Franklin, Massachusetts

What It Is Like to Retire in Franklin

Franklin is a town of 31,000 people in the suburban Boston area, incorporated in 1778, and was the first town named after Benjamin Franklin. History has it that Franklin was so honored he donated books to the town, which were then lent to residents, and thus started the first public library in America. The town is also the birthplace of Horace Mann, the father of public education, and is home to Dean College, a small, private college that adds to the town's cultural events. Photo of Red Brick School on the National Register of Historic Places courtesy of Wikipedia and Frank O. Branzetti (public domain); photo of Ray Mansion, the Admissions Building at Dean College courtesy of Wikipedia and John Phelan, Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0/

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Where to Retire in Franklin and Home Prices

Zillow reports the median home value to be $514,219 in mid-2021.

What Is Special about Franklin

Franklin is a pretty town located about 40 miles southwest of Boston, that offers a lot of events for residents, and includes a Cultural District with performing arts, the Franklin Sculpture Park, restaurants and shops. Dean College features theatre performances and a lecture series that is open to the public. Frankin is part of the Southern New England Trunkline Trail, a 22 mile recreational path that goes to the Connecticut state line. Franklin also presents events and festivals throughout the year.

What Is Not Special about Franklin

Winters are cold, high cost of real estate.

Who Will Like Retirement in Franklin

Franklin has a lot to offer retirees who want to live close to Boston. The town has historical sites, parks, trails, a library, a college that offers lectures and events, a senior center, and easy access to Boston.

Local Economy Is Driven by

The economy is driven by professional services and education.

Climate and Physical Environment

January's average temperature is 28 degrees, with July's average at 71 degrees, the average amount of snow is about 45 inches annually.

Restaurants & Cultural Scene

Franklin has several restaurants and dining options, and the active cultural scene is hosted through arts and cultural organizations, Dean College, and the Franklin Historical Museum. Boston is close by for many more dining and cultural opportunities.

Crime

The crime rate here is very low.

Medical facilities

Medical facilities are located here, and the nearest hospital is in Framingham, about 13 miles away.

Transportation

There is easy access to Boston and Providence by car from Franklin, and there is commuter rail service to Boston; Franklin and the surrounding towns are serviced by a bus system; the nearest major airport is the Worcester Regional Airport, about 38 miles away, Boston Logan International Airport is about 45 miles away.

Valuable Links

Town of Franklin Massachusetts