Welcome to Alpharetta
Located just 20 minutes north of Atlanta via Georgia 400, Alpharetta has long been one of the most popular suburban cities in the metro area. It has a reputation for its upscale homes, immaculate golf courses and country clubs, unlimited shopping and dining opportunities, and excellent schools and recreation activities for children. Alpharetta is a friendly city where you will meet everyone from local professional athletes to soccer moms when you head out to the grocery store or a trendy restaurant for dinner. You will make friends with your neighbors and find yourself spending your weekends at events like the Taste of Alpharetta, visiting the city’s seasonal farmers’ market, and cheering on the local kids at a Little League game.
In recent years, the city has also become quite a business hub with dozens of major companies moving their headquarters or regional offices to the city. This makes it an excellent choice for busy professionals who want to live a suburban lifestyle without losing hours of time to weekly commutes.
But Alpharetta is a great place to be during weekends, too. Some of the state’s most prestigious country clubs and golf courses are located in the city or in other nearby parts of North Fulton County. The North Georgia Mountains are less than an hour away, and two of Georgia’s largest recreational lakes, Lake Lanier and Lake Allatoona, are also just a quick drive away.
History of Alpharetta
During the 1830s, European settlers began moving to the area known as Alpharetta and taking advantage of the city’s fertile land to start farms and small businesses. By 1858, the city was incorporated. Initially called Milton, which is the name of a neighboring city today, residents most likely chose the name “Alpharetta” by blending the first letter of the Greek alphabet and the name of a Native American Girl, Alfarata, from the song “The Blue Juniata.”
After suffering a few hardships, such as a smallpox outbreak, the city’s businesses began to thrive, and it had its own school, hotels, stores, and churches by the 1860s. But like most of the Atlanta area, much of Alpharetta was destroyed during the Civil War. However, unlike many other cities in the area, a local doctor salvaged some of the city’s historic records before General Sherman burned them, providing historians a better glimpse into the lives of the area’s first settlers. By the time the Great Depression rolled around, Alpharetta risked going bankrupt so it became a part of Fulton County, where it remains today.
Quick Facts
- Population: 62,300.
- Public school students in Alpharetta attend Fulton County Schools, including Alpharetta High School which Atlanta magazine ranked as one of the top schools in Metro Atlanta.
- Alpharetta has been one of the fastest-growing cities in the country over the last few decades. In 1981, the population was just under 2,000.
- Private schools in Alpharetta include The Lionheart School, St. Francis Schools, King’s Ridge School, Hayden’s Way, and Veritas Classical Schools.
- The Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System has a branch in Alpharetta on Park Plaza.
- Georgia State University, Reinhardt University, and Georgia Perimeter College all have satellite campuses in Alpharetta.
- Alpharetta’s top employers include McKesson, Comcast, ADP, LexisNexis, UPS, Hewlett-Packard, Verizon Wireless, E-Trade, Cox Communications, and RedPrairie.
Demographics
- The cost of living in Alpharetta is around $78,000.
- The city has low unemployment rate at 4.5 percent.
- The median age is 36.
- The median income is just over $90,000, and the average household is worth over $786,000.
- Around 46 percent of residents are married with children.
- The crime rate is much lower than the national average and lower than the entire Metro Atlanta area.
Local Attractions
Alpharetta residents are a half an hour from Atlanta and less than an hour from mountains, lakes, and great vacation spots, but there is still so much to do right here at home. The city has a reputation for its restaurants, ranging from your favorite chains to award-winning locally-owned eateries. Shopping is also plentiful, as the city is home to what was once one of the largest malls in the country, as well as a few new shopping developments and even a quaint downtown area packed with independent shops. After all of that shopping and eating, you can get active by playing a round at one of the city’s multiple golf courses and country clubs, going for a walk at a local park, or even dancing the night away at the local concert venue.
Dining
- Pure Taqueria – For delicious Mexican food served in a hip and trendy dining room, visit Pure Taqueria in Alpharetta. The restaurant is, hands down, a local favorite. That may be why it has six locations in the Atlanta area. From traditional tacos to Mexican-style burgers, you will find a little bit of everything on the menu, and if you are over 21, you must try a margarita.
- Jerusalem Bakery & Grill – Part grocery store, part restaurant, and part bakery, Jerusalem Bakery & Grill is one of Alpharetta’s favorite places to get authentic Middle Eastern food. The family-owned and operated establishment is super popular with the lunch crowd because of its assortment of inexpensive sandwiches and wraps.
- Smokejack BBQ – Every Southern city needs a favorite barbecue restaurant, and for Alpharetta, that might be Smokejack BBQ. Located in a nearly 200-year-old building in historic Alpharetta, the restaurant has been serving up classic comfort dishes since 2004, ranging from pulled pork to ribs. It utilizes the flavors of various regions, too, so no matter how you like your barbecue, you will not be disappointed.
- Madras Chettinaad – One of Alpharetta’s favorite places for Indian food is Madras Chettinaad in the Alpharetta Commons Shopping Center. It serves up authentic South Indian cuisine with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options on the menu. You will taste many traditional Indian spices in each dish, like cinnamon, cardamom, and bay leaves.
