Alpharetta, Georgia facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Alpharetta, Georgia
City
Alpharetta City Hall
Flag Seal Logo
Country	United States
State	Georgia
County	Fulton
Incorporated	December 11, 1858
Area
• Total	27.27 sq mi (70.62 km2)
• Land	26.90 sq mi (69.67 km2)
• Water	0.37 sq mi (0.95 km2)
Elevation	1,135 ft (346 m)
Population  (2020)
• Total	65,818
• Density	2,447/sq mi (945/km2)
Time zone	UTC−5 (EST)
• Summer (DST)	UTC−4 (EDT)
ZIP codes	30004, 30005, 30009, 30022
Area codes	770, 404, 678
FIPS code	13-01696
GNIS feature ID	0310497

Alpharetta is a city in northern Fulton County, Georgia, United States. It is part of the larger Atlanta metropolitan area. In 2020, Alpharetta had a population of 65,818 people.

History of Alpharetta

Early Days and Cherokee Lands

In the 1830s, the Cherokee people, who lived in Georgia and other parts of the Southern United States, were forced to move. They were relocated to an area called the Indian Territory, which is now Oklahoma. This happened because of a law called the Indian Removal Act. After the Cherokee people left, new settlers and farmers moved onto the land. This land was along an old Cherokee trail that went from the North Georgia mountains to the Chattahoochee River.

First Landmarks and Trading Posts

One of the first important places in the area was the New Prospect Camp Ground. This was a Methodist camp located near a natural spring, close to where downtown Alpharetta is today. This camp later became a trading post. Here, settlers could exchange goods with each other.

Becoming a City

The area was known as the town of Milton until July 1858. On December 11, 1858, the city of Alpharetta officially became a city with its own municipal charter. Its boundaries stretched about half a mile from the city courthouse. Alpharetta was the main town, or county seat, for Milton County. However, in 1931, Milton County joined with Fulton County. This happened during the Great Depression because Milton County was facing bankruptcy.

What's in a Name?

The name "Alpharetta" might come from a fictional Indian girl named Alfarata. She was in a popular 19th-century song called "The Blue Juniata". Another idea is that the name comes from "alpha", which is the first letter of the Greek alphabet.

Old Buildings and the Civil War

The Simeon and Jane Rucker Log House was built in 1833. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1997.

During the American Civil War (1861-1865), people in Alpharetta worked as farmers, blacksmiths, and merchants. Some also owned a small number of slaves. Local men joined the fighting or helped protect their homes. However, the Union army did not come as far north as Alpharetta.

Geography of Alpharetta

Downtown Alpharetta

Alpharetta is located in northern Fulton County. It shares borders with Johns Creek to the southeast, Roswell to the south and west, and Milton to the north. Part of its northeast border is with land in Forsyth County. Downtown Alpharetta is about 26 miles (42 km) north of downtown Atlanta.

The United States Census Bureau says that Alpharetta covers an area of about 27.3 square miles (70.7 square kilometers). Most of this area, about 26.9 square miles (69.7 square kilometers), is land. The rest, about 0.37 square miles (1.0 square kilometer), is water.

Alpharetta's Climate

Alpharetta has a humid subtropical climate. This means it has hot, humid summers and mild winters. It is part of USDA hardiness zone 7b, which helps gardeners know which plants can grow there.

People in Alpharetta (Demographics)

The word "demographics" describes the different groups of people living in a place. Here's a look at Alpharetta's population over the years and its racial makeup.

In 2020, there were 65,818 people living in Alpharetta. These people lived in 25,391 households, and 18,167 of these were families.

Alpharetta's Economy

Top Employers

Many companies have offices in Alpharetta, providing jobs for many people. Here are some of the largest private employers in the city as of 2022:

Shopping and Entertainment Areas

Alpharetta has several large shopping and entertainment areas:

• North Point Mall: A traditional mall that is being updated.
• Avalon: A large area with shops, restaurants, and homes that opened in 2014.
• The Maxwell: A retail space in Downtown Alpharetta with entertainment, restaurants, and health businesses. Downtown Alpharetta also has over 600 businesses, including hotels, boutiques, and coffee shops.

