Alpharetta, Georgia

Alpharetta is a city located in northern Fulton County, Georgia, United States and is a suburb north of Atlanta. It lies within the Atlanta metropolitan area. As of the 2010 census, Alpharetta's population was 57,551.[4] The estimated population in 2019 was 67,213.[5]

Alpharetta, Georgia
City
Alpharetta City Hall
Location in Fulton County and the state of Georgia
Alpharetta
Location of Alpharetta in Metro Atlanta
Alpharetta
Alpharetta (Georgia (U.S. state))
Alpharetta
Alpharetta (the United States)
Alpharetta
Alpharetta (North America)
Coordinates: 34°04′24″N 84°16′52″W
CountryUnited States
StateGeorgia
CountyFulton
IncorporatedDecember 11, 1858
Government
 • MayorJim Gilvin
Area
 • Total27.27 sq mi (70.62 km2)
 • Land26.90 sq mi (69.68 km2)
 • Water0.37 sq mi (0.95 km2)
Elevation
1,135 ft (346 m)
Population
 (2010)
57,551
 • Estimate 
(2019)[2]
67,213
 • Density2,498.44/sq mi (964.66/km2)
Time zoneUTC−5 (EST)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−4 (EDT)
ZIP codes
30004, 30005, 30009, 30022
Area code(s)770, 404, 678
FIPS code13-01696
GNIS feature ID0310497[3]
Websitewww.alpharetta.ga.us

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.[6]

One of the first permanent landmarks in the area was the New Prospect Camp Ground (also known as the Methodist Camp Ground), located beside a natural spring near what is now downtown Alpharetta.[6] It later served as a trading post for the exchanging of goods among settlers.[6]

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-mile (0.80 km) radius from the city courthouse.[6] It served as the county seat of Milton County until 1931, when Milton County was merged with Fulton County to avoid bankruptcy during the Great Depression.[6]

The city's name is a variation of a fictional Indian girl, Alfarata, in a 19th-century song, "The Blue Juniata". The name of the city is also believed to have been derived from the first letter of the Greek alphabet.[7]

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.

City council[8]
Post Council member Term Notes
Post 1 Donald Mitchell 2018-2021 Mayor pro tem
Post 2 Ben Burnett 2018-2021
Post 3 Karen Richard 2018-2021
Post 4 John Hipes 2020-2023
Post 5 Jason Binder 2020-2023
Post 6 Dan Merkel 2020-2023

Mayors
  • Jim Gilvin, 2018–present[9]
  • David Belle Isle (R), 2012–2018
  • Arthur Letchas (R), 2001–2011
  • Chuck Martin (R) 1995–2002
  • Jimmy Phillips, 1979–1994
  • George Wills
  • Randall Moore
  • Sindey Dees[10]

Geography
Downtown Alpharetta

Alpharetta is located in northern Fulton County at 34°4′24″N 84°16′52″W (34.073318, −84.281086).[11] It 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 miles (42 km) north of downtown Atlanta.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Alpharetta has a total area of 27.3 square miles (70.7 km2), of which 26.9 square miles (69.7 km2) is land and 0.39 square miles (1.0 km2), or 1.37%, is water.[4]

