As part of the Detroit Free Press' ongoing series exploring Michigan communities, we're visiting the Village of Franklin, a southern Oakland County community that blends its 19th-century roots with modern suburban conveniences while preserving its small-town charm.
Appeal: Tucked among Oakland County’s busy suburbs, the village that's also just called Franklin is known as “The Town That Time Forgot.” The community has maintained a semi-rural atmosphere with narrow, winding, tree-lined roads, wooded lots and a small historic downtown, despite its proximity to major roads, shopping and employment centers.
Along Franklin Road, 19th-century houses and storefronts recall the community’s early days. Locally owned shops and restaurants line the historic
Village Center, where community events bring residents together throughout the year.
“Village residents and elected officials share a commitment to preserving Franklin’s unique character while ensuring the community continues to meet the needs of the many young families who have chosen to call Franklin home over the past decade,” said Curt Lawson, chief of police for the Franklin–Bingham Farms Police Department.
Beyond downtown, many homes are set back from the road on spacious lots. Wooded areas, wetlands and the Franklin Branch of the Rouge River add to the village’s natural setting.
Facts: Franklin was settled in the 1820s and formally incorporated as a home-rule village in 1953. In 1969, its historic district became the first in Michigan listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The village has 3,139 residents, according to the 2020 U.S. Census, and covers approximately 2.7 square miles. Franklin maintains its own local government and shares police services with neighboring Bingham Farms.
I-696 is to the south and Telegraph Road is to the east. Northwestern Highway and nearby 12, 13 and 14 Mile roads provide access to surrounding communities.
Much of Franklin is served by private wells and septic systems. For more information, visit www.franklin.mi.us.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2020 Decennial Census
Recreation and community activities: The village and nonprofit organizations, including the Franklin Community Association, Franklin Historical Society, Friends of the Franklin Public Library, Main Street Franklin and Franklin Community Church, sponsor events throughout the year according to Lawson.
Activities include Music on the Green, Movies on the Green, and the Village Block Party in the Historic District.
The annual Labor Day Round Up features a parade along Franklin Road, an art show, classic cars, children’s activities, music and food. Another tradition isFranklinstein Frenzy, a Halloween celebration that brings costumed children and families to the Village Center.
Just north of the village, the historic Franklin Cider Millin Bloomfield Township draws visitors each fall for fresh apple cider and doughnuts. The mill dates to the 1830s.
Houses: Franklin’s housing includes restored 19th-century homes near the historic district, with architectural styles such as Greek Revival, Queen Anne, Colonial Revival, American Foursquare and Craftsman.
Elsewhere, homes range from traditional ranches and Colonials to large custom-built contemporary residences. The village is also known for architecturally distinctive homes, including designs by architects Kenneth Neumann and Irving Tobocman.
In 2025, homes sold from $365,000 to $2.75 million, according to data from Realcomp Ltd. II.
Taxes: The property tax rate is $35.13 per $1,000 of a house's taxable value in the Birmingham Public School District. A home valued at $774,900 (median value), with a taxable value of $387,450, would have estimated annual property taxes of $13,611. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates
Public safety: Franklin-Bingham Police Department reported no burglaries, three vehicle thefts, no criminal sexual conduct cases, no robberies, and no homicide in 2025.
Public transportation: Residents have access to SMART transportation services, including specialized transportation options for older adults and people with disabilities. 866-962-5515.
Resident insight: Linda Hill Novak, a Franklin resident who serves on the village’s Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals, appreciates the community’s peaceful setting and convenient location.
“I live on two and a half acres surrounded by deer, turkeys, various critters, birds and wonderful neighbors, yet I am only about 10 minutes from nearly everything,” she said.
Novak, a real estate agent, also enjoys Franklin’s close-knit community and annual traditions.
One of her favorite things about fall is the smell of cider and doughnuts drifting through the air from the nearby Franklin Cider Mill.
“To me, that smell is Franklin. It is home,” she said.
Brendel Clark writes about real estate and other topics for the Detroit Free Press. Contact her at bclark@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Historic village in Oakland County keeps its rural charm amid growth
