THE COMMUNITY Franklin, a town with 8700 residents, is conveniently located in beautiful southeastern Virginia. With the Hampton Roads region 60 miles to the east and Richmond 85 miles to the north, residents have quick access to the many cultural, educational and recreational amenities of these metropolitan areas. Also located within easy driving distance: Washington, DC, Williamsburg, the Blue Ridge Mountains and beaches of the Virginia and North Carolina coasts.
RECREATION Franklin and its surrounding areas offer an extensive range of recreational activities, such as adult and youth sports leagues, golf and tennis. Franklin’s impressive YMCA features two gymnasiums, indoor and outdoor pools, handball and racquetball courts, and a Nautilus fitness center. For the outdoor enthusiast, top-notch hunting and fishing are available at local hunt clubs, rivers and lakes. Car racing fans will enjoy being in close proximity to both the Southampton Speedway and the famous Richmond International Speedway. Also located nearby are the multiple diversions of the spectacular Blue Ridge Mountains and the beautiful coastlines of Virginia and North Carolina.
EDUCATION Abundant educational opportunities are available in Franklin. Two quality public school systems offer a comprehensive curriculum, special education, numerous extracurricular activities, advanced placement and vocational and electronic classroom courses. Franklin school officials are especially proud of the low dropout rate (three percent) and the high percentage of students who continue their education (93 percent). The area also offers private school options at Southampton Academy and Rock Church School. Higher education opportunities abound at Paul D. Camp Community College, which offers more than 40 different programs of study. Several four-year institutions, including Old Dominion University, the College of William and Mary, Virginia Commonwealth University, Medical College of Virginia and Chowan College, are also located in the region.
