Nashville isn't known for small-town living, but two cities just outside the state capital recently ranked among the best small cities in America.
According to a recent WalletHub study, Franklin and Brentwood
are among the best small cities in America, with both ranking in the top 15.
Citing factors such as affordability, economic health, education and health, safety and quality of life, Franklin and Brentwood were the only Tennessee cities to not only make the top 15 but also the top 50.
To determine the best small cities in America, WalletHub compared more than 1,300 U.S. cities with populations between 25,000 and 100,000 and examined 45 key indicators ranging from housing costs to the number of restaurants per capita.
Here is why Franklin and Brentwood were named two of the best small cities in America.
Why Franklin and Brentwood ranked high on the list
WalletHub ranked Franklin at No. 9 and Brentwood at No. 14 among the 1,300 U.S. cities compared.
Both landed in the 99th percentile, representing the top 1% of small American cities. Franklin received a score of 69.38 out of 100, while Brentwood received a score of 68.96.
Brentwood and Franklin both scored exceptionally well in education, health, and safety, with both cities ranking in the top 100 nationwide in each category. However, points were deducted from both cities for affordability, as Franklin ranked No. 399 overall and Brentwood ranked No. 242.
Franklin's highest sub-ranking was for economic health, where it ranked No. 40. Brentwood's highest was for safety, where it ranked No. 12. Franklin ranked No. 48 for safety, and Brentwood ranked No. 124 for economic health.
Separate study ranks Brentwood, Franklin as two of the best suburbs in Tennessee
According to Niche, both Brentwood and Franklin also have favorable living conditions, as Niche ranked Brentwood the second-best suburb in Tennessee and Franklin the third. The No. 1 spot went to Nolensville.
Like WalletHub's, Niche evaluated the two cities on factors such as schools, crime, safety, housing, diversity, and jobs.
Brentwood and Franklin both received A+ grades in public school quality and family life.
What are the 10 best small cities in America?
- Lexington, MA
- Brookfield, WI
- Carmel, IN
- Apex, NC
- Saratoga Springs, NY
- Westfield, IN
- Milton, MA
- Arlington, MA
- Franklin, TN
- Fishers, IN
What are the 10 worst small cities in America?
- North Little Rock, AR
- Texarkana, AR
- Isla Vista, CA
- Monroe, LA
- Bessemer, AL
- Greenville, MS
- Wasco, CA
- Pine Bluff, AR
- Alexandria, LA
- West Memphis, AR
Methodology
WalletHub's study compared 1,318 U.S. cities with populations between 25,000 and 100,000 to determine the best small cities in America. Evaluating 45 metrics relevant to the five main categories, researchers analyzed factors such as job growth, income growth, school quality, health outcomes, crime rates, and access to amenities.
Each metric was scored on a 100-point scale, with higher scores indicating more favorable living conditions. WalletHub then calculated a weighted average score for every city and ranked them.
Data came from sources including the U.S. Census Bureau, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, TransUnion, and TripAdvisor.
Peter Burditt covers trending news and service journalism for The Tennessean. Contact him at PBurditt@nashvill.gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Franklin and Brentwood rank among the best small cities in America
