Moving to Williamson County, Tennessee: Get to Know Franklin’s Westhaven Neighborhood
Franklin, Tennessee’s Westhaven neighborhood is a carefully curated, award winning Master-Planned Community that offers exceptional amenities, village charm, and southern hospitality tenfold. The first homes in Westhaven were established in 2003, and in the 22 years since the 1,500 acre property has grown into a serene, highly sought-after neighborhood in the southwestern region of Franklin.
Expansion of the area continues, with the current master plan set to be completed in 2031 with approximately 3,500 places of residence including single-family homes, townhomes, and condominiums. This expansion is spear-headed by Southern Land Company, a privately held, full-service real estate development company that emphasizes exceptional craftsmanship, service, and amenities that foster sustainable, happy, and healthy communities. The development is supported by a variety of trusted local builders: Ford Classic Homes, Legend Homes, SLC Homes (a part of Southern Land Company), Reserve SLC Homes, Stonegate Homes, and Zurich Homes, all of whom are committed to the integrity and vision of the Westhaven community.
If you’re looking to relocate, or are simply curious about what this beautiful neighborhood offers its residents, follow along to learn a bit more about life in Westhaven.
What is a Master-Planned Community?
A Master-Planned Community is a large scale, intentionally planned residential area that goes beyond your typical subdivision. Often planted in previously undeveloped areas, the ultimate goal of a Master-Planned Community is to create a long-term, cohesive community that offers self-contained necessities and special amenities to its residents. These communities are often walkable, with connective infrastructure and conveniently located commercial and residential districts. This structure is achieved with detailed, comprehensive planning, residential provisions, communal spaces, and active Home Owner Associations (HOAs).
Oftentimes these communities are found on the outskirts of urban areas and can sometimes be referred to as “garden cities,” “green towns,” or “neo-traditional communities.” The ultimate goal of a Master-Planned Community is to foster a sustainable, balanced way of life that limits unnecessary travel, increases security, and offers curated residential benefits. Traditionally, Master-Planned Communities offer easily accessible green spaces, club houses, public events, and maintenance services. This lifestyle structure can be ideal for both retirees and young families due to its evident convenience and ample opportunities to build close-knit community.
Westhaven Skube Swim Center
Westhaven: Special Features & Amenities
Westhaven emphasizes the modern village lifestyle, a way of life made possible by the neighborhood’s commitment to walkability, recreation, and community in the modern age. Alongside life necessities, Westhaven has an abundance of events to gather around, outdoor activities to enjoy, and local shopping and dining options to help residents stay connected to their neighbors.
For families with school-aged children, Pearre Creek Elementary in West Haven is a conveniently located public school within the Williamson County School District and is only a 5-10 minute walk, bike, or bus ride for students who live in the area.
A central point of local amenities, The Residents Club is a 15,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art clubhouse that includes a fitness center, movement studio, indoor 37-seat theater, art center, and a drop-in daycare facility. The gorgeous clubhouse is also accompanied by a lively greenspace known as “The Great Lawn,” where several festivities are held throughout the year. The property also includes a club playground for the kids.
Westhaven is also equipped with several outdoor sports and recreation facilities, including tennis courts, play areas, and pools (associated with The Residents Club and The Skube Swim Center). Pool options include:
- The Fish Pool: a shallow, unheated pool for kids ages 5 and under
- The Slide Pool: a fun-filled, medium-depth, unheated pool featuring a 119 foot water slide and a lazy river
- The Lap Pool: a heated salt water pool designated for lap swimming and water aerobics, open to ages 18+
- The Zero-Entry Pool: a varying-depth, sloped entry pool for all ages, complete with spray features and a deep end
The newest addition, Skube Swim Center, has a competitive swimming pool, pickleball courts, an event lawn, and vibrant social spaces that include a cafe, grill, and poolside service. The competitive swimming pool offers 6-lanes for serious training alongside a recreational swim area.
For golf enthusiasts, membership to the Westhaven Golf Club includes access to the 18-hole championship golf course, a practice facility, a golf performance center, the clubhouse bar and restaurant, and a standing invitation to a calendar of exclusive activities and events.
