Milton Insider: Volume 2, Issue 2

As you can see on these monthly graphs from the past three years, the average sale price has decreased compared to the previous month, but the average is still significantly higher compared to pre-pandemic days. Additionally, the days on the market has declined since January, which is lower than pre-pandemic. Further, the number of new properties hitting the market has increased since January but is still less than in 2022 and 2021. When this number increases, we may see an uptick in sales prices and a decrease in the days on the market. It’s essential to look at the whole picture when studying the market, not just what has happened recently.

The Milton real estate market may have slowed from the spring of last year, but it remains strong. Research shows that while fewer buyers are looking for homes, those looking to buy are ready and making solid, competitive offers. The due diligence and inspection periods, although short, are now back. Milton’s appeal is strong, with buyers purchasing homes off the market and coming from Buckhead, Brookhaven and all over the country.

Sincerely,

Market Stats | 30004

For a more comprehensive market perspective of 30004, please scan here.

New Business Spotlight

Aberdeen Steakhouse

3000 HERITAGE WALK, MILTON, GEORGIA 30004

Opening in April 2023 and nestled in Crabapple, Aberdeen Steakhouse brings an unparalleled fine dining experience to the heart of Milton. Their blend of upscale décor and traditional steakhouse service delivers a brilliant offering of the finest Prime and Dry-aged cuts and astonishing seafood creations. aberdeensteakhouse.com

Boarding Pass Coffee

13695 HIGHWAY 9, MILTON, GEORGIA 30004

Inspired by their travels and their family’s Brazilian coffee farm, the owners of Boarding Pass Coffee wanted to create a travel-themed coffee shop celebrating international gourmet coffee. This unique destination features a passenger plane fuselage, airplane seating and oval cabin windows! boardingpasscoffee.com

Lagarde American Eatery

1935 HERITAGE WALK, MILTON, GEORGIA 30004

Lagarde is a casual yet upscale neighborhood gathering spot located in the heart of Milton. The menu features a diverse blend of traditional Nola dishes and modern American cuisine. The indoor/outdoor bar boasts a wide array of unique bourbons, craft beers, specialty cocktails and eclectic wines – making this the perfect spot for a date night, a comfortable place to hang with friends or a friendly environment for the whole family! lagardeamerica.com

DOWN & DERBY

The Milton Friends was formed in 2022 as part of the larger Friends Organization of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Since its kick-off event, they have hosted the Jingle Mingle holiday market, partnered with Crabapple Market for a dedicated shopping day, sold Boo signs, decorated mailboxes during the holidays, sold Heart signs and planned Down and Derby—all directly benefiting Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

The Milton Friends of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta will host a “Georgiafied” Kentucky Derby event at Chukkar Farm on May 6, 2023, benefiting the Summer Camp program at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Camps are specially designed and staffed by Children’s so that kids with medical or physical conditions can experience the joy of camp with a community of peers. The Jenny Doyle Group is the Presenting Sponsor for this inaugural event, and Milton Friends hopes to raise at least $100,000 to send at least 100 children with medically complex conditions to camp.

The Milton community is rallying to the cause, with tickets to the adults-only inaugural Down and Derby selling out in under 48 hours. Guests at the event can expect dinner by local restaurants, dancing, top-shelf bars, a live and silent auction and an exciting array of on-site activities that include Derby race wagering, multiple live musical performers, a polo demonstration, a “Belle Glos Ring Toss,” interactive “Ring for Rosé” wall—and a few surprises! While the event is sold out, a limited number of sponsorships are still available.

To learn more about Down and Derby, visit choa.org/downandderby.

To learn more about the summer camp program at Children’s, visit choa.org/camps.

Follow Milton Friends of CHOA on Instagram @friendsofchoa_milton.

To learn more about sponsorships or to discuss partnerships with the Milton Friends group, please email Shelley Massey or Wendy Lewis at friendsofchoamilton@gmail.com.

MILTON FRIENDS OF CHOA

Maintaining an Organized Space

Where do I start?

