Life In
Franklin County, Virginia

About Franklin County

Franklin County, Virginia, is situated in the western piedmont, providing a nice variety of both flatlands on the east and the Blue Ridge Mountain peaks on the west. The county is nestled between two lakes, Philpott and Smith Mountain, giving the area its moniker of the “Land Between the Lakes and the Blue Ridge Mountains.” Hot summer weather provides ample opportunity to hike, bike, golf, boat, swim, waterski, float on the river, and enjoy the outdoors. The Blue Ridge Parkway, which runs along the western edge of the county, delights motorists and motorcycle enthusiasts. Other top attractions in Franklin County include Pigg River and Wade Recreation Park, the Homestead Farm Market and Creamery, and Twin Creeks Distillery. The Harvester Performance Center, an intimate concert venue, draws national acts from all genres of music. The16-school Franklin County Public School District ranks above the state average in both math and reading proficiency, as well as among the top 30 percent of public schools in the state. The matriculation rate for graduating seniors in Franklin County is 89 percent. Nearly every type of architecture can be found in homes in Franklin County, Virginia, from historic Queen Anne and traditional farmhouses to log cabins and modern-built houses. A short drive from any point in the county takes residents to local historic sites, museums, waterways, mountains, and the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway. Rocky Mount, the county seat, is the largest town in Franklin County, located within a 45-minute drive of Roanoke, Virginia. Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport is a modern facility that offers domestic flights to and from the major hubs, including Atlanta, Washington, Charlotte, and others. Several major carriers service Roanoke Regional.