Pros and Cons of Living in Alpharetta, GA (2023)

Are you thinking of moving to Alpharetta, GA? Alpharetta, Georgia, is a thriving Southern city that has been recognized as one of the top ten best locations to live in the United States. The city boasts highly recognized educational institutions, a robust labor market, thriving commercial districts, interesting annual events, and several venues for citizen participation. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of living in Alpharetta, GA, to help you decide if this city is the right fit for you.

Pros of Living in Alpharetta, GA

1. A Strong Job Market

Alpharetta boasts a thriving and expanding economy, making it an attractive location for job seekers. The city is home to over 40,000 businesses, including several Fortune 500 companies such as Verizon Wireless. The city’s job market is growing, with an impressively low unemployment rate of only 2.40%.

The job market in Alpharetta is diverse, with many different fields represented. The telecommunications and health information technology industries are significant contributors to the city’s labor force, along with the retail trade. The city government has made significant investments in programs like Tech Alpharetta and the construction of the Alpharetta Conference Center to attract businesses to the area.

Overall, Alpharetta’s strong job market provides ample opportunities for job seekers in a variety of industries.

2. Near Atlanta

Alpharetta’s location offers easy access to both the city and the countryside. Situated just 26 miles north of Atlanta’s downtown, Alpharetta provides residents with quick access to the city’s amenities, including professional sports, fine dining, and work opportunities. Additionally, the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is only 31 miles away, making it convenient for travelers to get in and out of town.

3. Escape the Hustle and Bustle

For those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, Alpharetta’s location in the middle of Georgia allows for easy day trips to exciting destinations such as the North Georgia Mountains, peach orchards, and the Atlantic Ocean. With many exciting destinations just a short drive away, Alpharetta is the perfect location for those who want to experience the best of both worlds.

4. There are many excellent schools

Families who are considering moving to Alpharetta will be pleased to know that the city offers numerous educational opportunities. There are 133 local primary and secondary schools for children aged 3 to 11, as well as 16 middle schools and 9 high schools. In fact, Alpharetta High School is an International Baccalaureate World School, offering more than a dozen AP courses to its students.

Alpharetta High School is one of the major high schools in the area and has received recognition from U.S. News & World Report, which placed it in the top 2% of public schools in the US and as Georgia’s seventh-best.

Overall, families moving to Alpharetta will have access to a wide range of educational options for their children.

5. Shopping Haven

Alpharetta’s commercial districts offer a diverse range of shopping options for visitors and residents alike. Build-a-Bear to Ann Taylor to Anthropologie, there is something for everyone. Downtown Alpharetta offers a variety of shops selling locally-made goods and delicious food options.

6. Lots of Parks

Alpharetta is a city that values the importance of green spaces and parks. The city’s Parks and Recreation Division was a finalist for the National Gold Medal Awards for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management in 2017. Alpharetta has a variety of parks and green spots that provide residents with the opportunity to enjoy the fresh air.

The city’s parks offer a range of amenities such as walking paths, play areas for children, sports fields, and arboretums. Wills Park is a popular destination for sports and entertainment activities, boasting one of the best equestrian centers in the Southeast. Additionally, visitors of all ages can enjoy the scenic natural greenway system in Alpharetta, which runs alongside Big Creek and is perfect for hiking and biking.

Overall, Alpharetta’s parks and green spaces provide residents with ample opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and stay active.

7. A ton of festivals and events

Alpharetta is a city that loves to celebrate, and there is no shortage of festivals and events throughout the year. The Taste of Alpharetta is the biggest food festival in Georgia, attracting more than 40,000 visitors annually. The Alpharetta Arts Streetfest is another popular event, showcasing the city’s creative community with performances by local musicians, visual artists, and artisans. The Scarecrow Harvest is also a hit with locals and visitors alike, while the Alpharetta Christmas Market is the perfect place to get some holiday shopping done while having fun.

Cons of Living in Alpharetta, GA

1. A High Cost of Living

Living in Alpharetta can be expensive due to a cost of living index of 126.3, which is higher than the national average. While transportation and healthcare services are less expensive than the national average, utilities and groceries cost 6% more than the national average. Goods and services are also 3% higher than the national average.

The high cost of living is mainly due to the expensive housing market. The median home price in Alpharetta is $660,786, which is almost double the national average. This can put a strain on the finances of those hoping to buy a home in this city.

Pros and Cons of Living in Alpharetta, GA: Final Thoughts

Alpharetta, Georgia, offers a strong job market, rich history, and great schools. However, the high cost of living should also be considered. Overall, Alpharetta is a great place to live for those who can afford it.