Alpharetta, Georgia

Alpharetta is a city in northern Fulton County, Georgia, United States, and part of the Atlanta metropolitan area. As of the 2020 US Census, Alpharetta's population was 65,818; in 2010, the population had been 57,551.

History
In the 1830s, the Cherokee people in Georgia and elsewhere in the South were forcibly relocated to the Indian Territory (present-day Oklahoma) under the Indian Removal Act. Pioneers and farmers later settled on the newly vacated land, situated along a former Cherokee trail stretching from the North Georgia mountains to the Chattahoochee River.

One of the area's first permanent landmarks was the New Prospect Camp Ground (also known as the Methodist Camp Ground), beside a natural spring near what is now downtown Alpharetta. It later served as a trading post for the exchanging of goods among settlers.

Known as the town of Milton through July 1858, the city of Alpharetta was chartered on December 11, 1858, with boundaries extending in a 0.5 mi radius from the city courthouse. It served as the county seat of Milton County until 1931, when Milton County merged with Fulton County to avoid bankruptcy during the Great Depression.

The city's name may be a variation of a fictional Indian girl, Alfarata, in the 19th-century song "The Blue Juniata"; it may also be derived from alpha, the first letter of the Greek alphabet.

The Simeon and Jane Rucker Log House, built in 1833, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1997.

Geography
Alpharetta is in northern Fulton County and is bordered to the southeast by Johns Creek, to the south and west by Roswell, to the north by Milton, and to the northeast by unincorporated land in Forsyth County. Downtown Alpharetta is 26 mi north of downtown Atlanta.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Alpharetta has an area of 70.7 sqkm, of which 69.7 sqkm is land and 1.0 sqkm, or 1.37%, is water.

Climate
Alpharetta has a humid subtropical climate (Köppen climate classification: Cfa) and is part of USDA hardiness zone 7b.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 65,818 people, 25,391 households, and 18,167 families residing in the city.

2010 census
According to the 2010 census, the racial composition of the city of Alpharetta was as follows:


 * White: 72.0%
 * Asian: 13.7%
 * Black or African American: 11.2%
 * Hispanic or Latino: 8.7%
 * Other: 2.9%
 * Two or more races: 2.8%
 * Native American: 0.2%
 * Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1%

There were 13,911 households, out of which 36.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.1% were married couples living together, 7.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.9% were non-families. 27.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 4.2% had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 2.50 and the average family size was 3.13.

In the city, 27.0% of the population was under the age of 18, 7.2% from 18 to 24, 40.5% from 25 to 44, 19.4% from 45 to 64, and 5.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33. For every 100 females, there were 98.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.9 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $95,888, and the median income for a family was $111,918. The per capita income for the city was $42,431. Males had a median income of $79,275 versus $59,935 for females. About 2.9% of families and 1.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 0.3% of those under age 18 and 0.6% of those age 65 or over.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 34,854 people, 13,911 households, and 8,916 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,632 PD/sqmi. There were 14,670 housing units at an average density of 687 /sqmi. The population has been gradually increasing over the last decade. During the workday, the city swells to more than 120,000 residents, workers, and visitors, due to the more than 3,600 businesses that are located in the city.

Top employers
According to the City's 2022 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, the city's top private sector employers are:

Retail and mixed-use complexes
Complexes in the area include:
 * North Point Mall, a traditional mall set for redevelopment
 * An 86 acre mixed-use development, Avalon, opened in 2014.
 * The Halcyon mixed residential-retail-entertainment-dining complex opened in 2019 in nearby Forsyth County has an Alpharetta postal address, but is not within the city limits or in the same county.

Tech Alpharetta
Tech Alpharetta (formerly known as the Alpharetta Technology Commission or simply ATC) is an advisory organization established by the City of Alpharetta in 2012. The organization is an independent, 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization that aims to help Alpharetta lead in technology innovation. Tech Alpharetta runs an advisory board of technology companies based in the city, holds monthly technology events for technology executives, and operates the Tech Alpharetta Innovation Center, a technology startup incubator. As of early 2020 about ten companies have "graduated" from Tech Alpharetta's incubator and were hiring employees in the North Fulton County region.

Major companies


Cynergy Data is headquartered in Alpharetta, as was NetBank when it existed.

