10 Reasons Families & Professionals Are Choosing Franklin Township, New Jersey in 2025
Explore life in Franklin Township, NJ — one of Somerset County’s most livable towns. Discover schools, housing, parks, jobs, and more in this detailed relocation guide.
📍 Where Is Franklin Township, New Jersey?
Franklin Township is located in Somerset County, Central New Jersey, about 35 miles from New York City and just west of New Brunswick. It includes the communities of Somerset, Franklin Park, East Millstone, and Griggstown, offering a mix of suburban development, farmland, and open space.
Quick Facts:
- Population: ~68,000
- Region: Central Jersey
- County: Somerset
- Nearby: New Brunswick, South Bound Brook, Hillsborough
- Known For: Excellent schools, parks, diversity, and suburban peace
Franklin Township is where the city slows down, and quality of life speeds up.
🌤️ Climate & Environment – Suburban Seasons in Full Bloom
Franklin Township enjoys four classic seasons with gorgeous springs and vibrant autumns — perfect for outdoor life.
☀️ Weather Overview:
| Season | Avg Temp (°F) | Vibe |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | 50–70 | Flowering trees and green hikes 🌸 |
| Summer | 75–90 | Warm days, park adventures ☀️ |
| Fall | 50–70 | Golden foliage and crisp air 🍁 |
| Winter | 25–40 | Calm and cozy ❄️ |
🌎 Natural Highlights:
- Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park Trail
- Colonial Park – gardens, golf, paddle boats
- Six Mile Run Reservoir Site – hiking & biking trails
🏘️ Neighborhoods of Franklin Township – Spacious, Quiet & Well-Located
Franklin Township is spread out, giving you a choice of single-family homes, townhomes, and new developments — all within minutes of shopping, schools, and open space.
🏡 Neighborhood Overview:
| Area | Vibe | Avg Home Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Somerset (ZIP 08873) | Suburban + convenient | $510,000 | Family-friendly, near Rt. 27 |
| Franklin Park | Peaceful + diverse | $500,000 | Townhomes + newer homes |
| Griggstown | Historic + rural | $590,000 | Larger lots, scenic roads |
| East Millstone | Cozy + classic | $520,000 | Near canal and parks |
| Society Hill | Planned community | $470,000 | Condos, rentals, amenities |
Somerset is popular with commuters. Griggstown is a dream for nature lovers. Franklin Park is growing fast.
💼 Jobs & Local Economy – Strong Region, Smart Commute
Franklin Township’s location puts it near New Brunswick, Princeton, Bridgewater, and major highways — making it a prime spot for professionals.
🔧 Major Employment Sectors:
- Healthcare & pharma (close to Johnson & Johnson, RWJ)
- Education (Rutgers University, Franklin Township schools)
- Tech, logistics & business parks
- Commuting distance to NYC & Newark
💰 Income Snapshot:
- Median Household Income: ~$99,000
- Unemployment Rate: ~3.9%
- Commute Options: NJ Transit (Somerville/New Brunswick stations), bus routes, Rt. 287, Rt. 27, and Turnpike access
Live in Franklin, work anywhere — and come home to peace and quiet.
🏠 Real Estate – Value, Space, and Growth Potential
Franklin Township remains affordable compared to North Jersey, offering large homes, low-density neighborhoods, and strong resale values.
🏠 Real Estate Snapshot:
| Area | Avg Home Price | Avg Rent (2BR) | Property Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Somerset | $510,000 | $2,400 | ~2.2% |
| Franklin Park | $500,000 | $2,300 | ~2.1% |
| Society Hill | $470,000 | $2,200 | ~2.2% |
| Griggstown | $590,000 | N/A | ~2.0% |
Home Types:
- Single-family homes with yards
- Townhouses and condos
- Luxury homes near golf courses
- New construction in growing pockets
It’s a great place to grow a family — or an investment portfolio.
🚆 Transportation – Suburban Roads & City Access
Franklin Township offers easy access to multiple NJ Transit lines, highways, and park-and-ride bus routes.