Climate

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

Climate data for Alpharetta, GA
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Average high °F (°C) 50.4
(10.2)		 54.7
(12.6)		 63.4
(17.4)		 71.5
(21.9)		 77.9
(25.5)		 85.0
(29.4)		 87.1
(30.6)		 86.6
(30.3)		 80.9
(27.2)		 71.6
(22.0)		 62.0
(16.7)		 52.9
(11.6)		 70.3
(21.3)
Average low °F (°C) 29.6
(−1.3)		 32.1
(0.1)		 38.6
(3.7)		 45.5
(7.5)		 54.6
(12.6)		 63.6
(17.6)		 67.0
(19.4)		 66.8
(19.3)		 59.5
(15.3)		 48.1
(8.9)		 38.1
(3.4)		 32.0
(0.0)		 48.0
(8.9)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 3.96
(101)		 5.08
(129)		 4.54
(115)		 3.63
(92)		 4.28
(109)		 3.91
(99)		 4.84
(123)		 4.54
(115)		 4.38
(111)		 3.52
(89)		 4.15
(105)		 4.58
(116)		 51.41
(1,304)
Average snowfall inches (cm) 0.6
(1.5)		 0.2
(0.51)		 0.1
(0.25)		 0
(0)		 0
(0)		 0
(0)		 0
(0)		 0
(0)		 0
(0)		 0
(0)		 0
(0)		 0
(0)		 0.9
(2.26)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in) 9.8 9.5 9.0 8.0 9.0 8.5 10.2 8.7 6.4 6.4 7.8 9.6 102.9
Average snowy days (≥ 0.1 in) 0.4 0.4 0.1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.1 1.0
Source: NOAA[12]

Transportation

Major highways

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.[13]
  • The Big Creek Greenway is a concrete multi-use trail that runs from Windward Parkway to Mansell Road. The concrete trail is approximately 8 miles 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.[14] Future plans are to connect the trail to Cumming.

Mass transit

Alpharetta is not directly served by MARTA trains, but is by multiple bus routes. Currently, there have only been plans to connect Alpharetta to the rest of Metro Atlanta via heavy rail.[15] http://www.itsmarta.com/uploadedFiles/SystemMap2017_w.pdf

Demographics
Historical population
CensusPop.%±
1860261—
1870126−51.7%
188016430.2%
189025656.1%
190031021.1%
191035614.8%
19203796.5%
193047725.9%
194064735.6%
195091741.7%
19601,34947.1%
19702,45582.0%
19803,12827.4%
199013,002315.7%
200034,854168.1%
201057,55165.1%
Est. 201967,213[2]16.8%
U.S. Decennial Census[16]

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 1,631.6 people per square mile (630.0/km2). There were 14,670 housing units at an average density of 686.7 per square mile (265.2/km2). 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.[17]

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.[18] 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 .3% of those under age 18 and .6% of those age 65 or over.

Economy

Major companies
McKesson Corporation offices
Travelers Insurance offices

Cynergy Data is headquartered in Alpharetta, as was NetBank when it existed.[19]

Top employers

According to the City's 2012 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report,[20] the top private sector employers in the city are:

# Employer # of Employees
1 McKesson 2,050
2 ADP 1,463
3 LexisNexis 1,289
4 Comcast 1,000
5 UPS 941
6 Hewlett-Packard 906
7 Verizon Wireless 3,598[21]
8 E-Trade 765
9 Cox Communications 726
10 RedPrairie 672
11 Hexaware Technologies 600

Retail and mixed-use complexes

Complexes in the area include:

  • North Point Mall, a traditional mall set for redevelopment
  • A 86-acre (35 ha) 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 in not within the city limits or in the same county.

Tech Alpharetta

Tech Alpharetta (formerly known as the Alpharetta Technology Commission[22] or simply ATC) is an advisory organization established by the City of Alpharetta in 2012.[23] The organization is an independent, 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization[23] which aims to help the City of Alpharetta lead in technology innovation.[24]. Tech Alpharetta runs an advisory board of technology companies based in the city, holds monthly technology events for technology executives[25], and operates the Tech Alpharetta Innovation Center, a technology startup incubator.[24][26] As of early 2020 about ten companies have "graduated" from Tech Alpharetta's incubator and were hiring employees in the North Fulton County region.[27]

Attractions and events
Wills Park

The Downtown Alpharetta Welcome Center is located at 178 South Main Street and has more than 200 complimentary brochures providing information on the surrounding area. The center is open Monday — Friday from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., and a Virtual Information Kiosk is available on Saturdays from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.[28]

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

The Alpharetta Brew Moon Fest is held the first Saturday in October on the streets of 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.

