Moving to Nashville: Discover Franklin, TN’s Best New Homes with Huge Yards and Affordable Prices

If you’re thinking about moving to Nashville, Tennessee, you probably have a long list of must-haves for your new home. New construction, open concept living, excellent schools, spacious yards, privacy from neighbors, and yes, affordable pricing—everyone wants it all. But as anyone who’s house hunting in Franklin knows, finding that perfect combo, especially in new construction, can feel nearly impossible. Fortunately, there’s a hidden gem in Franklin that might just check more boxes than you expect: a tucked-away neighborhood by Meritage Farms. This community offers a unique blend of modern living, great location, and price points that are surprisingly accessible for the area.

As a native Nashvilleian, licensed general contractor (now retired), and local realtor, I’ve helped countless families navigate the Middle Tennessee real estate market. Today, I want to introduce you to this special neighborhood in Franklin that many people don’t even know exists. Whether you’re relocating for work, looking to upsize or downsize, or simply want a beautiful home in a peaceful community with top-notch schools, this could be your Nashville area unicorn.

Location, Location, Location: Why This Franklin Neighborhood Stands Out

When it comes to real estate, location is everything. This community is perfectly positioned in Franklin, nestled between Franklin and Brentwood, just off Clovercroft Road—a secondary street that’s quickly becoming a convenient access point between these two vibrant towns. This location offers a welcome alternative to the often-congested Highway 65 or Franklin Road, making your daily commute and errands much smoother.

From this neighborhood, you’re about a 10-minute drive to the bustling Cool Springs area, a 7-minute drive from the historic downtown Franklin, and roughly 30 minutes to downtown Nashville if you choose to take the secondary roads. This proximity means you have easy access to major shopping centers, grocery stores, restaurants, and entertainment in Cool Springs, Brentwood, and Franklin.

One of the biggest draws of this location is the exceptional Williamson County school district. Families will appreciate the “perfect Williamson County schools trifecta,” which is a huge selling point for this area. The community also offers a lifestyle vibe that balances peaceful, rural tranquility with accessibility to urban conveniences.

The Community Vibe: Peaceful, Family-Friendly, and Convenient

This neighborhood is quieter and feels more rural than the hustle and bustle of downtown Franklin but doesn’t have the sprawling acreage typical of Brentwood. It strikes a perfect balance for those who want a lifestyle community with amenities like a recreation center and swimming pools without sacrificing proximity to city life.

What’s truly special here is the diversity of floor plans and price points. Homes start in the low $800,000s and go up to $1.5 million, accommodating a wide range of buyers. This variety encourages a mix of move-up and move-down buyers, creating a dynamic community where people can grow and age in place.

For example, young families with children often want all bedrooms upstairs to keep the kids close but separated from the main living areas. As children grow or as homeowners age, many prefer a primary bedroom suite on the main level for convenience. This neighborhood offers four different floor plans that cater to these changing needs, making it easy for residents to stay within the community they love rather than relocating elsewhere.

This trend of staying put and moving within the same neighborhood is something I’ve seen repeatedly in other communities like West Haven and Tollgate. The familiarity with local grocery stores, community centers, and favorite routes creates a tight-knit feeling that’s hard to find elsewhere.

Nearby Conveniences Make Life Easier

Within a short drive, you have everything you could need: Target, Starbucks, Publix, nail salons, and fitness studios like Pilates centers. I recently started Pilates myself, and it’s tough but rewarding! The key is that while all these conveniences are close by, the neighborhood itself remains peaceful and less hectic than other parts of Williamson County.

Why Choose New Construction? The Benefits You Can’t Ignore

Many buyers gravitate toward new construction for good reasons. First, everything is brand new, so you can expect very low maintenance for the first six to seven years aside from regular cleaning. New homes come with comprehensive workmanship and product warranties, providing peace of mind that’s hard to find with older homes.

Modern floor plans are another big draw. Today’s buyers want open-concept living spaces with tall ceilings and walk-in closets, but they also appreciate some more intimate, closed-in spaces for home offices or quiet retreats. Builders are constantly monitoring trends and buyer feedback, so new homes reflect what families want now—not what was popular 20 or 30 years ago.

Energy efficiency is another major advantage of new homes. This builder uses double-pane insulated windows with low-E coating to prevent fading of floors, carpets, and draperies. Instead of hardwood, many homes feature luxury vinyl plank flooring, which is easier to maintain and more resistant to warping. The homes are built on slab foundations, eliminating energy loss from crawl spaces, and use open-cell spray foam insulation in walls and ceilings to create an airtight envelope that keeps temperatures consistent.

With utility costs rising, energy efficiency translates into significant savings over time, making new construction an especially smart investment. Plus, you avoid the headaches and unexpected expenses that come with older homes like replacing roofs, water heaters, or HVAC systems shortly after moving in.

Inside Meritage Farms: Franklin’s Newest Community

Meritage Homes is the builder behind this exciting development, and they are no strangers to the Nashville market. In fact, Meritage is one of the top five builders in the country, constructing over 600 homes annually in the Nashville area alone. This is their first time building in Franklin, which speaks to the high demand and prestige of the location.

One of the key attractions of Meritage Farms is its balance of green space and country-like feel while still being super close to everything. The community is almost equidistant between Brentwood and Franklin, giving residents access to the best of both worlds.