Dining, Shopping, & More
Westhaven’s Village Center offers residents access to premier restaurants, stores, healthcare, professional services, and pet care, all in-neighborhood. Many Westhaven businesses are located on Front Street, part of Westhaven’s commerical hub, also known as Westhaven Town Center. Alongside some of the great local spots found below, Westhaven is also home to a conveniently located Kroger for practical grocery shopping needs.
Some Front Street Eats. . .
Ching Asian Bistro, formerly the Great Wall of China Restaurant, offers great Chinese food and a family-friendly atmosphere. They’re open Sundays and Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. until 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday hours are 11 a.m. until 10:30 p.m. Address: 188 Front Street, Suite 104, Franklin, TN 37064
Coal Town Pizza is a casual eatery that serves fresh-fired pizzas (gluten and dairy free available), specialty salads, house-smoked wings, famous chicken tenders, and a variety of beverages. As an added bonus, the restaurant has a lakeside patio! They’re open Monday through Friday from 3 to 9 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from noon until 9 p.m. Address: 187 Front Street, Suite 103, Franklin, TN 37064
Fika Cafe has quality breakfast food, make fresh daily. Alongside coffee favorites, menu items include specialty crepes, sandwiches, breakfast tacos, omelets, and more. They’re open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Address: 158 Front Street, Suite 110, Franklin, TN 37064
High Brow Coffee and Tea is a premier coffee shop in Williamson County, committed to serving the best possible cup of coffee. They offer wholesale coffee, among curated menu items. They’re open Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Address: 188 Front Street, Suite 102, Franklin, TN 37064
Kokomo Trading Company brings together Island vibes and Music City flavors, complete with a chef-curated menu, live music, and great beverages. The menu is locally sourced when possible and most items are free of seed oils, per the restaurants commitment to fresh, quality ingredients. The restaurant is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. Address: 158 Front Street, Suite 100, Franklin, TN 37064
Oscar’s Taco Shop has been voted one of the best fast, casual restaurants in the U.S., with locations across Tennessee, Alabama, and Arizona. The shop is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. Westhaven Address: 188 Front Street, Franklin, TN 37064
Scout’s Pub is a wonderful place to gather, with a modern Southern menu, a great selection of beverages, and a dog-friendly patio that includes a menu just for dogs. Scout’s is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m., Fridays from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sundays from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. On Saturdays and Sundays they serve brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Address: 158 Front Street, Suite 120, Franklin, TN 37064
Sweethaven is a family friendly sweet shop that serves premium, hand-dipped ice cream in a variety of flavors, fresh frozen yogurt, and baked goods. If you have food sensitivity, they also have allergen-friendly options! The shop is open daily from 12 to 9 p.m. Address: 1015 Westhaven Boulevard, Franklin, TN 37064
Some Local Shopping Destinations . . .
Bound Booksellers is a boutique children’s bookstore, locally owned and operated in Franklin, Tennessee. The shop is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., though hours are subject to change. Address: 158 Front Street, Suite 106, Franklin, TN 37064
Freeman’s Flowers & Gifts is the oldest and one of the most trusted flower shops in the area. The local, full-service florist is family owned and operated. They’re open from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 9 a.m. until noon on Saturdays. Address: 188 Front Street, Suite 112, Franklin, TN 37064
Sanctuary South TN is a locally owned boutique selling unique gifts, furnishings, and home decor. They are now open from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and Saturdays from 1o a.m. until 3 p.m. Address: 158 Front Street, Suite 104, Franklin, TN 39074
Westside Wine & Spirits is conveniently located and has a large selection of wine, beer, and spirits. The store is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. and Sundays 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. Address: 188 Front Stree, Suite 106, Franklin, TN 37064
Westhaven Porchfest
Community Events & Entertainment
Creating opportunities to gather together will forever be an important pillar of community, and Westhaven knows how to throw a get together. Understandably, some neighborhood events are resident-only, though there are a few key events throughout the year open to all:
Porchfest is Westhaven’s annual music festival with a twist. During Porchfest, live music is played on neighborhood porches and in other frequented areas of the community. The charming festival is open to the public, although there is not a lot of promotion outside of the community. In 2025, this event takes place on September 20th, with a day full of festivities celebrating Middle Tennessee’s rich musical scene. Daytime music takes place from 12-5 pm. Keep in mind that evening sets are ticketed.
