Community Profiles - North Fulton

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CommunityProfiles >> 2014/2015

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Over $30 Million In Sales For 2014 Our premier builder team is waiting to build your dream home in Milton’s top selling luxury community - The Manor Golf and Country Club • • • •

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1+ acre home sites start from the high $100s and new home construction starting at $1M 1595 1 M A N O R C LU B D R I V E | M I LTO N | T H E M A N O R H O M E S . CO M JULIE ALLAN c. 404.405.6908 o. 770.376.0333 julieallan@atlantafinehomes.com

SUZANNE CLOSE c. 770.335.1880 o. 770.442.7300 suzanneclose@atlantafinehomes.com

Prices, conditions and availability subject to change. Property Ownership requires obligatory homeowners association membership and Country Club membership. See sales office for full details. ©MMXIV Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. A Realogy Company. All Rights Reserved. Sotheby’s International Realty® is a registered trademark licensed to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company.

Equal Housing Opportunity. If your property is listed with a real estate broker, please disregard. It is not our intention to solicit the offerings of other real estate brokers. We are happy to work with them and cooperate fully.

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CommunityProfiles >> 2014/2015

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mover essentials featured information

Welcome to North Fulton

State of Georgia Information georgia.gov

(678) 436-7442 Driver’s License dds.ga.gov

(404) 657-9300

Atlanta Board of REALTORS abr.org (404) 250-0051 Department of Driver Services dds.ga.gov (770) 528-5400 Fulton County Voter Registration fultoncountyga.gov/rae-voter-registration

(404) 730-7072

Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau awesomealpharetta.com (678) 297-2811 Johns Creek Convention and Visitors Bureau johnscreekcvb.com (800) 590-4211 Visit Roswell Georgia Convention & Visitors Bureau visitroswellga.com (770) 640-3253 Sandy Springs Hospitality & Tourism CVB and Welcome Center visitsandysprings.org (770) 206-1447

CommunityProfiles Published annually by: Wieland Communications, Inc. 301 Bombay Lane Roswell, GA 30076 Phone: (678) 319-4433 Email: Lou@CommunityProfiles.Info Online: atlantacommunityprofiles.com President and Publisher Louis A. Wieland Associate Publisher Lynn Webb-Bettinger Editor Gwyneth Herbein Creative Director Jacy Brown PERMISSIONS: Material in this publication may not be reproduced without permission. Requests for permission should be directed to Wieland Communications, Inc. Dept. of Rights and Permissions, 301 Bombay Lane, Roswell, GA 30076. Information in this publication is based on authoritative data available through local sources at the time of printing and is subject to change without notice.

Every effort has been made to ensure that all information is accurate. However, some information is subject to change after the magazine’s publication. We regret any inconvenience this may create for our readers. We welcome reader input and suggestions. @2014 Wieland Communications, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

CommunityProfiles >> 2014/2015

Photo courtesy of Alpharetta CVB

N o r t h f u lt o n C o u n t y , y o u r n e w h o m e .

WELCOME HOME!

At more than 534 square miles, Fulton County is one of the largest counties in Georgia; it is more than 70 miles from end to end. As the home of Atlanta and many other municipalities, Fulton is also the most populous county in the state, with close to one million residents. Because the county is so large, it has evolved into three distinct areas and identities: South Fulton, the City of Atlanta, and the communities of North Fulton. It is a place rich in history, culture and entertainment, a leader in business and education and a great place for people of all ages to call home.

The history of Fulton County spans more than 160 years. North Fulton was inhabited primarily by Cherokee and Creek Indians, who referred to the area as the “enchanted lands” before the land was ceded to the state in the early 1820s. The population soon began to grow, as people from the nearby states began to settle in the area. Many were of English, Scottish and Irish heritage. In 1853, the western half of DeKalb County was renamed Fulton County. Debate continues over whether the county was named after Robert Fulton, the inventor of the steamboat, or Hamilton Fulton, a surveyor for the local Western and Atlantic Railroad. The county grew even more in 1932 when it absorbed neighboring Campbell and Milton counties as a way to save those counties from bankruptcy during the Great Depression.

Like many parts of Georgia, Fulton County played an important role in the Civil War, as part of Gen. Sherman’s route from Chattanooga to Atlanta. The North Fulton city of Roswell had a cotton mill—the hub of the area’s antebellum economy—that was burned by Union troops in 1864. Despite the ravages of war, Roswell still boasts more historical pre-Civil War buildings than anywhere else in north Georgia.

Barrington Hall and Bulloch Hall have both been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since the early 1970s.

After the war ended, the entire area began to rebuild, and industry replaced farming as the primary economic engine. The City of Atlanta is now home to many Fortune 500 companies, including CocaCola, Delta Air Lines and Turner Broadcasting System. In North Fulton, the recent incorporations of Johns Creek and Sandy Springs have helped forge a new identity for that part of the county. Since the middle of the 20th century, North Fulton has been building a reputation for being a business-friendly and tech-savvy community. Sandy Springs has been the headquarters for UPS since the early 1990s and the office parks of Alpharetta and Johns Creek house many up-and-coming technology firms.

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For many people who are relocating to the area, health care is a big concern, particularly for baby boomers who are retired or thinking about retirement. According to realtor.org, the number of Americans nationwide 65 or older will nearly double between now and 2030, and the share of the population that is 85 and older will increase by 52 percent. Fortunately, North Fulton is home many of the metro area’s top-notch hospitals, including the Scottish Rite campus of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Northside Hospital and Emory St. Joseph’s Hospital.

No matter their age, North Fulton residents know how to have fun, and the area’s many entertainment venues draw visitors from all over metro Atlanta. World-class performing arts venues like the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park provide access to some of the region’s best musical performances.

Photo courtesy of Alpharetta CVB

Fulton County boasts a temperate climate, with hot summers and cool— but not too cold—winters. Dogwoods, Bradford pears and azaleas burst into bloom in the spring and stay lush and green throughout the summer months. Autumn in the area is marked by bright oranges and reds in the trees.

In addition to these venues, North Fulton has some unique geographical features that make it stand out from other parts of the metro area.

Residents can run or bike along dozens of trails and parks in the county.

In the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, there are 48 unspoiled miles of waterway available for rafting, canoeing, kayaking or riding in a motor boat. Wildlife such as blue herons make their homes along the river banks, providing perfect opportunities for bird watching, and fishermen enjoy casting their lines in the hope that trout, bass and catfish will bite.

Only in North Fulton

In the 1960s and 1970s, the population of North Fulton exploded, as more and more people left the city for the suburbs, and it has been steadily growing ever since. Now with a population of nearly 350,000, the communities of North Fulton wield considerable influence in the metro area. They are known throughout the metro area as home to great schools and a high quality of life. Many North Fulton residents have college degrees or higher, which helps to drive up the median household income to about $90,000, compared to about $50,000 for the county as a whole.

Education is a priority in North Fulton. Of the 106 schools and learning centers run by the Fulton County school system, more than 60 of them are located in North Fulton. These public schools consistently rank high in both state and national statistics on everything from AP test scores to scholarship money earned. Students who want to stay local have plenty of options when it comes to institutes of higher learning, with satellite campuses for schools like Georgia State University, Georgia Perimeter College and Gwinnett Technical College scattered throughout the county.

Although only about 20 miles from downtown Atlanta, the communities of North Fulton have a vibe all their own. The area’s five incorporated cities—Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Roswell and Sandy Springs— strike a solid balance between honoring and preserving their history and welcoming innovation and change. Many of North Fulton’s municipalities, including Roswell, have old-fashioned town squares that host a variety of concerts, parades, festivals, farmers markets and other events throughout the year.

In addition to their small-town sensibilities, many of North Fulton’s cities have been recognized for their efforts in everything from keeping residents healthy to operating strong family businesses. When it comes to quality of life, the communities of North Fulton come out on top. The Atlanta Business Chronicle named the city of Milton as having the best quality of life in the metro area in 2011. Since 2003, the North Fulton Community Improvement District, which includes the cities of Alpharetta, Roswell and Milton, has invested more than $16 million in the community providing, for example, pedestrian access along major roads.

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Photo courtesy of Johns Creek

Like many other parts of the Atlanta area, North Fulton County has myriad restaurants to satisfy every type of craving, with outposts of nearly every major chain restaurant as well as unique local fare. Diners can enjoy everything from classic Southern cooking at downtown Roswell Greenwood’s Restaurant to sophisticated European fare at Cibo e Beve. The burgeoning immigrant population in North Fulton means that cuisine from every corner of the world is also easy to find.

While the Atlanta housing market took a hit during the recent economic downturn, the suburban real estate market has bounced back to healthy levels in the past year. Housing options in North Fulton run the gamut from newly constructed single-family homes to condos in historic areas and apartments near the local colleges and universities. Prices are historically lower here than within the Atlanta city limits, so buyers can get more for their money.

Business, culture, education, green space, town squares, easy access to the city of Atlanta—North Fulton County truly has it all. Residents enjoy a high quality of life and make the most of the area’s geography, history, and recreational opportunities. As a place that is both in touch with its history and looking forward to the future, North Fulton has much to offer families, young professionals and retirees alike.

CommunityProfiles >> 2014/2015

Getting

Around

The communities of North Fulton are easily accessible via Interstate 285 and Georgia 400, which means commuters can easily travel to and from downtown Atlanta, as well as to some of the other outlying counties. As of November 2013, drivers on Georgia 400 no longer have to pay a toll, making it a quick and easy way to get from Buckhead to North Fulton.

The Perimeter area has quickly become one of the area’s busiest business hubs, making it easy for commuters all over the area to get to work. In addition to its road systems, the county also has two other unique transportation options for residents.

MARTA

(Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority)

While most of MARTA’s stops are within the boundaries of the city of Atlanta, North Fulton also benefits from this bus and rail system. The Medical Center, Sandy Springs and North Springs rail stations help commuters access some of the largest businesses in the area, like Perimeter Mall and Northside Hospital.

