Johns Creek

History of Johns Creek, GA

Johns Creek was once a sacred meeting place for the Creek and Cherokee Native Americans because of its location along the Chattahoochee River that divided their nations. By the 1800s, that same river began attracting European settlers who gathered in that same “sacred” location to sell and trade crops and items from their farms. By 1858, the settlers formed Milton County which included the Johns Creek area. Almost 80 years later, the Great Depression would lead to Milton County becoming a part of Fulton County for economic reasons.

The name Johns Creek did not come along until 1981 when Georgia Tech purchased 1,700 acres of land in the area and built an office park. They called it Technology Park/Johns Creek after seeing the name of a small tributary on an old map of the area. This brought new growth to the community, and over 200 companies moved into the office park. Homes, stores, restaurants, and services began popping up all around it. By 2000, the area felt more like a city than an unincorporated part of the county and residents began pushing for it to incorporate so they could take control of their own government. In December 2006, they got their wish, and Johns Creek was officially born.

Quick Facts

• Population: 82,800
• Johns Creek is the 10th-largest city in Georgia.
• Some of Johns Creek’s top employers include State Farm, Alcon, Macy’s, Kroger, Emory, Publix, World Financial Group, Saia, Life Time Fitness, and Whole Foods market.
• Public school students living in Johns Creek will attend Fulton County Schools, including some of the best in the nation. Northview High School consistently has the state’s highest SAT scores; Chattahoochee High, River Trail Middle, and Dolvin Elementary are all National Blue Ribbon Schools; and Newsweek ranked Johns Creek High School as one of the top schools in the country.
• Private schools in Johns Creek include Woodward Academy and Cresco Montessori School. There are also several prestigious private schools in neighboring Alpharetta.
• The Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System operates two public libraries in Johns Creek on Abbotts Bridge and Spruill Roads.
• Money magazine ranked Johns Creek as the 13th highest-earning city in the entire country.
• Johns Creek is home to Emory Johns Creek Hospital, a popular 110-bed medical facility.

Demographics

• The cost of living in Johns Creek is around $94,000.
• The city has a low unemployment rate at 4.5 percent.
• The median age is 40.
• The median income is just over $120,500, and the average household is worth over $950,000.
• Around 50 percent of residents are married with children.
• The crime rate in Johns Creek is lower than both the national average and the Metro Atlanta average.

Local Attractions

No matter how you like to spend your weekends, you will find it all in and around Johns Creek. Restaurants, golf courses, shopping centers, and parks are located all throughout the city. The Chattahoochee River and Autrey Mill Nature Preserve provide perfect opportunities for anyone who loves the great outdoors. If you enjoy the arts, Johns Creek has its own symphony orchestra, as well as an arts center where both children and adults can take classes. Head south into Atlanta for even more dining, shopping, and culture, as well as top attractions like the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola. Head north to cities like Blue Ridge and Dahlonega for a peaceful getaway to a mountain cabin.

Dining

• Egg Harbor Café – Egg Harbor Café has restaurants in the Chicago and Atlanta areas, including this local favorite in Johns Creek. Located in an old firehouse, the quaint, cozy café is a great spot to have breakfast, brunch, and lunch and even has a gluten-free menu. The friendly service is just as welcoming as the delicious food.
• Sugo Restaurant – The family-owned and operated Sugo Restaurant is one of Johns Creek’s favorite places for Italian. The intimate eatery is the perfect place for date night. From its seafood and pasta dishes to the gelato and tiramisu, you cannot leave here without indulging.
• 1001 Nights Persian Cuisine – Johns Creek is home to several top-notch international restaurants like 1001 Nights on Medlock Bridge. It serves up authentic Persian cuisine in a warm, inviting atmosphere and is unlike any other restaurant in North Fulton County. Locals love to dine in and order takeout which is available for delivery, as well.
• Le Mekong – Head a little further around the globe to Le Mekong, Johns Creek’s favorite Vietnamese restaurant. Owned and operated by Vietnamese immigrants who know their way around the country’s traditional cuisine, Le Mekong has received several accolades from the local press. The Georgian Asian Times once claimed it had the “Best Pho in Metro Atlanta.”
• Trattoria One-41 – For even more Italian goodness, residents of Johns Creek love to visit the quiet 20-table restaurant, Trattoria One-41. The chef’s motto is to make “simple and robust” authentic Italian cuisine. This will quickly become a favorite hotspot for a night out with your special someone.