Whisky Warmer Festival, is the perfect festival for whiskey fans, whether you’re an aficionado or a novice. The annual event features top distillers who serve up samples of their whiskey, bourbon, and scotch. This event takes place in Westhaven from 6-9 p.m. (VIP tickets start at 5) and includes live bluegrass, good food, and great spirits. 2026 dates are to be determined.
The Westhaven Farmers Market is open every Wednesday May through October from 4-7 p.m. Vendors offer fresh, local produce, meat, eggs, homemade baked goods, artisanal goods, and more. The market is located outside of Paddle Dog at 1006 Westhaven Boulevard, Franklin, TN 37064
Many events and public spaces in Westhaven are maintained by The Westhaven Foundation, a volunteer-based philanthropy group that serves and nurtures the Williamson County community. Since 2007, the organization has raised over $1.5 million in funds that have gone to serving the people of Franklin, Williamson County, and beyond.
Natural Spaces
Every quarter mile in Westhaven is home to a neighborhood green space, aiding in the beautification and environmental friendliness of the area. There are no less than 20 lovely parks in Westhaven, alongside 9 miles of trails perfect for walking, hiking, and running.
Parks, trails, and natural spaces within Westhaven include Ardmore Park, Boyd Mill Trail & Playground , Chess Park, Crossroads Park, Discovery Park, Founders Square, Gaga Park & Campfire Hollow, Giving Dream Park, Pearl Street Park, Pearre Springs Pond, Prospect Park, St. Jude Dream Park, Sunset Park, The Great Lawn, The Rock Pond, Townsend Garden, Westhaven Golf Club, and the Westhaven Hiking Trails (East Slope Trail, West Slope Trail, & Randy’s Ridge).
A central feature of the neighborhood is Westhaven Lake, an expansive, man-made fishing pond. The beautiful body of water, known as the lakefront, is surrounded by designated parks and trails including Magli Green Park, the Lake Path, and Foundation Park. Paddle Dog Adventures, one of Westhaven’s most popular destinations, offers seasonal opportunities to rent paddle boards, kayaks, canoes, and bikes. Paddle Dog also serves great hot dogs, sandwiches, pretzels, and beverages.
55+ Community
Westhaven’s developing active adult community offers a selection of unique homes that are both stylish and functional. Neighborhood services such as lawn care are provided to residents. Additionally, all residents of Westhaven’s 55+ community can enjoy exclusive access to Astor Club. Astor Club membership includes access to amenities such as indoor and outdoor swimming pools, hot tubs, a cold plunge, pickleball courts, private spa and salon experiences, and exclusive dining options. The club also offers incredible communal spaces including a library and a music room.
These developments in Westhaven add to the reasons why Franklin, Tennessee is a fantastic place to settle down after retirement. Amenities aside, Franklin as a whole remains a charming, peaceful, and community-centric place to live, in both the Westhaven neighborhood and beyond.
A Home Here
If you’re not familiar with our area of Middle Tennessee, Westhaven is about 10 minutes from Franklin’s Downtown Historic District and about a 35 minute drive from the heart of Nashville, Tennessee. There’s no question that being in such close proximity to Music City has its perks, from premier annual events like Iroquois Steeplechase and CMA Fest to family and visitor-friendly neighborhoods like The Gulch and 12 South. Westhaven is also about 10 minutes from the Leiper’s Fork community in Franklin, a historic village known for its influence in the Southern art and Americana music scene.
From corner to corner, Williamson County is a great place to call home, full of the very best of Tennessee culture, entertainment, and hospitality. Our county is considered one of the most charming in the South for good reason, and lovely neighborhoods like Westhaven only add to the list of reasons. Being intentional with the way we live is a privilege not taken lightly in Williamson County. Our carefully planned neighborhoods, community events, and perfect blend of rural and urban landscapes give residents opportunity to connect with neighbors, live sustainably, and pursue the life they want to live. Whether you’re a lifelong local, are looking to find a new home, or are somewhere in between, this might just be the place!
