GA
Alpharetta
Explore Alpharetta, a vibrant community near downtown Atlanta, boasting 200+ restaurants, unique attractions, and 750 acres of parks. Enjoy live music, corporate headquarters, charming neighborhoods, a bustling downtown, and year-round events in Alpharetta, a must-visit Atlanta suburb.
$1,141,840
Average Sales Price
$799,543
Median Sales Price
1,118
Total Listings
60,178
Population
Approximate Effective
Property Tax Rate: 1.08%
Special Exemptions:
Senior Homestead Exemptions
(Changes at 62, 65, and 70)
School Tax Exemption
WHY PEOPLE LOVE LIVING IN ALPHARETTA
ABOUT ALPHARETTA
Buford vs Alpharetta
These two towns have a lot of similarities- great schools, great shopping, and a high price tag. I have people reaching out all the time asking for more information on these two towns because they’ve heard me talk about how great they both are before here on my channel, or they’ve seen these towns come up while they were researching great places to live in Georgia. Let’s put them head to head and figure out which one might be better for you and your family. Buford, which majority of is located in Gwinnett county, kind of sits right on the edge of the suburbs before you start to get into more of the busy Atlanta feel. There’s a tiny portion of the town in Hall county, but most of it lies in Gwinnett, which is actually the second-most populous county in Georgia with over 950,000 residents. Buford sits on the southern end of Lake Lanier and is very popular with people who want to live on the lake but need to commute into the city. It’s cheaper than living directly in Atlanta and comes with a pretty easy commute. This makes it a super popular area to live in. Alpharetta is located in northern Fulton County and is 26 miles north of downtown Atlanta. The town has a population of just over 69,000 residents and feels like an extension of Atlanta. You have all of the luxuries of living in the big city- meaning a wider variety of stores, more accessible access to everything, more people, and more traffic. Since Alpharetta is even closer to Atlanta than Buford is, it’s an even more popular place for those that work in the city but don’t want to live right in it. We have talked about Buford city schools many times before here on the channel. They are some of the most outstanding ranked schools in the state, with great sports programs to boot. Another great thing is that Buford City Schools are public, but it is complicated to find a home that would put you in the district because the demand is insane. You can, however, pay $2,000 in tuition every year to attend the schools… if you can get on the waiting list and meet the required qualifications. Depending on where in the town you live, your kids can also attend Flowery Branch, Mountain View, Lanier, and Mill Creek. Buford isn’t the only town with great schools, however. Alpharetta also has very highly rated schools, like Alpharetta High School, ranked the #3 best public high school in the state on niche.com and a 9/10 on greatschools.com. They also have Chattahoochee High School, which received a 9/10 on great schools. Whether you live in Alpharetta or Buford, your kids can get an excellent education. These two towns both have in common is incredible shopping and activities. Buford has the Mall of Georgia, Target, Costco, Marshalls, TJ Maxx, and tons more. There are also a plethora of restaurants and different dining options in Buford. The most significant difference between shopping in Alpharetta and Buford is that Alpharetta has many more large-scale stores than Buford. They have a great outdoor shopping center called Avalon, where you’ll find stores like Chanel, Tesla, Peloton, and more luxury brands like those. Buford has a lot more of your everyday shopping, if you will, and Alpharetta has some fantastic, more upscale stores and restaurants. Of course, they have a Target and all of those kinds of stores as well. There’s also an astonishing mixed-use development called Halcyon that has shopping, sit down and counter service restaurants, apartments, and the Big Creek Greenway trailhead… it’s kind of like everything you could ever need right in one area. So although Buford has a massive mall, I will have to give the point here to Alpharetta for shopping. Both towns have a Top Golf, a popular attraction around here, and it’s described as a “premier golf entertainment complex.” Both towns also have a downtown area with more small businesses and restaurants, and both have fantastic parks and amenities. Even though these are bigger towns, you will still find plenty of parks, playgrounds, walking trails, etc., to keep you outdoors and active. Buford does have parts of town that sit on Lake Lanier, which is a big bonus point for Buford. One of the most significant differences between Buford and Alpharetta is the cost of homes. When filming this video, there are 536 homes on the market in Buford with a median sales price of $356,000. Since this is the median price, I think you’ll be looking closer to the mid 400 range, depending on where you want to be in Buford. The school district is the most significant factor and what kind of property you’re looking for. There are currently 744 homes listed for sale in Alpharetta, with a median sales price of $525,000. This is a significant difference. On bestplaces.net, where they use a scale of 100 to describe the overall cost of living in an area compared to the national average, the state of Georgia as a whole has a score of 93.4, which is below that national average of 100. Buford receives a 101.1 rating which is just above the national average. Alpharetta has an overall ranking of 124.8, with home prices ranking a whopping 168.5. Alpharetta is the quintessential suburb of Atlanta. You get all of the perks of living in a city, but it also comes with those steep home prices. Buford is also considered a bigger city, but Alpharetta it’s just that much closer to Atlanta and more upscale, if you will. Suppose you want to maintain a little distance between where you live and Atlanta. Buford might be a better choice. If you are going to commute into Atlanta and with that bigger city feel without fully committing to living there, Alpharetta would be a better choice for you. As I mentioned, both of these towns have excellent schools and shopping and things like that, but they both have the negative drawbacks of being bigger cities… The biggest ones are cost and traffic. You will run into traffic, and a lot of it, in both of these towns, but that’s just something you get used to living in a bigger city. These are both highly sought-after cities, but one thing you have to keep in mind with both of them is that they will come at a hefty price. Everyone wants to be in these areas because of their great schools, but you have to remember that you will pay a pretty penny to be in these areas.
