Franklin County, NC (Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham: chapel, homes, schools)

[OrganicSmallHome]

Just curious: When I read through a lot of the threads on the NC forum, I see quite a number of posts that dismiss Franklin County as not a good place to live. I don't understand that point of view. I realize that it's one of the poorest counties in NC, but it's hard for people to find work when all of the manufacturing jobs have shut down and been shipped overseas, and when the state government refuses to invest in infrastructure and renewable energy training and jobs. And when schools are funded via property taxes, this pretty much guarantees that poor children will receive an inferior education and that revitalization of their towns will stagnate (which is why schools should stop being funded by property taxes; it worked fine in the 1950s and 60s, when there was a thriving middle class, but not any more--and American children should not be penalized/disadvantaged for being poor). There are some really sweet towns in Franklin County with beautiful old historic homes and interesting histories just waiting to be revitalized. I just don't get it. Is it a class thing? A race thing? We bought an old home in Franklin County and love it, love the town, love the people--and it's only 40 minutes from Raleigh (which, since we're from New England, is hardly a big deal--is in fact pretty typical if you live even in a close suburb to Boston). Why such a condescending attitude toward the folks in Franklin County?

[hey_guy]

It's no different than what they say about every other county that doesn't contain Charlotte Wilmington Asheville Raleigh Durham chapel hill


Unfortunately across our state we abandoned historic downtown for bypass big box development so thanks for doing your part


I LOVE rura/small towns

[Lucky Dawg]

I think you touched on some of the issues in your post...the schools aren't that great, the economy sucks. There are few amenities...Wal Mart is pretty much the only shopping option. There are too many better places closer to the job locations in the Triangle. As the Triangle continues to grow, places like Louisburg may become more viable options for people to live, and the area will begin to revitalize.

I don't think anyone has a condescending attitude towards people who live in Franklin County. The fact is, it just isn't a desirable place to live for most people right now.

[poppydog]

Schools, lack of jobs, shopping and entertainment options.

If you want a small town it can be a great place. Much better than Henderson, which has issues with crime.

[emelvee]

We lived in Franklin County for two years and still keep that home as a second home. I could live there full time, but it's too rural for my wife. I do get a little sad when travelling Hwy 98, first in Franklin County - some new development, not a ton. Then you hit Wake County and almost immediately there are multiple new high end subdivisions.

When we lived there, our daughter went to Edward Best Elementary, and we were generally pleased with the quality of that school. The principal was amazing.