Getting your home in order can be quite overwhelming, so it’s best to start small. Starting with just one junk drawer can help create a perpetual cycle towards organizing your entire home. These simple actions help achieve mental clarity and predictability within your home. This could start with removing stacks of paperwork, decluttering closets, or organizing scattered toys amongst your home. Always start with the area that causes the most daily stress for you.

Tips to get organized.

Begin with a plan of action, and create three piles for your belongings: donate, keep, and trash. This visual system can help you sort through your items efficiently and provide a strategy for decluttering. Prioritize clearing out your donation pile as quickly as possible. Assign a designated spot for every item in your home, so you can easily find and access what you need. If you take some time to tidy up before bed, you can wake up to a clean and organized space, which can improve your outlook for the day ahead. Remember that maintaining your space is crucial to staying organized in the long run.

When should I ask for help?

Your house doesn’t have to be an extreme circumstance to reach out for help. Sometimes, your home needs to be looked at through a new perspective. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when your comfort is compromised within your space. Being proactive about your home organization creates a functional foundation to build upon.

What does a professional organizer do?

The purpose of this process is to create a home that brings calmness and makes you proud. We strive to implement storage solutions and effectively manage homes to establish a more orderly and overall time-saving approach. By starting small and asking for help when needed, you can create a functional space that brings calmness and clarity to your daily life.

Put those tennis rackets in storage, and save your racquetball goggles for yardwork. The pickleball court is a trending amenity coveted by metro Atlanta's luxury homebuyers.

Yes, pickleball. If you haven’t heard of it, you’re increasingly among the few. With roughly 5 million players across the United States as of last year, pickleball is America's fastest growing sport, according to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association.

City planners, developers and restaurateurs have noticed the surging popularity. Pickleball courts are popping up in public parks, at mixed-use developments and as featured amenities at some “eatertainment” restaurants, which bring together gaming and dining. Atlanta-based restaurant company Painted Hospitality LLC has at least two pickleball-focused establishments in the works. Last year, Atlanta-based startup PCKL LLC, which sells high-end pickleball clothing and accessories, raised $2 million in venture capital funding. Pickleball courts are popping up in the backyards of affluent homeowners, too. Jenny Doyle, a real estate broker with Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty, said she’s seen demand for residential pickleball courts — or lots big enough to build them — rise over the past year. “I have two [clients] who want to build pickleball courts trying to find spots,” Doyle said.

This Buckhead house on Blackland Drive is for sale and priced at $4.2 million. The listing touts a “lighted, pro-style” court. In Canton, this house is listed for just under $6 million, and its featured amenities include a court that is “regulation size.”

Pickleball looks like an oversized version of ping-pong — or regular ping-pong contested by pocket-sized humans. Players stand on opposite sides of a net and bat a wiffleballesque projectile back and forth. It’s similar to tennis, but the court and paddles are smaller. It’s good exercise, according to a report from The New York Times. Because of the smaller court, the sport isn’t as taxing on the body, and compared to tennis, pickleball skills are easier to develop. Both of these factors make the sport accessible to people of a wide range of ages and abilities.

The cost of construction varies depending on several factors, but it averages about $45,000 for a 30 foot-by-60 foot court, according to SportMaster Sport Surfaces, an Ohio-based company that installs courts. That's no small expense, but it's cheaper than some other backyard amenities. A swimming pool might cost as much as a half-million dollars.

Rony Ghelerter, an agent with Atlanta Fine Homes who is representing the sellers of the Canton house, said their pickleball court has been a cornerstone for entertaining. The sellers have held regular pickleball tournaments with friends for the past few years.

Ghelerter said she’s seen pickleball courts at more homes listed for sale, and she initially was surprised at the sport’s rising popularity. Her 75-year-old mother-in-law plays in South Florida, and Ghelerter figured the sport was an activity for retirees, like shuffleboard or horseshoes. But then she heard that one of her younger friends was putting in a pickleball court.