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.[29]

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.[30]

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.[31]

The Downtown Alpharetta Historic District is located in the center of Alpharetta at the intersection of North Main Street, South Main Street, Milton Avenue, and Academy Street. Around this area are several historic buildings dating from the late 19th century and older. The downtown area has been restored, replacing more modern buildings with period structures, and includes dining, shopping, and widened brick sidewalks.

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

Ameris Bank Amphitheatre is a 12,000-capacity outdoor venue that serves as the summer home to the Grammy Award-winning Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and plays host to acts like the Dave Matthews Band, Rod Stewart, Steve Miller Band and the Eagles.[32]

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

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

The Alpharetta Big Creek Greenway is a 6.1-mile-long (9.8 km), 12-foot-wide (3.7 m) 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.[33]

The Taste of Alpharetta is an annual food festival featuring food from local restaurants, live music, and art exhibits.

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

Avalon is a multi-use development on the east side of downtown adjacent to State Route 400. It includes 500,000 square feet (46,000 m2) of retail space, a 12-screen Regal Cinemas theater, 105,000 square feet (9,800 m2) 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.

Education

Primary and secondary schools

The city is served by Fulton County Schools.[34]

Elementary schools (Grades K-5)[35]

  • 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
  • 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)[36]

  • 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
  • Piney Grove Middle School in Cumming
  • Amana Academy,[37] a public charter school in Alpharetta for students in Kindergarten to 8th grade[38]
  • Fulton Science Academy[39] (FSA), a private school in Roswell for students in 6th to 8th grade[40]

High schools (Grades 9-12)[41]

Private schools
  • Fulton Science Academy
  • The Lionheart School
  • St. Francis Schools
  • Bridgeway Christian Academy
  • King's Ridge School
  • Hayden's Way, Unique School for Unique Children
  • Hayden's Academy at Hayden's Way
  • Westwood Academy at Hayden's Way
  • Veritas Classical Schools
  • Mount Pisgah Christian School
  • Rivers Academy Private School

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Atlanta operates Holy Redeemer Catholic School (K-8) in Johns Creek; the school's address is often stated as being in "Alpharetta, GA".[42]

Higher education

Georgia State University, Gwinnett Technical College and Reinhardt University have campuses located in Alpharetta.

Public libraries

Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System operates the Alpharetta Branch.[43]

