Trying to choose between Brentwood, Franklin, and Nolensville can feel like comparing apples, oranges, and pears. Each town offers a great Williamson County address, but the day-to-day experience is different. If you want clarity on schools, commute patterns, home styles and lot sizes, and lifestyle amenities, you’re in the right place. This guide walks you through the key differences so you can match the right suburb to your priorities. Let’s dive in.
Quick snapshot: the big picture
Brentwood at a glance
Brentwood is an upper-tier suburb known for larger lots, estate homes, and highly regarded Williamson County public schools. It sits closer to Nashville along I-65, which helps with commute times. Neighborhoods are mature and private with substantial landscaping, and retail is concentrated in a few upscale nodes. Expect a higher price tier and property taxes relative to nearby towns.
Franklin at a glance
Franklin is the county seat and cultural hub with a vibrant historic downtown. You’ll find a broad mix of housing, from historic cottages to new subdivisions and townhomes. Commutes are still manageable via I-65 and US-31, though slightly longer than Brentwood for many addresses. Lifestyle is lively with more dining, events, and attractions than Brentwood or Nolensville.
Nolensville at a glance
Nolensville is a fast-growing, family-focused suburb with newer planned communities. It generally offers a lower entry price point relative to Brentwood and Franklin, with a younger housing stock. Commutes to downtown Nashville are less direct and can be more variable due to reliance on Nolensville Road and connector routes. Local amenities are growing, with a small-town feel that continues to evolve.
Schools: what to know
Williamson County Schools serve most neighborhood addresses in Brentwood, Franklin, and Nolensville and are widely recognized for strong academic performance. School assignments vary by address, so always verify your specific zone before you buy. Capacity and boundary adjustments can occur as growth continues, especially in rapidly expanding areas.
How assignments work
- Confirm your address-level school zone using district tools and boundary maps.
- Review state report cards for growth, proficiency, and graduation rates.
- If school capacity is a concern, ask about enrollment trends and any planned construction or rezoning.
Brentwood school context
Brentwood includes several of the district’s most highly regarded elementary and middle schools that feed into established high schools. Many buyers cite school quality as a top reason to choose Brentwood. Verify exact assignments by neighborhood since boundaries can shift.
Franklin school context
Franklin spans a wide range of schools, from historic in-town neighborhoods to suburban areas. Performance varies by campus, and living near downtown does not guarantee assignment to the highest-performing schools. An address-level lookup is essential.
Nolensville school context
Nolensville’s rapid population growth has brought newer schools and expansions. Ratings have generally trended upward alongside the town’s development. Because enrollment changes quickly, confirm performance and capacity as part of your search.
Commute and transportation
I-65 is the primary north-south corridor connecting Brentwood and Franklin to downtown Nashville. Nolensville sits east of I-65 and typically relies on Nolensville Road and connector routes, with I-840 helping for cross-county trips. Regional transit options are limited, so most households commute by car.
Brentwood commute overview
Brentwood usually offers the shortest average drive to downtown Nashville among these three. Direct I-65 access reduces detours and can make timing more predictable. Commute times still vary by neighborhood and time of day.
Franklin commute overview
Franklin commuters also use I-65 and US-31, with additional time required for southern neighborhoods. Peak-hour congestion can be significant, so plan for morning and evening slowdowns. Many residents balance commute time with the benefits of Franklin’s amenities.
Nolensville commute overview
Nolensville commuters often use Nolensville Road toward Nashville or travel west to connect with I-65. Peak-hour congestion can lead to longer and less predictable travel. Some households choose employment centers in Franklin or southeast Nashville to shorten the drive.
Walkability and greenways
Franklin’s historic core is the most walkable area in this comparison. Brentwood and Nolensville feature more traditional suburban layouts where cars are primary, though all three offer parks and greenways with varying levels of connectivity. Check local parks and recreation plans for current trail maps and projects.
Homes, styles, and lot sizes
Each town offers a distinct housing profile. Your best fit depends on whether you prioritize lot size and privacy, historic character and variety, or newer construction in planned communities.
Brentwood homes
- Styles: Ranch, Colonial, and custom estates alongside large contemporary builds.
- Lot sizes: Many neighborhoods feature 0.5 to 2-plus acre lots, with some newer subdivisions on smaller parcels.
- Age: A mix of 1980s–1990s homes and high-end new construction or renovations.
- Market notes: Typically the highest price tier in Williamson County with a strong presence of luxury and gated communities.
Franklin homes
- Styles: Historic Victorian and period homes downtown, craftsman and modern farmhouse designs, townhomes, and new traditional subdivisions.
- Lot sizes: In-town lots can be under 0.2 acres; suburban neighborhoods often range from about 0.15 to 0.75 acres; estate properties appear on the outskirts.