Data Centers

Alpharetta has invested in optical fiber technology since the 1980s. This means it has many data centers, which are places that store and manage large amounts of computer data. The city's technology industry, especially in finance (fintech), has helped these data centers grow.

Tech Alpharetta

Tech Alpharetta is an organization started by the city in 2012. It is a nonprofit organization that helps Alpharetta become a leader in technology and innovation. Tech Alpharetta works with local tech companies and holds events for technology leaders. It also runs the Tech Alpharetta Innovation Center, which helps new technology startups grow.

Major Companies in Alpharetta

McKesson Corporation offices

Travelers Insurance offices

Some companies like Cynergy Data have their main offices in Alpharetta.

Attractions and Events in Alpharetta

Parks and Green Spaces

Wills Park

• The Alpharetta Arboretum at Wills Park was created in 2008. It has 26 different types of trees. You can get a brochure at the Downtown Alpharetta Welcome Center to take a walking tour of the trees.
• The Alpharetta Arboretum at Cogburn Road Park also has a collection of trees.
• The Alpharetta Big Creek Greenway is a 6.1-mile (9.8 km) long concrete path. It winds through the woods along Big Creek. It's a great place for walking, jogging, inline skating, and biking. There are also extra trails for mountain biking.

Fun Festivals and Markets

• The Alpharetta Farmers Market is held every week in downtown Alpharetta from April to October. It was named "Best Saturday Morning Excursion" by Atlanta magazine in 2007.
• The Alpharetta Brew Moon Fest happens on the first Saturday in October in downtown Alpharetta.
• The Taste of Alpharetta is a yearly food festival in May. It features food from local restaurants, live music, and art.
• The Wire and Wood Alpharetta Songwriters Festival is held in downtown Alpharetta in October.

Entertainment and Sports

• Ameris Bank Amphitheatre is a large outdoor concert venue that can hold 12,000 people. It is the summer home of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and hosts many famous bands and musicians.
• The Exiles Rugby Football Club is based in Alpharetta. Both the men's and women's teams play in rugby tournaments. They also work with Rebels Rugby, a local youth rugby club for boys and girls aged 10 to 18.
• North Park, Wills Park, and Webb Bridge Park have 15 lighted tennis courts and 8 pickleball courts. You can take lessons, join clinics, or play in leagues.

Historical Sites

• The Mansell House and Gardens is a beautiful 1912 home built in the Queen Anne style. It is used for special events and is also home to the Alpharetta Historical Society.

Education in Alpharetta

Schools for Kids

The schools in Alpharetta are part of the Fulton County Schools system.

Elementary Schools

Middle Schools

High Schools

Private Schools

• The Lionheart School
• St. Francis Schools
• Mount Pisgah Christian School

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Atlanta also runs Holy Redeemer Catholic School (for grades K-8).

Colleges and Universities

Several colleges have campuses in Alpharetta, including Perimeter College at Georgia State University, Gwinnett Technical College, and Reinhardt University.

Music Education

• Alpharetta Symphony Youth Orchestra (ASYO)

Public Libraries

The Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System operates the Alpharetta Branch, where you can find books and other resources.

Transportation in Alpharetta

Main Roads

Alpharetta is connected by several important state routes:

• State Route 9
• State Route 120
• State Route 140
• State Route 372
• State Route 400
• U.S. Route 19

Walking and Biking Paths

• There are plans to create the Alpha Loop, a path that will connect people in Alpharetta to parks, jobs, and other places. It will offer a safe way to get around without driving and is great for recreation.
• The Big Creek Greenway is an 8-mile (13 km) concrete path. It runs along Big Creek and is perfect for walking, jogging, and biking. You might even see wildlife like blue herons and deer there!

Public Transportation

Alpharetta does not have direct MARTA train service. However, it is connected to the rest of Metro Atlanta by several bus routes. There have been studies about connecting Alpharetta to the train system in the future.

Notable People from Alpharetta

See Also

In Spanish: Alpharetta para niños