For our next Franklin Neighborhood Matchmaker, we’re looking at a family who wants to be in Franklin around $1M.

Meet the Family who wants to make the most of their $1M budget.

This family wants to find a home within their budget, but they don't want to feel like they're settling just to stay within it.

They want a great house, a great neighborhood, good yard, good schools, and neighborhood amenities.

They're willing to look at different parts of Franklin and even venture a little farther out if it means getting the most for their budget.

Budget: $900K-$1.1M

🛏️ 4+ 🛁 3+

Their wish list:

• 2,800+ sqft and plenty of room for the family

• A home that is mostly move-in ready. Willing to do some minor cosmetic updates.

• Community pool and great neighborhood amenities

• Good schools & family-friendly community

• 15-ish min to restaurants, shopping and everyday necessities

These are the neighborhoods I'd recommend:

Cheswicke Farms - Cheswicke Farms was built mostly in the 1990s and is in the heart of Cool Springs. This neighborhood features larger traditional homes with mature trees and good yards. It has the neighborhood amenities as well as sidewalks and is very close to I-65.

Cottonwood - Cottonwood is highly sought after for the tight-knit community. This neighborhood was built in the 70s and 80s, so homes are more traditional but have lots of character. Some homes have been renovated and there are trees everywhere. Cottonwood has lots of neighborhood events throughout the year that are highly attended. Many homes don’t even hit the market in Cottonwood because it’s such a popular neighborhood.

Stream Valley - Stream Valley is located in south Franklin right next to Berry Farms (a shopping and dining hub) and is very close to I-65. It’s a large, master-planned community and most homes have been built over the past 10 years. Floorplans are more open/modern and yards tend to be smaller, except for the front section. The community is packed with sidewalks, walking paths, a neighborhood pool, and multiple playgrounds.

Sullivan Farms- This is a very popular neighborhood as well and is also located close to Berry Farms, but it’s not quite as close to the interstate as Stream Valley is. Homes here were built in the late 90s/early 00s (when us millennials were living our best boy band lives), so homes tend to be a little more traditional. There are different sections of Sullivan Farms and yards can vary from section to section. There’s a neighborhood pool, playgrounds, long stretches of sidewalks and even neighborhood soccer fields.

Ladd Park - If you are looking for a more open floor plan and a home that’s been built in the past 10-ish years, this is one of the first places I'd recommend for a family who wants a lot of neighborhood lifestyle for around $1M. There are pools, playgrounds, walking trails, community events and even access to the Harpeth River. You can find a lot of home here, it’s in a great location and you don’t have to give up the amenities.

McKay's Mill - For the family who cares more about location, neighborhood and amenities than having the newest house, I'd definitely look here. It's established, has mature trees, sidewalks, a massive pool, tennis/basketball, and a clubhouse. It even has a Publix and some restaurants/shops within the community. And because the neighborhood has a wider range of home prices, your $1M budget can go a little farther.

Fieldstone Farms - Fieldstone Farms is an established neighborhood with mature trees, two community pools, tennis and pickleball courts, and miles of walking trails. There are several sections of FF and the larger homes land right in the $900K-$1.1M range (much of the neighborhood is smaller and runs lower.)

These are my go-tos to start with when I have a family with this wishlist and budget. They are all great in their own way! It’s just a matter of figuring out which one makes the most sense for your family.

Are you hoping to move to Franklin, but want to make sure your $1M-ish budget still gets you a great home and neighborhood?