People who enjoy being active, the mountains draw you to them in all directions. Family life and reconnecting.
Local Economy Is Driven by
Tourism and construction
Climate and Physical Environment
Mountains surround Franklin with elevations of 2100'-2800'. Beautiful scenic mountain vista property.
Restaurants & Cultural Scene
The Performing Arts Center brings entertainment to Franklin. Many local artists.
Crime
Crime in Franklin ia very low.
Medical facilities
Angel Medical Center, part of Asheville's Angel Hospital. There is a hospital 18 miles away towards Cashiers/Highlands.
Transportation
The nearest airports are about 60 miles away (Knoxville TN and Asheville NC), Atlanta is 2-1/2 hrs.
Valuable Links
Wikipedia on Franklin Franklin City-Data Town of Franklin Franklin Chamber of Commerce Mini-guide to retirement in North Carolina
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