Franklin, Michigan

Franklin is one of Metro Detroit’s most distinctive villages, a small pocket of historic charm tucked into Southfield Township in Oakland County. It feels like a place that intentionally stayed small. Wooded streets, preserved architecture, and a village center that still reads like an old postcard give it a personality that is hard to replicate anywhere else in the region.

The lifestyle is quiet and residential, but the location is not remote. Franklin sits minutes from Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, and major corridors like Telegraph and 14 Mile, so everyday conveniences and top-tier dining are close without bringing traffic into the neighborhood fabric. Most errands are a short drive, and most evenings end back on calmer streets under a mature tree canopy.

Buyers choose Franklin for space, privacy, and character. Inventory is smaller than nearby cities, and the housing mix leans custom and estate forward. When the right home hits, it rarely sits long.

Search Homes For Sale In Franklin MI

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$6,990,000

26565 Scenic, Franklin village

6 Beds 14 Baths 21,861 SqFt Residential MLS® # 20250031142

$3,249,000

31050 Briarcliff Road, Franklin village

4 Beds 5 Baths 4,000 SqFt Residential MLS® # 20251005083

$2,650,000

25265 Canterbury Road, Franklin village

4 Beds 7 Baths 9,388 SqFt Residential MLS® # 20251038363

$1,325,000

25330 Devon Lane, Franklin village

4 Beds 4 Baths 5,045 SqFt Residential MLS® # 20251058060

New

$1,299,000

29900 Forest Drive, Franklin village

5 Beds 7 Baths 6,879 SqFt Residential MLS® # 20261003248

$1,250,000

30526 Birchway, Franklin village

3 Beds 3 Baths 2,687 SqFt Residential MLS® # 20261002600

$1,250,000

30476 Birchway, Franklin village

3 Beds 3 Baths 2,521 SqFt Residential MLS® # 20261002603

New

$999,000

24924 Riverwood Drive, Franklin village

3 Beds 3 Baths 3,217 SqFt Residential MLS® # 20261004124

$990,000

32696 Ravine Drive, Franklin village

3 Beds 4 Baths 3,535 SqFt Condominium MLS® # 20261001805

$825,000

↓ $25,000

24459 Bloomington Court, Franklin village

4 Beds 4 Baths 3,100 SqFt Residential MLS® # 20251055349

$793,545

000b Birchway, Franklin village

4 Beds 3 Baths 2,748 SqFt Residential MLS® # 20240071397

$769,400

000 Birchway Dr, Franklin village

3 Beds 3 Baths 2,252 SqFt Residential MLS® # 20240071396

$450,000

30630 Helmandale Drive, Franklin village

3 Beds 2 Baths 2,352 SqFt Residential MLS® # 81025060309

Franklin Community Guide

Real Estate Market
lifestyle
neighborhoods & COMMUNITIES
SCHOOLS
RESTAURANTS, SHOPPING & NIGHTLIFEPARKS
Faqs

Franklin Real Estate Market Overview

Current Snapshot

As of December 2025, Franklin remains a high-demand, low-supply luxury-leaning market with pricing that can swing month to month due to small sample size. Recent sales data shows a median sale price in the high-$800,000s, with typical home values in the mid-$800,000s, and median list pricing often sitting well into seven figures. 

A sensible “typical value range” for Franklin homes is about $750,000 to $1,500,000, with entry points appearing in smaller ranches or older homes that need work, and premium pricing showing up quickly on updated historic properties, newer custom builds, and estate lots. Higher-tier inventory can extend beyond that range depending on acreage, finishes, and privacy.

Days on market in recent periods commonly lands around three to five weeks for mainstream Franklin inventory, but standout homes can move faster, and unique properties can take longer when price and buyer pool need to align. Price per square foot is best treated as a range, commonly roughly $240 to $350, since older homes, renovations, and lot value skew comparisons.