GRTA

(Georgia Regional Transportation Authority)

Photo courtesy of Sandy Springs

GRTA was formed by former Gov. Roy Barnes to help address crosscommunity transportation issues. The authority now operates 13 different Xpress bus routes that service 12 of the metro area’s counties.

These routes accommodate more than 2 million passenger trips each year and provide access to some of the area’s major employment centers.

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CommunityProfiles >> 2014/2015

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A Dynamic Community The 6th District of Georgia

By Rep. Tom Price, M.D. For 30 years my family and I have had the joy of calling Roswell, Ga., our home. For the past eight years, I have had the honor of representing our community as a member of Congress for Georgia’s 6th Congressional District.

Ranked by Gallup as one of the happiest and healthiest congressional districts in the country, the 6th District encompasses a large portion of northern suburban Atlanta, including portions of Cobb, Fulton and DeKalb counties. It is comprised of several cities, from relative newcomers like Sandy Springs, Milton and Johns Creek, to those approaching their 200th anniversary like Roswell, Alpharetta and all of unincorporated East Cobb.

The northern Atlanta suburbs are a fairly prosperous and educated area. It is a productive district with all sorts of great folks who love their country and want to make certain that government takes a limited role in their lives. ne of the key aspects of the 6th District that attracts families to our O area is the number of great public and independent schools, both parochial and non-parochial. Education is something our community takes very seriously. We want to make certain that our kids have the highest level of education and the greatest opportunity to be able to succeed in the future. That is one of the reasons why, as a member of Congress, I visit our schools often, to talk with young people in our community and to highlight the extraordinary work being done by our school administrators and teachers.

Of course, a tremendous amount of credit for the excellence and success of our schools must go to the moms and dads who rightfully recognize the importance of a high level of education so that their children are able to realize their dreams. Everything starts with education. When my family moved to Roswell back in the early 1980s, one of the things we focused on was finding the best schools, and it is one of the reasons we chose to live in this community.

With the growth and economic success of the metro Atlanta area comes a host of new opportunities and challenges. One issue that our community has dealt with for some time is the need for improvements to the area’s transportation system. Whenever we can make the flow of people and commerce easier within our community and around our state, the more opportunities we’ll see for more Georgia families and business.

Consequently, much of our time and energy is spent on bringing folks together to address our community’s transportation challenges.

Transportation problems don’t stop at city or county lines. It is a regional issue that requires cooperation across different municipalities and with different community leaders.

Dealing directly with those challenges is under the purview of local and state elected officials, but my job includes trying to keep the federal government from getting in the way and making sure that states have the flexibility they need, in addition to making sure Georgia tax dollars come home to provide the needed resources. When it comes to transportation and infrastructure tax dollars, Georgia is a donor state.

We send more to Washington than we receive in return.

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Because we are growing as a community, we need the infrastructure to accompany that growth. After all, the 6th District is home to the headquarters and/or employees of several major American companies, including UPS, International Hotel Group, Cox Media Group and First Data. Moreover, we have access to health care that is some of the highest quality you can find anywhere. Health systems, hospitals and physicians in the 6th District are incredibly well-equipped and well-trained to take care of folks.

In addition to economic opportunities, there are other reasons the 6th District enjoys the reputation it does as a great place to live, work and play. We have access to beautiful outdoor areas like the Chattahoochee River and numerous parks and recreation areas.

Being close to downtown affords 6th District families access to the city’s museums, amenities and sports teams. Citizens in our community are also very civic-minded and, as a community, we come together often to honor and celebrate our national identity and mark national days of remembrance, including Memorial Day and Veterans Day.

The 6th District of Georgia is a vibrant, dynamic community full of hardworking families who value a strong educational foundation and understand the importance of working together to improve our way of life.

From the North Fulton County Chamber

Welcome to North Fulton!

Within the Metro Atlanta community, North Fulton is known as the ‘Golden Corridor’ thanks in large part to the vision and leadership of this Chamber.

Many of the successes North Fulton has seen over the last 40 years can be directly attributed to the forward-thinking and innovative leaders of this organization. Their hard work and dedication have positioned the GNFCC to be the catalyst for economic development, business growth and quality of life in North Fulton. This remains our mission today.

This year’s leadership team has set its sights on even greater accomplishments. The 2014 GNFCC Board, along with our professional staff and numerous volunteer-led committees, has established valuable community partnerships and leveraged the resources that will: • strengthen North Fulton’s economic development opportunities through Progress Partners; • capitalize on the investment in our infrastructure with the help of the North Fulton Community Improvement District; • expand our medical resources by collaborating with the hospitals, healthcare providers and technology companies inside our footprint on healthcare initiatives; and • support the quality education that makes North Fulton such an attractive place to live.

It’s exciting to watch the growth of our six vibrant and distinct cities – Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Mountain Park, Roswell and Sandy Springs - and we continue to build on the unique opportunities that make North Fulton THE best place to live, work, play and stay. I encourage you to be a part of the excitement by actively participating in the GNFCC and in the community.

The returns you’ll see on your investment will be worthwhile.

Brandon Beach President & CEO The Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce CommunityProfiles >> 2014/2015

North Fulton Community Profile

elcome to WFulton County

by John H. Eaves; Chairman, Fulton County Board of Commissioners It is with great pride that I welcome you to north Fulton County.

North Fulton, particularly around the Georgia 400 corridor, is a hub of industry, creativity and economic opportunity that benefits the entire Atlanta region.

Of the ten Fortune 500 companies based in Metro Atlanta, three (First Data Corporation, Newell Rubbermaid and UPS) call North Fulton home. They along with so many of the major employers in our area together comprise an economic engine that fuels not just Georgia, but the entire region.

The roots of so many other major corporate entities are here in our county. A tasty beverage first brewed by an Atlanta pharmacist grew into Coca-Cola; an enterprising restaurateur feeding Fulton County auto assembly line workers started Chick-Fil- A; a small cable television station that became the leading international information resource known as CNN; a small regional carrier that blossomed into the global phenomenon known as Delta Air Lines. Their stories share several things in common: a world class product, a spirit of product innovation, and a community that nurtured both – Fulton County.

scattered throughout the county. Our region is home to a wealth of cultural and arts organizations including the Woodruff Arts Center.

Our region supports three major league sports franchises which last year attracted more than 3 and a half million fans. Annually, Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park, Philips Arena and the Fox Theatre attract a series of world renowned performing artists. In 2017, those facilities will be joined by a new Atlanta Falcons stadium (across the street from the Georgia Dome) which will host an MLS soccer club and more world class events including being one of the six rotating sites of college football’s national championship.

The region boasts an impressive set of health care options for our citizens. Grady Memorial Hospital, in downtown Atlanta, is home to world class trauma unit. Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta’s multiple campuses provide outstanding care uniquely tailored to our youngest citizens. Emory Johns Creek Hospital, North Fulton Hospital, Northside Hospital and St. Joseph’s Hospital have all been recognized for medical excellence in a wide variety of specialties.

North Fulton County represents a unique opportunity for parents seeking the best for their children. In U.S. News & World Report’s most recent rankings, 11 North Fulton County Schools were ranked in the Top 25 statewide, each with a College Readiness Index well above the state average. Our county is also home to some of the nation’s most distinguished institutions of higher learning including Georgia Tech, Georgia State University and the colleges of the Atlanta University Center. All of this is proof that success is not a goal in the Fulton County schools, but a standard that we maintain.

The Development Authority of Fulton County maintains an AAA Client Services Rating and has a reputation for seeking out new and innovative business opportunities. The goal is to help grow more business development that will provide increased job opportunities for our citizens.

All of these details add up to one basic conclusion; Fulton County is open for business and welcomes you.

Our county is home to Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, the world’s busiest airport and an incubator of international commerce.

That places our county not just at the crossroads of the South but within a few hours of anywhere in the world.

Visitors will find a multitude of things to see and do in our area. Some of those attractions celebrate our region’s rich history. The Martin Luther King Center for Nonviolent Social Change commemorates the life’s work and achievements of civil rights icon Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The Margaret Mitchell House brings to life the work of the literary giant behind Gone with the Wind. Centennial Olympic Park is a unique entertainment and leisure space, buffered on each side by several major tourist destinations including the internationally renowned Georgia Aquarium, CNN Center, and the World of CocaCola. An already great spot to visit is only further bolstered by the recent additions of the National Center for Civil and Human Rights and the College Football Hall of Fame.

People are also learning more about what Fulton County has to offer as a place to live. According to the Atlanta Business Chronicle, Fulton County added more new residents than any other Metropolitan Atlanta county last year, with 12,700 new residents making Fulton County their home. These transplants have discovered what nearly a million of their neighbors have already figured out – the state’s most populous county is also a great place to live.

According to the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce, North Fulton residents have an average income of $108,991 and a median household income of $86,703. Its population boasts a unique level of cultural and social diversity.

Fulton County Government maintains an extensive network of public libraries to serve the educational and enrichment needs of our residents. Residents can enjoy the natural beauty of our region at the Chattahoochee Nature Center and at several community parks CommunityProfiles >> 2014/2015

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on

Big

Business

across the U.S. home in the past 100 years before moving its headquarters to Sandy Springs in 1991.

ADP Industry: Business, technology Number of employees: 2,100 ADP provides outsourcing and computer services for many businesses. It is one of only four companies in the U.S. to earn a AAA credit rating from both Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s. ADP serves clients in more than 125 countries around the world, with 90 of those clients being Fortune 500 companies. In 2012, the company earned a spot on Computerworld’s list of the 100 best IT places to work.

Courtesy of City of Johns Creek

N

orth Fulton County is known for many things: top-notch schools, well-preserved historical sites and great parks. It is also a hub for many businesses, both large and small. The educated population base makes it the perfect place to start a business or to seek a job with one that is already well established. From the IT giants of Alpharetta to the local shops lining Roswell Square, North Fulton has it all. Over the past few years, industry leaders such as State Farm have made moves to increase their presence in the metro area. In addition to being the hub for some of the world’s most innovative companies, North Fulton also boasts more than a few business that employ a large number of county residents, making it the perfect place to live, work and play. Here is a list of the 10 largest employers in North Fulton, according to the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce.