Government
Alpharetta is governed by a city council composed of six members and a mayor. The mayor and council members serve staggered four-year terms:

Mayor

 * Jim Gilvin, 2018–present

Major highways

 * [[Image:Georgia 9.svg|25px]] State Route 9
 * [[Image:Georgia 120.svg|25px]] State Route 120
 * [[Image:Georgia 140.svg|25px]] State Route 140
 * [[Image:Georgia 372.svg|25px]] State Route 372
 * [[Image:Georgia 400.svg|25px]] State Route 400
 * US 19.svg U.S. Route 19

Pedestrians and cycling

 * There are plans for the creation of the Alpha Loop. The multi-use path will serve to connect residents of Alpharetta to activity centers, parks, and jobs by a network of multi-use trails providing safe alternatives to driving and offering recreational benefit.
 * The Big Creek Greenway is a concrete multi-use trail that runs from Windward Parkway to Mansell Road. The concrete trail is approximately 8 mi long and meanders along Big Creek parallel to North Point Parkway, from Windward Parkway at Marconi Drive on the north end to Mansell Road on the south end. A soft mulch trail encircles a large wetland between Haynes Bridge Road and Mansell Road. Wildlife such as blue heron, deer, ducks and Canada geese can be observed in this preserved water setting. Future plans are to connect the trail to Cumming.

Mass transit
Alpharetta is not directly served by MARTA trains, but is connected by multiple bus routes. Connecting Alpharetta to the rest of Metro Atlanta via heavy rail has been studied.

Attractions and events
The Downtown Alpharetta Welcome Center is at 178 South Main Street and offers more than 200 complimentary brochures providing information on the surrounding area. The center is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and a Virtual Information Kiosk is available on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Downtown Alpharetta Historic District is in the center of Alpharetta, at the intersection of North & South Streets with Milton Avenue and Academy Street. Around this area are several historic buildings from the late 19th century and earlier. The downtown area, providing dining and shopping, has been restored with widened brick sidewalks. Modern buildings have been replaced with period structures.

The Alpharetta Family Skate Center (aka The Cooler) is at 10800 Davis Drive. It is also home to the Atlanta Sparks special needs hockey team.

The Alpharetta Arboretum at Wills Park was established in September 2008 and includes 26 trees. A brochure about the arboretum guides readers through a walking tour of the trees and is available at the Downtown Alpharetta Welcome Center.

The Alpharetta Arboretum at Cogburn Road Park was established in December 2008 and showcases seven trees. A complimentary brochure for the arboretum is available at the Downtown Alpharetta Welcome Center and provides a starting point for a self-guided walking tour.

The Alpharetta Farmers Market is a weekly farmers' market in the downtown area that opens every Saturday from 8 AM to 12:30 PM from April to October, and features farmers and gardeners from the surrounding area selling fresh vegetables, flowers, and edible goods such as jam. The market was named "Best Saturday Morning Excursion" in 2007 by Atlanta magazine.

The Mansell House and Gardens is a 1912 Queen Anne style home that serves as a special event facility in Alpharetta. It is home to the Alpharetta Historical Society.

The Milton Log Cabin was built by Future Farmers of America students during the 1934–35 school year and resembles life during the late 19th century.

The Alpharetta Brew Moon Fest is held the first Saturday in October in downtown Alpharetta.

The Scarecrow Harvest is held the first Saturday in October in downtown Alpharetta. The streets are lined with 100 scarecrows to celebrate its fall spirit.

Ameris Bank Amphitheatre is a 12,000-capacity outdoor venue that serves as the summer home of the Grammy Award-winning Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and hosts acts like the Dave Matthews Band, Rod Stewart, Phish, Steve Miller Band and the Eagles.

North Point Community Church is based in Alpharetta. It is the main campus of North Point Ministries, the nation's largest church organization, run by evangelical preacher Andy Stanley. The campus welcomes more than 5,000 people every Sunday.

The Alpharetta Symphony is an orchestra based in Alpharetta.

The Walk of Memories is at American Legion Post 201 and pays tribute to veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces, community and friends, with a brick walk inscribed with names of all Georgia residents killed in service during and after World War II. A separate section is reserved for survivors. A tank and helicopter are on display.

The Alpharetta Big Creek Greenway is a 6.1 mi, 12 ft concrete path that meanders through the woods along Big Creek, offering a place to walk, jog, inline skate and bike. The path includes additional mountain bike trails.

The Taste of Alpharetta is an annual food festival featuring food from local restaurants, live music, and art exhibits during May. Admission is free; food ticket purchases are required. (Cash is not accepted.) Restaurants charge $2 to $8 per food sample.

The Wire and Wood Alpharetta Songwriters Festival in downtown Alpharetta is held in October with free admission.

Avalon is a multi-use development on the east side of downtown adjacent to State Route 400. It includes 500000 sqft of retail space, a 12-screen Regal Cinemas theater, 105000 sqft of office space over retail, 101 single-family residences and 250 luxury rental homes.

The Alpharetta Bulls Rugby Football Club is a Men's Division 3 Rugby Team competing in the Georgia Rugby Union and USA Rugby competitions.