- Age: Everything from 1800s historic residences to brand-new builds.
- Market notes: Broad variety gives buyers multiple paths, from renovation to new construction.
Nolensville homes
- Styles: New traditional, farmhouse-modern, craftsman, and typical single-family designs dominate.
- Lot sizes: Many lots fall between about 0.15 and 0.35 acres, with some communities offering larger parcels.
- Age: Predominantly 2000s–2020s construction with newer infrastructure and efficiency features.
- Market notes: Generally a lower entry price relative to Brentwood and Franklin, with strong growth in planned communities.
Lifestyle and amenities
You’ll find distinct day-to-day rhythms across these towns. Consider whether you want privacy and green space, a lively historic main street, or a small-town setting with growing conveniences.
Brentwood lifestyle
Brentwood is primarily residential with an emphasis on privacy and green space. You’ll see well-kept parks, nature preserves, and private country clubs, plus fitness centers and upscale retail clusters. Nightlife is limited compared to Franklin, which suits buyers who prefer quiet evenings.
Franklin lifestyle
Franklin’s historic downtown anchors a rich mix of restaurants, boutiques, music venues, and festivals. The area’s arts and cultural scene is a draw, alongside museums and preserved historic sites. Families appreciate the range of parks, programs, and community events.
Nolensville lifestyle
Nolensville offers a small-town feel with a growing commercial base and community calendar. New parks, playgrounds, and sports leagues support a family-oriented vibe. Big-box retail has expanded with growth, and local shops and restaurants continue to add variety.
Decision checklist
Use this checklist to narrow your short list and reduce surprises:
- Confirm school assignments
- Verify zones by address and review state report cards. Ask about enrollment capacity and any planned rezoning.
- Evaluate your commute in real conditions
- Do sample drives at peak times and note typical delays. Consider future road projects that may change traffic patterns.
- Verify lot and property specifics
- Review assessor records and plats for lot size, setbacks, easements, and utilities. Check floodplain maps where relevant.
- Understand HOA and restrictions
- Request CC&Rs, budgets, and meeting minutes to understand rules, dues, and any pending assessments.
- Compare local taxes and services
- Municipal tax rates, utility providers, and special assessments vary. Build these into your monthly budget.
- Match neighborhood lifestyle
- Visit at different times of day to gauge traffic, noise, and activity. Explore Franklin’s downtown, Nolensville’s Main Street, and Brentwood retail nodes.
- Check future development
- Review planning agendas for new subdivisions, commercial projects, or road work that could affect your property value or daily life.
- Assess market dynamics
- Look at recent comparable sales, inventory, and days on market. Discuss rate sensitivity and timing with your agent.
- Consider long-term resale
- Proximity to strong schools and popular amenities can broaden buyer demand. Estate-style properties in Brentwood hold value within their tier.
Which suburb fits you
- Brentwood: You want larger lots, privacy, and highly regarded public schools, and you’re comfortable with a higher price tier. Proximity to Nashville via I-65 is a plus.
- Franklin: You want a walkable historic downtown with dining and cultural options, and you value diverse housing choices from historic to new.
- Nolensville: You prefer newer construction, a family-focused community feel, and a generally lower entry price point, and you can accept a less direct commute to downtown.
If you’re weighing two or three neighborhoods in different towns, a side-by-side comparison of school zones, commute routes, and lot details usually reveals the right answer. When you’re ready for tailored advice and on-the-ground tours, connect with Janelle Waggener for local guidance and a smooth plan forward.
FAQs
How do schools differ across Brentwood, Franklin, and Nolensville?
- All three are served largely by Williamson County Schools, which are widely recognized for strong performance. Differences come down to specific school assignments by address and capacity, so verify zones and review current report cards.
What are typical commutes from each suburb to downtown Nashville?
- Brentwood usually offers the shortest drive via I-65. Franklin is a bit farther but also uses I-65 and US-31. Nolensville relies more on Nolensville Road and connector routes, which can mean longer, less predictable peak times.
How do home styles and lot sizes compare in these towns?
- Brentwood leans toward larger lots and estate homes, Franklin offers the widest variety from historic to new builds, and Nolensville features mostly newer construction in planned communities with moderate lot sizes.
Which suburb has the most walkable center for dining and shopping?
- Franklin’s historic downtown is the most walkable and offers the greatest density of restaurants, shops, and events. Brentwood and Nolensville are more car dependent, with retail in clusters and growing nodes.
Are property taxes the same across these towns?
- No. Municipal tax rates and fees vary within Williamson County. Compare rates for your target neighborhoods and include them in your monthly budget.
How can I reduce commute surprises before I buy?
- Drive your planned route at peak hours on multiple weekdays, note construction zones, and check for any planned road projects that could affect travel times in the next few years.