Northside Hospital

Industry: Health care Number of employees: 6,000 More than 6,000 of Northside Hospital’s 10,000 employees work at the Fulton County facility, which has been open since 1970.

The hospital originally had 250 beds and has subsequently been expanded to 537. Northside physicians perform more surgical procedures than any other hospital in Georgia, and for three years running, Northside has been awarded the J.D. Power and Associates Distinguished Hospital award for Maternity Services.

AT&T Inc.

Industry: Telecommunications Number of employees: 3,500 AT&T is one of the nation’s largest providers of cable, Internet and cell phone service. In 2013, the company added many new jobs to its local operations. Most of these jobs support Project Velocity IP, a multibillion-dollar investment plan to expand and enhance AT&T’s national wireless and wired IP broadband networks.

Verizon Wireless

Industry: Telecommunications Number of employees: 3,000 More than just the namesake for one of the area’s best entertainment venues (Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park in Alpharetta), the telecommunications giant—which serves nearly 58 million voice and data customers—also operates a corporate office in Alpharetta. Employees here support everything from finance to technology and supply chain logistics.

UPS Industry: Shipping, logistics Number of employees: 2,880 UPS is one of the largest shipping and logistics companies in the world, delivering more than 15 million packages a day to more than 220 countries and territories. With a total employee base of more than 400,000, UPS is a strong presence in the metro Atlanta area. UPS was founded in 1907 in Seattle and called several cities 8

Emory Saint Joseph’s Hospital of Atlanta Industry: Health care Number of employees: 2,100 Saint Joseph’s has been recognized as one of the best facilities in the nation for hip and knee replacement surgeries, and in March 2014 it was recognized by the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association for implementing measures to prevent and treat strokes. Finally, it is the only Atlanta hospital named to J.D. Power and Associates’ Distinguished Hospital Program for Service Excellence.

Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Industry: Health care Number of employees: 2,055 In addition to being one of the nation’s best health care networks for children, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA) is also a great place to work. For nine years running, Fortune magazine has named CHOA to its list of the 100 best companies in the country to work for. Additionally, due to its flextime hours, telecommuting options, paid maternity leave and employee assistance programs, Working Mother magazine named Children’s a Working Mother 100 Best Company—an honor bestowed on only three companies in Georgia.

Kimberly-Clark Industry: Health care, consumer products Number of employees: 1,600 Kimberly-Clark’s Roswell campus sits on 98 acres of private land and includes a 9-acre lake. Employees benefit from the campus’s health center, exercise room and indoor pool, among other perks. The site houses the company’s business sectors and employs scientists, engineers, finance professionals and sales and operations.

McKesson

Industry: Pharmaceutical, medical supply Number of employees: 1,500 With a sales figure of more than $122 billion, McKesson is one of the largest pharmaceutical and medical supply companies in the country. McKesson has the distinction of being the 14th largest company in the United States, with a network of more than 37,000 employees. It is one of the many Fortune 500 companies with a strong presence in the Atlanta area.

Hewlett-Packard Industry: Technology Number of employees: 1,200 In 2013, the Palo Alto, Calif.-based technology company and No. 1 maker of personal computers added 200 new employees to its 60acre Alpharetta office. New positions included customer support staffers who help customers resolve issues that arise with its hardware products. The campus also runs an HP education center where technology professionals can brush up on skills like project management and security.

CommunityProfiles >> 2014/2015

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CommunityProfiles >> 2014/2015

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Choosing the

Best School

North Fulton County Schools fultonschools.org (404) 768 3600 Number of Schools: 32 Elementary

12 Middle 11 high

Public Education in N o rth F u l t o n

Public schools in North Fulton are part of Fulton County Schools and the area is home to some of the system’s best schools.

T he FCS comprises 58 elementary, 19 middle, 17 high and eight charter schools and is the fourth-largest system in Georgia in terms of student enrollment. The system as a whole has received many accolades in the past few years, including being named one of the top school districts in affordable places by Money magazine. It was also the first school system in the country to receive system-wide accreditation from AdvancEd. And the system is determined to never stop improving, after having boosted overall SAT scores from No. 25 in the state to No. 2. North Fulton schools consistently perform well, with Johns Creek’s Northview High School recently earning high marks with the Georgia Department of Education as the top-performing public school in metro Atlanta. Its 2013 College and CareerReady Performance Index score was 93.9. Other top-performing schools in the area include Webb Bridge Middle and Medlock Bridge Elementary. ith so many great schools across the county, North Fulton W students are sure to be prepared for their college and professional careers. Here is a quick look at just some of the county’s top schools; for additional information, including zoning, be sure to check out the system’s website (www.fultonschools.org).

Elementary Schools

Resources to help the decision making process Middle Schools

Webb Bridge Middle In 2012, Webb Bridge earned its second Lighthouse School to Watch designation, which means it consistently meets the national criteria for high-performing middle schools and can demonstrate measurable gains in students’ academic success.

River Trail Middle This spring, River Trail’s Academic Team was crowned Georgia Academic Team Association champions at its annual competition.

Northwestern Middle Between 2012 and 2013, Northwestern raised its CCRPI score from 92.4 to 93.9 and it offers school clubs in everything from cooking and broadcasting to engineering and math.

High Schools

Medlock Bridge Elementary The curriculum for Medlock Bridge’s 700 students focuses on what Principal Tiffany Hutchens refers to as the four C’s of 21st century learning: communication, collaboration, creativity and critical thinking skills. The school also earned a score of 97.4 on the CCRPI.

Northview High In addition to its recognition from the state, Northview also earned a spot on Newsweek’s list of the top high schools in America for three straight years. It boasts a 94 percent graduation rate and offers 29 Advanced Placement courses.

Fulton Sunshine Academy (charter) Students who live in Fulton County are admitted to this charter school each year via a lottery. FSA’s robotics team recently won a statewide competition, and the school offers a host of extracurricular activities like public speaking, technology and creative writing.

Chattahoochee High The school has earned accolades from Newsweek and Atlanta magazines and has twice been named a Georgia School of Excellence. It was also named a National Blue Ribbon School in 2000. Ninety-five percent of its graduates go on to college, earning more than $8 million in scholarships.

Abbotts Hill Elementary Nearly 94 percent of Abbotts’ third graders met or exceeded CRCT reading standards in 2012, and the school earned a CCRPI score of 95.1 in 2013. Principal Dr. Roytunda Stabler was nominated by other Fulton County principals as someone who exemplifies the system’s beliefs and mission statement.

Johns Creek High With 24 AP classes in subjects like 3-D Design, and Language and Composition, students at Johns Creek are sure to gain a wide range of college- and career-applicable skills. Parent involvement at JCH is high, with its PTSA earning its third consecutive win for Outstanding Local High School PTSA in Georgia.

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CommunityProfiles >> 2014/2015

A FIRST-CLASS EDUCATION IS NOW WITHIN REACH

Beginning in Fall 2014, Mt. Bethel Christian Academy is pleased to offer a preparatory, Christ-centered education at TWO campuses in Marietta, GA: 4385 Lower Roswell Road • 2509 Post Oak Tritt Road

UPPER SCHOOL CAMPUS ON POST OAK TRITT RD

NOW ENROLLING K-9TH GRADE FOR AUGUST 2014 Visit us online at MtBethelChristian.org or call (770) 971-0245 to schedule a tour today

LOCAL SAVINGS on car insurance.

770-565-9696

2125 Roswell Road | Marietta geico.com/marietta Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states or all GEICO companies. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, D.C. 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. GEICO Gecko image © 1999-2014. © 2014 GEICO

CommunityProfiles >> 2014/2015

11

P rivate S ch o o l P r o fi l es Alfred and Adele Davis Academy

davisacademy.org (770) 671-0085 lower school (770) 804-9191 middle school

(PreK–8)

In addition to its challenging academics, students at Davis Academy also learn values, life skills and a strong background in Judaic studies. As an accredited Reform Jewish Day School, “Davis Academy strives to create a community in which children develop a life-long love for learning and commitment to Jewish life founded on morals, values and ethics, grounded in Torah,” according to the school’s website. Its focus on 21st century learning, as well as athletics, extracurricular activities and the fine arts, ensures that students grow to be confident, motivated and appreciative of the diversity around them.

Bridgeway Christian Academy

bridgewayca.org

(PreK-4–8) (770) 751-1972

This Alpharetta school was founded in 1998 with the mission of providing a quality, Christ-centered education. BCA’s nurturing environment begins with its small class sizes: fewer than 20 for PreK-4 through fifth grade, 22 for the middle school. It is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the Association of Christian Schools International, so parents can be sure their children are getting a quality education. As well as North Fulton, students come from Gwinnett, Cherokee and southern Forsyth counties to attend BCA, and represent more than 80 different churches across the metro area.

The Cottage School

cottageschool.org

(6–12) (770) 641-8688

The Cottage School began in 1985 as an after-school tutoring program for academically frustrated students. While the original “campus” was a one-room office in a Roswell office park, students now have access to a 23-acre wooded campus. Its enrollment of only 150 ensures that all students receive the one-onone attention they need in order to achieve success, and the school has stayed true to its mission to serve students who were disillusioned or discouraged with more traditional educational environments. TCS also teaches basic work and life skills, such as managing a budget, study skills and organizational skills.

