Alpharetta is a city located in northern Fulton County, Georgia, United States, and is a part of the Atlanta metropolitan area. As of the 2010 census, Alpharetta's population was 57,551. The estimated population in 2020 was 66,566.
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 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. 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 radius from the city courthouse. 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.
Although the city's name may be a variation of a fictional Indian girl, Alfarata, in the 19th-century song "The Blue Juniata", it is more probably derived from the Greek word “alpha” meaning first and “retta” meaning town, or NOT since "retta" isn't a Greek word.
The Simeon and Jane Rucker Log House, built in 1833, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1997.
Geography
Alpharetta is located 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 north of downtown Atlanta.
According to the United States Census Bureau, Alpharetta has a total area of , of which is land and , or 1.37%, is water.
Climate
Alpharetta has a humid subtropical climate (Köppen climate classification Cfa) and is part of USDA hardiness zone 7b.
Demographics
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 1,631.6 people per square mile (630.0/km). There were 14,670 housing units at an average density of 686.7 per square mile (265.2/km). 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.
Economy
Top employers
According to the City's 2012 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the top private sector employers in the city are:
Retail and mixed-use complexes
Complexes in the area include:
North Point Mall, a traditional mall set for redevelopment
An 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 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 which aims to help the City of 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.
The following companies also have offices in Alpharetta:
AGC Glass North America
Adecco
AdvancEd
AIG
ADP
Alimera Sciences
Alltel
Argos
AT&T Inc.
Avanos Medical
Ciena
Ciox Health
Comcast
Costco Wholesale
Eaton Corporation
Emerson Electric
E-Trade
Equifax
Ernst & Young
Fiserv
General Electric
Graebel Relocation
Hanjin Shipping
Hansgrohe
Hewlett-Packard
Hi-Rez Studios
IBM
Infor
Intelligrated Software
IHG
Ipswitch
Kiepe Electric (formerly Vossloh Kiepe)
Lancope
LexisNexis
Lucent
McKesson Corporation
MetLife
Microsoft
Morgan Stanley
NCC Group
NCR Corporation
Nokia
Nortel
nThrive
Philips
Publix
Ryder System
SAP Ariba
Scientific Games
Sequence Health
Siemens
Synchrony Financial
Systel
Travelers Insurance
Verifone
Verint Systems
Verizon
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.
Mayors
Jim Gilvin, 2018–present
David Belle Isle, 2012–2018
Arthur Letchas, 2001–2011
Chuck Martin, 1995–2002
Jimmy Phillips, 1979–1994
George Wills
Randall Moore
Sindey Dees
Transportation
Major highways
25px State Route 9
25px State Route 120
25px State Route 140
25px State Route 372
25px State Route 400
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 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. 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.
Attractions and events
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.
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.
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 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.
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 Alpharetta Symphony Orchestra (AlphaSO) is an orchestra based in Alpharetta, Georgia.
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 , 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.
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 of retail space, a 12-screen Regal Cinemas theater, 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.
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
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 located 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) in Johns Creek; the school's address is often stated as being in "Alpharetta, GA".
Higher education
Georgia State University, Gwinnett Technical College and Reinhardt University have campuses located in Alpharetta.
Music Education
Alpharetta Symphony Youth Orchestra
Public libraries
Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System operates the Alpharetta Branch.
Notable people
Auzoyah Alufohai, football player, Kennesaw State University (2014–2018), University of West Georgia (2019), and current NFL free agent
Devontae Cacok, basketball player, University of North Carolina Wilmington (2015–2019) and San Antonio Spurs (2021–present)
Joshua Dobbs (Professional football player, born Jan. 26, 1995) Quarterback for the University of Tennessee and Pittsburgh Steelers
Anthony Fisher (born 1986), basketball player in the Israeli Basketball Premier League
Jaycee Horn, Professional Football player for the Carolina Panthers
Ariana Savalas, performer
Lisa Wu, actress and former cast member of The Real Housewives of Atlanta
C.J. Abrams, shortstop in baseball for the San Diego Padres
Brandon Beach, American politician serving as a member of the Georgia State Senate
Malik Beasley, American professional basketball player and member of the Minnesota Timberwolves
Jaron Blossomgame, American professional basketball player for ratiopharm Ulm of the Basketball Bundesliga
Clint Boling, American football guard who spent his entire eight-year career with the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League (NFL)
Trey Britton, American professional basketball player
Lee Chapple, American football quarterback for the Atlanta Havoc of the American Arena League (AAL)
CJ Cochran, American professional soccer player who plays as a goalkeeper for the Tampa Bay Rowdies in the USL Championship
Kaiser Gates, American professional basketball player for Hapoel Jerusalem of the Israeli Basketball Premier League
