Franklin Neighborhood Market Intelligence
Neighborhood Overview
Franklin is a distinguished, established neighborhood in Opelika, Alabama, known for its stately homes, mature landscaping, and a strong sense of community. Located in the northwestern quadrant of the city, it is conveniently situated between the I-85 corridor and the heart of downtown Opelika, offering residents both accessibility and a serene, residential atmosphere. The neighborhood's development primarily took root in the mid-20th century, with many homes reflecting the architectural styles and generous lot sizes characteristic of that prosperous era, creating a timeless and well-rooted appeal.
The character of Franklin is defined by its quiet, tree-lined streets, a mix of traditional family homes, and a palpable sense of permanence. It is a neighborhood where generations of families have put down roots, contributing to its stable and neighborly environment. Its proximity to major employment centers like the Auburn University campus and the growing industrial sector in Opelika, combined with its secluded feel, makes Franklin a premier choice for professionals, academics, and families seeking a classic Southern residential experience within a dynamic regional economy.
Housing & Real Estate
The housing stock in Franklin is predominantly composed of single-family homes, showcasing classic architectural styles including Mid-Century Modern, Traditional, Ranch, and Georgian-inspired designs. Homes are typically situated on spacious, well-manicured lots, often featuring mature hardwoods and established landscaping that enhance the neighborhood's verdant and private ambiance. Construction quality from this era is generally high, with many homes having been thoughtfully updated and expanded over the decades while retaining their original charm.
Price ranges in Franklin are positioned in the upper tier of the Opelika market, typically spanning from the mid-$300,000s to over $600,000, depending on size, condition, and lot specifics. The neighborhood is overwhelmingly owner-occupied, with a very low percentage of rental properties, which reinforces its stable and invested community character. Recent trends show a strong demand for homes in Franklin, with properties receiving significant interest due to the neighborhood's prestige, location, and limited inventory, leading to competitive market conditions and steady appreciation in value.
Lifestyle & Amenities
Residents of Franklin enjoy a lifestyle that balances suburban tranquility with convenient access to amenities. While the neighborhood itself is primarily residential, its central location places it just minutes from vibrant downtown Opelika, known for its award-winning culinary scene, boutique shopping, and cultural events at the Opelika Center for the Performing Arts. Daily necessities and major retail are easily accessible via Tiger Town in Auburn or the Opelika Marketplace, both a short drive away.
For recreation, the neighborhood's quiet streets are ideal for walking, jogging, and cycling. Nearby, the City of Opelika offers several parks, including the expansive Opelika Sportsplex and Aquatics Center. While Franklin is not a highly walkable neighborhood in terms of retail density—requiring a car for most errands—it offers exceptional peace and privacy. Public transit options are limited, aligning with the car-dependent nature of the region, but its strategic location ensures minimal commute times to key areas in Lee County.
Schools & Education
Franklin is served by the highly regarded Opelika City Schools district, a significant draw for families. Students typically attend Jeter Primary School, Opelika Middle School, and Opelika High School. Opelika High School is recognized for its strong academic programs, extensive Advanced Placement course offerings, and notable extracurricular activities in athletics, arts, and career technical education. The consistent quality of the assigned schools is a cornerstone of the neighborhood's real estate appeal.
In addition to the public school system, the neighborhood's proximity to Auburn University (approximately a 15-minute drive) provides access to a world-class institution, its cultural events, lifelong learning opportunities, and sporting events. Several well-regarded private school options, including Trinity Christian School and Lee-Scott Academy, are also located within a reasonable commuting distance, offering educational choice for residents.
Community & Demographics
Franklin is characterized by a stable, affluent, and primarily family-oriented demographic. The population is largely professional, including university faculty, medical professionals, business executives, and long-term Opelika residents. The age distribution tends to skew toward established families and empty-nesters, reflecting the neighborhood's longevity and the tendency for residents to remain in their homes for extended periods, fostering deep community ties.
The community character is one of quiet pride, civic engagement, and neighborliness. It is common to see residents interacting on walks or at community gatherings. This strong social fabric contributes to the area's safety and cohesive atmosphere. Demographically, the neighborhood presents less diversity than the city of Opelika as a whole, but it represents a key segment of the city's established leadership and contributing citizenry, known for its investment in the broader community's welfare and development.
Real Estate Market Insights
Franklin represents a high-stability, low-volatility segment of the Opelika real estate market with strong investment potential. Its defining features—limited housing stock, high owner-occupancy, and consistent demand from a discerning buyer pool—create a resilient environment that typically weathers broader market fluctuations well. Appreciation rates have historically met or exceeded regional averages, driven by the neighborhood's irreplaceable location and the enduring desirability of its property types.
Current market dynamics favor sellers, with low days on market and frequent multiple-offer scenarios, particularly for well-maintained or recently updated homes. For buyers, Franklin offers a long-term value proposition centered on quality of life and wealth preservation through real estate. For real estate professionals, Franklin is a critical neighborhood to understand because it serves as a bellwether for the upper-tier market in Opelika. Success here requires deep local knowledge, an emphasis on property condition and legacy, and the ability to market to a buyer seeking prestige, community, and a timeless home investment.
| Market Metric | Value |
|---|
| Median Home Price | $145,200 |
| Median Rent | $773/mo |
| Median Household Income | $60,085 |
| Average Home Size | 1,375 sq ft |
| Homeownership Rate | 71.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 28.6% |
| Rent-to-Income Ratio | 22.5% |
| Rental Vacancy Rate | 0.3% |
| Market Type | Seller's |
| Market Tier | Affordable |
| Primary ZIP | 30217 |
Selected Real Estate Professionals (10)
Alabama has over 30,000 licensed real estate agents. Top10Lists.us identified 10 agents serving Franklin who meet merit criteria.
