Spring started earlier than usual this year, with our two most recently listed homes both going under contract quickly! Milton continues to be a sought-after market, with the draw continuing to a more relaxed pace of life, privacy, less traffic, more green, top schools, laid-back country clubs and local charm spots like Scottsdale Farms, The Union, 7 Acre BarNGrill, Painted Horse and Crabapple Market. Having all those things available with 10-15 minute drives to downtown Alpharetta, Avalon and Downtown Roswell continue to make our town the place to be!
Seeing my best friend Kate open her flower shop in Crabapple Market made me realize once again that there is no better place to call home. Upon opening, she was immediately flooded with patrons and an immense amount of business. I love going to see her, friends come and go, and new faces roaming her store, all enjoying a new local warm spot to call their own. When I visit Kate, I also grab tea or coffee at Whitetail and love that it is packed and vibrant with our community each time.
Macro market-wise, the housing market stalled a bit, as we all saw in 2022 when rates began to rise. We had a bit of impact in our area,
Market Stats | 30004
Source: FMLS, 10 January 2025
and personally, aside from The Manor, I saw the biggest slow in the over $3M range. This still proves to be true, but with proper pricing, staging and marketing, those homes do sell, just not as quickly. On a great note, the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) forecasts a 9 percent increase in home sales in 2025 and a further boost of 13 percent in 2026.
Everyone wants land in our 30004 zip code. Landowners, we have seen, have started outpricing themselves with tracts sitting for extended lengths or expiring. A perfect 3-8 acre tract in the perfect spot can overprice a bit, but aside from that, proper pricing is needed for the land to sell. Families wanting hobby farms or privacy in that $3.5m and under range want that 3-8 acre lot sizing. Over that, you are typically selling to builders subdividing or high dollar buy/build/hold clients wanting long driveways and privacy. This is why that higher acreage range is harder to overprice, as both of those buyers are savvy and willing to wait on the right tract, and builders want it to feel like a deal to invest in and assure a profit.
Staging continues to be key in our selling of homes. I cannot emphasize how critical this is for most homes. There are the 1/10 that do not need it, and you know who you are. The friend everyone says should be a designer or had a design squad do their home top to bottom. Most people need staging to lighten, brighten, warm and de-personalize. Already in 2025, we have taken over two listings this year, staged, properly priced them for a bit less and sold them quickly.
With what we see in our Milton Micro Market, NAR predictions and Trump signaling his preference for rates to come down, we are feeling great about the market ahead in 2025.
The mortgage market was volatile in 2024, ending in a bearish market that saw rates come close to crossing over the seven percent threshold. The labor market and inflation will be the two leading indicators that will provide some relief for mortgage rates. Inflation is presently at 2.8 percent, but many economists believe the inflation rate will drop between 2.1 percent and 2.3 percent.
Concerning the labor market, unemployment has increased by 21 percent over the last seven months due to a struggling economy and limited new employment opportunities. Economists believe the employment rate will drop significantly from 4.65 percent to 4.2 percent in the coming year.
These indicators will lead to a favorable trend for 2025 for mortgage rates. Barry Habib, CEO of MBS Highway, has indicated that he believes mortgage rates will fall between 5.75 percent and six percent and that the Fed could cut the prime rate as many as four times during 2025.
There will be ups and downs throughout 2025, but this year will be much more favorable for potential buyers with lower mortgage rates than what we experienced in 2024.
BRANT E. GILMORE
Vice
President,
Truist Bank, NMLSR #756279
For a more comprehensive market perspective of Milton, please scan here.
2025 Mortgage Rate Projections
As of September 2024, Source: Keeping Current Matters
NEW BUSINESS
SPOTLIGHT
Lily Sushi
1865 HERITAGE WALK, MILTON
With a combined 30 years of experience in the sushi Japanese restaurant industry, Lily Sushi Bar grew out of the desire of the owners to deliver the highest quality food and beverages in an intimate, sophisticated, quintessential Japanese environment. Lily Sushi Bar offers locally sourced produce, carefully crafted cocktails and the highest quality, sustainable and fresh fish flown in directly from Japan to satiate the palate of sushi lovers. The signature sushi bar offers 'Chefs Omakase' for a distinctive and creative multi-course dinner experience in addition to a dining area and cocktail bar. With hospitality and outstanding customer service as its focus, Lily Sushi Bar will prove to be the destination for exceptional sushi.