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References
  1. "2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved July 9, 2020.
  2. "Population and Housing Unit Estimates". United States Census Bureau. May 24, 2020. Retrieved May 27, 2020.
  3. "US Board on Geographic Names". United States Geological Survey. October 25, 2007. Archived from the original on February 4, 2012. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  4. "Geographic Identifiers: 2069 Census Summary File 1 (G001), Alpharetta city, Georgia". American FactFinder. U.S. Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved April 28, 2016.
  5. "City and Town Population Totals: 2010-2019". Retrieved May 22, 2020.
  6. "City of Alpharetta website – History". Archived from the original on December 13, 2013. Retrieved December 16, 2013.
  7. "Alpharetta entry at Georgia.gov". Archived from the original on August 10, 2015. Retrieved August 13, 2015.
  8. "Elected Officials". City of Alpharetta. Retrieved September 24, 2019.
  9. Northam, Mitchell (May 23, 2018). "Gilvin is Alpharetta's new mayor; Richard, Hipes elected to council". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved September 24, 2019.
  10. "Alpharetta City Council Minutes from April 17, 2006" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on April 2, 2012. Retrieved May 15, 2012.
  11. "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. February 12, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
  12. "NowData - NOAA Online Weather Data". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved October 1, 2012.
  13. "Introducing Alpha Loop". Alpharetta.ga.us. December 3, 2017. Archived from the original on December 4, 2017. Retrieved December 3, 2017.
  14. "Big Creek Greenway". Alpharetta.ga.us. December 3, 2017. Archived from the original on December 6, 2017. Retrieved December 3, 2017.
  15. "Plans for MARTA Rail to Alpharetta are Taking Shape". Archived from the original on December 4, 2017. Retrieved December 3, 2017.
  16. "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
  17. "Alpharetta.ga.us". Alpharetta.ga.us. Archived from the original on May 12, 2012. Retrieved May 15, 2012.
  18. "American FactFinder". Factfinder.census.gov. Archived from the original on February 16, 2020. Retrieved May 15, 2012.
  19. NetBank (January 11, 2001). "NetBank Royal Centre Three, Suite 100 11475 Great Oaks Way Alpharetta, GA 30022". Archived from the original on January 11, 2001. Retrieved February 25, 2011.
  20. "City of Alpharetta CAFR" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on September 17, 2013. Retrieved March 27, 2013.
  21. Verizon Wireless South Area Headquarters
  22. David Ibata, For the AJC. "Alpharetta technology panel gets new name". ajc. Retrieved March 17, 2020.
  23. "History". Tech Alpharetta. Retrieved February 28, 2020.
  24. "Tech Alpharetta Appoints Six New Members to Its Strategic Board". www.businesswire.com. December 19, 2019. Retrieved February 28, 2020.
  25. Moscarello, Lindsay. "Upcoming Tech Alpharetta panel focused on 'technology's transformation of healthcare'". MDJOnline.com. Retrieved March 17, 2020.
  26. David Ibata, For the AJC. "Alpharetta OKs $200K for city's technology incubator". ajc. Retrieved February 28, 2020.
  27. "North Fulton taking aim at tech, health-care worker shortages". www.bizjournals.com. Retrieved March 17, 2020.
  28. "Alpharetta GA Visitor Bureau Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau". September 4, 2019.
  29. "Alpharetta Arboretum Inc. receiving state award". Northfulton.com. September 25, 2008. Retrieved October 8, 2012.
  30. "Travelers Journal". Travelersjournal.com. Archived from the original on October 24, 2012. Retrieved October 8, 2012.
  31. "Alpharetta Farmers' Market". Alpharettafarmersmarket.com. Archived from the original on July 7, 2012. Retrieved October 8, 2012.
  32. "Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park". Vzwamp.com. Archived from the original on October 12, 2012. Retrieved October 8, 2012.
  33. "City of Alpharetta Website || Big Creek Greenway Trail". Alpharetta.ga.us. Archived from the original on October 4, 2012. Retrieved October 8, 2012.
  34. "Zoning Map : City of Alpharetta" (PDF). Alpharetta.ga.us. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 20, 2009. Retrieved October 26, 2008.
  35. "North Fulton Elementary Schools" (PDF). Fulton County School System. Archived from the original (PDF) on August 12, 2014. Retrieved April 17, 2010.
  36. "North Fulton Middle Schools" (PDF). Fulton County School System. Archived from the original (PDF) on August 12, 2014. Retrieved April 17, 2010.
  37. "Amanaacademy.org". Amanaacademy.org. December 31, 1999. Archived from the original on July 21, 2012. Retrieved May 15, 2012.
  38. "Amana Academy". Amana Academy. December 31, 1999. Archived from the original on July 21, 2012. Retrieved October 8, 2012.
  39. "Fultonscience.org". Fultonscience.org. Archived from the original on September 26, 2010. Retrieved May 15, 2012.
  40. "FSA". Fultonscience.org. Archived from the original on September 26, 2010. Retrieved October 8, 2012.
  41. "Highschool map" (PDF). Fulton County School System. Archived from the original (PDF) on August 12, 2014. Retrieved April 17, 2010.
  42. "Zoning Map" (PDF). Johns Creek. Retrieved May 8, 2020. - "Holy Redeemer Catholic School" indicated on the map. The school's address may be stated as being in "Alpharetta, GA" but the school is not in the Alpharetta city limits.
  43. "Alpharetta Branch". Afpls.org. Archived from the original on August 20, 2015. Retrieved August 11, 2015.
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