Fellowship Christian School

fellowshipchristianschool.org (770) 992-4975 elementary school) (770) 993-1650 middle and high school

(PreK-4–12)

ghacademy.org

(770) 754-5738

Mill Springs Academy

(1–12) (770) 360-1336

Founded in 2011 by the Advancement for Christian Education, King’s Ridge occupies 116 acres in Alpharetta, and most of its students live within 10 miles of the campus. Student enrollment is around 760, and the school maintains a student/teacher ratio of 8-1. King’s Ridge has earned accreditation from SACS, SAIS and the Georgia Accrediting Commission. Its rigorous academic program and strong focus on community service (high school students must complete 50 hours of service prior to graduation) mean that students are well prepared for their college years and professional careers.

millsprings.org

Mill Springs focuses on the “whole child” by creating a multidisciplinary academic plan for each student, based on a variety of evaluations, communications and observations. This approach is in line with founder Tweetie L. Moore’s belief that “if a student can’t learn the way we teach … we should teach the way a student can learn,” a philosophy that is especially important for its students who have been diagnosed with learning differences such as dyslexia or attention deficit. In addition to its college-prep focused curriculum—with 95 percent of students earning college acceptance—the school also offers a communication arts school for grades seven through 12.

Mount Pisgah Christian School

(PreK–12) experiencepisgah.org (678) 893-5320 (early school full day) (678) 336-3300 (early school half day/lower school) (678) 336-3351 (middle school) (678) 336-3402 (upper school)

Founded in 1986, Mount. Pisgah educates students from the age of six weeks through the 12th grade and has a total student population of nearly 700. Its stellar academics are reflected in its class statistics: 100 percent of recent graduates earned acceptance to a four-year college or university, with 90 percent earning acceptance into their first choice of school. Its students also score, on average, more than 200 percent higher on the SAT than the state average. The class of 2013 earned more than $2 million in merit-based scholarships.

Mount Vernon Presbyterian School

Fellowship Christian began in 1986 serving students in kindergarten through eighth grade. The high school was added in 1993 and the Pre-K program in 2007.

Current enrollment across all grades is 834 students, who attend 70 different churches. Located on a 30-acre campus in Roswell, FCS boasts computer labs, new playgrounds and an athletic building that includes facilities for baseball, football, softball, soccer, tennis and track and field. FCS also values the arts, beginning art and music classes in its Pre-K program and offering performing arts, yearbook, digital design and web design to its middle school and high school students.

Greenfield Hebrew Academy

King’s Ridge Christian School (K–12)

kingsridgecs.org

mountvernonschool.org (404) 252-3448 (preschool–6)

(Preschool–12) (404) 250-5880 (7–12)

Located on 37 acres in Sandy Springs, Mount Vernon was established in 1972 and has a current enrollment of nearly 900. With 100 percent of its student having access to a laptop computer, Mount Vernon understands the role of technology in encouraging creative problem-solving. The school also values learning outside of the classroom and offers travel opportunities for cultural arts, college tours, mission trips and internships. Students at Mount Vernon perform more than 10,000 hours of community service every year.

(PreK–8) (404) 843-9900

As the first Jewish day school in the U.S. to earn SACS accreditation, Greenfield has been setting the educational standard in the Atlanta area since 1953.

GHA has also been honored as a National School of Excellence by the Council for American Private Education. The curriculum includes general studies in language arts, math, science and social studies, as well as Judaic studies.

Students at GHA consistently excel in regional and statewide competitions, in everything from science and math to writing.

High Meadows School highmeadows.org

(PreK–8) (770) 993-2940

Founded in 1973, High Meadows occupies a 40-acre campus in the heart of Roswell. Student enrollment is approximately 400, and the school is an International Baccalaureate World School and is also accredited by SACS and the Southern Association of Independent Schools. High Meadows engages students in an inquiry-based approach to learning, so that they develop a strong sense of personal responsibility and respect for other perspectives.

Almost all of High Meadows’ students go on to attend the independent high school of their choice.

12

Photo courtesy of the city of Sandy Springs CommunityProfiles >> 2014/2015

Name & Enrollment

Contact Information

Alpharetta Christian Academy Grades: PK-5 Enrollment: 588 Year: 1970

(770) 475-5762

Alpharetta, GA

alpharettachristianacademy.com

Arlington Christian School Grades: K-12 Enrollments: 270 Year: 1958

(770) 964-9871

Fairburn, GA

arlingtonchristian.org

Atlanta Girl’s School Grades: 6-12 Enrollment: 223

Year: 2000

(404) 845-0900

Atlanta, GA

atlantagirlssschool.org

Atlanta International School Grades: K-12 Enrollment: 1113 Year: 1984

(770) 279-7771

Atlanta, GA

aischool.org

Blessed Trinity Catholic High School Grades: 9-12 Enrollment: 970 Year: 2000

(678) 277-9083

Roswell, GA

btcatholic.org

Christ the King School Grades: K-8 Enrollment: 566

Year: 1937

(404) 233-0383

Atlanta, GA

christking.org

Mohammed Schools of Atlanta Grades: PK-12 Enrollment: 259 Year: 1965

(404) 378-4219

Atlanta, GA

mohammedschools.org

Davis Academy Grades: K-8 Enrollment: 581

Year: 1992

(770) 379-9372

Atlanta, GA

davisacademy.org

Fellowship Christian School Grades: K-12 Enrollment: 750 Year 1986

(770) 992-4975

Roswell, GA

fellowshipchristianschool.org

Fulton Science Academy Private School Grades: K-8 Enrollment: 263 Year: 2013

(678) 366-2555

Alpharetta, GA

fultonscienceacademy.org

High Meadows School Grades: 3 yr-12 yr Enrollment: 1411 Year: 1959

(404) 255-4026

Atlanta, GA

hies.org

Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School Grades: PK-8 Enrollment: 225 Year: 1958

(770) 973-8921

Marietta, GA

faithmarietta.com/school

Holy Redeemer Catholic School Grades: K-8 Enrollment: 509 Year: 1999

(770) 410-4056

Johns Creek, GA

hrcatholicschool.org

Holy Spirit Prepatory School Grades: PK-12 Enrollment: 782 Year: 1953

(404) 252-8008

Atlanta, GA

holyspiritprep.org

Atlanta Jewish Academy Grades: PK-8 Enrollment: 332

Year:1998

(404) 843-9900

Atlanta GA

ghacademy.org

King’s Ridge Christain School Grades: PK-12 Enrollment: 332 Year:1983

(770) 754-5738

Alphretta, GA

kingsridgecs.org

McGinnis Woods Country Day School Grades: PK-8 Enrollment: 279 Year: 1999

(770) 664-7764

Alpharetta, GA

mcginniswoods.org

Mill Springs Academy Grades: 1-12 Enrollment: 351

Year: 1981

(770) 926-7729

Alpharetta, GA

millsprings.org

Mount Pisgah Christian School Grades: PK-12 Enrollment: 512 Year: 1980

(678) 336-3443

Alpharetta, GA

experiencepisgah.org

Pace Academy Grades: K12 Enrollment: 1083

Year: 1958

(404) 262-1345

Atlanta, GA

paceacademy.org

Perimeter Christian School Grades K-12 Enrollment:1083 Year: 1989

(678) 405-2300

Johns Creek, GA

perimeterschool.org

The Lovett School Grades: K-12 Enrollment: 1594

Year: 1926

(404) 262-3032

Atlanta, GA

lovett.org

The Ron Clark Academy Grades: 5-8 Enrollment: 228

Year: 2007

(678) 651-2100

Atlanta, GA

ronclarkacademy.com

The Swift School Grades: PK-12 Enrollment: 240

Year: 1998

(678) 205-4988

Roswell, GA

theswiftschool.org

The Westminster Schools Grades: PK-12 Enrollment: 1845 Year: 1951

(404) 355-8673

Atlanta, GA

westminster.net

Trinity School Inc Grades: PK-6 Enrollment: 643

Year: 1951

(404) 231-8100

Atlanta, GA

trinityatl.org

Woodward Academy North Grades: PK-6 Enrollment: 441 Year: 1900

(404) 765-4490

Johns Creek, GA

woodward.edu

CommunityProfiles >> 2014/2015

13

Higher Education

in North Fulton County As a leading city in the U.S. for higher education, Atlanta prides itself on its active student population and 22 institutions of higher learning.

Both traditional and non-traditional students can take advantage of a wide range of degree and certificate programs, from the arts and sciences to medicine and law. With its large concentration of colleges and universities within its borders, North Fulton County is a great place for students to earn their degrees, while also taking advantage of the recreational opportunities the county has to offer.

DeVry University

(Alpharetta campus) devry.edu (770) 619-360 DeVry University is one of the most widely respected national and online universities. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is also a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

With locations all across the country and flexible scheduling, DeVry can meet the needs of traditional and non-traditional students alike. The Alpharetta location offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in a wide range of programs that help students prepare for their careers like technical communication, finance, human resource management and accounting. DeVry’s Alpharetta campus has spacious classrooms, a research library and a fully wired computer lab. Students can also take classes at any of the other metro area locations, or online.

Gwinnett College

(Sandy Springs campus) risingspirit.edu (877) 527-3504 Formerly the Rising Spirit Institute, which was founded in 1994 and originally called the New Life Institute School of Massage Excellence, this Sandy Springs campus was acquired by Gwinnett College in 2006.

Gwinnett College, which was founded in 1976 as a bookkeeping and secretarial school, now offers degrees in the fields of medicine, law, business and computer sciences. The Sandy Springs campus focuses exclusively on massage therapy, medical assisting and medical office administration. The programs are accredited by the Accrediting Commissions of Career Schools and Colleges and have quickly become one of the best ways to help students advance their careers in these fields.

The Art Institute of Atlanta

artinstitutes.edu/atlanta (770) 394-8300 Atlanta is home to one of the 50 Art Institutes schools located throughout North America that was founded in 1949. Students can focus on everything from the culinary arts and interior design to media arts and fashion design at this Sandy Springs campus. The 115,000-square-foot facility includes high-tech computer labs, a video production studio, animation lab, library and student cafe. As of the fall 2012 semester, the school had a student enrollment of 2,700 representing 36 states and 27 countries for its Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Associate of Arts and diploma programs. Alumni include local chef Kevin Gillespie, a contestant on “Top Chef,” whose restaurant Gunshow opened in 2013 to wide critical acclaim.