Competitiveness and Buyer Dynamics

Franklin is competitive, but not chaotic. The buyer pool is typically intentional, financially prepared, and lifestyle-driven. Homes that show well, have updated systems, and are priced in line with recent comps tend to get strong first-week activity. This is especially true for properties that “feel like Franklin,” meaning privacy, mature trees, and character without deferred maintenance.

Recent market reporting shows Franklin homes commonly sell under list price on average, with hot homes capable of going pending faster and closer to ask. That pattern is typical in luxury-leaning areas where list prices can be aspirational and buyer leverage depends on inventory and condition.

The biggest driver in Franklin is scarcity. There are fewer listings, fewer streets, and fewer true substitutes. That is why the right home can still create competition even in a slower broader market.

How Franklin Compares Locally

Compared to Birmingham, Franklin is quieter, more wooded, and more privacy-first. Birmingham wins on walkability and retail density, but Franklin wins on estate-lot feel and the sense that the village is protected from overdevelopment. Compared to Bloomfield Hills, Franklin often offers similar privacy and luxury, but with a more defined village identity and a stronger “historic main street” vibe.

Compared to Beverly Hills and Bingham Farms, Franklin leans more rural and less retail-driven. It is not a place you move to for convenience shopping. It is a place you move to for the setting, the pace, and the feeling that your home lives inside a story.

Property Taxes and Utilities

Michigan uses taxable value that uncaps after transfer. Example: on a purchase around $900,000, a rough state equalized value is $450,000, and the taxable value typically resets near that figure the following year. Your annual bill equals (taxable value ÷ 1,000) × local millage. Millage varies by school assignment and jurisdiction, so verify for the exact address.

Franklin’s water source is private wells, and the village has conducted water-related surveys and communications tied to safe, sufficient water planning. That means buyers should treat water as a real due diligence item, including well depth, equipment age, and water quality testing where appropriate.

For sewer, Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner services oversee and bill for sewer service in Franklin, and some streets involve pressure sewer systems and grinder pump considerations. Franklin also has septic-related guidance depending on location, so always verify whether a specific home is on sewer, septic, or a combination of systems.

Internet is widely available, with fiber options in select pockets, plus cable and other providers depending on the street. Always check availability by address.

Homes for Sale in Franklin, MI

Single-Family Homes

Franklin’s housing stock is heavily single-family, with a strong lean toward custom homes and estate-lot properties. Sizes range widely, but many of the “classic Franklin” homes live between 2,500 and 5,000+ square feet, often on wooded lots that feel larger than what the acreage number suggests because of tree canopy and setbacks.

Architecturally, buyers will see a blend of historic village-era homes, mid-century builds, and newer custom homes that aim to respect the village’s scale. Renovations matter here. Franklin buyers are often willing to pay for homes that are updated correctly, meaning systems, rooflines, windows, and kitchens that match the price point. A dated home on a great lot can still be valuable, but buyers will price the work realistically.

Lot character is a major differentiator. Many properties have winding drives, natural buffers, and a setting that feels removed from Metro Detroit even though it is not. Outdoor living matters. Decks, patios, and landscape lighting carry more weight in Franklin than they do in many suburban grids because the setting invites it.

Condos and Townhomes

Franklin has very limited attached inventory, but when it appears, it is typically in a small number of established condominium plans. Verified options include:

• Cressbrook OCCPN 1499 - Detached site-condo style living with larger footprints and a private enclave feel. Homes in this plan can run roughly 3,500 to 6,500 square feet depending on unit and lower-level finish. HOA dues vary, but recent listings show monthly fees commonly in the mid-$400s to low-$600s, depending on what is covered and how the association is structured.
  
  
• Village Ravines OCCPN 132 - A rare attached-home option in Franklin that offers wooded views and river-influenced setting. Typical footprints often land around 2,200 to 3,600 square feet, with some homes offering finished lower levels. HOA ranges are commonly higher than standard condo communities due to the nature of the property and maintenance scope, with recent references showing monthly fees in the $500 to $600 range.