🚉 Transit Highlights:
- New Brunswick Station – NJ Transit Northeast Corridor
- Somerville Station – Raritan Valley Line
- Coach USA buses to NYC
- Easy access to Rt. 27, I-287, Rt. 1, and Turnpike
- ~35 mins to Newark Airport, ~55 mins to NYC
Not too far, not too fast — just the right rhythm for commuters.
🎓 Education – Excellent Schools & College Proximity
Franklin Township has a well-rated public school system, with strong AP programs, STEM pathways, and access to top NJ universities.
🏫 Schools Overview:
- Franklin Township Public Schools – diverse and competitive
- Franklin High School
- Sampson G. Smith Intermediate
- Elizabeth Avenue, Claremont, MacAfee Elementary
- Central Jersey College Prep Charter School – highly ranked
- Nearby: Rutgers University, Raritan Valley Community College, Princeton University (30 mins)
Whether it’s elementary school or a PhD, Franklin’s got education covered.
🏥 Healthcare – Trusted Local & Regional Services
Residents of Franklin Township have excellent access to healthcare, including hospitals, urgent care, dental, and specialists.
🏥 Facilities Nearby:
- Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (New Brunswick)
- St. Peter’s University Hospital
- RWJBarnabas Urgent Care – Somerset
- Local pediatric, dental, and senior clinics
🌿 Parks, Trails & Outdoor Living
Franklin is full of natural beauty, with hundreds of acres of parks, trails, and bike paths for year-round enjoyment.
🌳 Top Outdoor Spots:
- Colonial Park – gardens, mini golf, lake
- Six Mile Run Reservoir Site – biking, hiking, equestrian
- D&R Canal Trail – scenic walks and paddling
- Inman Park – local sports, playground
- Franklin Township Youth Center – sports, tutoring, community events
Weekends here? Hiking boots, bikes, and picnic baskets, guaranteed.
🍽️ Dining, Shopping & Culture
From local bakeries and family restaurants to international cuisine, Franklin offers flavor and convenience — without the crowds.
🍴 Favorites:
- Saffron Indian Cuisine
- Stage House Tavern (Somerset) – American classics
- La Bonbonniere Bake Shoppe – beloved bakery
- Pho 99 – Vietnamese comfort food
- King Palace – top-rated Chinese takeout
- Somerset Shopping Center, Costco, Rutgers Plaza – nearby retail
🕊️ Community Life & Diversity
Franklin is one of the most diverse suburbs in NJ, with strong community organizations, cultural celebrations, and interfaith events.
- Majority-minority community: African American, South Asian, Latino, Caribbean
- Community centers, sports leagues, and senior clubs
- Annual events: Franklin Day Festival, Cultural Heritage Parade, Juneteenth, Diwali celebrations
Here, diversity isn’t a trend — it’s how life is lived every day.
🛡️ Safety & Suburban Peace
Franklin Township is generally considered safe, quiet, and family-friendly, with low crime rates and responsive emergency services.
| Neighborhood | Safety Score (1–10) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Franklin Park | 2/10 | Quiet, residential, patrolled |
| Somerset (central) | 3/10 | Active, but stable and safe |
| Griggstown | 1/10 | Very low density, peaceful |
📊 Franklin Township Snapshot
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | ~68,000 |
| Median Home Price | ~$510,000 |
| Median Household Income | ~$99,000 |
| Property Tax Rate | ~2.2% |
| Commute to NYC | ~55 minutes |
| Diversity Index | Very High |
| Parks & Trails | Extensive |
✅ Should You Move to Franklin Township?
You’ll love Franklin Township if you:
- Want space, schools, and trails without leaving Jersey
- Need to commute but want to breathe
- Prefer community over chaos
- Value good schools, green space, and real estate value
- Are raising a family or planning long-term growth
Pros:
- Great schools
- Outdoor space galore
- Quick access to major hubs
- Affordable suburban homes
- Welcoming, diverse community
Cons:
- You’ll need a car
- Some areas still developing retail
- Commute can be long depending on route
🔗 External Resource
Check out the Franklin Township Official Website
🧠 Final Thoughts
Franklin Township, New Jersey is where calm meets convenience. With beautiful homes, parks, schools, and a warm community vibe, it’s a place where you can settle down without settling.
If you’re ready to live in a town that values education, open space, and family life, Franklin Township might be exactly what you’ve been looking for.