about alpharetta

ALPHARETTA

Just 22 miles outside of Atlanta, nestled in a beautiful, tranquil suburban setting in northern Fulton County, sits the 6th friendliest city in the nation, Alpharetta, GA. Being the perfect mix between city and suburban life, this bustling community has award-winning schools, some of the world’s largest technology companies and an abundance of dining and recreational activities. Alpharetta became an official town in 1858 after pioneers settled on what was originally Cherokee Indian land. Where once just a few small buildings stood, including a grocery store, a courthouse and a jail, now a thriving city lives. The 2010 U.S. Census Bureau report revealed Alpharetta as the 6th-fastest growing city in the nation, which is no wonder when you consider the high quality education and the number of businesses choosing to relocate to Alpharetta. Known as the “technology city of the south,” Alpharetta has paved its way for high tech companies like McKesson, ADP and Hewlett-Packard to establish regional headquarters within the city. The City of Alpharetta is home to over 708 technology companies resulting in the city’s daytime population exceeding that of residents.

The city has won numerous financial awards, and has been named one of the safest cities in Georgia, according to SafeWise. Residents, business owners and visitors agree there is always an excuse to have a celebration, whether movies at a park, food truck gatherings, parades, art or music festivals, races or holiday gatherings. No matter what time of year, there is some kind of upcoming event that excites the Alpharetta community. There are also plenty of shopping and dining opportunities, which seem to be expanding at a rapid pace. New developments are constantly popping up around the city, providing residents and visitors with new restaurants, retail shops and entertainment venues. Avalon, since its opening in October 2014, has brought 86 acres of dining, shopping, small businesses and residences to downtown Alpharetta In January 2018, The Hotel at Avalon and Alpharetta Conference Center officially opened. The Hotel at Avalon features 330 guestrooms and suites, 44,000 square feet of event space, Starbucks, chef-driven icon South City Kitchen and many other enticing places to visit. The Alpharetta Conference Center features lofty spaces, bright design, and with Alpharetta serving as the first Gigabit community in Atlanta, brilliantly modern Fiberhood technology. Each of the spaces are sized from (continued on page 10)

Alpha Loop Expansion

North Point Mall Future Rendering

grand to intimate, creating the perfect venue to host gatherings of all sizes. The Hotel at Avalon is being touted as one of North Georgia’s hottest new resort enclave, giving both business executives and leisure travelers the unique opportunity to experience the meaning of graceful, modern Southern hospitality. Just down the street from the Avalon where Main Street intersects with Academy Street is the Alpharetta City Center. The city hall, county library, town green and city park are all conveniently situated on over 26 lush acres including retail stores, restaurants, office and residence elements in the heart of Downtown Alpharetta. The development is configured to encourage successful street-level retail, service, and restaurant uses that will enhance and expand the quality of businesses in Downtown Alpharetta. The 60,000-foot Topgolf facility has proven to be the recreational fun spot for golf enthusiasts not to mention Regal Cinemas at Avalon and the AMC Theaters at the North Point Mall, where movie-goers can shop, dine, and then lay back in a reclining cushioned seat while they watch the latest films. North Point Mall is currently undergoing a major facelift that will provide the residents and visitors of Alpharetta to yet another exciting place to dine and play. The Alpha Loop, is an innovative and efficient way to connect people to activity centers, parks, and jobs by a network of multi-use trails that provides safe alternatives to driving as well as other recreational benefits. These multi-use paths connecting Avalon to Downtown Alpharetta, currently involves two interconnected routes including a three-mile inner loop and a five-mile outer loop that will link Downtown Alpharetta, Avalon, and the Northwinds area located at Haynes Bridge Road and S.R. 400. Alpharetta has acres devoted to walking trails, playgrounds, baseball, soccer and football fields, and even a dog park. There are community gardens, arboretums and swimming pools as well. One of the most popular outdoor choices in Alpharetta is the Big Creek Greenway, which spans about eight miles through beautiful scenery and connects to a mountain biking trail. By August 2022, high school students in Alpharetta and surrounding areas can opt to attend a STEM-focused campus slated to be built at the old Milton High School site. This is one of two Fulton County STEM-focused campuses being offered in Fulton County. Whether you are a current resident, a visitor or simply looking to relocate to Alpharetta, you need not look any further…Alpharetta is the perfect place to shop, dine, stay, play, live and work!