First-Time Home Buyers in Franklin, Wisconsin

Franklin

What first-time buyers looks like in Franklin

Ranches and newer two-story homes on larger lots, close to I-94, I-43 and I-41.

Franklin mixes established neighborhoods, newer subdivisions and larger lots near I-94, I-43 and I-41.

The homes

A broad mix: ranches, split-levels, two-story colonials, contemporary homes, condominiums and larger custom properties. Older housing is mostly from the 1950s through the 1980s, with substantial development in the 1990s, 2000s and 2010s and building that continues. Ranches from the 1950s to 1970s often have three bedrooms, full basements, attached garages and larger yards. Franklin is not one uniform market: a 1965 ranch on a large lot is a completely different property from a newer four-bedroom subdivision home, and some older ranches sit on an acre. Newer does not automatically mean better maintained, so check the roof, foundation, heating and cooling, and drainage.

Why people choose it

One-floor ranches with basements and attached garages; two-stories with more bedrooms, offices, family rooms and baths; larger lots with more outdoor space and privacy (outbuildings subject to zoning); newer subdivision homes with open kitchens, primary suites and walk-in closets; and lower-maintenance condos (review association fees, restrictions and responsibilities). Larger homes and lots mean more upkeep, and in less densely developed areas verify whether municipal water and sewer are available or the property uses private systems.

Schools people ask about

Franklin is divided among three public school districts depending on the address. Franklin Public Schools include Franklin High School, Forest Park Middle School and Ben Franklin, Country Dale, Pleasant View, Robinwood and Southwood Glen elementary schools. Other districts serving parts of the city include the Oak Creek-Franklin Joint School District (a portion of eastern Franklin) and the Whitnall School District (part of northwestern Franklin). Private options include St. Paul's Lutheran School. A Franklin mailing address does not mean the home is in the Franklin Public School District, so verify the exact property's district, assigned schools and enrollment requirements; the Franklin Public Schools boundary map is a good starting point.

Getting around

Close to I-94, I-43 and I-41, with access to downtown Milwaukee, Mitchell International Airport and communities across southeastern Wisconsin. More dependent on driving than Milwaukee or West Allis; shopping and restaurants can be a longer trip depending on the home, and commute times vary a lot by neighborhood and destination.

Nearby

The Root River Parkway (wooded scenery and trails), Kayla's Playground at Franklin Woods (an inclusive playground), Franklin Field at Ballpark Commons, plus parks, walking trails, golf courses and open spaces.

The trade-off

Compared with Greenfield, fewer modestly priced older homes, larger yards to maintain and a less central location. Compared with West Allis, fewer traditional starter homes, duplexes and walkable commercial districts. Compared with New Berlin, a different selection of larger-lot properties. Compared with Oak Creek, less shopping and dining around Drexel Town Square. Compared with Muskego, no lakefront. Compared with Greendale, no historic village center. Housing can cost more than in some neighbors, especially newer Franklin homes against older Greenfield or West Allis properties, and a large yard means more mowing, landscaping and snow removal. A property near 27th Street feels different from one in the St. Martins area or a subdivision farther west. These are broad tendencies, not promises about any one home.

The method

How we do it in Franklin

1. 01Get ready
2. 02Know the home
3. 03Find the right one
4. 04Close it

Read the whole process, step by step