How Does Brentwood, TN Compare to Franklin? Nashville’s Nik Breaks Down the Differences

by Nik Shewmaker

How does Brentwood, Tennessee compare to Franklin?
Both cities are among the most desirable places to live in Middle Tennessee — but they offer slightly different lifestyles.

Brentwood is closer to Nashville, more corporate and commuter-friendly, and known for executive neighborhoods and top-tier schools.
Franklin, on the other hand, leans more historic, cultural, and small-town charming, with a vibrant downtown and creative community.

As someone who’s sold homes in both cities for years, I can tell you — there’s no “wrong choice.” It just depends on what lifestyle you want.

📍 Location & Commute

Category	Brentwood	Franklin
Distance to Downtown Nashville	~11 miles	~21 miles
Commute Time (avg.)	20–25 minutes	30–35 minutes
Interstate Access	Direct via I-65	Direct via I-65
Airport Distance (BNA)	25 minutes	35 minutes

Brentwood’s northern position in Williamson County gives it a shorter commute to Nashville, making it a top choice for executives, healthcare professionals, and business owners.
Franklin, meanwhile, feels slightly more self-contained — you don’t need to leave town to find great food, shops, or entertainment.

Nashville’s Nik Insight:
“If your daily rhythm takes you into Nashville often, Brentwood’s location is unbeatable. But if you want more walkable charm, Franklin wins that category.”

🏡 Housing & Real Estate

Category (2025)	Brentwood	Franklin
Median Home Price	$1.35M	$995K
Average Price/Sq Ft	$330	$295
Average Lot Size	0.5–1 acre	0.25–0.75 acre
New Construction	Limited (established zoning)	Expanding south (Berry Farms, Westhaven)

Brentwood homes tend to be larger, newer, and more uniform in luxury, while Franklin offers a mix of historic, suburban, and new urban developments.

Hot Neighborhoods:

Brentwood: The Governors Club, Annandale, Taramore
Franklin: Westhaven, Fieldstone Farms, Lookaway Farms

“Brentwood’s zoning keeps inventory tight — you’re buying exclusivity. Franklin gives you more variety and character.” — Nashville’s Nik

🏫 Schools

Both cities share the Williamson County School District, ranked among the best in Tennessee, but their specific school zones differ slightly.

Top Schools	Brentwood	Franklin
High Schools	Brentwood High, Ravenwood	Franklin High, Centennial, Page
Middle Schools	Brentwood Middle, Woodland	Freedom, Grassland
Elementary Schools	Scales, Crockett	Moore, Oak View, Liberty

In short:

Brentwood schools rank slightly higher overall in academic scores and ACT averages.
Franklin schools excel in diversity of programs and extracurricular options.

💼 Economy & Employers

Category	Brentwood	Franklin
Corporate HQs	Tractor Supply, LBMC, Comdata, LifePoint Health	Nissan North America, Mars Petcare, Community Health Systems
Job Market	Executive and professional	Corporate and creative
Median Household Income	$175,000+	$130,000+

Brentwood is more corporate executive-oriented, while Franklin attracts creative professionals and entrepreneurs. Both cities benefit from Williamson County’s strong economy and low unemployment.

🍽️ Lifestyle & Entertainment

Category	Brentwood	Franklin
Vibe	Polished, peaceful, private	Historic, artsy, and social
Downtown Area	Small retail core	Walkable downtown square with boutiques & restaurants
Dining Scene	Upscale dining (Mere Bulles, Wild Ginger)	Local charm (Gray’s on Main, Red Pony)
Events	Family-focused, concerts in the park	Festivals, parades, live music, farmers markets

If you love live music, art fairs, and history — Franklin wins.
If you prefer quiet luxury, parks, and privacy — Brentwood takes it.

🌳 Parks & Recreation

Brentwood Parks	Franklin Parks
Crockett Park	Pinkerton Park
Smith Park	Harlinsdale Farm
Deerwood Arboretum	Jim Warren Park

Brentwood’s parks emphasize trails, sports fields, and clean community spaces. Franklin adds charm and history — think horse farms and restored barns turned into event venues.

💰 Taxes & Cost of Living

Category	Brentwood	Franklin
Property Tax Rate	~$2.00 per $100 assessed	~$2.10 per $100 assessed
State Income Tax	None	None
Overall Cost of Living	~48% above national avg.	~35% above national avg.

Brentwood costs more overall — mainly because of housing — but its proximity to Nashville and exclusive zoning help sustain higher resale values.

🚓 Safety

Crime Rate (per 1,000)	Brentwood	Franklin
Total Crime	8.2	10.9
Violent Crime	0.7	0.9
Property Crime	7.5	10.0

Both cities are among the top 10 safest in Tennessee, but Brentwood edges slightly ahead in overall safety.

🧭 Summary: Which City Fits You Best?

If You Value...	Choose Brentwood	Choose Franklin
Shorter commute to Nashville	✅
Luxury, privacy, gated communities	✅
Variety, charm, historic feel		✅
Walkable downtown and events		✅
Executive corporate lifestyle	✅
Artsy, creative energy		✅
Slightly lower home prices		✅

Nashville’s Nik Insight:
“Brentwood feels like Nashville’s refined retreat. Franklin feels like its charming cousin with a creative soul.”

💬 Final Thoughts from Nashville’s Nik

Brentwood and Franklin are two sides of the same coin — both offer incredible quality of life, but the right choice depends on your priorities.

If you value proximity, privacy, and prestige, Brentwood wins.
If you want charm, character, and culture, Franklin might feel more like home.

And if you’re unsure? Let’s explore both — that’s what I’m here for.

📲 Call or text: (615) 585-0022
📧 Email: NashvillesNik@gmail.com
🌐 Visit: www.NashvillesNik.com