“It’s not just for old people,” Ghelerter said.

By Chris Fuhrmeister – Staff Reporter, Atlanta Business Chronicle, January 20, 2023

MILTON FARMERS MARKET

The Milton Farmers Market is on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., starting April 22 through October. Top-notch vendors set up in the plaza outside City Hall (2006 Heritage Walk) in the partially covered area between Council Chambers and Community Place.

Enjoy everything from pre-made meals to plants, caramel corn to candles, empanadas to produce, coffee to carved signs - and much more. The vendors are locally based small businesses, so you are supporting the regional economy in addition to treating yourself.

MILTON SUMMER CAMPS

Did you hear? For the first time, the City of Milton will offer summer day camps out of Milton City Park and Preserve for children who have completed kindergarten through age 12.

The cost is just $150 per week for Milton residents and $225 weekly for non-residents, with the camp running for seven weeks in June and July (taking the week of July 4 off).

Visit miltonga.gov/registration to learn more.

TOP TWELVE

Summer Travel Destinations

Turks and Caicos

The main claims to fame for the Turks and Caicos are the spectacular beaches and crystal-clear ocean water, crowned by the world-renowned seven-mile-long Grace Bay Beach on Providenciales. Turks and Caicos is also acclaimed for its exceptional scuba diving and is home to one of the finest barrier reef systems in the Atlantic Ocean, with some of the best dive spots in the world. Favorite Family Resort: Beaches Turks and Caicos

Italy, Amalfi Coast

Stretching along the southern side of Italy’s Sorrentine Peninsula, the Amalfi Coast dazzles with its mysterious grottoes, craggy cliffs and shimmering bays. The natural beauty and picturesque landscapes of the Amalfi Coast have made it one of the world’s most popular destinations. Capri is only a hydrofoil or ferry away.

Favorite Village: Positano

Iceland

Iceland is the land of fire and ice, where you can explore glacier lagoons, volcanoes and black sand beaches. Iceland is one of the most active volcanic regions on the planet. You can also explore the beautiful sights of whale watching and see the largest colony of puffins in the world. Between September and April, “northern light season,” be treated to a magnificent natural display of the aurora borealis.

Must See: Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Greece

Greece is a paradise of romantic, natural beauty boasting over four millennia of historical sites. From ancient ruins and creative cuisine on the mainland to unparalleled sunsets and unique architecture on the islands, this truly is an extraordinary destination you must see to believe. Favorite Village: Oia on Santorini

Antigua

Antigua’s shoreline is washed almost exclusively by the Caribbean Sea and hugged by 95 miles of superb coastline. Protective reefs surround Antigua’s sister island Barbuda, featuring a large lagoon and Frigate bird sanctuary. The islands are best known for their friendly and welcoming people, pink and white-sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and the most satisfying and enjoyable climate in the world. Favorite Resort: Hermitage Bay Resort

Saint Lucia

A verdant, mountainous island halfway between Martinique and Saint Vincent, Saint Lucia has evolved into one of the Caribbean’s most popular vacation destinations—particularly for honeymooners and other romantics enticed by the island’s striking natural beauty, its many splendid resorts, appealing inns and welcoming atmosphere. Favorite Resort: Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort

Croatia

The sparkling jewel of the Adriatic, Croatia has natural beauty, an extraordinary island-speckled coastline, unspoiled beaches, well-preserved walled towns, historic castles and majestic waterfalls. Visit the Dalmatian Coast to explore the historic beauty and quiet charm of some of Europe’s most romantic islands and towns. Favorite City: Dubrovnik

U.S. National Parks

America’s 58 National Parks span 27 states, each full of natural wonders just waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re a nature-lover, adventurer or city-dweller dreaming of seeing a bit of green, each park offers a different amazing wonder that our country has to offer. There is no better time to visit a U.S. National Park than this summer. Most Requested National Parks: Yellowstone National Park and Grand Canyon National Park

Aruba

Aruba may be best known for its beautiful beaches and perfect weather, but venture off the sand and you’ll be amazed by an incredible set of new and exciting things to do whether you seek peace and tranquility, excitement and adventure, immersive cultural experiences or an alluring romantic getaway. Favorite Resort: The Ritz-Carlton Aruba

Curaçao

The Dutch Caribbean Island of Curaçao is located near Venezuela and features building styles you’d find in The Netherlands, but painted in beautiful pastel shades. Its vibrant culture stems from its diverse backgrounds.

