Williamson County, Tennessee is within the Nashville-Davidson-Murfreesboro-Franklin metro area. The area is one of the wealthiest counties in the nation and was named “America’s Wealthiest County” by the Council for Community and Economic Research. In 2007, the median family income was $97,688. The area, named after a North Carolina politician named Hugh Williamson, grew as a result of the Civil War when many North Carolina Revolutionary soldiers were given land in Tennessee. Williamson County was site of the Battle of Brentwood, the Battle of Thompson’s Station, and the Battle of Franklin. Williamson County is run by a Mayor, elected for 4-year terms, and a 24-member Board of County Commissioners. Williamson County, one of the fastest growing counties in the U.S. between 2000 and 2005, and as of the 2000 census, the population of Williamson County was 126,638. The area is second only to Virginia in the number of properties on the National Register of Historic Places. The cities in Williamson County include: Brentwood, Franklin, Spring Hill, Fairview, Nolensville and Thompson’s Station.
Brentwood Brentwood is an affluent suburb within Williamson County. The area was settled in the late 1700s. The first settlers came to the Brentwood area in the late 1700’s. Much of the land was granted to Revolutionary War soldiers by the State of North Carolina. After the Civil War, Brentwood became one of the richest areas in the state. Cottonport on Old Smyrna Road was the first post for business activity. Brentwood is a wealthy, family-oriented city. It is the best-educated city in Tennessee, with 65% of adults possessing a bachelor’s degree or higher. 95% of residents own their homes. Brentwood is also home to Maryland Farms Business Park, which hosts several corporate national headquarters. Brentwood is home to many of the artists and executives in the music industry, including: Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn, Dolly Parton, Jack White, Carrie Underwood, Faith Hill and Tim McGraw, Donna Summer, and Aaron Neville. The city also has many public parks, including Concord Park, Crockett Park, Deerwood Arboretum and Nature Area, Granny White Park, Maryland Way Park, Primm Park, Owl Creek Park, River Park, and Tower Park. Additionally, the Brentwood Historic Society maintains historic buildings like Cool Springs House in Crockett Park and the Boiling Springs Academy in Primm Park.
Franklin Franklin is the county seat of Williamson County, and home of about 40,000 people. The city, founded in 1799, was named after Benjamin Franklin. Franklin is one of the wealthiest cities in one of the wealthiest counties in the United States. The 2000 Census lists the City's population at just under just 10th largest city in Tennessee and the fastest growing. Today, Franklin is the richest city in Williamson County. Franklin is proud to offer “small-town charm and big-city sophistication”. Franklin has seen growth in the residential, commercial and corporate sectors in recent years. The city has a thriving downtown shopping area, as well as Civil War sites and museums, and historical Antebellum and Victorian homes. Franklin has a bevy of famous residents in the country music industry. Franklin is home to: Kenny Chesney, Miley Cyrus, Sheryl Crow, Steven Curtis Chapman, Sara Evans, Alan Jackson, The Judds, George Jones, Alison Kraus, Michael McDonald, and Brad Paisley.
Fairview Fairview is located in the northwest section of Williamson County. A younger city, incorporated only in 1959, Fairview is positioned for significant growth. The city is currently expanding its infrastructure so that it is able to handle future development. As of the 2000 census, Fairview had about 5800 residents. Fairview is a family city, known for economical home prices compared to other areas and excellent schools. The median family income for the area is $49,817. Currently, Tennessee State Roads 100 and 96 give Fairview access to I-40. However, the city and state are expanding Tennessee State Route 840 loop to improve city’s highway access.
Spring Hill Spring Hill lies between Williamson and Maury counties 30 miles south of Nashville. Spring Hill was established in 1808 and was settled by cultured families from the eastern U.S, and developed based on the fact that schools an d churches were priorities. Spring Hill is home to a former Civil War battle site, The Spring Hill Battlefield site, is protected by the Association for Preservation of Civil War Sites. Spring Hill is self-proclaimed as “The Sixteenth Fastest Growing City in the Nation”. Spring Hill has more recently been called the 14th fastest growing City in the nation. In 2007, Spring Hill was awarded the “Most Business Friendly City” by the State of Tennessee. The area is known to be a safe, family community with excellent schools. The median family income is $62,643. There were 7,715 Spring Hill residents at the 2000 census, however, a recent census put the population at over 24,000. Spring Hill is home to the former Saturn Corporation production facility, which is now the assembly plant for the Chevrolet Traverse. The city also is the headquarters for Dawson McAllister Ministries, which broadcasts live weekly on local radio stations. There is also a new hospital and healthcare facility is being developed.
Nolensville Nolensville is a town within the Nashville-Davidson metro area. The area achieved fame as the location for the 1999 movie, “The Green Mile”. Nolensville is a family town, with just over 3,000 residents as of the 2000 census. Spring Hill residents have a median family income of $72,426. At the time of the 2000 census, the per capita income in Nolensville was $24,123, compared with $21,587 nationally. Additionally, Nolensville is an educated city, with 41% of Nolensville residents age 25 and older have a bachelor's or advanced college degree.
Thompson’s Station Thompson’s Station is in the Nashville-Davidson metro area, 25 miles south of Nashville and Franklin and north of Spring Hill. Thompson’s Station is a small town, with 1,723 residents as of the 2008 special census. Thompson’s Station residents had a median household income of $66,875 as of the 2000 U.S. Census. The area is affordable, with median rent at the time of the 2000 Census at $508 and monthly homeowner costs of $1,241. 25% of Thompson’s Station residents age 25 and older have a bachelor's or advanced college degree. Interestingly, 11% of Thompson’s Station residents report German ancestry, and 12% report Irish ancestry.