New Homes for Sale Near Franklin, MA: Quality Construction Within Reach
Franklin is one of southeastern Massachusetts’ most complete towns. A strong school system that consistently ranks among the region’s best, a downtown that has been revitalized with restaurants and shops along East Central Street, a commuter rail station with direct service to Boston, and a network of trails and conservation land anchored by the Metacomet Greenway and the SNETT trail—Franklin offers a quality of life that draws families and professionals from across the I-495 corridor.
With roughly 33,000 residents, it is large enough to support diverse services but small enough to maintain a genuine community identity. What Franklin has less of is new construction at accessible price points. Most new builds within town are custom homes on remaining lots, priced well above the regional median. For buyers who want the advantages of a new home—modern systems, open layouts, a warranty, and community amenities—Thorndike Development’s Larkwood community in Raynham offers a compelling alternative about 20 minutes east.
Franklin’s Strengths—and the Gap in Its Market
Franklin’s reputation is built on its schools, its commuter rail access, and its balance of suburban convenience and New England character. Dean College provides a campus presence in the center of town. The Forge Hill and Oak Street neighborhoods are lined with well-maintained colonials and capes. And the town’s recreation department supports an impressive roster of youth sports, senior programs, and community events.
But the housing market skews toward older inventory. Buyers who want open-plan living, energy-efficient construction, and the peace of mind that comes with a builder’s warranty often face a choice between renovating an existing home at uncertain cost or building custom at a premium. Thorndike Development’s Larkwood fills that gap with new construction designed for modern living at a price point that makes Franklin-area buyers take notice.
Larkwood: 20 Minutes East in Raynham
Larkwood is a 138-home riverside community along the Taunton River in Raynham, about 20 minutes from Franklin via Route 140 to Route 44 or I-495 to Route 24. This Gold PRISM Award-winning community offers single-family attached condominiums designed for flexibility, comfort, and a connection to nature that you might not expect this close to the highway.
Floor Plans for the I-495 Buyer
Larkwood’s homes range from 1,671 to 2,746 square feet, priced from $584,000 to $685,000. The variety is genuine—from a 1,671-square-foot single-level plan ideal for downsizers or couples, to a 2,746-square-foot three-bedroom layout with a ground-floor flex room and three full bathrooms.
That flex room is a feature Franklin buyers particularly appreciate. Whether you need a dedicated home office (increasingly important for I-495 corridor professionals), a guest suite for visiting parents, a playroom, or a workshop, the ground-floor space can be finished to suit your needs. Options include a half bath, fireplace, and built-in bookshelves—turning what might otherwise be a basement into a purposeful extension of your home.
Standard features include quartz or granite countertops, stainless steel appliances from GE, Bosch, or Thermador, hardwood flooring in living areas, handset tile backsplashes, professionally designed cabinetry, and either a one-car or two-car garage. Thorndike’s Director of Interior Design works with every buyer to personalize selections through the options program.
A Riverside Setting With Real Amenities
Larkwood’s Taunton River location provides something Franklin’s subdivisions typically cannot: direct water access. The community’s canoe and kayak launch puts you on the river, with Massasoit State Park reachable by water. Walking trails wind through the woods, a community garden offers raised beds for growing your own herbs and vegetables, and a tot lot, half-court basketball, and landscaped courtyards round out the shared spaces.
For Franklin residents accustomed to hiking the SNETT trail or walking the Metacomet Greenway, Larkwood’s trail network and riverside setting feel like a natural extension of the outdoor lifestyle you already enjoy.
A Builder With Proven I-495 Corridor Experience
Thorndike Development’s strongest local connection for Franklin buyers is Norton, about 10 minutes from Franklin’s eastern edge. In Norton, Thorndike built three communities: Red Mill Village (a 55+ neighborhood that won “Best in the Nation” from the National Association of Homebuilders), Greatbrook (another 55+ community near TPC Boston), and EastMain Apartments (188 units with Campanelli Companies). That concentration of work in one I-495 town demonstrates the kind of sustained commitment to a market that national builders rarely make.
The broader portfolio reinforces the point. Thorndike spent 10 years as one of the original builders at The Pinehills in Plymouth. Chapman’s Reach at Marina Bay in Quincy earned its own “Best in the Nation” award. WestRidge in Hudson brought Thorndike’s active adult model to MetroWest. And Cirrus in Ashland—a 398-unit apartment community adjacent to the commuter rail—shows the company’s ability to work in transit-oriented settings that I-495 corridor buyers understand.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1) How far is Larkwood from Franklin?
Larkwood is approximately 20 minutes east of Franklin center via Route 140 to Route 44, or via I-495 to Route 24. Both routes are straightforward.
2) How does Larkwood’s pricing compare to Franklin new construction?
Custom new construction in Franklin typically starts well above $700,000 for a standard single-family home on available lots. Larkwood offers new homes from $584,000 to $685,000 in a community with shared amenities—a pool-equivalent lifestyle (Larkwood offers kayak and river access rather than a pool) and maintained landscaping—that standalone builds cannot match.
3) Is there commuter rail access from Larkwood?
Yes. The Bridgewater and Middleborough commuter rail stations are both under 10 minutes from Larkwood, providing service to Boston’s South Station. The Mansfield station, which also serves Providence, is about 15 minutes away.
4) Are there homes suitable for active adults?
Yes. Larkwood offers single-level plans including The Hickory ($584,000, ground-floor living) and The Chestnut (single-level on the upper floor with cathedral ceilings). For buyers specifically seeking a 55+ community, Featherwinds in Halifax offers elevator condominiums from $439,000, about 30 minutes from Franklin.
5) What makes Thorndike different from national builders?
Thorndike is locally owned and fully integrated. The founder, Lloyd Geisinger, was named Builder of the Year by the Greater Boston Association of Homebuilders, and senior team members have been with the company for 18 to 35 years. Design, construction, and customer service are all in-house. The company has earned over 45 awards, including three “Best in the Nation” designations. National builders cannot offer this level of local accountability and continuity.
Conclusion
Franklin’s schools, commuter rail, and community spirit make it one of the I-495 corridor’s most desirable towns. When new construction within town is hard to find or priced beyond reach, Larkwood in Raynham offers a quality alternative: award-winning homes, flexible floor plans, a riverside setting, and the craftsmanship of a builder who has already left a lasting mark on neighboring Norton. It is 20 minutes away and well worth the trip.
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