Milton

History of Milton, GA

Milton did not become a city until 2006, so its history is short. Residents gathered together in 2005 to discuss the pros and cons of creating a new city, and State Rep Jan Jones introduced the bill that year that would make it a reality. The bill passed through the house with strong support and received even more support when the citizens took to the polls in July 2006. Over 85 percent of voters asked for Milton to become a city.

In November 2006, the city held its first election for a new mayor and city council, and the next month it was incorporated and named for Revolutionary War Hero John Milton. The cities of Roswell and Alpharetta and Cherokee and Forsyth Counties form its borders.

Quick Facts

• Population: 36,000
• Students living in Milton will attend Fulton County Schools.
• Milton High School is considered one of the top schools in the country by Newsweek
• Milton takes up about 23,000 acres, most of which sit in the zip code 30004.
• In 2011, the Atlanta Business Chronicle named the city as having the highest quality of life in the state of Georgia, as well as making the top 10 list for quality of life in the entire southeastern region of the country.
• The City’s vision statement is “Milton is a distinctive community embracing small-town life and heritage while preserving and enhancing our rural character.”
• Milton is a member of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce. Some of the area’s top employers are AT&T, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Northside Hospital, UPS, Verizon, and ADP Inc.
• Within the city limits, there are 8 parks and facilities, such as a community center and pavilion.
• Milton has its own branch of the Atlanta-Fulton County Public Library System located on Mayfield Road.

Demographics

• The cost of living in Milton is around $114,000.
• The city has low unemployment rate at 4.5 percent.
• The median age is 39.
• The median income is just under $150,000, and the average household is worth over $1,100,000.
• Nearly 50 percent of residents are married with children.
• The crime rate is lower than the national average.

Local Attractions

Milton has its fair share of popular restaurants, shops, and parks, but many residents opt to visit the surrounding area to have a good time. Shopping and entertainment are plentiful in nearby Roswell and Alpharetta, and two of Georgia’s most popular recreational lakes are less than an hour away from the city. Of course, the North Fulton area has a reputation for its country clubs, and residents have their choice of state-of-the-art golf courses, tennis courts, pools, and social events throughout the year.

Dining

• Cue Barbecue – The menu at Cue Barbecue is pretty simple. Barbecue plates, sandwiches, and a selection of classic Southern side dishes with a few appetizers and salads thrown in for good measure. But what more do you need from a local favorite barbecue joint? Milton residents love to grab dinner to go or dine in at the relaxed, casual eatery. It will definitely become one of your favorites, too.
• 850F Barpizza – Milton is home to several pizza places, and 850F Barpizza is definitely a local favorite. The family-friendly restaurant and bar has a drink menu that is as extensive as its food menu. Choose from pizza and pasta dishes, salads, an array of yummy appetizers, calzones, draft and bottled beer, wines, and much more.
• BobbyG’s Chicago Eatery – Authentic Chicago-style food may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Atlanta-area restaurants, but the people of Milton know better. BobbyG’s Chicago Eatery offers Windy City favorites like hot dogs and thin-crust pizza made with ingredients shipped straight from the city itself. Don’t forget to grab a beer to go with your meal if you are over 21 and enjoy a game on one of the 13 flat-screen TVs.
• The Union Restaurant – Another local restaurant that will quickly become a favorite place to grab a bite to eat is The Union. It is vibrant and hip, yet laid-back and casual, and it offers great food and friendly service. Enjoy menu favorites like shrimp and grits, fillet mignon, burgers, pasta, pizza, and unique sides, ranging from jalapeno mac and cheese to handmade barbecue potato chips.
• Brooklyn Joe’s – Whether you want it delivered to your front door or you want to enjoy a few slices in the kid-friendly dining room, Brooklyn Joe’s is another one of Milton’s favorite pizza joints. The restaurant serves delicious pizza, pasta, soups, sandwiches, wings, salads, calzones, and Stromboli, all of which are far better than anything you will find at a chain restaurant.

Transportation

• Airports – Milton is approximately 40 miles north of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the busiest airport in the world.
• Public Transportation – While Milton does not have its own public transportation system, nearby Alpharetta has its own Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) bus route into Atlanta, and there are plans in the works to extend MARTA rail service to the city as well.
• Major Roads and Interstates – Georgia 400 runs along Milton’s southeastern boundary, providing a gateway south into Atlanta and north to the North Georgia Mountains. Other major roads that run through the city are State Route 9, which forms Milton’s Main Street; Arnold Mill Road (State Route 140), which leads to Interstate 75; and State Route 372.

Shopping

• Windward Parkway – Near the intersection of Windward Parkway and North Main Street in Milton, you will find an assortment of big box stores where you can shop for everyday needs like groceries and home improvement items. Stores in this area include Kroger, Costco, Home Depot, Lowes, Big Lots, Target, Kohl’s, and Petco.
• The Collection at Forsyth – Milton is about 10 miles from the popular outdoor shopping center, The Collection at Forsyth. It is home to many restaurants, boutiques, and popular chain stores, as well as a 12-screen movie theater. Places to shop include Academy Sports + Outdoors, Barnes & Noble, Talbots, White House Black Market, Loft, and Bath & Body Works.
• North Point Mall – Milton is just about 7 miles north of one of the largest malls in the country. North Point Mall in Alpharetta has over 180 stores and restaurants, a theater, a carousel, and a food court. Stores include Dillard’s, JCPenney, Macy’s, Sears, Von Maur, Apple, American Girl, H&M, Michael Kors, and more.

Entertainment, Nightlife & Things To Do

• Wills Park – Milton and North Fulton County are home to several smaller neighborhood parks, but one local favorite is the 110-acre Wills Park. Located just south of Milton, it features a dog park, baseball fields, a disc golf course, a swimming pool with a splash pad and diving boards, a large equestrian center, and six tennis courts. It is also the site of many local celebrations and holiday events such as July 4th fireworks.
• Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park – Just south of Milton in Alpharetta, the area has its own concert venue. Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park hosts shows through the year from some of the top artists in the world.
• Country Clubs – Golf and country clubs are a big deal in the Milton area, and there are many in the city as well as in nearby Alpharetta and Johns Creek. Some of them include the Alpharetta Athletic Club, Atlanta National, Country Club of the South, and White Columns Country Club.
• Andretti Indoor Karting & Games – For a day of family fun, head just south of Milton to the Andretti Indoor Karting & Games facility in Roswell. You can race go-karts, enjoy a meal at the restaurant, play games in the arcade, ride simulators, climb a rock wall, walk a ropes course, zip line, and much more.
• Lake Lanier and Lake Allatoona – Head about 25 miles east or 25 miles west of Milton, and you will find two of Georgia’s most popular recreational lakes. Lake Allatoona to the west sits on over 12,000 acres and is a popular spot for boating, camping, and hunting. It has two yacht clubs, eight marinas, and fifteen public boat ramps. Lake Lanier to the east sits on over 38,000 acres and is a popular spot for boating, jet skiing, and canoeing. It has its own water park, Lake Lanier Islands, and several resorts sit along the shores of the lake which sees over 7.5 million visitors each year.

Real Estate Information

Milton is home to many subdivision and planned communities, but it also has an equal number of homes that stand alone. They sit on rural roads that wind throughout equestrian and farming areas. There are also many large homes estates that sit within golf and country club communities. You will find a mix of older homes and new construction here.

Average Price of Homes

Home prices in Milton tend to start around $300,000 and range up to the multi-millions. As of summer 2015, the average home price is around $534,000.