Since Artbeat opened a location in Franklin, we have been well reieved by the community. We are very excited to hear that Franklin, MA was recently voted as one of the top ten towns to raise a family by Family Circle Magazine. “Franklin, Massachusetts

Population: 29,642 Median Income: $81,065 Median Home Value: $355,000 Households with Children: 48% Student/Teacher Ratio: 14:1 When Benjamin Franklin learned that colonial settlers named this town after him in 1778, he sent 116 of his own books to become the core of the community library — the first such public collection in the nation. “History is instilled in our kids,” says Kathy Sirignano, 45, a stay-at-home mom to Jillian, 9, Kyle, 16, and Michael, 18. “It gives them a real sense of belonging.” Not to mention pride. After Jillian and her classmates at Jefferson Elementary School performed a song last year to celebrate the 300th anniversary of Franklin’s birth, the third graders were tickled when local officials promptly proclaimed the tune the town’s official theme. Dad Andrew, 46, a real estate broker, raves about Franklin’s affordable houses (half the cost of those in suburbs closer to Boston and Providence, Rhode Island) and low property taxes. But what he and Kathy appreciate most are good neighbors all around. “You can always count on them to take care of your kids if you have to work late or to help you out in an emergency,” Kathy says. “It’s that feeling of togetherness that makes living here special.” Family-friendly perk: Locals still gather on the 4-acre common for holidays like the Fourth of July, a six-day spectacular that includes nightly concerts, a carnival, and an eye-popping parade with floats.”

Read More We are very happy to be a part of making Franklin such a great place, and look forward to building a close relationship with the families here.