National Personal Training Institute

(Johns Creek) nptifitness.com (800) 960-6294 As the oldest and largest personal training school in North America, the National Personal Training Institute provides students access to trainers and support staff with a wide range of experience in body building, weight training and exercise physiology. Classes are held during the day, evening and on weekends to accommodate working adults. All students complete 300 hours of classroom instruction and 200 hours of handson gym time. Upon completion of the program, students earn the 500-Hour Diploma in Personal Training, which requires no continuing education courses and does not need to be renewed. Some students choose to take their diploma further and sit for the National Academy of Sports Medicine CPT certification.

Sanford-Brown College

(Sandy Springs campus) sanfordbrown.edu/Atlanta (770) 576-4498 Founded in 1866 to meet the educational needs of adults in post-Civil War America, the 18 private colleges and schools in the Sanford-Brown network has educated more than 170,000 alumni. With more than 20 career-focused programs in fields like health, technology and design, Sanford-Brown has helped countless people pursue professional success. The Sandy Springs campus offers degrees in cardiovascular sonography, diagnostic medical sonography, medical billing, medical assistant and massage therapy. Given the high concentration of health care facilities in North Fulton, professionals with these skills are always in high demand.

Strayer University (Roswell campus) strayer.edu (770) 650-3000 Originally founded as Strayer’s Business College in 1892 in Baltimore, Strayer College has been offering Bachelor of Science degrees since 1969, master’s degrees since 1987 and online classes since 1996. The institution earned university status in 1998 and is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, one of the nation’s six regional accrediting bodies. The Roswell campus offers undergraduate and graduate programs in accounting, business, education, health services administration, information systems, and public administration.

Strayer prides itself on providing strong academic and career support for its students, making it a great option for working adults.

Image courtesy of the Art Institute of Atlanta 14

CommunityProfiles >> 2014/2015

Dining Out in North Fulton

Photo credit : Jay Hatfield

Over the past few years, the Atlanta metro area has become a foodie paradise. Chef-driven concepts are taking center stage and using locally grown seasonal ingredients, which means diners can find any type of cuisine they may desire, from comfort food at the local diner to a wide range of ethnic cuisine and established chain restaurants. To celebrate the best and brightest, many of North Fulton’s cities have their own restaurant weeks throughout the year, where diners can sample some of the area’s best food from a fixed-price menu. Here are just a few of North Fulton’s best culinary options: 5 Seasons Brewing Company

5600 Roswell Road (The Prado), Sandy Springs 5seasonsbrewing.com (404) 255-5911 5 Seasons has three locations across Atlanta and brews more than 70,000 gallons of beer each year. Locally sourced ingredients come together to create unique dishes like rabbit enchiladas and goat cheese cheesecake.

Altobeli’s Italian Restaurant & Piano Bar

3000 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek altobelis.com (770) 664-8055 This restaurant and piano bar has been serving authentic Italian food since 1988. Altobeli’s features live music Tuesday through Sunday.

Cibo e Beve

4969 Roswell Road, Sandy Springs ciboatlanta.com (404) 250-8988 Translating as “Eat and Drink,” Cibo e Beve pays homage to classic Italian dishes like fresh pasta and pizza.

Erawan Organic Thai

7537 Roswell Road, Sandy Springs besterawan.com (770) 399-3033 For more than 10 years, diners have flocked to the area’s only Thai restaurant that uses all organic ingredients in everything from curries and stir-fry to wine and beer. Be sure to sample the wild rice.

Atlantic Seafood Company

2345 Mansell Road, Alpharetta atlanticseafoodco.com (770) 640-0488 For more than 10 years, the Atlantic Seafood Company has been flying in fresh foods every day to be prepared by its master fish cutters and chefs.

From prawns and tuna to sushi and shellfish, the menu will not disappoint.

Bistro VG

70 West Crossville Road, Roswell www.sedgwickrestaurantgroup.com/bistroVG.html (770) 993-1156 This European-style bistro serves small plates and classic French dishes in a relaxed environment.

Bite Bistro & Bar

11500 Webb Bridge Way, Ste A9, Alpharetta biteatl.com (770) 754-5500 Owner and chef Leif Johnson started Bite as a catering company based in Dunwoody before expanding it into a restaurant. The menu features Latin, Asian and Southern flavors.

CommunityProfiles >> 2014/2015

Photo courtesy of Sandy Springs 15

Greenwood’s Restaurant

1087 Green St., Roswell greenwoodsongreenstreet.com (770) 992-5383 One of the best restaurants in the metro area for old-fashioned Southern comfort food, Greenwood’s has been open since 1986 and uses fresh local ingredients.

Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails

Spice Brick Oven Kitchen

10800 Haynes Bridge Road, Alpharetta spicebrickovenkitchen.com (770) 777-0778 Live music, an inviting patio and a laid-back atmosphere accompany a tapas and hand-crafted pizza menu.

Table & Main

800 Mayfield Road, Milton miltonscuisine.com (770) 817-0161 Occupying a 150-year-old farmhouse and a 1930s cottage, this classic restaurant in the heart of the Crabapple Historic District features a bar, patio and fireplace.

1028 Canton St., Roswell tableandmain.com (678) 869-5178 Earning accolades on everything from its fried chicken (Zagat) and shrimp and grits (Atlanta magazine) to its location and interior (HGTV’s FrontDoor, “6 Restaurants That Were Once Private Homes”), Table & Main is a great addition to Roswell’s dining scene.

Osteria Mattone

Trattoria 141

Ray’s on the Creek

Wildflour

1095 Canton St., Roswell osteriamattone.com (678) 878-3378 Owner and Roswell native Ryan Pernice opened Canton Street’s only Italian restaurant after an extensive eating tour of Italy with his business partner and the restaurant’s executive chef Ted Lahey.

1700 Mansell Road, Alpharetta raysrestaurants.com/raysonthecreek (770) 649-0064 A recently renovated interior designed by renowned architects ai3 and a revamped menu that features small plates, fresh seafood and specialties like veal meatloaf, Ray’s is one of Alpharetta’s best restaurants.

9810 Medlock Bridge Road, Suite A, Johns Creek trattoria141.com (770) 497-0021 Executive chef Marc Sublette made a name for himself at some of Atlanta’s most prestigious restaurants. His passion for Italian cuisine shines through at this boutique neighborhood restaurant.

5815 Windward Parkway, Suite 210, Alpharetta wildflouratlanta.com (678) 822-9453 This family-owned cafe serves breakfast and lunch and many of its dishes feature its delicious homemade bread.

Rumi’s Kitchen

6112 Roswell Road, Atlanta rumiskitchen.com (404) 477-2100 Rumi’s is a mainstay on Atlanta magazine’s list of best local restaurants. Flavors and dishes like saffron, kebabs and freshly baked bread bring the authentic Persian cuisine to life.

Sage Woodfire Tavern

11405 Haynes Bridge Road, Alpharetta (770) 569-9199 4505 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Sandy Springs (770) 804-8880 sagewoodfiretavern.com The phrase “chic yet casual” accurately describes the two locations of this local favorite, which feature American cuisine with global influences.

Salt Factory

952 Canton St., Roswell (770) 998-4850 102 South Main St., Alpharetta (770) 752-1888 fhfoodtradinggroup.com This upscale gastropub features a menu full of comfort food cooked with local and organic ingredients and a beer menu of more than 50 different brews. The Alpharetta location also has a bocce ball court.

Satay House

281 S Main St., Alpharetta satayhouseatlanta.com (770) 663-8666 While Atlanta’s Buford Highway is widely known as the best place to find authentic ethnic cuisine, Satay House brings some of the area’s best Thai and Malaysian dishes to Alpharetta.

16

photo courtesy of the city of Sandy Springs

CommunityProfiles >> 2014/2015

Don’t Forget to Have Some Fun! North Fulton County has a wealth of entertainment options for families.

Explore everything from symphony performances and arts festivals to museum exhibitions and hiking trails. Below are just some of the family attractions North Fulton has to offer, along with websites for more information.

Abernathy Arts Center fultonarts.org (404) 612-5780 AAC is the county’s oldest neighborhood arts center and offers day and evening classes for both children and adults.

Andretti Indoor Karting and Games andrettikarting.com (770) 992-5688 Enjoy go-karts, food and games at this facility named after racing legend Mario Andretti.

Autrey Mill Nature Preserve & Heritage Center autreymill.org (678) 366-3511 The preserve includes 46 acres of ravine forest as well as 2 miles of walking trails and a Heritage Village that recreates life in the 19th century.

Barrington Hall barringtonhall.net (770) 640-3855 Located just off Roswell Square, this 19th century home features the metro area’s only antebellum garden.

Bulloch Hall bullochhall.org (770) 992-1731 This antebellum home is best known as the location of the marriage of Mittie Bulloch and Theodore Roosevelt, the parents of future U.S. President Teddy Roosevelt.

Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre courtesy of alpharettacvb

Chukkar Farm Polo Club chukkarfarmpoloclub.com (770) 664-1733 This family-run business boasts 173 acres of pastures and woods and hosts polo events throughout the year.

Georgia Ensemble Theater get.org (770) 641-1260 Open since 1993, this ensemble is the resident professional theater at the Roswell Cultural Arts Center.

Heritage Green heritagesandysprings.org (404) 851-9111 This sprawling complex includes gardens, a nature walk and an entertainment lawn, as well as the Williams-Payne House, which houses the Heritage Sandy Springs Museum.

Johns Creek Arts Center johnscreekarts.org (770) 623-8448 This nonprofit arts center’s mission is to “inspire artistic development for youth and adults by embracing community and corporate relationships that stimulate creative growth and opportunity.”

Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra johnscreeksymphony.org (678) 748-5802 Comprising professional musicians from across the metro area, the symphony is under the direction of founder J. Wayne Baughman.

Roswell Cultural Art Center roswellcac.com (770) 594-6232 Featuring a 600-seat theatre as well as meeting rooms, exhibits halls and a research library, the art center hosts events from puppet shows to corporate meetings.