LILYSUSHIBAR.COM
Stonehouse Tap
2595 CRABAPPLE ROAD, MILTON
Stonehouse Tap began as a dream among friends who were passionate about craft beer and quality gastronomy. They opened their doors in Milton in 2024 to create a space where the community could gather, enjoy good flavors and create memorable moments. Discover a place where every visit promises a delightful experience. At Stone House Tap, everyday moments are elevated with an extensive selection of craft beers, exquisite cocktails and fine wines. Enjoy the vibrant musical ambiance while indulging in the city's best burgers and wings. With kid-friendly favorites like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, chicken tenders and mini burgers, all ages are welcome.
STONEHOUSETAPGA.COM
Smoke on the Farm
12635 CRABAPPLE ROAD, SUITE 210, MILTON
Smoke on the Farm is a welcoming BBQ restaurant located in the Crabapple area of Milton, offering both catering drop-off and pick-up services in addition to dine-in options.
SMOKEONTHEFARM.COM
forever in bloom
Why Silk and Dried Flowers Are Redefining Modern Interiors
Fresh flowers are beautiful but fleeting. On the other hand, silk and dried flowers have become modern design staples, blending beauty with longevity. These timeless arrangements transform interiors and embody intentional living.
At Flowerfolk, floral design is treated as art, deeply tied to how a space feels. Silk and dried flowers create permanent, practical pieces that tell a story.
A Personalized Process
Clients begin with an appointment for a thoughtful, intentional floral design experience. The process starts with selecting a vase from Flowerfolk's curated collection or a meaningful piece brought from home. Then, clients handpick silk blooms in muted tones, bold textures or vibrant colors, guided by the Flowerfolk team to create a unique arrangement. Incorporating dried flowers introduces movement and life to the design.
From Décor to Art Flowerfolk's arrangements go beyond decoration. Whether as a centerpiece, a reading nook accent or an entryway statement, these lifelike designs enhance interiors with warmth and sophistication.
Photography by Katya Vilchyk
HOMESTEAD YOGA'S
CARLY MILYO AND AVERY HINCHMAN
wellness spotlight
Milton resident Carly Milyo and her sister Avery Hinchman, the dynamic co-founders of Homestead Yoga at District Market, are bringing fresh wellness trends to the community in 2025. They've designed a schedule with their signature classes, which include yoga with infrared heat, hydrating with electrolyte-rich GoodOnya water and enhancing recovery with soothing lavender towels and the calming aroma of palo santo.
Infrared yoga offers numerous benefits, including improved circulation, detoxification and muscle relaxation. The gentle warmth helps to deepen stretches, reduce inflammation and boost overall wellness, making it a favorite among practitioners looking for a rejuvenating experience.
At home, Carly and Avery support their healthy habits through simple yet powerful routines. Their go-to remedies include magnesium cream for relaxation, daily colostrum for immune support and indulgent self-care nights in to recharge and rejuvenate.
Visit Homestead Yoga to experience this nurturing environment and meet Carly, Avery and their incredible team. Whether you're a seasoned yogi or a wellness newbie, you'll find a welcoming space to explore and elevate your health journey.
Visit Homestead Yoga at 12655 Birmingham Highway in Milton and book a class at homestead-yoga.com.
Scan to shop Carly and Avery’s favorite magnesium cream
Scan to shop Carly and Avery’s favorite colostrum
Use code CARLYM to save.
New Construction IN MILTON
Claxton Subdivision
A 17.27± acre site at 15070 Hopewell Road, which will contain 12 single-family homes.
Market District Crabapple
A collection of eight buildings featuring a mixeduse assortment of restaurant, office, retail and residential spaces.
Deerhaven Preserve
The planned Deerhaven Preserve subdivision off Freemanville Road will be a private, gated neighborhood consisting of nine properties spread across 25 acres. This development sets aside 2.84± acres as a conservation area.
Providence Point
A new residential development featuring five single-family homes on 6.56± acres.
Millstone Parc
A new development of nine stacked flats or duplexes on 1.401± acres at the corner of Webb Road and Deerfield Parkway.
