Franklin

Lifestyle & dining

Franklin itself is a fairly compact, residential suburb, and much of its day-to-day life spills over into the Gungahlin town centre nearby, where cafes, restaurants and bars cater to the district's growing population. Locally, the suburb has a quieter, low-key character, with pockets of green space and walking paths threading between the housing estates, making it more about easy living than a bustling strip of its own.

Shopping

For groceries and everyday errands, residents typically head to the Gungahlin Marketplace and the broader Gungahlin town centre, which offers supermarkets, specialty stores and services within easy reach. Being so close to this hub is one of Franklin's practical advantages, giving residents city-style convenience without the inner-Canberra price tag.

Getting around

Franklin benefits from Gungahlin's position as a well-connected satellite hub, with bus routes linking the suburb to the town centre and on towards the city. The light rail terminus at Gungahlin is also within easy striking distance, offering a direct run into Civic without the need to drive. For those who do drive, arterial roads through Gungahlin make it straightforward to reach the CBD in around 20 minutes outside peak times, while neighbouring Throsby, Harrison and Forde are all just a few minutes away.

Schools & families

Franklin School serves the local area and is a focal point for families in the suburb, offering primary-level education within walking distance for many residents. The suburb's young median age of 30 reflects its popularity with families and younger households, and there are further schooling options in surrounding Gungahlin suburbs for families as their children move through high school.

The property market

Franklin's housing stock leans heavily towards higher-density living, with current listings made up of 53% apartments and units, 26% houses and 21% townhouses — a mix that reflects its relatively recent development and its appeal to renters and downsizers as much as families. The median house price sits at $760,000, while units and apartments have a median of $485,000, giving buyers a real spread of entry points into the suburb.

Median rent is currently $660 a week, underlining solid rental demand in a suburb popular with younger tenants and those working in and around Gungahlin. Recent house price growth has eased back by 2.9%, suggesting the market here has cooled slightly after a period of rapid development and price rises, which may present an opening for buyers who missed the earlier run-up.

Parks & recreation

Like much of Gungahlin, Franklin has been planned with green corridors, local parks and shared paths in mind, giving residents room to walk, cycle and let kids play close to home. Its proximity to Throsby and Forde also opens up access to more expansive open space and recreational reserves on the northern fringe of Canberra, appealing to those who want a bit of breathing room without leaving the district.