Roswell Mills and Old Mill Park georgiatrails.com Visitors to this historic site can see the remains of Roswell’s cotton mills, and tours tell the story of the “Lost Workers of Roswell,” who were charged with treason and sent north during the Civil War.

photo courtesy of the city of Sandy Springs

Chattahoochee Nature Center chattnaturecenter.org (770) 992-2055 The metro area’s largest nature center features a butterfly garden, native plant garden and a green room garden in addition to children’s programming and hiking trails.

CommunityProfiles >> 2014/2015

Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park vzwamp.com (404) 733-5010 Open since 2008, this 12,000-seat amphitheatre hosts a wide range of concerts and, during the summer months, is home to the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.

17

Get Out and Play!

North Fulton is home to a multitude of parks, playgrounds, gardens and other green spaces. There are even dog parks for your four-legged friends to run around off-leash. This list is far from exhaustive, as it doesn’t take into account many of the neighborhood parks, pocket parks and passive spaces scattered throughout the county. Keep in mind that some of these parks are run by the county parks and recreation department, while others are run by the city in which they are located.

For more information, visit fultoncountyga.gov.

photo courtesy of Johns Creek

JOHNS CREEK

Autrey Mill Nature Preserve & Heritage Center 9770 Autrey Mill Road Info: 46 acres; visitor’s center; Heritage Village with historic buildings; replica Native American dwellings; farm museum; picnic pavilions; 2 miles of nature trails; wildlife and animal displays Newtown Park 3150 Old Alabama Road Info: 46 acres; lake; 2 miles of walking/jogging trails; 3 multipurpose athletic fields; 2 basketball courts; 3 softball/baseball fields; 6 tennis courts; 13 picnic pavilions; 2 playgrounds; community clubhouse; community garden; dog park; active adult center photo courtesy of Sandy Springs

ALPHARETTA Big Creek Greenway Five access points in Alpharetta (Alpharetta YMCA; Haynes Bridge Road; North Point Mall; Kimball Bridge Road; Marconi Drive) Info: 8-mile concrete trail

Ocee Park 10900 Buice Road Info: 37 acres; walking/jogging track; 2 basketball courts; batting cages; 8 lighted softball/baseball fields; T-ball field; 2 hard tennis courts; 2 sand volleyball courts; 4 picnic pavilions; 2 playgrounds Shakerag Park 10945 Rogers Circle Info: 66 acres; walking/jogging track; 3.8-acre lake; 3 multipurpose athletic fields; playground; 3 picnic pavilions; community room

Cogburn Road Park 12825 Cogburn Road Info: 2 picnic pavilions; playground; walking trails; arboretum North Park 13450 Cogburn Road Info: 7 lighted tennis courts; 2 multipurpose synthetic turf fields; 8 lighted softball fields; 2 picnic pavilions; 2 playgrounds; adult activity center; arts building; Rotary Reflection Garden; walking trail Providence Park 13440 Providence Park Drive Info: Park center building; pavilion; hiking trails; outdoor amphitheater; grills; picnic tables; overnight campsites; lake; creeks/wetlands; rappelling and rock climbing areas; rock climbing cliff; climbing walls; high ropes challenge course Union Hill Park 1590 Little Pine Trail Info: 2 outdoor roller hockey rinks (1 covered); concession stand Webb Bridge Park 4780 Webb Bridge Road Info: 2 grass soccer fields; multipurpose synthetic turf field; 4 baseball fields; 4 tennis courts; walking trail; arboretum; concession stands; 3 picnic pavilions; playground Wills Park Old Milton Parkway (west of Georgia 400 and west of Highway 9) Info: 7 grass baseball fields; synthetic turf baseball field; 2 T-ball fields; 5 picnic pavilions; 3 playgrounds; disc golf course; 6 lighted tennis courts; 1.8mile walking trail; Alpharetta Community Garden; Alpharetta Arboretum at Wills Park 18

photo courtesy of Johns Creek CommunityProfiles >> 2014/2015

photo courtesy of Sandy Springs

SANDY SPRINGS

ROSWELL Azalea Park - Chattahoochee National Recreation Area 203 Azalea Drive Info: 10.2-mile walking trail Big Creek Park 1600 Old Alabama Road Info: 1-mile walking trail; 1.3-mile concrete multipurpose trail; mountain bike trails Don White Memorial Park 925 Riverside Road Info: 2 sand volleyball courts; picnic pavilion; outdoor exercise equipment; fishing dock; access to Roswell River Walk East Roswell Park 9000 Fouts Road Info: 1.4-mile walking trail; playground; disc golf; tennis courts Garrard Landing Park Info: 0.6-mile walking trail; playground Grimes Bridge Park Info: Soccer fields; football fields

8000 Holcomb Bridge 830 Grimes Bridge Road

Abernathy Park 254 Johnson Ferry Road Info: Tennis courts; playground; picnic tables; arts center Allen Park 5900 Lake Forest Drive at Allen Road Info: Playground; multipurpose court; walking trail; basketball court Hammond Park 705 Hammond Drive at Glenridge Info: Multipurpose building; gym; game room; soccer field; lighted tennis courts; basketball courts; picnic pavilions; playground Heritage Green 6075 Sandy Springs Circle Info: Williams-Payne House; bandstand; walking trail; boardwalk John Ripley Forbes Big Trees Forest Preserve Info: Nature trails; tree; plant and wildlife sanctuary

7645 Roswell Road

Morgan Falls Overlook Park 200 Morgan Falls Road Info: Picnic pavilions; playground; boat dock/fishing pier; hiking trail (less than 1 mile); fire pit; porch swings Ridgeview Park Info: Nature trails; picnic pavilion; playground

5200 South Trimble Road

Hembree Park 850 Hembree Road Info: 1-mile walking trail; tennis courts; batting cages; recreation center; baseball fields Leita Thompson Memorial Park 1200 Woodstock Road Info: 2.3-mile walking trail; dog park Riverside Park 575 Riverside Road Info: 23 acres; picnic tables; grills; playground; open field; trail system; concession stand; sprayground Roswell Area Park 10495 Woodstock Road Info: 1.6-mile walking trail; 7.4-mile historic trail; playground; picnic tables Sloan Street Park 75 Sloan Street Info: Playground Sweet Apple Park Info: 1.1-mile walking trail; multipurpose fields

11850 Crabapple Road

Waller Park 250 Oak Street Info: Recreation center; playground; baseball field; outdoor soccer field; picnic area; Hog Waller Creek; access to Historic Roswell Trail System CommunityProfiles  >>  2014/2015

photo courtesy of Sandy Springs 19

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CommunityProfiles >> 2014/2015

Sports Getting in

NorthAround Fulton

Ocee Park 10945 State Bridge Road, Suite 401-PMB 145, Johns Creek oceepark.com With nine youth T-ball and baseball leagues and adult coed leagues as well, the whole family can get their fix of the American pastime here.

River Pines Golf 4775 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek (770) 442-5960 Located on the banks of the Chattahoochee River, River Pines boasts two courses and a variety of practice facilities for driving, chipping, pitching, and putting.

Courtesy of the city of Sandy Springs

In addition to the many parks and recreational facilities around the county, North Fulton also has myriad other ways for residents to stay active. From adult and children’s organized sports leagues run by the county Department of Parks and Recreation to chain fitness gyms and the country’s largest recreational tennis league, the options are limitless.

Alpharetta Ed Isakson/Alpharetta Family YMCA 3655 Preston Ridge Road, Alpharetta (770) 664-1220 Enjoy summer camps, a swimming pool, workout facility and a variety of fitness classes and other family-friendly activities.

Golf Club of Georgia 1 Golf Club Drive, Alpharetta (770) 664-8644 Founded in 1990, this club has hosted a wide range of tournaments and events, including the Senior PGA Tour’s Nationwide Championship.

Seaventures 2880 Holcomb Bridge Road, No. 136, Alpharetta (770) 992-3772 Prep for swim team, host a pool party, or get your scuba certification (including fun “mission-based” scuba lessons for kids!).

The Cooler 10800 Davis Drive, Alpharetta (770) 649-6600 For the Mighty Duck in everyone, The Cooler sports two ice arenas for hockey and figure skating, as well as a roller arena for roller hockey.

Dynamo 5075 Abbotts Bridge Road, Johns Creek (770) 772-6007 Specializing in competitive swim lessons, meets, and competitions, Dynamo also offers water aerobics, basic swim lessons, and multisport training.

Newtown Park 3000 Old Alabama Road, Suite 104, Johns Creek (678) 297-2662 Newtown Park is your one-stop sport spot with youth leagues for soccer, flag football, baseball, softball, lacrosse, tennis, and basketball.

Courtesy of the city of Sandy Springs

Milton Atlanta National Golf Club 350 Tournament Players Drive, Milton (770) 442-8801 Membership at this private club also includes access to White Columns Country Club and The Manor Golf & Country Club.

Stars Sports Complex 14295 Birmingham Highway, Milton (678) 366-9008 Stars boasts one indoor and six outdoor fields for adult soccer, youth leagues for various age ranges, and indoor winter lacrosse.

Mountain Park Fishing in Mountain Park: mountainparkgov.com/recreation/seasonal-fishing-and-boating-permits Enjoy the unique beauty of Mountain Park’s two lakes with a season or day pass for fishing and boating (catch and release only ... remember, Mountain Park is a wildlife refuge!)

Roswell Cage Rage 11005 Alpharetta Highway, Roswell (770) 998-7700 A convenient facility for the youth of North Fulton to practice, develop skills and have fun, Cage Rage offers batting cages, training areas for baseball, softball, basketball, lacrosse, football, volleyball, soccer, wrestling, golf and cheerleading. Group and private instruction is available as well.

Southern Volleyball Center 11415 Old Roswell Road, Roswell (770) 346-8878 SVC offers leagues for youths and adults, hosts tournaments and offers court rentals for private matches -- plus an open gym!

Photo courtesy of Alpharetta Convention & Visitors Bureau

CommunityProfiles >> 2014/2015

Wall2Wall Sports 170 Cox Road, Roswell (770) 674-1774 Four artificial turf fields and one full-sized natural grass field for youth and adult soccer, lacrosse, flag/arena football, dodgeball, kickball, and various fitness programs really is “wall to wall.”

