Franklin, MI

Located in Oakland County northwest of Detroit, Franklin offers a relaxed, small-town pace right in the middle of the metro area. Home to around 3,000 people, the village is defined by quiet, tree-lined streets, generous wooded lots, and a compact downtown anchored by 19th-century storefronts and historic homes. Neighbors enjoy a quiet residential atmosphere while staying just minutes from shopping and dining in nearby Birmingham and Farmington Hills.

Known locally as 'The Town That Time Forgot,' Franklin established Michigan’s first official historic district to protect its 19th-century architecture and village greens. That preserved heritage pairs with great local traditions, most notably the iconic Franklin Cider Mill, which draws crowds every fall for fresh cider and warm cinnamon-sugar donuts. Between its strong neighborhood feel, access to top-rated area schools, and easy commutes across Oakland County, Franklin stands out as one of the most distinctive places to live in the region.