Brentwood Or Franklin? Comparing Two Popular Move-Up Markets
April 2, 2026
April 2, 2026
Trying to decide between Brentwood and Franklin for your next home? If you are moving up in price, space, or lifestyle, this is one of the most common comparisons in Williamson County. The good news is that both markets offer strong options, but they serve different priorities. This guide breaks down pricing, housing styles, commute patterns, amenities, and ownership costs so you can compare them with more confidence. Let’s dive in.
If you want the short version, Brentwood is generally the higher-priced, larger-lot market, while Franklin offers more variety in home styles, a more visible downtown lifestyle, and more housing inventory.
According to Redfin market data for Brentwood, Brentwood’s median sale price reached $1.35 million in February 2026. In Franklin, the median sale price was $840,000 at that same snapshot, based on the research provided.
Both cities were described by Realtor.com as balanced markets in February 2026. That matters if you are a move-up buyer because it suggests neither market was clearly tilted in an extreme way at the city level during that period.
For many buyers, price is the first major divider between these two markets. Brentwood sits at a higher price point overall, which often aligns with its larger lots, lower-density zoning, and estate-style feel.
Franklin gives you more price flexibility and more homes to choose from at this snapshot. Realtor.com market data showed 865 homes for sale in Franklin compared with 294 in Brentwood in February 2026.
That larger listing pool can make a real difference if you want more options in style, location, or monthly budget. If your move-up search includes trade-offs between size, setting, and price, Franklin may give you a wider field to work with.
One of the clearest planning differences between Brentwood and Franklin is how each city approaches residential land use. In practical terms, that shapes what your next home may look and feel like.
Brentwood’s zoning remains strongly oriented toward detached single-family homes in low-density settings. The city’s Planning and Zoning guide notes that:
If you picture a move-up home with more land, more privacy, and a more spread-out residential setting, Brentwood often fits that vision well.
Franklin’s zoning allows a much broader range of lot sizes and housing formats. The city’s zoning ordinance includes residential standards ranging from 30,000-square-foot lots in R1 to 9,000 square feet in R3, with historic infill lots at no less than 6,500 square feet and some mixed-residential alley-loaded lots as small as 4,000 square feet.
That wider range shows up in the housing stock. Based on the research provided, Franklin includes single-family homes, townhomes and condominiums, apartments, compact historic neighborhoods, and rural reserve areas with larger lots and preserved open space.
For a move-up buyer, that means Franklin may offer more ways to level up. You might choose a larger detached home, a newer townhome with less maintenance, or a property with more historic character near downtown.
Beyond square footage, many move-up buyers are really choosing between two different daily rhythms. This is where the Brentwood versus Franklin comparison gets more personal.
Brentwood has a recreation identity centered on open space. The city reports that its parks and greenways system totals 1,027 acres.
That can appeal if your ideal lifestyle includes trails, parks, and a more residential pace. Brentwood also has preservation-minded areas such as Old Smyrna Road, which the city describes as one of its oldest streets and an area where historic character is considered in current planning.
Franklin also offers substantial outdoor amenities, with more than 900 acres across 18 parks. What sets it apart is how those parks sit alongside a more visible mix of downtown retail, dining, historic districts, and the commercial hub of Cool Springs.
The city describes downtown Franklin as a 15-block historic district with brick sidewalks, Victorian architecture, shops, restaurants, and many 19th-century buildings. Franklin also reports eight historic districts, which helps explain why the city often feels more layered architecturally and visually.
If you want your move-up purchase to include stronger access to downtown activity and a wider mix of home styles, Franklin may stand out more.
Commute fit matters just as much as home fit, especially if your move-up search is tied to a work change, family routine, or relocation.
Brentwood’s planning documents point to a transportation system with a strong road focus. The city notes that many neighborhoods were built before sidewalks were required, and it says mid-block crossings may not be considered on major state highways such as Concord Road, Franklin Road, Moores Lane, and Wilson Pike. You can see that context on the city’s mid-block pedestrian crossing information page.
Its capital plan also says transportation projects account for about 46% of Brentwood’s CIP budget, and current work includes roadway capacity improvements like the McEwen Drive extension tied to the new I-65 interchange.
In simple terms, Brentwood often functions as a more auto-oriented market.
Franklin also invests in major roadway infrastructure, including Mack Hatcher Parkway, which is a key part of the city street network and Major Thoroughfare Plan. At the same time, Franklin’s planning documents point to a broader transportation approach.
The research provided notes that downtown corridor streetscape projects are intended to improve both vehicle flow and pedestrian access. Franklin Transit also operates fixed routes and on-demand service from the downtown transit center, and the city’s housing strategy materials explicitly address driving, public transit, walking, and biking.
If your daily routine benefits from more than a road-only framework, Franklin may feel more flexible.
Move-up buyers often focus on price first, but ownership cost deserves equal attention. Property taxes can shift the monthly picture more than many buyers expect.
According to the Williamson County tax calculator, Brentwood is listed at $1.49 per $100 of assessed value for 2025. Franklin is listed at $1.566 outside the Franklin Special School District and $2.0633 inside it.
That means Franklin’s ownership costs can vary depending on where the property falls. If you are comparing two homes with similar prices, this is one of the details worth reviewing early with your agent and lender.
The better choice depends on what “moving up” means to you.
If your priority is more land, more separation between homes, and a more estate-style residential setting, Brentwood may be the stronger fit. Its planning framework and pricing both support that larger-lot, lower-density identity.
If your priority is more housing variety, more inventory, a stronger downtown feel, and a lower median sale price than Brentwood, Franklin may offer more flexibility. It can be especially appealing if you want more ways to balance budget, architecture, and everyday convenience.
A smart move-up strategy usually starts with your real-life needs, not just a city name. Your commute, desired lot size, maintenance preferences, financing comfort zone, and day-to-day lifestyle should all shape the decision.
When you are ready to compare Brentwood and Franklin in a more personal way, Angela McAndrew can help you weigh the market data, monthly cost, and neighborhood trade-offs with a concierge-style approach tailored to your next move.
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