- Pampas Steakhouse – Some say Pampas Steakhouse is one of the best places to get a steak in all of Metro Atlanta, never mind Alpharetta. The Argentinean-style menu has even led to it being named the best steakhouse in the state by Open Table diners. The cozy restaurant serves an array of steaks with a vast selection of wine, among other delicious dishes.
Transportation
- Airports – Alpharetta is just over 35 miles from the busiest airport in the world, Hartsfield-Jackson International Atlanta Airport.
- Public Transportation – While Alpharetta does not have its own public transportation, it does have its own Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) bus route that runs from the Windward Parkway Park and Ride to the North Springs MARTA Station in Sandy Springs. A rail service from Alpharetta to Atlanta may be on the horizon.
- Major Roads and Interstates – Georgia 400 runs right through the center of Alpharetta, providing the city with a gateway into Atlanta and the North Georgia Mountains. State Routes 9, 120, 140, 141, and 372 also run through the city.
Shopping
- North Point Mall – When North Point Mall was built, it was considered to be one of the largest malls in the country, and today, it remains a popular North Georgia shopping destination. It features a food court, carousel, movie theater, and over 180 stores like Sears, Macy’s, JCPenney, Von Maur, Dillard’s, Michael Kors, American Girl, Apple, Pottery Barn, and Sephora.
- Avalon – Avalon is fairly new to Alpharetta. The live/work/play campus is a popular dining and shopping destination for North Fulton residents. It is home to stores like Banana Republic, BCBGMaxazria, Anthropologie, Whole Foods, Fab’rik, Gap, J. Jill, J. Crew, Janie and Jack, Lululemon, Tommy Bahama, and Pottery Barn Kids.
- Historic Downtown Alpharetta – For something a little more unique, head to Alpharetta’s Historic Downtown shopping and dining district. You can stroll the quaint streets as you visit antique shops and cafes in the picturesque area. Between March and November, the area holds a monthly Main Street Market which features local artisans.
Entertainment, Nightlife & Things To Do
- Parks – Alpharetta is home to several neighborhood parks. One popular one is the 110-acre Wills Park which has a dog park, pavilion, playgrounds, rec center, tennis courts, disc golf course, swimming pool, equestrian center, and more. It is also a popular spot for community events and activities like July 4th fireworks.
- Country Clubs – Alpharetta is golf country, and there is no shortage of country clubs to join or visit. Some notable ones include Country Club of the South, Crooked Creek, Windward, and the Golf Club of Georgia. Many of the country clubs in North Fulton County are home to some of the most prestigious courses in the country, as well as tennis courts, pools, clubhouses, and social activities for members.
- Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park – Alpharetta has its very own concert venue, Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park. It hosts shows throughout the year featuring some of the biggest names in music.
- Andretti Indoor Karting & Games – For a day of fun and adventure, head just over the line into Roswell for a day of go-karting at Andretti Indoor Karting & Games. There is also an arcade, restaurant, rock climbing wall, zip line, ropes course, and much more.
- Movie Theaters – Alpharetta is home to several movie theaters where you can catch the latest films out of Hollywood, many of which were shot right here in Georgia. They include AMC Mansell Crossing 14, AMC North Point Mall 12, and Regal Avalon 12. All of them are located within popular shopping and dining destinations.
Real Estate Information
You will find a little bit of everything in Alpharetta — from newly built townhomes in live/work/play communities and traditional two-story brick homes in established neighborhoods to million-dollar estates in country clubs and single homes with multiple acres of land. Whatever you choose, expect privacy — there are many gated and smaller neighborhoods throughout the city — as well as top-notch amenities like swimming pools, golf course views, and more.
Average Price of Homes
As of the summer of 2015, the average listing price of a home in Alpharetta is just under $480,000. The average sold price is just under $350,000. However, you will find range of prices in the city all the way up to the multi-millions.
Popular Neighborhoods
- Country Club of the South
- Atlanta National
- Crooked Creek
- Windward
- Avalon
- Harrington Falls
- Kimball Farms
- Ellard
- Chartwell
- Glen Abbey
- Nesbit Lakes
- Palisades
- Broadwell Oaks
- Six Hills
- Tuxford
- Andover North
- Berkshire Manor
- Bethany Commons
- Calumet
- Williamsburg
- Blackberry Ridge
- Cogburn Walk
- Coldridge Forest
- Crabapple Chase
- Windrose
- Wallace Woods
- Warrenton
- Selbridge Mill
Schools
Elementary School
- Abbotts Hill Elementary School
- Alpharetta Elementary School
- Cogburn Woods Elementary School
- Crabapple Crossing Elementary School
- Creek View Elementary School
- Hembree Springs Elementary School
- Lake Windward Elementary School
- Manning Oaks Elementary School
- Mimosa Elementary School
- New Prospect Elementary School
- Ocee Elementary School in Johns Creek
- Summit Hill Elementary School
- Shiloh Point Elementary School
- Big Creek Elementary School
Middle School
- Autrey Mill Middle School
- Elkins Pointe Middle School
- Haynes Bridge Middle School
- Holcomb Bridge Middle School
- Hopewell Middle School
- Northwestern Middle School
- Taylor Road Middle School
- Webb Bridge Middle School
- Piney Grove Middle School
High School
- Alpharetta High School
- Cambridge High School
- Centennial High School
- Chattahoochee High School
- Johns Creek High School
- Milton High School
- Northview High School
- Roswell High School
- South Forsyth High School
