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NORTH FULTON COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE • FIRST MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE, INC.®<br />

<strong>CommunityProfiles</strong><br />

The Most Trusted Name in Relocation<br />

NORTH FULTON COUNTY<br />

Get<br />

Smart!<br />

Dine in<br />

Style<br />

Captains of<br />

Industry<br />

Meet the Cities of<br />

North Fulton<br />

<strong>2017</strong><br />

<strong>CommunityProfiles</strong> >> <strong>2017</strong><br />

Visit us online at atlantacommunityprofiles.com<br />

1


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Photographs and artist renderings<br />

are for presentation purposes only.<br />

2 <strong>CommunityProfiles</strong> >> <strong>2017</strong>


A HOUSEWARMING GIFT FOR YOU!<br />

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cozy in your new home. As one of Georgia’s proven low cost providers with a<br />

record of great customer service, you know you’ve made the right choice.<br />

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<strong>CommunityProfiles</strong> >> <strong>2017</strong><br />

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new ad to come<br />

2<br />

<strong>CommunityProfiles</strong> >> <strong>2017</strong>


mover essentials+<br />

featured<br />

information<br />

State of Georgia Information<br />

georgia.gov (678) 436-7442<br />

Driver’s License<br />

dds.ga.gov (404) 657-9300<br />

Atlanta Board of REALTORS<br />

abr.org (404) 250-0051<br />

Department of Driver Services<br />

dds.ga.gov (770) 528-5400<br />

Fulton County Voter Registration<br />

fultoncountyga.gov/rae-voter-registration<br />

(404) 730-7072<br />

Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau<br />

awesomealpharetta.com (678) 297-2811<br />

Johns Creek Convention and Visitors<br />

Bureau<br />

johnscreekcvb.com (800) 590-4211<br />

Visit Roswell Georgia Convention<br />

& Visitors Bureau<br />

visitroswellga.com (770) 640-3253<br />

Sandy Springs Hospitality & Tourism<br />

CVB and Welcome Center<br />

visitsandysprings.org (770) 206-1447<br />

Welcome to North Fulton<br />

Photo courtesy of Alpharetta CVB<br />

<strong>CommunityProfiles</strong><br />

Published annually by:<br />

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301 Bombay Lane<br />

Roswell, GA 30076<br />

Phone: (678) 319-4433<br />

Email: Lou@<strong>CommunityProfiles</strong>.Info<br />

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Louis A. Wieland<br />

Associate Publisher<br />

Lynn Webb-Bettinger<br />

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Gwyneth Herbein<br />

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Ray Knapp<br />

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reproduced without permission. Requests for permission<br />

should be directed to Wieland Communications, Inc. Dept.<br />

of Rights and Permissions, 301 Bombay Lane, Roswell,<br />

GA 30076. Information in this publication is based on<br />

authoritative data available through local sources at the<br />

time of printing and is subject to change without notice.<br />

Every effort has been made to ensure that all information<br />

is accurate. However, some information is subject to<br />

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@2016/<strong>2017</strong> Wieland Communications, Inc.<br />

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED<br />

NORTH FULTON COUNTY, your new home.<br />

WELCOME HOME!<br />

At more than 534 square miles, Fulton County is one of the largest counties in Georgia; it is more<br />

than 70 miles from end to end. As the home of Atlanta and many other municipalities, Fulton is also<br />

the most populous county in the state, with close to one million residents. Because the county is so<br />

large, it has evolved into three distinct areas and identities: South Fulton, the City of Atlanta, and<br />

the communities of North Fulton. It is a place rich in history, culture and entertainment, a leader in<br />

business and education and a great place for people of all ages to call home.<br />

The history of Fulton County spans more than 160 years. North Fulton was inhabited primarily by<br />

Cherokee and Creek Indians, who referred to the area as the “enchanted lands” before the land<br />

was ceded to the state in the early 1820s. The population soon began to grow, as people from the<br />

nearby states began to settle in the area. Many were of English, Scottish and Irish heritage. In 1853,<br />

the western half of DeKalb County was renamed Fulton County. Debate continues over whether the<br />

county was named after Robert Fulton, the inventor of the steamboat, or Hamilton Fulton, a surveyor<br />

for the local Western and Atlantic Railroad. The county grew even more in 1932 when it absorbed<br />

neighboring Campbell and Milton counties as a way to save those counties from bankruptcy during the<br />

Great Depression.<br />

Like many parts of Georgia, Fulton County played an important role in the Civil War, as part of Gen.<br />

Sherman’s route from Chattanooga to Atlanta. The North Fulton city of Roswell had a cotton mill—the<br />

hub of the area’s antebellum economy—that was burned by Union troops in 1864. Despite the ravages<br />

of war, Roswell still boasts more historical pre-Civil War buildings than anywhere else in north Georgia.<br />

Barrington Hall and Bulloch Hall have both been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since<br />

the early 1970s.<br />

After the war ended, the entire area began to rebuild, and industry replaced farming as the primary<br />

economic engine. The City of Atlanta is now home to many Fortune 500 companies, including Coca-<br />

