2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Marion, NC vs Franklin, NC

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Highlights
Are people in Franklin older or younger than people in Marion?
- The Median Age in Franklin is 10.9 years older than in Marion.

Are housing costs cheaper in Franklin or Marion?
- Franklin housing costs are 17.8% more expensive than Marion housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Franklin or Marion?
- The average commute for residents of Franklin is 1.8 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Marion.

Things to do in Marion?
Marion, NC is a wonderful place to live, with a rich culture and plenty of activities to do. The city has a variety of shops, restaurants, parks and recreational activities, ranging from hiking and biking to swimming and fishing. It has many unique attractions such as the McDowell County Historical Museum, Grandfather Mountain State Park, and the Catawba River. The town also offers a wide array of educational opportunities ranging from elementary school through college. The community is friendly and welcoming as well as safe and secure with low crime rates compared to other cities in North Carolina. There are also wonderful places for families to gather like the local farmers market or just take in some of the beautiful scenes that Marion offers.

Things to do in Franklin?
Franklin, NC is a small city located in the Appalachian Mountains of western North Carolina. It has a population of just over 4,000 people and is home to many charming boutiques and restaurants. The area offers its residents a peaceful atmosphere that balances the hustle and bustle of everyday life with the slower pace of rural living. Franklin provides access to many outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, kayaking, and camping with easy access to some of the most beautiful mountain vistas in Appalachia. With plenty of local art galleries, great food options, interesting history, friendly people and an overall laid-back atmosphere - it's easy to see why so many people have made Franklin their home.

 Marion, NCFranklin, NCUnited States
 Population  Unlock4,131329,725,481
 Median Income$41,580  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock51.438.4
 Avg. Home Price$219,800  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.2%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time22.49  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Marion    1 Reviews

Before the economy went bad, I was trying to live in Marion. I called on a place to rent. The owner did not want children living in her unit. I didnt know that  More

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Reviews for Franklin    4 Reviews

Great mountain town. Friendly people and lots to do.  More

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Over 10 years ago

I agree with some of the posts on here saying that Franklin is more than willing to take your money, but it's difficult to fit in if you 'aren't from around here, are  More

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Franklin will welcome you if you are a vacationer but move here and it is a whole different story. We are one of those families that would vacation here every year and  More

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