About New Franklin

Perched on the bluffs just north of the Missouri River, New Franklin is known as the town where four trails meet — the end of the Boonslick Road, the beginning of the Santa Fe Trail, and a stop along both the Lewis & Clark and Katy Trails. Founded in 1828 after floods claimed the original town of Franklin, this Howard County community of roughly 1,000 residents carries nearly two centuries of history in every direction.

Today, New Franklin offers the kind of quiet, affordable small-town living that's getting harder to find. You're two minutes from Boonville across the river, about half an hour from Columbia, and steps from the Katy Trail. With a strong hometown school district and a walkable historic downtown listed on the National Register of Historic Places, New Franklin isn't just a place to buy a house — it's a place to put down roots.

Helpful Community Resources

Everything you need to settle into life in New Franklin and Howard County.

COMPLIMENTS OF 1st CHOICE REALTY

Local Government & Services

City of New Franklin Official Site
Water/sewer setup, trash reminders, text alerts, and online bill pay. City Hall: 130 E. Broadway, (660) 848-2288.

Howard County Government Directory
Assessor, collector, and courthouse contacts (1 Courthouse Square, Fayette).

Howard County Clerk & Elections
Voter registration and election information.

Howard County Public Health Department
Immunizations, birth & death certificates, WIC, and health screenings.

Schools & Education

New Franklin R-1 School District
Enrollment info, calendars, and district news.

New Franklin Elementary
Grades PreK–5 • 412 W. Broadway

New Franklin Middle & High School
Grades 6–12 • 412 W. Broadway

Utilities

City Water, Sewer & Trash
Set up through City Hall — 130 E. Broadway, (660) 848-2288.

Ameren Missouri
Electric & gas services.

Howard Electric Cooperative
Electric service for rural Howard County properties.

Socket Telecom
Local fiber internet provider.

Lifestyle & Recreation

Katy Trail State Park
America's longest rail-trail runs right through town — 240 miles of biking and hiking.

New Franklin Visitors Guide
City Park, Katy Roundhouse Campground, South Howard County Historical Museum, and annual festivals.

Santa Fe Trail Monument
Historic markers honoring the birthplace of the Santa Fe Trail.

Fayette Newspapers
Local news and events across Howard County.

Do You Work in Columbia or Boonville?

New Franklin puts you about 30 minutes from Columbia and only minutes from downtown Boonville — without the city price tag. Enjoy bigger lots, lower costs, and a true small-town pace while keeping your commute short. Come see how far your dollar goes on the north side of the river.

Contact Us Today!

Homes in New Franklin don't stay on the market long. Whether you're looking for a historic home downtown, acreage in the countryside, or a starter home near the school, the team at 1st Choice Realty has the local expertise to get you moving.