The UGLY Truth About Living in Alpharetta, GA
Alpharetta, Georgia, stands out as one of the most sought-after suburbs in North Georgia. Known for its convenient location, top-ranked schools, excellent shopping, and various amenities, many people consider making this vibrant town their home. However, as with any location, there are both positive and negative aspects to living in Alpharetta. High Cost of Living Alpharetta's popularity comes at a price – quite a steep one. The average home price in Alpharetta currently sits at $713,000, significantly higher than the Greater Atlanta area's average of just under $500,000. This steep cost of living can be a deterrent for those looking to stretch their housing budget. Limited New Construction Options Finding a new construction home in Alpharetta, especially below the $500,000 mark, proves to be a challenging task. The town's well-established nature and limited available land for development contribute to this scarcity. While there are townhomes available, some buyers may be hesitant to compromise on a single-family home. Competition and Limited Inventory Alpharetta's real estate market remains competitive, even during slower periods. Desirable homes priced appropriately tend to fly off the market quickly. With the recent decrease in interest rates, an influx of buyers is expected, potentially driving home prices back up. Limited inventory and high demand make buying a home in Alpharetta a challenging task. Condition of Resale Homes For those willing to consider resale homes due to the limited new construction options, the condition of homes in the price range can be surprising. Homes listed for $500,000 or less may require significant renovations, leading to concerns about the value for money. Traffic and Overdevelopment Alpharetta's success as a developed area comes with some drawbacks, such as increased traffic and what some may perceive as overdevelopment. If you're seeking a quieter, more spacious living environment, Alpharetta may not be the ideal choice, as it is a true suburban town with all the perks and disadvantages of a larger city. KeyPoint While Alpharetta boasts excellent schools, shopping, and a convenient location, potential residents must weigh the drawbacks outlined above. The high cost of living, limited new construction options, competition in the real estate market, the condition of resale homes, and the urbanized nature of the town are essential considerations when deciding whether Alpharetta is the right place to call home. If you're considering a move to Georgia, it's crucial to weigh these factors and perhaps explore alternative towns like Milton.
Alpharetta VS. Johns Creek: Where Should YOU Live?
If you're considering a move to the Atlanta metro area, you've probably heard about two neighboring suburbs that often steal the spotlight: Alpharetta and Johns Creek. But what sets these communities apart, and how do you choose between them? I'm a local real estate agent who assists individuals and families in relocating to North Georgia. Having faced the same decision eight years ago, I understand the nuances that make these towns unique. Let's explore the differences between Alpharetta and Johns Creek to help you make an informed choice. Alpharetta: The Bustling Suburban Hub Alpharetta is primarily situated in Fulton County, with a small part extending into Forsyth County. It's a northern suburb of Atlanta, located just 26 miles away from downtown. The city boasts a robust economy, housing major corporate headquarters like AT&T, UPS Supply Chain Solutions, and LexisNexis, providing ample job opportunities. Alpharetta's housing market is competitive, with an average home price of $574,000 at the time of filming. Known for its excellent shopping, dining, and entertainment, Alpharetta features North Point Mall and the upscale Avalon development. Alpharetta offers highly-rated schools, ensuring a quality education for residents. Johns Creek: The Suburban Oasis Situated entirely in Fulton County, Johns Creek is located to the east of Alpharetta, providing a suburban oasis near the heart of Atlanta. Homes in Johns Creek are on the pricier side, with a median home price of $677,500 at the time of filming. Johns Creek is known for its diversity, earning it recognition as the No. 16 best place to live in 2019 by Money, Inc. The city boasts an abundance of parks and green spaces, including Jones Bridge Park and Autrey Mill Nature Preserve. While it may offer fewer dining and shopping options compared to Alpharetta, Johns Creek still has its share of excellent restaurants. Johns Creek is home to several top-rated public and private schools, making it an attractive choice for families. Choosing Between Alpharetta and Johns Creek The decision may come down to commuting, as Alpharetta offers easy access to GA 400, making it a convenient choice for those with GA 400-dependent commutes. Alpharetta is more developed and offers a wider range of shopping, dining, and entertainment options, along with major corporate headquarters. Johns Creek leans towards an upscale, suburban lifestyle, with more green spaces and parks. Both areas feature great schools, safety, and family-friendly environments. Your choice ultimately depends on your personal preferences and what you're seeking in a community. KeyPoint Alpharetta and Johns Creek are two vibrant communities that often blur together, making it challenging to distinguish one from the other. Your decision should be based on your lifestyle, commuting needs, and personal preferences. Whichever you choose, you're sure to find a welcoming and thriving suburban community in North Georgia.
Homes For Sale
- 2 Beds2.5 Baths1,576 SqFt1/38 38Open Sun 1PM-3PM
$370,000
3092 Steeplechase, Alpharetta, GA 30004
Listed by Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties
- 2 Beds2.5 Baths1,272 SqFt1/47 47Open Sun 12PM-2PM
- 6 Beds4.5 Baths5,560 SqFt1/109 109Open Sun 12PM-3PM
RECENTLY SOLD
$830,000
$787,500
5.4%1915 Wynridge LNDG, Alpharetta, GA 30005
Listed by Michael Culver of eXp Realty
$830,000
$787,500
5.4%1915 Wynridge LNDG, Alpharetta, GA 30005
Listed by EXP Realty, LLC.
$850,000
$869,500
2.2%350 Wagon WAY, Alpharetta, GA 30009
Listed by Beacham and Company Realtors
MARKET TRENDS
- Average Sold Price
- Median Sold Price
- Highest Sold Price
- Lowest Sold Price
Market Trends are calculated using MLS® sold listing data
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