HOA diligence checklist: request the master deed and bylaws, current budget and reserves, certificate of insurance, recent meeting minutes, and an account status letter. Confirm rental and pet rules, special assessment history, and exactly what is maintained by the association versus the homeowner. For site-condos, verify private road responsibility, stormwater obligations, and whether decks, windows, and roofs are included.

If a buyer needs more attached inventory, nearby options expand significantly in Bingham Farms and Beverly Hills, but those are outside village limits and should be evaluated as a separate lifestyle choice.

New Construction and Infill

Franklin is largely built out. New construction tends to be single-lot infill or tear-down rebuilds rather than large subdivisions. In the historic areas, exterior design decisions often face tighter scrutiny, and buyers should understand that “anything goes” is not the Franklin culture. The village identity is part of the value, and building or expanding should be approached with patience and a clear understanding of review standards.

For buyers considering a new build, the key is to evaluate site constraints early. Driveway grading, drainage, mature trees, and well placement can all shape cost and feasibility. Expect longer timelines and more due diligence than a typical subdivision build.

Investor Snapshot

Franklin is not a volume investor market. It is a premium, limited-inventory market where rentals are usually high-end single-family homes rather than condo stock. Recent rental trend reporting shows Franklin rents with a wide range, with many homes renting from roughly $3,000 to $8,700, and an average rent estimate around $4,200 depending on the sample period and available inventory.

For long-term investors, the bigger factor is holding cost and tenant profile. Franklin renters are typically executive-level, relocation-driven, or families building time before buying. Lease terms, maintenance expectations, and water system realities should be planned for up front.

Neighborhoods and Micro-Locations

Historic Village Center and Village Green Area

Style: historic homes, older colonials, and character properties near the village center.
Typical price band: $700,000 to $1,400,000, depending on renovation and lot.
Size band: 1,800 to 4,000+ square feet.
Lifestyle fit: buyers who want Franklin’s walkable storybook feel and village proximity.
Scouting tip: visit during community events and on a normal weekday to compare traffic, noise, and parking patterns.

Franklin Community Park and Church Corridor

Style: single-family homes on wooded lots near Franklin Community Park and village gathering spaces.
Typical price band: $800,000 to $1,600,000 based on lot size and finish.
Size band: 2,400 to 5,000+ square feet.
Lifestyle fit: families who want quiet streets, recreation access, and a village-centered calendar.
Scouting tip: confirm drainage and grading since canopy, topography, and mature landscaping are common here.

Ravine Drive and Rouge Edge

Style: rare condo concentration plus nearby single-family homes in a wooded ravine setting.
Typical price band: $650,000 to $1,300,000 depending on unit and updates.
Size band: 2,200 to 3,600 square feet for Village Ravines condos.
Lifestyle fit: buyers who want Franklin’s setting with lighter exterior responsibility.
Scouting tip: verify water source, sewer type, and any private-road or maintenance obligations.

German Mill and Estate-Lot Streets

Style: estate homes, custom builds, and deep setbacks with a rural feel.
Typical price band: $900,000 to $2,500,000+ depending on acreage and finish.
Size band: 3,000 to 7,000+ square feet.
Lifestyle fit: privacy-first households that want space and long-term value.
Scouting tip: treat wells and water quality testing as a normal step, not an afterthought.

Telegraph and 14 Mile Convenience Edge

Style: residential pockets that trade a bit of quiet for rapid access to regional corridors.
Typical price band: varies by block and home age.
Size band: wide range.
Lifestyle fit: commuters and professionals who want Franklin’s identity with faster logistics.
Scouting tip: do a second drive-through at peak traffic times before you commit.

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Living in Franklin, MI – City Lifestyle & Amenities

Historic village feel, estate-lot privacy. Franklin’s day-to-day rhythm centers around the village green, a small commercial strip, and a deep sense of preservation. The village is known for its historic district character, walking-tour-worthy streets, and a community that leans into tradition. 