Curaçao’s tropical savannah climate features little rain and warm temperatures throughout the year. It’s a diver’s paradise with warm waters, mild currents and 65 unique diving locations. Favorite Resort: Sandals® Royal Curaçao

Ireland

Small but mighty, Ireland is a wildly beautiful place. It’s hard not to be hit by the rugged Cliffs of Mohr, the breezy coastline of Galaway, the famously spectacular counties of Kerry and Cork and the complicated towns of Belfast (Northern Ireland) and Dublin. Experience worldfamous golf courses, travel hiking trails at a quiet country retreat or check into a castle hotel to live like a royal. Amazing Castle Stay: Adare Manor, County Limerick

Alaska

The top reasons to visit Alaska include the state’s incredible scenery, wildlife and the opportunity to see the northern lights. From gliding past icy glaciers and epic mountain peaks to spotting humpback whales and bears, Alaska is home to some of the world’s wildest landscapes.

Favorite Way to See Alaska: Alaskan Cruise with Train Tour

Luxury and Group Certified Travel Consultant Jessica Bisese shares her top 12 summer travel destinations

770.876.1469

April

22

Milton Farmers Market

8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Saturdays, Recurring

Milton City Hall

Alpharetta Farmers Market

8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Saturdays, Recurring

Town Green at City Center, Alpharetta

Milton/Alpharetta First Responders Benefit Concert

5 p.m. - 11 p.m., Saturday

The Green at Crabapple Market

Groovin’ on the Green

6 p.m. - 9 p.m., Saturdays, Recurring

Halcyon, Alpharetta

Shakespeare on The Green

23

Farm Animal Yoga on The Green

29

9 a.m. - 11 a.m., Saturday

Halcyon, Alpharetta

Halcyon Heroes Day

12 p.m. - 3 p.m., Saturday

Halcyon, Alpharetta

May

1

4 p.m. - 5 p.m., Sunday

The Green at Crabapple Market

Yoga on The Green

25

Punchline Comedy Night at Avalon

7:30 p.m. - 9 p.m., Monday

Avalon, Alpharetta

Little Acorns Kids Club

2

5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., Tuesdays, Recurring

The Green at Crabapple Market

AvalOM Fitness Class

26

10 a.m. - 12 p.m., Tuesdays, Recurring Bi-weekly

Avalon, Alpharetta

Derby Dash 5K and Bluegrass Bash

6

6 p.m. - 7 p.m., Wednesdays, Recurring

Avalon, Alpharetta

Avalon Nights Live

28

6 p.m. - 8 p.m., Fridays, Recurring

Avalon, Alpharetta

Groovin’ on the Green

6 p.m. - 9 p.m., Fridays, Recurring

Halcyon, Alpharetta

Grace on The Green

7 p.m. - 9 p.m., Friday

The Green at Crabapple Market

7

10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Saturday

The Green at Crabapple Market

Halcyon Spring Artists Market

11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Saturday

Halcyon, Alpharetta

Kentucky Derby Party

4 p.m. - 8 p.m., Saturday

Avalon, Alpharetta

Halcyon Spring Artists Market

11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Saturday

Halcyon, Alpharetta

Punchline Comedy Night on The Green

8

7:30 p.m. - 9 p.m., Monday

The Green at Crabapple Market

Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty Logo are service marks licensed to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC and used with permission. Atlanta Fine Homes, LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each franchise is independently owned and operated. Any services or products provided by independently owned and operated franchisees are not provided by, affiliated with or related to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC nor any of its affiliated companies. *Represented buyer.