Cola, Delta Air Lines and Turner Broadcasting System. In North Fulton, the recent incorporations of<br />

Johns Creek and Sandy Springs have helped forge a new identity for that part of the county. Since the<br />

middle of the 20th century, North Fulton has been building a reputation for being a business-friendly<br />

and tech-savvy community. Sandy Springs has been the headquarters for UPS since the early 1990s and<br />

the office parks of Alpharetta and Johns Creek house many up-and-coming technology firms.<br />

<strong>CommunityProfiles</strong> >> <strong>2017</strong> 3


For many people who are relocating to the area, health care is a big<br />

concern, particularly for baby boomers who are retired or thinking<br />

about retirement. According to realtor.org, the number of Americans<br />

nationwide 65 or older will nearly double between now and 2030, and<br />

the share of the population that is 85 and older will increase by 52<br />

percent. Fortunately, North Fulton is home many of the metro area’s<br />

top-notch hospitals, including the Scottish Rite campus of Children’s<br />

Healthcare of Atlanta, Northside Hospital and Emory St. Joseph’s<br />

Hospital.<br />

No matter their age, North Fulton residents know how to have fun, and<br />

the area’s many entertainment venues draw visitors from all over metro<br />

Atlanta. World-class performing arts venues like the Verizon Wireless<br />

Amphitheatre at Encore Park provide access to some of the region’s best<br />

musical performances.<br />

Fulton County boasts a temperate climate, with hot summers and cool—<br />

but not too cold—winters. Dogwoods, Bradford pears and azaleas burst<br />

into bloom in the spring and stay lush and green throughout the summer<br />

months. Autumn in the area is marked by bright oranges and reds in<br />

the trees.<br />

Only in North Fulton<br />

In the 1960s and 1970s, the population of North Fulton exploded, as<br />

more and more people left the city for the suburbs, and it has been<br />

steadily growing ever since. Now with a population of nearly 350,000,<br />

the communities of North Fulton wield considerable influence in the<br />

metro area. They are known throughout the metro area as home to<br />

great schools and a high quality of life. Many North Fulton residents<br />

have college degrees or higher, which helps to drive up the median<br />

household income to about $90,000, compared to about $50,000 for<br />

the county as a whole.<br />

Education is a priority in North Fulton. Of the 106 schools and learning<br />

centers run by the Fulton County school system, more than 60 of them<br />

are located in North Fulton. These public schools consistently rank high<br />

in both state and national statistics on everything from AP test scores to<br />

scholarship money earned. Students who want to stay local have plenty<br />

of options when it comes to institutes of higher learning, with satellite<br />

campuses for schools like Georgia State University, Georgia Perimeter<br />

College and Gwinnett Technical College scattered throughout the county.<br />

Although only about 20 miles from downtown Atlanta, the communities<br />

of North Fulton have a vibe all their own. The area’s five incorporated<br />

cities—Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Roswell and Sandy Springs—<br />

strike a solid balance between honoring and preserving their history<br />

and welcoming innovation and change. Many of North Fulton’s<br />

municipalities, including Roswell, have old-fashioned town squares that<br />

host a variety of concerts, parades, festivals, farmers markets and other<br />

events throughout the year.<br />

In addition to their small-town sensibilities, many of North Fulton’s cities<br />

have been recognized for their efforts in everything from keeping residents<br />