Proximity to conveniences. Franklin is minutes from Birmingham for shopping, restaurants, and services, and it is a quick hop to Bloomfield and Southfield corridors for daily errands. Major hospitals are close by, including Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital in Royal Oak, Henry Ford Providence Southfield, Henry Ford West Bloomfield, and Ascension Providence in Southfield. 

Services and infrastructure. Franklin’s water supply is sourced from private wells, and sewer service in many areas is overseen and billed through Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner services, with some properties also requiring septic diligence depending on address. High-speed internet is widely available, with fiber in select pockets, but address-level verification is still required.

Neighborhoods and Communities in Franklin

Village Center and Franklin Road Strip

Historic storefront energy with a true small-village footprint. Walkable to the library, the village green, and seasonal events. Homes nearby tend to be older and full of character.

Franklin Community Park Area

The heart of local recreation with tennis, baseball and softball fields, a gazebo, and walking paths maintained by the Franklin Community Association. This pocket feels like Franklin’s backyard.

German Mill and River Corridors

Winding roads, wooded lots, and a quieter feel that reads more estate than subdivision. This area is known for privacy and mature landscaping.

Ravine Drive and Rouge Edge

A setting shaped by topography, with a rare attached-home option and wooded views. Condo plans here live quietly behind the canopy, with river influence in the landscape.

Telegraph and 14 Mile Approach

A convenience-first edge for commuters who want fast access to regional roads while still living inside a village feel. The benefit is straight-line access without sacrificing Franklin’s residential character.

Franklin Featured Neighborhoods

Schools and Education in Franklin

Franklin is primarily served by Birmingham Public Schools, a well-known district in Oakland County with strong academics, co-curricular depth, and a long-standing community reputation. The district provides an interactive boundary map to verify residency and school routing, and in a village where boundaries can shift street by street, address-level verification is non-negotiable.

Birmingham Public Schools (BPS)

Typical Franklin school pathways depend on the specific street, but common Franklin routing often includes elementary options like West Maple Elementary, middle school at Berkshire, and high school at Wylie E. Groves, though other elementary and high school assignments can apply by address. The safest approach is to confirm your exact address on the district’s map and then call enrollment services if you are close to a boundary.

Franklin families also value the district’s AP offerings, performing arts, and athletics. BPS has deep community involvement, and many Franklin residents feel tied into Birmingham-area school events even while living in a quieter village environment.

Private and parochial options

Families commonly consider private schools nearby in Beverly Hills, Bloomfield Hills, and Birmingham, including independent PK–12 options and faith-based K–8 programs. Because Franklin’s location is central, private-school commutes are often manageable, but touring and transportation planning should be done early.

Library and student resources

Franklin has a major advantage that many small villages do not: its own public library in the heart of the village. The Franklin Public Library offers in-person services, programming, and access to wider cooperative lending through library networks. It is a practical anchor for families, students, and remote workers who want a quiet, local place to study or attend community programming.

Nearby higher education

Within a reasonable drive, students and professionals can access Oakland Community College, Oakland University, and Wayne State University for degree programs, certificates, and continuing education. Dual enrollment opportunities vary by district and program, so confirm with the school counselor or district guidance team.

Always verify by address.

Even in a small village, school assignment can be street-specific. Verify early, then verify again before closing.

Local Amenities, Dining, and Things to Do in Franklin

Franklin Restaurants & Dining

Franklin is intentionally small, so dining inside the village is more destination than volume. When people say they “go to Franklin,” they usually mean one of a few core spots and then an evening that includes a walk through the village center.

• The Franklin Oyster Bar & Eatery — This is the village’s current headline restaurant, a seafood-forward destination that reimagined the former Franklin Grill location. It is built for date nights, celebrations, and out-of-town visitors, and it has quickly become the restaurant that gets people to say, “Let’s go to Franklin tonight.”
  