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City

(770) 971-2332

(770) 975-0252

22

Atlanta Real Estate Market

NORTH FULTON Atlanta-Buckhead Atlanta-East Atlanta Atlanta-NW Atlanta Atlanta-Virginia Highland Decatur-East Atlanta Alpharetta Atlanta Duluth Johns Creek Milton Roswell Suwanee GWINNETT COUNTY Atlanta Auburn Berkeley Bethlehem Braselton Buford Dacula Duluth Grayson HOSCTN Lawrenceville Lawrenceville Lilburn Lilburn Loganville Norcross Peachtree Snellville Snellville Stone Mountain Stone Mountain Sugar Hill Suwanee Tucker COBB COUNTY Atlanta Kennesaw Marietta Roswell Acworth Atlanta Atlanta-Vinings Austell Austell-Vinings Dallas Hiram Kennesaw Mableton Mableton-Vinings Marietta Marietta-Vinings Powder Springs Smyrna Smyrna-Vinings Vinings-Vinings

Units Sold

Days on Market

Average Sales Price

10,658 2,127 786 811 1,737 10 1,951 21 95 573 301 1,459 18 10,171 40 53 25 22 75 967 661 877 205 67 2,117 524 625 26 392 812 103 217 739 63 86 403 833 95 10,360 83 84 2,745 194 908 20 250 397 14 17 29 1,176 604 11 1,505 15 742 1,288 163 14

43.2 36.0 42.0 44.3 19.2 26.0 53.7 11.6 52.2 61.1 83.4 48.8 38.9 58.4 66.2 51.1 63.0 46.3 148.2 53.3 69.1 51.8 71.9 106.9 51.7 54.6 70.1 64.3 54.4 35.7 44.2 94.9 57.7 76.0 86.0 51.9 63.4 64.8 55.1 13.5 79.1 58.8 59.1 61.6 3.3 25.0 49.0 24.5 37.2 80.9 57.8 55.9 27.1 58.4 38.7 66.3 44.6 14.0 6.2

$370,385 $523,664 $292,509 $141,199 $322,337 $259,610 $337,866 $154,655 $332,175 $395,662 $551,227 $315,194 $313,828 $184,451 $162,488 $188,706 $342,472 $141,528 $450,589 $197,192 $214,305 $233,855 $189,733 $292,153 $151,799 $137,152 $166,653 $140,379 $143,086 $165,819 $318,899 $216,884 $134,738 $102,936 $142,452 $191,755 $258,620 $153,612 $232,106 $241,314 $165,103 $291,100 $357,074 $199,172 $237,498 $475,938 $86,524 $69,997 $182,206 $264,299 $216,347 $204,060 $196,118 $186,914 $119,507 $184,989 $228,209 $243,805 $232,150

Chart Courtesy of Smart Real Estate Data of Recent 12 month period

CommunityProfiles >> 2014/2015

The Fountain of Youth

By Dr Bill Williams

Every day I walk into the operatory at my practice and ask my patients, “What’s the good news?” I really do like to set a positive tone that we are there to solve their problems and give them solutions. Right now there is an amazing story that I am sharing with them. It’s about the Fountain of Youth.

We can now turn back the hands of time. Wellness has morphed into anti-aging and reversal of many of the degenerative diseases. Dentistry happens to be in the driver’s seat for many of these processes. Right now, we are working with physicians who understand the critical Oral-Systemic Connection. Between our care and theirs, our patients are becoming healthier, getting off medications that they thought they would be on for a lifetime, and living stronger, longer and more comfortable. The Fountain of Youth is at hand.

The deadly truth is oral infection is killing millions of Americans each year and they don’t even know it. Dr. Bradley Bale, a practicing physician in Lubbock, Texas estimates that 50% of heart attacks and strokes are caused by processes initiated by bacteria from the mouth that got into the blood stream, caused a toxic situation in the vessels of the heart and brain, which led to their attack or stroke. Not only that but oral pathogens have been found in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients and in pancreatic cancer tumors. The more we learn about the ravages of oral inflammation and infection seeping into the blood stream, the more we are determined to change the way the public views “simple” gum disease and “blood in the sink”. It’s not normal to have bleeding gums and blood in the sink after brushing. It’s a serious oral wound that needs healing.

CommunityProfiles >> 2014/2015

What is the solution? Remove the cause of all this, the bad bacteria, from the mouth. What is the Good News? A method exists to achieve this goal and progressive dentists, like those who are members of the American Academy of Oral Systemic Health, know how to help you achieve this higher level of health and wellness. Oral DNA Bacteria testing lets us know who has the deadly germs.

There are 15 highly infectious bacteria implicated in periodontal disease. Most cause havoc when spread throughout the body. These germs enter the circulatory system via the open oral wounds of periodontal infection and abscessed teeth. Even a failing root canal can have a dramatic effect on a person’s immune system.

Laser periodontal therapy is a conservative approach to treating this gum infection. Recent advances in laser science have led to increased healing rates for periodontal disease, bone regrowth in many cases and reduced periodontal pocket depths in all cases. Specific antibiotic therapy is needed, based on the DNA testing to know exactly which bacteria are causing it, and more importantly, what systemic diseases may be related.

Keeping the mouth free of infection is the goal. Stopping the bleeding is the primary purpose of gum therapy because raw, infected gum tissue cannot stop the harmful bacteria from entering the blood stream. Healthy gum tissue can and does stop bacterial invasion and toxemia. The most important fact for your medical issues is that the oral infection and the periodontal disease must be dealt with to reach the best level of overall body health, to climb the wellness ladder. Don’t settle for what was the standard in prior years. Today, the new standard of care is NO BLEEDING or INFECTION in the mouth.

For more information, you may reach the author at Dr. Bill Williams, DMD, MAGD Suwanee Dental Care 4355 Suwanee Dam Road • Suwanee, GA 30024 770-614-7300 • SuwaneeDental.com

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North Fulton

Health Care

Emory Johns Creek Hospital

Courtesy of North Fulton Medical

The hospital landscape in metropolitan Atlanta is as much a reflection of the city’s growth as any of the traditional economic indicators. It wasn’t so long ago that the choice of hospital was driven by where your doctor had privileges, without concern for geography. Fortunately, hospital systems now recognize the need to provide residents access to any treatment they need, from simple procedures to the latest in medical technology, no matter where they live. The metro area boasts health care systems that consistently rank as some of the best in the county in everything from maternity care to cancer treatment.

North Fulton County boasts campuses of some of the metro area’s best hospitals, like Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Northside Hospital.

Often known as the city’s “baby factory,” Northside Hospital ranks first in the nation for the number of babies delivered at a community hospital—more than 27,000 in 2010. It is also in the top 5 percent for the number of robotic surgeries performed. Below is information on just a few of the outstanding medical facilities located right here in North Fulton County.

Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta

emoryjohnscreek.com (678) 474-7000 Since its opening in 2007, Emory Johns Creek Hospital (EJCH) has earned a reputation for its state-of-the-art medical technologies. Jointly owned

by Emory Healthcare and the Hospital Corporation of America, EJCH is 110-bed community hospital that participates in most insurance plans.

The hospital offers a full range of services including 24/7 emergency care, women’s services, advanced cardiac care, vascular medicine and surgery and advanced digital imaging. It has a designated Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, and its bariatric surgery center has been designated a Center of Excellence by the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons.

North Fulton Hospital

nfultonhospital.com (770) 751-2500 North Fulton Hospital (NFH) is a 202-bed acute-care hospital and has one of the state’s three designated Level II Trauma Centers. Located between Roswell and Alpharetta, NFH was founded in 1983 and has served patients from North Fulton, Forsyth, East Cobb, East Cherokee and West Gwinnett counties for more than 30 years. With a staff of more than 400 physicians, NFH offers a wide range of services including women’s health, orthopedics, rehabilitation, surgical services, gastroenterology and oncology. NFH has been certified as a Primary Stroke Center by the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. It also has a sleep disorders clinic to help patients address issues such as sleep apnea and insomnia.

choa.org Children’s at Scottish Rite (Perimeter) (404) 785-5252 Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA), a not-for-profit organization, sees half a million patients each year at its three area hospitals and 20 neighborhood locations, including the nationally renowned Marcus Autism Center. As the pediatric teaching hospital for the Emory University School of Medicine and the Morehouse School of Medicine, Children’s values a team approach to care. Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory Healthcare recently partnered to launch the Congenital Heart Center of Georgia, the first such program in the state.

With more than 30 pediatric specialties, CHOA has been ranked one of the best children’s hospitals by Parents magazine and U.S. News & World Report. It is also a great place to work, according to Fortune magazine (for nine years running) and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Northside Hospital

Concentra

Emory Saint Joseph’s Hospital of Atlanta

concentraprimarycare.com/atlanta (678) 916-3600 Since its founding in 1979 by a group of physicians, Concentra has maintained a commitment to clinical expertise and customer service.

As part of the Humana health care network, Concentra is served by primary care physicians who have close working relationships with patients. Concentra’s care focuses on five main areas: occupational health, physical therapy, health and wellness, urgent care and primary care. From asthma and diabetic care to routine screenings and exams, Concentra boasts the largest occupational and urgent care medical practice in the United States. Nationwide, more than 25,000 patients are treated in one of the more than 300 walk-in clinics in 40 states.

Appointments are not required, and the payment procedure, whether you are self-paying or using insurance, has been drastically simplified.

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northside.com (404) 851-8000 Northside Hospital operates three not-for-profit hospitals in Atlanta, Forsyth County and Cherokee County, along with 15 outpatient centers and medical office buildings throughout the Atlanta metro area.