Floor Plans and Pricing

Meritage Farms offers about 12 different floor plans ranging from 1,500 to 3,000 square feet. These include options from three-bedroom, two-bath homes up to five-bedroom, four-bath homes. Some plans feature finished bonus rooms over the garage, which can serve as playrooms, guest suites, or home offices—flexibility that today’s buyers demand.

Several floor plans include primary bedroom suites on the main level, usually located on corner lots for extra light and space. These are among the most popular layouts, especially for downsizers or families with aging parents.

Building Quality and Energy Efficiency

Meritage Homes focuses heavily on energy efficiency, using spray foam insulation on all exterior walls and roof pitches. This creates a consistent temperature throughout the home and helps reduce heating and cooling costs. They also install special air filtration systems to reduce allergens—an increasingly important feature for many buyers, especially those relocating from other regions who discover new allergies after moving to Tennessee.

Their transparency in the building process is another strength. Homes are built or started before they are put on the market, and they are released about 60 days before completion. At that point, framing, drywall, and possibly cabinets are already in place. Buyers choose from curated interior design selections that blend modern aesthetics with timeless appeal, avoiding overly trendy looks.

One thing to note: customization options are limited to maintain efficiency and on-time delivery. Meritage guarantees a certificate of occupancy within 60 days of contract signing, a promise few builders can make. This means buyers can plan their moves with confidence, knowing their home will be ready as scheduled.

Variety Without Cookie-Cutter Feel

Although the building process is systematized, the neighborhood doesn’t feel cookie-cutter. Each floor plan has about five different exterior elevations, giving each home a unique look and curb appeal. This diversity helps maintain the charm and individuality that buyers desire in a community.

The builder also includes several “move-in ready” features such as refrigerators, washer and dryer units, and blinds on all windows, making the transition to your new home as smooth as possible.

Touring a Model Home: Features That Impress

Walking through a model home in this community reveals why it’s so appealing. One standout feature is the two-car garage, which doesn’t face the front of the house as many traditional homes do. Instead, the garage is accessed via an alleyway, enhancing the home’s curb appeal and allowing for more creative front yard landscaping.

Inside, you’ll find three bedrooms upstairs, a bedroom downstairs, and a bonus room over the garage. This extra space is perfect for an upstairs playroom, a private home office, or guest quarters. A covered porch connects the main living area to the garage, creating a seamless flow and additional outdoor living space.

The spray foam insulation is noticeable for how quiet and comfortable the home feels. These lifestyle features, combined with modern layouts, make this new construction community a standout choice for buyers who want the best of both worlds: contemporary living in a peaceful setting.

Pros and Cons of Buying in a New Construction Community

The Pros

• Peace of Mind: New homes come with warranties covering workmanship and products, reducing the risk of costly repairs in the first few years.
• Energy Efficiency: Modern building materials and techniques mean lower utility bills and a more comfortable living environment.
• Price Point: New developments often offer better pricing compared to established neighborhoods in Franklin, thanks to builder incentives and less mature landscaping.
• Community Amenities: Sidewalks, underground utilities, pools, and recreation centers foster a strong sense of community and convenience.
• Modern Layouts: Open-concept designs with flexible spaces suit today’s lifestyles better than many older homes.

The Cons

• Smaller Lot Sizes: Compared to homes built in the 1970s and 1980s, lots are smaller, often because land is more expensive and sewer infrastructure has changed.
• Ongoing Construction: Buying in a new community means living amid ongoing building activity for several years, which can be noisy or disruptive.
• Competition with Builder: If you decide to sell within a few years, you may compete with brand-new homes still being built, which can affect resale value.
• Lack of Mature Trees and Charm: New neighborhoods often lack the established greenery and character found in older communities.
• Limited Customization: Builders like Meritage limit changes to maintain efficiency and timelines, so you may not be able to personalize your home extensively.

Who Should Consider This Community?

This neighborhood is a great fit for a variety of buyers:

• Young Families: Those seeking excellent schools, modern amenities, and convenient access to Brentwood, Cool Springs, and Franklin will find this area ideal.
• Downsizers: Buyers looking for low-maintenance homes with enough space to host friends and family but without excess upstairs rooms will appreciate the main-level primary suites.
• Move-Up and Move-Down Buyers: Residents can stay within the community as their housing needs evolve, moving to larger or smaller homes without leaving their favorite neighborhood.
• Relocators: Families moving to the area who want to avoid costly renovations and want the peace of mind of a new home will find this community appealing.

Most residents here work from home or commute to Brentwood, Franklin, or areas south rather than downtown Nashville, making the community a practical choice for those seeking a peaceful lifestyle with city access.

Final Thoughts: Finding Your Perfect Nashville Community

If you’re serious about moving to Nashville, it’s crucial to focus on the community first, then the home. The right neighborhood shapes your lifestyle, daily routines, and social connections far more than any single house. This Franklin neighborhood by Meritage Farms offers a compelling option that combines location, amenities, home quality, and price in a way that’s hard to find elsewhere.

Whether you’re 5 minutes or 5 years away from making your move, start by creating a list of must-haves and nice-to-haves for your new community. Consider schools, commute times, amenities, and the overall vibe you want. Then, narrow down your search with the help of a local expert who understands the nuances of the Middle Tennessee market.

Remember, falling in love with the community first ensures that your new home will be a place you truly enjoy living in for years to come. If this Franklin neighborhood piques your interest, it’s worth a closer look—you might just find your Nashville dream home here.

For more information and personalized guidance, feel free to reach out. I’m here to help make your transition to Nashville smooth and successful!