How Franklin Park's Property Tax Increase Impacts Homeowners

Quick Answer

Franklin Park homeowners will see an increase in municipal property taxes following the borough's approved 2026 budget, which raised the municipal millage rate from 1.59 mills to 2.59 mills. While the increase raises annual ownership costs, Franklin Park remains one of the North Hills' most desirable communities thanks to its excellent schools, strong property values, convenient location, and high quality of life.

Knowledge Starts with Knowing.

Whenever property taxes increase, I receive the same questions from buyers and homeowners.

"How much will this actually cost me?"

"Will this hurt home values?"

"Should I still buy in Franklin Park?"

The short answer is...

Probably not in the way many people assume.

Taxes are certainly part of affordability, but they're only one piece of the overall financial picture.

As your Trusted Real Estate Sherpa, my goal is to help you understand the complete picture so you can make informed decisions—not emotional ones.

What Changed?

For 2026, Franklin Park Borough approved an increase in its municipal millage rate from:

1.59 mills

to

2.59 mills

This represents a 1.00 mill increase, or approximately a 63% increase in the borough's municipal tax rate.

While that percentage sounds significant, it's important to understand what it actually means for individual homeowners.

What Does a Mill Mean?

Property taxes are based on your home's assessed value, not necessarily what you paid for the property or what it's worth today.

One mill equals $1 of tax for every $1,000 of assessed value.

For example:

If your assessed value is:

$280,000

An additional 1 mill would increase municipal taxes by approximately:

$280 per year

That's roughly:

• $23 per month
• Less than one dollar per day

For many homeowners, putting the increase into monthly terms provides helpful perspective when evaluating the overall cost of ownership.

Why Did Taxes Increase?

Like many municipalities, Franklin Park faces rising costs to provide essential public services.

Property taxes help fund:

• Road maintenance
• Public safety
• Parks and recreation
• Municipal operations
• Infrastructure improvements
• Snow removal
• Community services

While no one enjoys paying more in taxes, maintaining high-quality municipal services often contributes to the long-term desirability of a community.

Will Higher Taxes Hurt Home Values?

This is one of the biggest misconceptions I hear.

The answer is:

Not necessarily.

Home values are influenced by many factors, including:

• Buyer demand
• School district
• Inventory levels
• Interest rates
• Employment
• Neighborhood desirability
• Housing supply

Franklin Park continues to benefit from several characteristics that support long-term value.

These include:

• North Allegheny School District
• Executive neighborhoods
• Convenient location
• Strong community reputation
• Limited housing inventory
• Access to major highways
• Quality parks and amenities

These factors often carry more weight than a modest increase in municipal taxes.

How Buyers View Property Taxes

Today's buyers are more informed than ever.

Instead of looking only at the purchase price, they're evaluating:

• Monthly mortgage payment
• Property taxes
• Homeowners insurance
• HOA dues
• Utilities
• Maintenance costs

Affordability is about the total monthly payment, not simply the asking price.

This is why I encourage every buyer to understand the complete cost of ownership before beginning their home search.

What Sellers Should Know

If you're planning to sell, don't assume the tax increase will automatically discourage buyers.

Most buyers compare Franklin Park to similar communities.

They also recognize what they're receiving in return:

• Highly rated schools
• Beautiful neighborhoods
• Larger homes
• Convenient commuting
• Long-term property stability
• Community amenities

When a home is priced appropriately and marketed effectively, buyer demand often remains strong despite changes in taxes.

Franklin Park Still Offers Exceptional Value

When buyers evaluate communities, they're comparing more than taxes.

They're comparing lifestyle.

Franklin Park continues attracting buyers because it offers:

Excellent Schools

North Allegheny remains one of Pennsylvania's most respected school districts.

Convenient Location

Residents enjoy easy access to:

• Interstate 79
• Interstate 279
• Downtown Pittsburgh
• Pittsburgh International Airport
• Cranberry Township
• Wexford
• Major employers

Beautiful Neighborhoods

Tree-lined streets.

Executive homes.

Established communities.

Walking trails.

Parks.

These qualities continue making Franklin Park one of the North Hills' most desirable places to live.

Should Buyers Be Concerned?

Property taxes should absolutely be considered.

But they should be viewed in context.

Instead of asking:

"How much did taxes increase?"

Ask:

"What am I receiving for those taxes?"

When buyers compare Franklin Park's schools, amenities, location, and long-term desirability with many neighboring communities, they often conclude that the overall value remains strong.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much did Franklin Park property taxes increase?

The borough increased its municipal millage rate from 1.59 mills to 2.59 mills for 2026.

How much more will homeowners pay?

The actual increase depends on your home's assessed value.

For a home assessed at approximately $280,000, the increase is roughly $280 per year, or about $23 per month.

Will higher taxes lower my home's value?

Not necessarily.

Property values are influenced by buyer demand, schools, inventory, location, and overall market conditions—not taxes alone.

Should buyers avoid Franklin Park because of higher taxes?

Most buyers evaluate the total value of a community, including schools, amenities, commute, and long-term appreciation potential.

Franklin Park continues to rank among the most desirable North Hills communities.

Are taxes the same as my mortgage payment?

No.

Property taxes are typically collected as part of your monthly escrow payment, but they are separate from your loan principal and interest.

My Advice as Your Trusted Real Estate Sherpa

After years in construction, development, and real estate, I've learned something important.

The best decisions are rarely made by focusing on one number.

Instead, I encourage buyers and sellers to evaluate the entire picture.

Property taxes matter.

Interest rates matter.

Home values matter.

But so do schools.

Neighborhoods.

Commute.

Lifestyle.

Resale potential.

When you understand all of those factors together, you're able to make decisions with confidence.

That's why I believe...

Knowledge Starts with Knowing®.

Whether you're buying your first home, relocating, or wondering how today's market impacts your property's value, I'd love to help you understand your options.

Thinking About Buying or Selling in Franklin Park?

Let's start with a personalized consultation.

We'll review today's market, current property values, estimated monthly ownership costs, and create a strategy that's built around your goals—not just the headlines.

Because your next chapter deserves more than assumptions.

It deserves a plan.

Knowledge Starts with Knowing®.