  
• Franklin Cider Mill, nearby — The Cider Mill is a seasonal tradition with a national-level reputation and a deep Michigan footprint. It is not inside the village limits, but it is directly tied to Franklin’s identity and sits just north of the village in neighboring Bloomfield Township.
  
  
• Tangerine Wine — Downtown Franklin’s wine shop adds a “small village, real taste” vibe to the strip. It is the kind of place locals use for hostess gifts, dinner pairings, and occasional tasting events.
  
  
• Nearby dining in Birmingham and along Telegraph — For variety, residents hop five to ten minutes to Birmingham’s dining core or the Telegraph corridor in Bingham Farms for casual breakfasts, cafés, and lunch meetings. Franklin is built for quiet living with fast access to more options.

Franklin Shopping & Groceries

Shopping in Franklin is boutique by nature. The village center has a small lineup of service businesses and specialty shops, and the pace is intentional.

• Village boutiques and gifts — The Main Street Franklin directory highlights local retailers like Zieben Mare and gift-focused businesses, plus service staples that keep the village functioning without needing big-box sprawl.
  
  
• Everyday groceries, nearby — Most full grocery runs happen in Birmingham, Beverly Hills, Bloomfield, or Southfield. Franklin’s advantage is proximity. You are close enough to shop quickly, but you do not live in the traffic.
  
  
• Seasonal and specialty — In fall, many households treat the cider mill market like a seasonal grocery stop, stacking donuts, cider, apples, and local goods into weekend traditions.

Franklin Parks & Attractions

Franklin’s public-space identity is built around green space and history rather than a large municipal park system.

• Franklin Community Park, maintained by the Franklin Community Association — The FCA maintains over six acres of green space with tennis courts, a gazebo, a walking path, and baseball and softball fields. It is a core gathering space and a major reason the village feels like a community instead of just a zip code.
  
  
• Franklin Public Library — Located right in the village, the library is both a student resource and a community hub. It is an underappreciated luxury in a small village and a genuine daily-life benefit.
  
  
• Franklin Historical Society and walking tours — Franklin’s historic district is not a marketing line. It is a real, preserved story, supported by the Historical Society’s museum and tours that highlight architecture, village development, and the people who shaped the area. Tours typically run about 90 minutes and are a great way to understand the village beyond the listing photos.
  
  
• Franklin Community Church and village heritage — The church and village green are part of Franklin’s origin story, with historical roots tied to early settlement-era community life.

Nearby notables: Cranbrook’s cultural campus, downtown Birmingham’s events, and Bloomfield-area attractions are all within a short drive.

Franklin Nightlife

Franklin nightlife is quiet by design. Think dinner at The Franklin, a bottle of wine from the village shop, and a calm drive home. For bigger nights, Birmingham and Royal Oak are the move for cocktail lounges, live music, and late kitchens. The best part is that you get to enjoy those scenes without living in them.

Location and Commuting

Franklin sits between major north-south corridors like Telegraph and Lahser with quick access to 13 Mile, 14 Mile, and Maple. Typical drive times in normal conditions: Downtown Detroit 25 to 35 minutes, Southfield 10 to 15 minutes, Troy 20 to 30 minutes, DTW 35 to 50 minutes. Traffic, weather, and construction vary, so pair commute expectations with live navigation when scheduling showings and inspections.

Buyer Guidance

• Bring strong underwriting, not just a pre-qual, because Franklin inventory is limited and the best homes do not wait.
  
  
• Compare comps with context, since lot privacy, historic character, and renovation quality often matter more than raw square footage.
  
  
• If buying in a condo plan like Cressbrook or Village Ravines, review HOA minutes, reserves, and exterior responsibility early.
  
  
• Inspect for Franklin-specific conditions: well systems, water quality testing, sewer versus septic confirmation, grading, and mature tree health.
  
  
• Prepare an appraisal packet for custom homes with a clear list of upgrades, permits where applicable, and the closest comparable sales.