Specialties at Northside range from oncology to gynecology, and everything in between. Two years ago, one of the hospital’s surgeons performed the state’s first single-incision robotic surgery. In 2010, the National Cancer Institute named Northside Hospital Cancer one of its 30 National Community Cancer Centers due to its excellence in cancer care and its role as a leading community hospital. Its maternity and obstetrical services also rank high, both locally and nationally. For three years running, Northside has been awarded the J.D. Power and Associates Distinguished Hospital award for Maternity Services. emoryhealthcare.org/saint-josephs-hospital-atlanta (678) 843-7001 Saint Joseph’s hospital has the distinction of being Atlanta’s oldest hospital. Founded in 1880 by the Sisters of Mercy, Saint Joseph’s is now a 410-bed acute-care facility. Its staff of 750 physicians works around the clock to provide the best patient care. The facility recently received its fifth Magnet designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center, making it one of three hospitals to receive five consecutive designations.

Saint Joseph’s has also been recognized as one of the best facilities in the nation for hip and knee replacement surgeries, and in March 2014 it was recognized by the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association for implementing measures to prevent and treat strokes.

Finally, it is the only Atlanta hospital named to J.D. Power and Associates’ Distinguished Hospital Program for Service Excellence.

CommunityProfiles >> 2014/2015

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CommunityProfiles >> 2014/2015

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25

Cities in North Fulton Fulton County Population: 977,773 County Seat: Atlanta Median Household Income: $57,582 Median Home Price: $250,300 Square Miles: 526.64 Mileage Rate: 10.281 North Fulton Municipalities: Johns Creek, Milton, Mountain Park, Roswell, Sandy Springs

Alpharetta

alpharetta.ga.us (678) 297-6000 Like many cities in the metro area, Alpharetta sprang out of settlements that emerged after the Cherokee Indians were forcibly removed from Georgia in the 1830s. First known as the New Prospect Camp Ground, present-day Alpharetta is located near a natural spring that became Photo courtesy of Alpharetta CVB a trading post for nearby settlers. Alpharetta was chartered in 1858 and until 1931 was the county seat of Milton County, which merged with Fulton County in order to avoid bankruptcy during the Great Depression.

The city has changed a lot in the past 84 years. With an area of 21.4 square miles, it is one of the largest—and wealthiest—municipalities in North Fulton County.

Known as “The Technology City of the South,” Alpharetta is home to countless office parks and IT centers. It is also a hub for many well- known businesses like ADP, LexisNexis, Comcast and E-Trade, among others. Alpharetta is a shopper’s paradise, with NorthPoint Mall and its surrounding neighborhoods housing many major retailers. Avalon, a new mixed-use development from North American Properties, which owns the Atlantic Station development in Midtown Atlanta, is scheduled to be opened later this year. With retailers like Whole Foods, J. Crew and Road Runner Sports confirmed and dining concepts from some of the area’s best chefs, the development is sure to up the ante on shopping and dining in the area. Festivals and musical performances abound both in the historic downtown area and at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park, the summer home of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.

________________________________________________________

6 million square feet of office, retail and industrial space. Money magazine ranked the city the 13th highest-earning city in the U.S. It has a total population of more than 76,000 people, and its schools, which are part of the Fulton County system, are some of the best in the metro area. Johns Creek boasts three National Blue Ribbon Schools: Chattahoochee High School, River Trail Middle School and Dolvin Elementary. Additionally, Northview High School has been awarded the Governor’s Cup for earning the state’s highest SAT scores three times.

In addition to a strong educational base, Johns Creek also has many cultural and entertainment options for both residents and visitors. It is home to five public golf facilities and one private one. The renowned Atlanta Athletic Club hosted the 2011 PGA Championship. Festivals, farmers markets and its location on the banks of the Chattahoochee River make Johns Creek a great place to live.

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Milton

Photo courtesy of Milton

cityofmiltonga.us (678) 252-2400 Incorporated in 2006, the city of Milton is named after Revolutionary War hero John Milton. Milton also served as Georgia’s Secretary of State from 1777 until 1799. The city wasted no time in catching up with some of its neighbors and has already been recognized locally and nationally for its accomplishments.

In 2011, the Atlanta Business Chronicle ranked Milton as having the best quality of life in the metro area. The same year, Milton was awarded the No. 9 spot in the South for quality of life by The Business Journals. Metrics for this survey of more than 1,100 cities across the region included the percentage of workers who either walk to work or telecommute (13.4 percent), adults with advanced degrees (20.4 percent) and the homeownership rate (81 percent).

Its population of more than 33,000 residents also boasts a median household income of about $99,000 per year. Milton also came in at No. 3 on home security firm SafeWise’s list of the 50 safest cities in Georgia. For recreation, Milton has partnered with Alpharetta for use of local parks.

Business has also thrived in Milton. In 2013, the city founded its economic development department in an effort to meet goals set out in its strategic plan. Considering the strides the city has made in the eight years since its incorporation, the future looks bright for Milton and its residents.

________________________________________________________

Mountain Park

Johns Creek

Photo courtesy of Johns Creek

johnscreekga.gov (678) 512-3200 One of the newer municipalities in North Fulton, Johns Creek was incorporated in 2006. It has quickly earned a reputation as a business-friendly and affluent community. While it shares similar history to many of the area’s other cities, first as a trading post in Cherokee Territory, then as a community in what used to be Milton County, Johns Creek has set itself apart. Initially conceived as a planned community and the second campus of a technology business park founded by two Georgia Tech graduates, the 1,700 acres of rural land soon grew to house more than 200 businesses and more than 11,000 people across 26

mountainparkgov.com 770-993-4231 Bordered on three sides by Roswell and extending into Cherokee County by less than 1,000 feet, Mountain Park, GA is the smallest of North Fulton’s cities with a total area of less than a square mile and a population of only 547. Incorporated in 1927, Mountain Park was originally a summer getaway for some of Atlanta’s more elite citizens, with only three families living as permanent residents including the mayor, who ran a small shop called “The Stand.”

While it has grown since then, Mountain Park remains an idyllic change of pace for the Atlanta area. The city is zoned as a wildlife refuge, and many official clubs are dedicated to maintaining its unique natural beauty, including the Watershed Preservation Society, the Mountain Park Organic community garden project, and the Green and Beautiful Program. The Arbor Day Foundation, USDA Forest Service and Association of State Foresters recently awarded the city the distinction of Tree City USA, which recognizes urban and community forestry programs across the US. If you want the jobs of the Atlanta area but the peace and quiet of a lakeside cabin, Mountain Park is an ideal spot, but hurry -- at the time of this writing, there are only 10 houses for sale!

CommunityProfiles >> 2014/2015

Roswell

roswellgov.com (770) 641-3727 Unlike many of North Fulton’s communities, Roswell was founded in the early 19th century. The city is named after its founder, Roswell King, who built what became the largest cotton mill in North Georgia. The city was officially incorporated in 1854. By the time the Civil War started, the cotton mill employed more than 400 people, many of whom were sent north when the mill was destroyed by Gen. Sherman’s troops. During the Great Depression, when much of the area’s agricultural industry was lagging, Roswell was ceded from Cobb County to become part of Fulton at the same time that neighboring Milton County was being absorbed by Fulton.

Roswell is now the eighth largest city in Georgia with a population close to 90,000, after having experienced extensive growth over the past 20 years.

Due to its outstanding quality of life, the city has twice been voted one of the best places in the metro area to live by Atlanta magazine. Additionally, Frommer’s ranked Roswell No. 3 on its list of the best places to raise a family.

Part of that can be attributed to its 13 parks, which comprise more than 900 acres of active and passive green space. Residents also have access to the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, which is part of the National Park System. Roswell boasts a quaint downtown square full of eclectic shops and some of the metro area’s best restaurants.

________________________________________________________

king and queen fireworks Sandy Springs Credit Jeff Inman

Smith Plantation photo credit to the Roswell Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Sandy Springs

Power

sandyspringsga.org (770) 730-5600 Located just outside the I-285 Perimeter and easily accessible via Georgia 400, Sandy Springs was incorporated in 2006 and now has a population of more than 94,000. While Perimeter Mall, one of the area’s premier shopping destinations, falls within the borders of the city of Dunwoody, the surrounding business district belongs to Sandy Springs. Northside Hospital, Saint Joseph’s Hospital and the Scottish Rite campus of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta also fall within Sandy Springs’ borders. These are also some of the largest employers in the city. Sandy Springs has the distinction of being the home of UPS, one of the world’s most recognizable brands.

Georgia Power 888-660-5890 georgiapower.com Greystone Power Corp (770) 942-6576 greystonepower.com Sawnee EMC (770) 887-2363 sawnee.com

Recreation opportunities abound in Sandy Springs, which has 12 parks and several annual outdoor festivals and events. Heritage Sandy Springs, a nonprofit that seeks to preserve and promote the history of Sandy Springs, sponsors the annual Sandy Springs Festival and also runs Heritage Green, which includes the Williams-Payne House and Museum. Tennis magazine recently called The Sandy Springs Tennis Center, which has 24 lighted courts, “one of the finest public facilities in the country.” Over the past few years, Sandy Springs has implemented many projects to increase green space, make the city more pedestrian friendly and decrease dependence on fossil fuels. The Atlanta Regional Commission recently honored Sandy Springs for its efforts to use solar energy and propane auto gas for many of its fire stations and police vehicles.

Atlanta Gas Light (877) 427-4321 atlantagaslight.com Gas South (877) 472-4932 gas-south.com Georgia Natural Gas (877) 850-6200 onlygng.com

CommunityProfiles >> 2014/2015

Gas

Infinite Energy Company (877) 342-5434 infiniteenergy.com SCANA Energy (877) 467-2262 scanaenergy.com True Natural Gas (877) 746-4362 truenaturalgas.com Walton EMC Natural Gas (770) 267-2505 waltonemcnaturalgas.com Water and Sewer Fulton County Water & Sewer Billing fultoncountyga.gov (404) 730-6830

Cable Comcast comcast.com 866-922-0069 Fulton County Office of Broadcast and Cable www.fultoncountyga.gov (404)-612-8394 Telephone AT&T att.com (888) 695-3398

27