This article appeared in July 31st issue of the Franklin Press

I thought you all might enjoy reading it.

Franklin named a top ten Southern Retirement Destination

By Colin McCandless

pressreporter@thefranklinpress.com

While the recession has contributed to a down year for Franklin’s crucial second home market, the news is not all bad for this Southern Appalachian gem.

Franklin was recently awarded one of the top 10 “Undiscovered Towns for Retirees” distinctions (Southern cities) by the national retiree magazine Retirement Lifestyles, a publication for and about retirees.

Places were awarded the distinction based on educational opportunities, quality of life, income and housing factors, cultural and historical offerings and other amenities attractive to current and future retirees, according to the Retirement Lifestyles news release.

Franklin was the only town in North Carolina to receive top honors from the publication.

“We are pleased so many cities and towns across the South are offering more of the lifestyles retirees want,” said Dan Owens, the magazine’s publisher and National Active Retirement Association (NARA) director.

“But these unique places were recognized for having outstanding livability factors that we are certain will turn visitors into residents.”

To request a free copy of a Retirement Lifestyles magazine visit www.retiresouth.com/.

Featured below are the top ten southern cities that made the list:

Conway, Arkansas

Meridian, Mississippi

Opelika, Alabama

Franklin, North Carolina

Lexington, South Carolina

Abingdon, Virginia

Oak Ridge, Tennessee

Opelousas, Louisiana

Kerrville, Texas

Fort Pierce, Florida

I’m Evelyn Owens and I welcome you to Franklin, North Carolina, located in the beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains.   Thank you so much for stopping by to check out my blog on the World Wide Web!

Of the thousands of people that visit this area each year, some are just like you, smitten by the majestic beauty of the Western North Caorlina Mountains.   Others are enthralled with our our slower pace of life and the great mountain hospitality. Whatever the case, you have decided to make Franklin, NC or the area your home.

My specialty is helping you to realize your dream of owning a primary residence or second home in the North Carolina Mountains.   In fact, I’ve had a brand new website designed with you in mind to help you find Homes in Franklin, NC and the area.

You’ll find extensive information on Franklin NC Real Estate, our community and the area.   Franklin, of course, is known as the “Gem Capital of the World” and many gem mining operations are open to the public.  You’ll also find our brand new Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts,  a new 1,500 seat theatre that will feature nationally known performers as well as local productions.  Visit our local events page or HERE to learn more about Franklin, North Carolina.

You’ll also find answers to commonly asked NC real estate questions, a mortage calculator and other great helpful tools. I invite you to bookmark this site and make it your one source stop for Franklin, North Carolina Real Estate and visitor information.

Thank you so much for stopping by and please feel free to contact me with any questions you might have by calling 828.332.0088 or drop me an email.