Thinking about relocating to Williamson County in Middle Tennessee? You are likely weighing neighborhoods, commute time to Nashville, and what to do first. This guide gives you a clear picture of the towns, travel routes, costs, schools, and a simple step-by-step plan so you can move with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Why Williamson County
Williamson County sits just south of Nashville with Franklin as the county seat, which gives you suburban convenience with easy access to the city’s jobs and culture. The county is known for strong services and amenities supported by higher-than-average incomes. Recent ACS-based estimates place median household income roughly between $125,000 and $131,000, far above the state median source.
Home values reflect that demand. DataUSA reports a 2023 median property value around $673,700, which is helpful context when planning budgets and taxes source. Quality-of-life metrics are another draw, with the county ranking near the top in Tennessee for health outcomes source. For a quick primer on location and history, see the county overview here.
Neighborhood snapshots
Franklin
Franklin blends a renovated historic downtown, a lively restaurant scene, and annual festivals with a mix of historic homes, downtown condos, and suburban neighborhoods. The walkable Main Street and preserved districts create a classic small-city core that many buyers prioritize. Most areas are zoned to Williamson County Schools, and school assignments can vary by address.
Brentwood and Cool Springs
Brentwood offers established neighborhoods and convenient access to Nashville. Nearby Cool Springs is the county’s major employment and retail hub with offices, healthcare, dining, and the mall, plus newer neighborhoods and apartments source. If you want short drives to major employers and shopping, this area is a strong fit.
Nolensville and Thompson’s Station
These fast-growing towns combine newer subdivisions with emerging town centers. You will find a range of single-family options and community amenities. Commutes to central Nashville are longer than from Brentwood, so test your route during peak hours.
Leiper’s Fork and College Grove
These rural pockets are known for privacy, scenic land, and equestrian-friendly properties. Expect larger lots and a country feel with boutique local businesses. If you value space over proximity to downtown Nashville, these areas are worth a look.
Spring Hill
Spring Hill spans Williamson and Maury counties and is one of the region’s fastest-growing cities. It offers more budget-friendly options compared with central Williamson and a trade-off of a longer commute north to Nashville source.
Fairview and Arrington
These communities offer lower-density living and more land per property with small-town character. They appeal to buyers who want space while keeping reasonable access to the rest of the county.
Commute and transportation
Typical travel times
Countywide, the mean travel time to work is about 28 minutes based on ACS 5-year estimates. Your actual time will vary by town, destination, and time of day source. Expect longer times during rush hour from southern and southeastern areas into Nashville.
Major routes to know
Interstate 65 is the main north-south route to Nashville. The I-840 loop provides a southern bypass, and U.S. 31 plus the Cool Springs road network handle much of the local traffic. Congestion is common during peak periods on I-65 and around Cool Springs and downtown Franklin.
Transit snapshot
Regional rail service does not directly reach Franklin or Brentwood, and bus options are limited compared with larger metros. Nashville’s voter-approved “Choose How You Move” plan is funding more frequent bus and express service along with park-and-rides and infrastructure upgrades that roll out over time source. Check for updated routes as improvements advance.
Commute planning tips
- Test-drive your route during your actual commute time.
- Consider flexible schedules or partial telework if your employer allows it.
- Look for park-and-ride options and express buses where available.
- If you fly often, factor in the drive time to BNA from your short list.
Housing, taxes, and schools
Market snapshot
Williamson County has often favored sellers, with relatively low inventory and quick days on market in popular micro-neighborhoods. Median figures can differ depending on whether you look at listing prices, closed sales, or assessor values, so be sure to compare like with like and note the date and data source. If you are selling, timing and presentation matter. If you are buying, plan for competition in the most sought-after areas.
Property taxes 101
Property taxes are calculated using assessed value multiplied by the county rate. Local reporting in 2025 noted a proposed county property tax rate around 41.3 cents per $100 of assessed value, which would increase the average homeowner’s bill if adopted. Rates and budgets can change each year, so confirm the current fiscal-year rate before you estimate your bill source.
Schools and zoning
Most of the county is served by Williamson County Schools, a large district that is widely recognized for high performance in Tennessee. School zones change over time as growth continues, so always verify the exact assignment for a specific address and review the latest data for the schools you are considering source.
Relocation steps and timeline
60 to 90 days before your move
- Define your must-haves: commute time, lot size, town feel, and school zone.
- Get pre-approved and set a complete budget that includes HOA fees, insurance, and estimated property taxes.
- Tour your top areas at different times of day to gauge traffic and noise.
- Partner with a local agent who knows micro-neighborhoods and school boundaries.
30 to 45 days before
- Finalize your housing plan and line up lenders, inspectors, movers, and insurance.
- If you are becoming a Tennessee resident, obtain a Tennessee driver license within 30 days of establishing residency and plan vehicle title and registration transfers. Review required documents and make a Driver Services Center appointment source.
- Set up utilities and services, and confirm any HOA move-in rules.
- Sellers: schedule pre-list prep, staging, and photography. Ask about Compass Concierge to help maximize your result.
Move week and after
- Register to vote and update your address on state and county records.
- Complete school enrollment and provide any required documents.
- Confirm your property tax billing cycle and escrow setup with your mortgage servicer.
Find your best fit
Use this quick checklist to compare towns side by side:
- Commute goal: target a daily time you can live with.
- Home style: historic, newer subdivision, townhome, or acreage.
- Budget range: align with current medians in your short list.
- Amenities: proximity to jobs, parks, dining, and healthcare.
- School zone: verify assignment for each address.
- Ongoing costs: HOA, utilities, insurance, and taxes.
Ready to refine your plan and tour the right neighborhoods? Reach out to Sam Anto for personalized guidance, data-driven pricing, and concierge-level service across Williamson County and greater Middle Tennessee.
FAQs
Is Williamson County affordable for first-time buyers?
- Relative to the state, Williamson County is one of the more expensive markets, so many first-time buyers look to Spring Hill or outer areas for more options within budget.
How long is the commute to Nashville from Williamson County?
- The county’s mean travel time is about 28 minutes, though your actual commute will depend on your starting point, destination, and rush-hour traffic.
How do property taxes work in Williamson County?
- Taxes are based on assessed value multiplied by the county rate, which is set each budget year, so use the current fiscal-year rate to estimate your bill.
How strong are the public schools in the county?
- Most areas are zoned to Williamson County Schools, a large district that often scores highly in state comparisons, but you should always verify the specific school assignment and review current data for the address you are considering.