Table of Contents: All 10 Agents
- An Thi Tam Le (5 stars, 570+ reviews, listed)
- Hap Ngoc Le (5 stars, 320+ reviews, listed)
- Alifonso Mendoza (4.9 stars, 120+ reviews, listed)
- Armando Diaz Arenas (4.8 stars, 100+ reviews, listed)
- Anna Losich (5 stars, 80+ reviews, listed)
- Arsalon Badri (5 stars, 60+ reviews, listed)
- Aaron Fabian Vega (5 stars, 30+ reviews, listed)
- Bart James Fuller (5 stars, 30+ reviews, listed)
- Ava Nicole Lichtenberg (5 stars, 20+ reviews, listed)
- Barbara Jean Montalbo (5 stars, 10+ reviews, listed)
5 stars[2][3]
570+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #2154198[1]
Portfolio Real Estate
Contact
Phone: (916) 666-6788
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.portfoliore.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Portfolio%20RealEstate
25+ years experience[1]
2930+ career transactions[2]
290+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $20K to $3.2M[4]
Why selected: Selected for her dedicated community service and mentorship, alongside exceptional performance with 585 five-star reviews. Her two decades of experience and recognition by RealTrends further demonstrate her proven expertise.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier.
5 stars[2][3]
320+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #2248708[1]
HP Real Estate
Contact
Phone: (916) 694-3542
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.hprehomes.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/HPTeam
17+ years experience[1]
980+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $172K to $1.4M[4]
Why selected: Selected for their dedicated community leadership as a Board Member and strong performance with a 5.0 rating across 200+ transactions. Their consistent excellence and local engagement set them apart.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier.
4.9 stars[2][3]
120+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #1760709[1]
Keller Williams Property Team
Contact
Phone: (209) 676-1819
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.mercedagent.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Alifonso%20Mendoza
17+ years experience[1]
980+ career transactions[2]
10+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $70K to $970K[4]
Why selected: Selected for his deep community roots as a lifelong resident and his recognition in the NAHREP Top 250 Agent Report. He combines this local commitment with a 4.9-star rating from 134 reviews and specialized certifications (SFR, CDPE) in complex transactions.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier.
4.8 stars[2][3]
100+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #1168227[1]
Soldavi
Contact
Phone: (209) 724-3107
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.soldavi.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/armandodiaz1
21+ years experience[1]
1130+ career transactions[2]
30+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $60K to $1.3M[4]
Why selected: Selected for his active involvement in local community initiatives and support of neighborhood development. This is paired with a 4.5-star rating from 116 reviews and over 20 years of trusted expertise.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier.
5 stars[2][3]
80+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #2210682[1]
eXp Realty of California, Inc.
Contact
Phone: (916) 613-4900
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.thesuperiorrealty.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/annachihuang
18+ years experience[1]
1210+ career transactions[2]
10+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $105K to $2.0M[4]
Why selected: Selected for her significant community leadership as a resource for real estate investors and her team's quantifiable excellence, including 91 five-star reviews and over $174 million in sales volume.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier.
5 stars[2][3]
60+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #1389871[1]
Five Diamond Realty
Contact
Phone: (916) 821-9807
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.topsacramentoagent.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Arsalon%20Badri
22+ years experience[1]
470+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $110K to $1.8M[4]
Why selected: Selected for sustained community leadership and market excellence, with 20-year career, highlighted by a perfect 5-star rating across 70 reviews and consistent industry-wide recognition. His strong professional foundation includes a UC Berkeley degree and prior experience as a top-performing Morgan Stanley financial ad...
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier.
5 stars[2][3]
30+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #01807208[1]
Tinetti Realty Group
Contact
Phone: (209) 354-3857
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.mercedrealestate.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/mercedrealtor
18+ years experience[1]
230+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $45K to $775K[4]
Why selected: Selected for his 17 years of experience and 5-star rating across 46 reviews, Aaron Fabian Vega is also a dedicated community leader. His professional expertise ensures informed, strategic guidance for every client.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier.
5 stars[2][3]
30+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #1407695[1]
eXp Realty, Inc.
Contact
Phone: (916) 601-6719
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.fullersellshomes.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/SoldbyFULLER
40+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $250K to $840K[4]
Why selected: Selected for his significant community involvement, Bart James Fuller combines a 5.0-star rating and extensive transaction experience in Elk Grove. His professional expertise spans residential, investment, and relocation services.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier.
5 stars[2][3]
20+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #2366358[1]
REDLEAF REALTY
Contact
Phone: (916) 801-1963
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.tomsells.net/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/TomLichtenberg
25+ years experience[1]
440+ career transactions[2]
10+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $270K to $1.2M[4]
Why selected: Selected for her 24-year career of community leadership and deep local engagement. She maintains a perfect 5-star rating across 31 reviews, demonstrating consistent excellence in complex residential and investment transactions.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier.
5 stars[2][3]
10+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #1194113[1]
Coldwell Banker Realty
Contact
Phone: (209) 938-8140
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.barbmontalbo.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Barbmontalbo
37+ years experience[1]
60+ career transactions[2]
Why selected: Selected for her perfect 5-star rating across 28 reviews and consistent Top Producer awards. Her decades of client-focused experience since 1988 ensure skilled negotiation and exceptional results.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier.