No other American town can claim what Franklin, Massachusetts can: its public library, founded in 1790, is the first of its kind in the country, born from a book donation by the town's own namesake, Benjamin Franklin. Roughly 35 miles southwest of Boston, this Norfolk County community pairs small-town streetscapes with easy access to the outdoors, a modest downtown, and commuter-friendly transit. Main Street's cafes, restaurants, and locally owned shops occupy aged brick and stone buildings, while West Central Street puts larger retail options within quick reach.
Renters in Franklin will find a mix of housing styles reflecting more than a century of growth, including colonials, raised ranch-style homes, bungalows, townhouses, and condo buildings. Apartment communities here tend toward low-rise and mid-rise formats that fit comfortably within the town's residential fabric.
Dean College, a private four-year institution, anchors the town's academic and cultural life.