North Park, Wills Park, and Webb Bridge Park feature 15 lighted tennis courts along with 8 asphalt pickleball courts at North Park. Tennis lessons, clinics, camps, and leagues are available.

Primary and secondary schools
The city is served by Fulton County Schools.

Elementary schools (Grades K-5)
 * Abbotts Hill Elementary School
 * Alpharetta Elementary School
 * Birmingham Falls Elementary School in Milton
 * Cogburn Woods Elementary School in Milton
 * Crabapple Crossing Elementary School in Milton
 * Creek View Elementary School
 * Dolvin Elementary School
 * F.A.S.T. k-8
 * Hembree Springs Elementary School in Roswell
 * Lake Windward Elementary School
 * Manning Oaks Elementary School
 * Mimosa Elementary School in Roswell
 * New Prospect Elementary School
 * Ocee Elementary School in Johns Creek
 * Summit Hill Elementary School in Milton

Middle schools (Grades 6-8)
 * Autrey Mill Middle School in Johns Creek
 * Elkins Pointe Middle School in Roswell
 * Haynes Bridge Middle School
 * Holcomb Bridge Middle School
 * Hopewell Middle School in Milton
 * Northwestern Middle School in Milton
 * Taylor Road Middle School in Johns Creek
 * Webb Bridge Middle School
 * Amana Academy, a public charter school in Alpharetta for students in Kindergarten to 8th grade
 * Fulton Science Academy (FSA), a private school in Roswell for students in 6th to 8th grade

High schools (Grades 9-12)
 * Alpharetta High School serves most of Alpharetta
 * Cambridge High School in Milton
 * Centennial High School in Roswell
 * Chattahoochee High School in Johns Creek
 * Johns Creek High School in Johns Creek
 * Milton High School in Milton
 * Northview High School
 * Roswell High School in Roswell
 * Independence High School, an alternative school on the old Milton High School campus.
 * Fulton Science Academy High School (formerly T. E. A. C. H.), a public charter school in Alpharetta for students in 9th to 12th grade.

Private schools

 * The Lionheart School
 * St. Francis Schools
 * Mount Pisgah Christian School

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Atlanta operates Holy Redeemer Catholic School (K-8). Although it is in Johns Creek, the school's location is often stated to be in Alpharetta.

Higher education
Perimeter College at Georgia State University, Gwinnett Technical College and Reinhardt University have campuses in Alpharetta.

Musical education

 * ALPHARETTA SYMPHONY Youth orchestra (ASYO)

Public libraries
Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System operates the Alpharetta Branch.

Notable people

 * Auzoyah Alufohai, football player
 * Devontae Cacok, basketball player
 * Joshua Dobbs, football player
 * Anthony Fisher, basketball player
 * Jaycee Horn, football player
 * Ariana Savalas, performer
 * Lisa Wu, actress and former cast member of The Real Housewives of Atlanta
 * C. J. Abrams, baseball player
 * Brandon Beach, politician serving as a member of the Georgia State Senate
 * Malik Beasley, basketball player
 * Jaron Blossomgame, basketball player
 * Clint Boling, football player
 * Trey Britton, basketball player
 * Bobbi Kristina Brown, reality television star, musician, and the daughter of Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown, lived in her Alpharetta home and was found unconscious, ultimately leading to her death.
 * Lee Chapple, football player
 * CJ Cochran, soccer player
 * Kaiser Gates, basketball player
 * Cullen Harper, football player
 * Peyton Barber, football player
 * Marjorie Taylor Greene, politician and businesswoman
 * Courtney Jaye, singer and songwriter
 * Carl Lawson, football player
 * Brandon Leibrandt, baseball player
 * Madison Lintz, actress known for her roles as Sophia Peletier in the AMC (TV channel) post-apocalyptic television drama series The Walking Dead and as Madeline "Maddie" Bosch in the Amazon series Bosch and its spin-off Bosch: Legacy
 * Ken Flach, tennis player
 * Jack McInerney, soccer player
 * James Ramsey (baseball), college baseball coach and former professional baseball player
 * Ryann Redmond, actress and singer known for originating the role of Bridget in Bring It On: The Musical
 * Alex Ross, football player
 * Ryan Roushandel, soccer player and coach
 * Tyler Ruthven, soccer player
 * Marcus Sayles, football player
 * Shannon Scott, basketball player
 * Heath Slocum, professional golfer
 * Tanner Smith, basketball player and coach
 * Andy Stanley, founder and senior pastor of North Point Ministries
 * Maria Taylor, sportscaster for NBC Sports
 * Ty Toney, basketball player
 * Justin Tuggle, football player
 * Charlie Whitehurst, football player
 * Julie Aigner-Clark, former teacher, known for founding Baby Einstein in 1996, publishing the first episode, Language Nursery on March 1, 1997.