Transportation

• Airports – Johns Creek is approximately 40 miles from Hartsfield-Jackson International Atlanta Airport, the busiest airport in the world.
• Public Transportation – Xpress Georgia offers bus service during the week between Johns Creek and the Doraville MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) station. There is also a MARTA Park & Ride facility about 8 miles north of Johns Creek in Alpharetta.
• Interstate 85 – Johns Creek is a fairly quick drive from Interstates 85 and 285 and Georgia 400. Main roads that run through the city are State Bridge Road (State Route 120) and State Route 121.

Shopping

• Johns Creek Town Center – Johns Creek Town Center is a large shopping and dining destination with several big-name stores and restaurants, including Sprouts, PetSmart, Stein Mart, Kohl’s, Staples, Michael’s, Applebee’s, and more.
• North Point Mall – North Point Mall in nearby Alpharetta opened in 1993, and at the time, it was one of the largest malls in the country. Today, it is home to over 180 stores, a carousel, food court, play area, and theater. Some of the stores there include Dillard’s, JCPenney, Macys, Sears, Von Maur, Michael Kors, Apple, and American Girl.
• The Forum on Peachtree Parkway – The Forum on Peachtree Parkway is just south of Johns Creek in Norcross and is home to many restaurants and upscale boutiques and chains. At the open-air mall, you will find stores like Barnes & Noble, Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Pottery Barn, Old Navy, Soma, New Balance Atlanta, Trader Joes, ULTA, and Williams-Sonoma.

Entertainment, Nightlife & Things To Do

• Country and Golf Clubs – North Fulton County is home to some of the most exclusive golf and country clubs in the state of Georgia. They feature state-of-the-art golf courses, tennis courts, swimming pools, clubhouse, and social events. Some of the popular ones in Johns Creek include Rivermont, St. Ives, Country Club of the South, and the Atlanta Athletic Club.
• Autrey Mill Nature Preserve and Heritage Center – If you enjoy the great outdoors, then you will fall in love with the 46-acre Autrey Mill Nature Preserve and Heritage Center. It is home to 2 miles of walking trails, a creek, beautiful plants, and exciting wildlife that you can spot year-round. For history buffs, the Heritage Village replicates what life was like in the area in centuries past. You can also see live animals in the visitor center.
• Newtown Park and Amphitheater – The 46-acre Newtown Park is a popular family-friendly destination for Johns Creek residents. It features a small lake, 2 miles of walking trails, 3 athletic fields, playgrounds, basketball courts, picnic pavilions, tennis courts, bathrooms, and more. The Newtown Amphitheater seats up to 1,400 people and is a great place to take in a concert.
• Johns Creek Arts Center – For over a decade, the Johns Creek Arts Center has offered classes for students of all ages in subjects like pottery, photography, watercolors, drawing, and painting. It also offers youth camps, workshops, and birthday parties. Throughout the year, it hosts art shows and other community events.
• Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra – Johns Creek has its own symphony orchestra. It is made up of musicians from all over Metro Atlanta and offers various performances throughout the year in locations in and around Johns Creek, such as an annual Christmas gala and concert at Johns Creek United Methodist Church.

Real Estate Information

You will find a variety of housing styles in Johns Creek, ranging from new construction in swim and tennis communities to established homes along the golf course in some of the area’s country club neighborhoods. In communities such as Deerlake, you will find amenities like a stocked fishing lake and pedestrian-friendly sidewalks. The highly sought-after Falls at Autrey Mill offers a swimming pool, tennis courts, and a fitness center. Other characteristics you will find in Johns Creek neighborhoods include mature-growth tree-lined streets, a park-like atmosphere, clubhouses, and gated communities.

Average Price of Homes

The average home price in Johns Cree is just under $420,000. Most homes fall within the $250,000 to well over $2 million range.