Seller Guidance

• Price to the current market, not last year’s headlines, and lean on micro-location comps, not just broad zip-code averages.
  
  
• Use professional media and measured floor plans, because Franklin buyers expect clarity at higher price points.
  
  
• Highlight the lifestyle correctly: privacy, historic identity, and proximity, not just bedroom count.
  
  
• Manage showings with privacy in mind, since many Franklin homes have long drives, gated entries, or deep setbacks.
  
  
• Pre-list fixes that matter here: roof and gutter work, drainage solutions, well equipment updates, sewer and septic documentation, and tree or exterior maintenance.

Frequently Asked Questions about Franklin, MI

Q: What is the average home price in Franklin right now?

Franklin typically trades in the high-$700,000s to $1.5M range, with a recent median sale price around the high-$800,000s. Small sample size can swing monthly medians, so verify by property type and block.

Q: Is Franklin a competitive market?

Yes, Franklin is competitive because inventory is limited and the buyer pool is decisive. Well-priced homes often move in about a month, with standout listings moving faster.

Q: Which school district serves Franklin?

Franklin is primarily served by Birmingham Public Schools, and you should verify by address using the district boundary map. School assignment can shift street by street near borders.

Q: What are the best condo communities in Franklin?

The most notable attached options are Village Ravines and Cressbrook, both small, established condo plans. Inventory is scarce, so buyers should watch for new listings and be prepared to move quickly.

Q: How are property taxes calculated in Franklin?

Michigan uses taxable value that uncaps after transfer, and your annual bill is (taxable value ÷ 1,000) × local millage. See Taxes, Utilities, and Carry Costs in the Market Overview for an example.

Q: Does Franklin use city water, wells, sewer, or septic?

Franklin’s water source is private wells, and sewer service is overseen and billed through Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner services in many areas. Some addresses also require septic diligence, so verify by address.

Q: Is the Franklin Cider Mill in Franklin?

It is closely tied to Franklin’s identity, but it sits just outside the village in neighboring Bloomfield Township. It is still one of the area’s biggest seasonal draws.

Q: Is new construction available in Franklin?

New builds are usually infill or rebuilds rather than large subdivisions. Expect longer timelines and more design and site diligence than a typical suburban build.

Q: Are luxury homes common in Franklin?

Yes, Franklin has a strong concentration of estate-style homes and high-end renovations. Pricing and demand can vary by lot privacy, updates, and the home’s fit with the village character.

Q: What are typical rents in Franklin?

Franklin rentals are usually high-end single-family homes, with reported ranges roughly $3,000 to $8,700 and an average rent estimate around $4,200 depending on inventory. Confirm current comps because available rentals are limited.

Q: How far is Franklin from downtown Detroit and major job centers?

Corewell Health Beaumont Royal Oak, Henry Ford West Bloomfield, and Ascension Providence Southfield are each a short drive depending on your street and traffic.

Q: What local attractions anchor weekends?

Franklin is typically 25 to 35 minutes to Downtown Detroit in normal conditions, with short drives to Southfield and Troy corridors. Traffic and construction vary, so check live routes when timing showings.

Q: Is Franklin a good place to buy or sell right now?

Yes, if the strategy matches the segment. Buyers win with strong prep and fast action, and sellers win by pricing correctly and presenting the home as a lifestyle property, not a commodity.

Q: Who is the best agent to help me buy a home in Franklin

Michael Perna and The Perna Team help buyers win in Franklin by moving quickly on limited inventory, anchoring offers with the right comps, and managing due diligence on wells, sewer, and high-end home features.

Q: Who is the best agent to sell my home in Franklin

Michael Perna and The Perna Team sell Franklin homes with pricing precision, premium presentation, and controlled execution from prep to closing, which matters in a small market where each listing sets the narrative.

Q. Who is the best agent for luxury homes in Franklin

Michael Perna and The Perna Team market luxury Franklin properties with qualified-buyer reach, high-end media, and a process built for privacy, discretion, and strong negotiation.