Manor Estates
A large lot subdivision featuring six residential lots ranging from 3.05± acres to 3.70± acres located off of Longstreet Road in northeast Milton.
Chadwick Village
A new mixed-use development along Arnold Mill Road which will include a gas station with an associated convenience store and tenant spaces.
Crescent Ridge
A gated subdivision along Hopewell Road with 11 single-family lots on 9.045± acres.
Thompson Estates
Residential development of seven single-family homesites on 23.119± acres by the fire station on Thompson Road.
The Ridge at Sweet Apple
New residential subdivision in southwest Milton, off the west side of Ebenezer Road, consisting of 19 single-family homes on 25.3± undeveloped acres.
Construction
Thompson Oaks
New residential development along Thompson Road, adjacent to Fire Station 42, with 16 single-family residential lots on 20.52± acres.
Echo at Crabapple
A new residential development on 4.88± acres along Crabapple Road featuring 23 single-family homes, two civic spaces, one common area and inter-parcel connectivity to the Crabapple Crossroads neighborhood.
Travers Glen
Located in northeastern Milton, adjacent to Forsyth and Cherokee Counties, this new development is proposed to be home to 30 singlefamily detached homes on 45.46± acres. The minimum lot size will be one acre.
Oaks at Francis
Formerly known as Old Field, this parcel will be a new residential development along Francis Road on 10.2± acres with seven new residential lots, all larger than one acre.
For more information from the City of Milton, please scan here.
DESIGN TRENDS
SPACES FOR RETREAT
The concept of wellness in the home may not be new, but 2025 will see this evolve from resort-style amenities to embrace holistic wellbeing. A desire for dedicated retreat spaces—such as meditation rooms and reading nooks—is set to increase, offering sanctuary from our digital distractions and fast-paced world.
HYBRID INSIDE-OUTSIDE PROPERTIES
In climates that allow it, people are finding more ways to blend indoor comfort with the beauty of nature, creating spaces that open up into the outdoors. These designs feature seamless transitions that allow abundant light, fresh air and greenery—all proven to support wellbeing—to flow into living spaces.
DARK OPULENCE
The new year sees a growing desire for interiors featuring deep, dramatic colors and sumptuous textures—a boldly sophisticated palette that defies minimalism’s stark neutrality. This trend signals a shift towards moody environments that exude elegance.
SMART YET PASSIVE HOMES
Sustainability will continue to dominate design in 2025, with eco-friendly homes utilizing passive cooling and heating strategies. These residences focus on low energy consumption through shading, natural ventilation and high thermal mass materials, reducing reliance on carbon-emitting systems.
WALKABLE NEIGHBORHOODS
As people prioritize proximity to local amenities and social connections, walkable, community-driven neighborhoods are becoming more desirable. Mixed-use developments that combine residential, commercial, and recreational spaces foster a sense of belonging, reduce dependence on cars and promote an active, environmentally friendly lifestyle. Content Provided by Sotheby’s International Realty®, The Trends That Will Define 2025, December 12, 2024
EVENTS around milton
FEBRUARY
mon | 3 Date Night at Avalon, 5 p.m. - 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday in February
thu | 13 Galentine’s Day at Avalon
5 p.m. - 9 p.m.
MARCH
tue | 4 Mardi Gras at Avalon 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.
fri | 14 Luck of Avalon - St. Patrick’s Day Celebration, 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.
sat | 15 ShamROCKIN’ for a Cure, 6:30 p.m.11 p.m., Union Hill Park, Alpharetta
Help raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
APRIL
mon | 7 Punchline Comedy at Avalon, First Monday of each month through October
tue | 8 Little Acorns Kids Club at Avalon, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m., Tuesdays, Recurring bi-weekly
wed | 9 AvalOM Fitness Class, Enjoy yoga, barre or Pilates classes every Wednesday through October
fri | 11 Avalon Nights Live, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. Every Friday through October
APRIL
(continued)
sat | 12 Alpharetta Farmers Market
8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Saturdays through November, Town Green, Alpharetta
24th Annual Garden Faire The Grove at Wills Park, Alpharetta
sat | 19 Hop-a-long Egg Hunt at Avalon
sat | 26 GrillFest, 1 p.m. - 6 p.m. Union Hill Park, Alpharetta
