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Local Community

Dean College is located in Franklin, Massachusetts, a historic town just under an hour outside of Boston, Massachusetts and Providence, Rhode Island.

The Community of Franklin, MA

Looking for a residential campus experience out of a movie with classic buildings, pastoral landscapes and New England feel? Looking for an environment that provides the safety and comfort of the small college town with easy access to the excitement of the big city? At Dean College, you can have it all!

Dean College is perfectly situated near downtown Franklin, MA, where it has been a part of the town’s fabric for over 155 years. Our location allows the Dean Community quick walking access to a train station, downtown shops and restaurants, with enough privacy to provide the perfect college experience.

About Franklin, MA

Named after Benjamin Franklin and owning the first public library in the United States, Franklin is a town rich in history. In addition, its convenient location with close proximity to Boston, MA, and Providence, RI, make it a great jumping off point to many local attractions. 

Franklin also enjoys recognition from numerous sources. Consider:

Franklin, MA is ranked the #2 safest city in the United States for 2023.

Businessweek.com said Franklin ranked as best place to raise kids in Massachusetts due to its excellent schools, abundant recreational resources, rich cultural amenities and excellent quality of life.

Area Information

To learn more about Franklin, MA, visit one of the following links:

The Franklin Public Library, America's first public library, was featured on PBS in September 2022.

Off-Campus Activities

All locations are listed in order of proximity to campus.

Shopping

The following is a listing of local shopping plazas:

Sports

The following is a list of local sporting arenas: 

Entertainment

The following is a list of nearby entertainment: 

Outdoor

The following is a list of local outdoor fun: 

Arts and Enrichment

The following is a list of nearby activities: 

Looking for more? Visit the MetroWest Tourism Bureau.

Easy Getaways

The following is a list of local getaways:

Restaurants

The below table includes a listing of restaurants in the Franklin, MA area.

Restaurant Name & Contact Info. Restaurant Name & Contact Info.
Acapulcos
371 Union St.
Franklin, MA
508-520-0696
Bamboo House*
2 Main St.
Franklin, MA
508-528-9588
Birchwood Bakery + Kitchen*
17 E. Central St.
Franklin, MA
508-346-3749
The Chateau 
466 King St. 
Franklin, MA
774-613-9300
Chili's 
Charles River Plaza
Routes 126/1-495
Bellingham, MA
508-966-3439
Five Guys 
268-B Franklin Village Dr.
Franklin, MA
508-520-3983
Franklin Central Pizza*                    
20 W. Central St.
Franklin, MA
508-520-8899
Franklin Pizza & Deli*
18 Cottage St.
Franklin, MA
508-520-4240
Hang Tai Chinese Cuisine* 
26-30 E. Central St.
Franklin, MA
508-520-8828
Longhorn Steakhouse
250 Franklin Village Dr. 
Franklin, MA
508-528-2670
Mac City*
13 W. Central St. 
Franklin, MA
508-346-3219
Maguro House*
29 E. Central St. 
Franklin, MA
508-520-8899
Outback Steakhouse 
275 N. Main St. Rte 126
Bellingham, MA
508-966-9333
Santa Fe Burrito Grill* 
28 W. Central St.
Franklin, MA
508-440-5336
 The Raillery 
280 Franklin Village Drive
Franklin, MA
508-528-0806
The Rome* 
4 E. Central St.
Route 140, Franklin, MA
508-528-4740
The SHED
342 East Central St
Franklin, MA
508-321-5427
Teddy Gallagher's Irish Pub*
30 Main St
Franklin, MA
508-298-7644
Three
461 West Central St.
Franklin, MA
508-528-6333
The 99 Pub and Restaurant 
847 W. Central St.
Franklin, MA
508-520-9909  
* within walking distance of campus