Franklin

 

Tucked between the much larger communities of Bingham Farms, Bloomfield Township, Southfield and Farmington Hills. Franklin, is a peaceful, wooded enclave steeped in historical significance and dotted with some of the stateliest, most well-maintained homes in Metro Detroit.

 

Franklin’s residential, winding streets are lined with mature oaks and elm trees. Many of the unique homes sit beautifully on sprawling lots, with rolling lawns, set way back from the road. In fact, you’re not going to find row after row of carbon-copy homes like you will in many other communities. Rather, this small village offers an eclectic array of houses that possess true character. Although the village has been around since the 1820’s, the building of modern homes did not begin in earnest until the 1920’s, and many of those homes are not only still standing today, but they are in impeccable shape.

 

Franklin is famous for its well-preserved 19th-century buildings which are mostly located around the Village Center, the crown jewel of Franklin that is also home to the Village Green. In this area, you will find historic buildings like the Broughton House, which currently houses the village offices; the Temperance House; and the Thomas Midgely House. Blocks of historic homes radiate out from the center, and many have been converted into commercial buildings. Everything is pulled together with special lights, plantings, signs and other elements that lend it a picturesque and alluring feel.

 

Every fall, Franklin families flock to the Franklin Cider Mill. Located right next door in Bloomfield Hills, the mill was founded in 1837–the same year that Michigan achieved statehood—and it continues to be a popular annual tradition. Families can also venture out of the village to the Detroit Zoo, which is in nearby Royal Oak, or even head downtown to check out local sports teams.

 

🌳 Parks & Outdoors

• Franklin Community Park (~6 acres)

  • Features: 2 tennis courts (1 with pickleball lines), a large gazebo, walking path, 2 baseball/softball fields, a barn used by Scouts & leagues

  • Amenities: Public restrooms, drinking fountain, dog-friendly (on leash), dog-waste stations

• Franklin Park (Village Green)

  • Central gathering spot around the Community Church with benches, open lawn, playground, sled hill, basketball court, nature paths

• Historic Trails & Nature Spots

  • Riverside walking trails near the Rouge River and scenic village settings

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🏊 Pools & Fitness

• No municipal pool, but active recreation through:

  • Membership-based sports events (Ten­nis, softball, barn) at Community Park

  • Nearby offerings: private gym/spa like Franklin Spa, boutique fitness classes (e.g. Healing at Jacqueline Drake Gallery) 

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🍽️ Dining & Local Favorites

• Farmhouse Coffee & Ice Cream: Locally roasted coffee, light lunch fare, outdoor seating

• Franklin Grill & Tavern: Seasonal menus, casual family-friendly atmosphere

• The Franklin Oyster Bar & Eatery: Upscale seafood dining in a renovated historic building with outdoor patio

• Tangerine Wine: Boutique wine shop offering tastings in an intimate setting

• Jacqueline Drake Gallery: Combines art viewing with wellness and healing workshops

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🏛️ Amenities & Community Life

• Village Character: Historic downtown with period buildings, walkability, unique boutiques, artisan gift shops

• Cultural Venues:

  • Franklin Historical Society & Museum — preserves original mid-19th-century structures

  • Jacqueline Drake Gallery & Spa — art + wellness hub

• Annual Events: Music on the Green, Family Fun Days, Labor Day Round-Up, Sip & Stroll, and holiday happenings organized by the Franklin Community Association

• Village Library: Cozy local library offering storytimes, gatherings, and community programming

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🏡 Housing & Lifestyle

• Village Snapshot: ~3,139 residents (2020), density ~1,179/sq mi, first Michigan historic district on National Register (since 1969) 

• Housing Stock: Estate-style mid-19th to mid-20th-century homes, Greek Revival, Colonial Revival, Craftsman bungalows along Franklin Rd Historic District 

• Vibe: Serene, picturesque village ambience with a focus on history, preservation, and tight-knit community connection

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🎒 Schools & Family Life

• School District: Served by Birmingham Public Schools; no schools physically within Franklin but close by in Southfield Township

• Youth Activities: Franklin Community Association sponsors tennis, softball leagues, Music on the Green, and family events

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🧭 Commuting & Location

• Location: Village of Franklin within Southfield Township, ~20 miles NW of Detroit (via Franklin Rd & Woodward Ave) 

• Commute Style: Predominantly car-oriented (~20–25 min to downtown Detroit); charming village lanes allow for easy walking between shops & parks

• Transit: Limited public transportation; best suited for residents with personal vehicles