healthy to operating strong family businesses. When it comes to quality<br />

of life, the communities of North Fulton come out on top. The Atlanta<br />

Business Chronicle named the city of Milton as having the best quality of<br />

life in the metro area in 2011. Since 2003, the North Fulton Community<br />

Improvement District, which includes the cities of Alpharetta, Roswell and<br />

Milton, has invested more than $16 million in the community providing,<br />

for example, pedestrian access along major roads.<br />

4<br />

Photo courtesy of Alpharetta CVB<br />

In addition to these venues, North Fulton has some unique geographical<br />

features that make it stand out from other parts of the metro area.<br />

Residents can run or bike along dozens of trails and parks in the county.<br />

In the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, there are 48<br />

unspoiled miles of waterway available for rafting, canoeing, kayaking or<br />

riding in a motor boat. Wildlife such as blue herons make their homes<br />

along the river banks, providing perfect opportunities for bird watching,<br />

and fishermen enjoy casting their lines in the hope that trout, bass and<br />

catfish will bite.<br />

Photo courtesy of Johns Creek<br />

Like many other parts of the Atlanta area, North Fulton County has<br />

myriad restaurants to satisfy every type of craving, with outposts of<br />

nearly every major chain restaurant as well as unique local fare. Diners<br />

can enjoy everything from classic Southern cooking at downtown<br />

Roswell Greenwood’s Restaurant to sophisticated European fare at<br />

Cibo e Beve. The burgeoning immigrant population in North Fulton<br />

means that cuisine from every corner of the world is also easy to find.<br />

While the Atlanta housing market took a hit during the recent economic<br />

downturn, the suburban real estate market has bounced back to healthy<br />

levels in the past year. Housing options in North Fulton run the gamut<br />

from newly constructed single-family homes to condos in historic areas<br />

and apartments near the local colleges and universities. Prices are<br />

historically lower here than within the Atlanta city limits, so buyers can<br />

get more for their money.<br />

Business, culture, education, green space, town squares, easy access to<br />

the city of Atlanta—North Fulton County truly has it all. Residents enjoy<br />

a high quality of life and make the most of the area’s geography, history,<br />

and recreational opportunities. As a place that is both in touch with its<br />

history and looking forward to the future, North Fulton has much to<br />

offer families, young professionals and retirees alike.<br />

<strong>CommunityProfiles</strong> >> <strong>2017</strong>


Getting<br />

Around<br />

The communities of North Fulton are easily accessible via Interstate 285<br />

and Georgia 400, which means commuters can easily travel to and from<br />

downtown Atlanta, as well as to some of the other outlying counties. As<br />

of November 2013, drivers on Georgia 400 no longer have to pay a toll,<br />

making it a quick and easy way to get from Buckhead to North Fulton.<br />

The Perimeter area has quickly become one of the area’s busiest business<br />

hubs, making it easy for commuters all over the area to get to work. In<br />

addition to its road systems, the county also has two other unique<br />

transportation options for residents.<br />

MARTA<br />

(Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority)<br />

While most of MARTA’s stops are within the boundaries of the city of<br />

Atlanta, North Fulton also benefits from this bus and rail system. The<br />

Medical Center, Sandy Springs and North Springs rail stations help<br />

commuters access some of the largest businesses in the area, like<br />

Perimeter Mall and Northside Hospital.<br />

Photo courtesy of Sandy Springs<br />

GRTA<br />

(Georgia Regional Transportation Authority)<br />

GRTA was formed by former Gov. Roy Barnes to help address crosscommunity<br />

transportation issues. The authority now operates 13<br />

different Xpress bus routes that service 12 of the metro area’s counties.<br />

These routes accommodate more than 2 million passenger trips each<br />

year and provide access to some of the area’s major employment centers.<br />

Leaders and achievers are attracted to<br />

Johns Creek’s atmosphere of success<br />

and community spirit. Successful companies<br />

from international technology leaders<br />

to innovative startups are attracted to<br />

the community’s pioneering approach.<br />

• Nationally-ranked schools<br />

• Premier municipal services<br />

• Over 300 acres of parks and recreation<br />

with more on the way<br />

• SafeWise’s #2 Safest City in GA 2016<br />

• Niche.com’s #4 Best Suburb to Live in<br />

GA 2016<br />

• Golf, tennis, and swim communities<br />

• Annual arts and cultural events that draw<br />

thousands<br />

• Home of outstanding golf clubs such<br />

as the Atlanta Athletic Club and many<br />

others<br />

www.JohnsCreekGA.gov<br />

Some people aren’t satisfied<br />

with standard fare. They want<br />

more and are willing to work<br />

for it. Johns Creek is the<br />

exception to the everyday.<br />

<strong>CommunityProfiles</strong> >> <strong>2017</strong> 5


A Dynamic Community<br />

6<br />

The 6th District<br />

of Georgia<br />

By Rep. Tom Price, M.D.<br />

For 30 years my family and I have had<br />

the joy of calling Roswell, Ga., our home.<br />

For the past eleven years, I have had the<br />

honor of representing our community as<br />

a member of Congress for Georgia’s 6th<br />

Congressional District.<br />

Ranked by Gallup as one of the happiest<br />

and healthiest congressional districts in<br />

the country, the 6th District encompasses<br />

a large portion of northern suburban Atlanta, including portions of<br />

Cobb, Fulton and DeKalb counties. It is comprised of several cities,<br />

from relative newcomers like Sandy Springs, Milton and Johns Creek,<br />

to those approaching their 200th anniversary like Roswell, Alpharetta<br />

and all of unincorporated East Cobb.<br />

The northern Atlanta suburbs are a fairly prosperous and educated<br />

area. It is a productive district with all sorts of great folks who love<br />

their country and want to make certain that government takes a<br />

limited role in their lives.<br />

One of the key aspects of the 6th District that attracts families to our<br />

area is the number of great public and independent schools, both<br />

parochial and non-parochial. Education is something our community<br />

takes very seriously. We want to make certain that our kids have the<br />

highest level of education and the greatest opportunity to be able to<br />

succeed in the future. That is one of the reasons why, as a member<br />

of Congress, I visit our schools often, to talk with young people in our<br />

community and to highlight the extraordinary work being done by our<br />

school administrators and teachers.<br />

Of course, a tremendous amount of credit for the excellence and<br />

success of our schools must go to the moms and dads who rightfully<br />

recognize the importance of a high level of education so that their<br />

children are able to realize their dreams. Everything starts with<br />

education. When my family moved to Roswell back in the early 1980s,<br />

one of the things we focused on was finding the best schools, and it is<br />

one of the reasons we chose to live in this community.<br />

With the growth and economic success of the metro Atlanta area<br />

comes a host of new opportunities and challenges. One issue that our<br />

community has dealt with for some time is the need for improvements<br />

to the area’s transportation system. Whenever we can make the flow<br />

of people and commerce easier within our community and around<br />

our state, the more opportunities we’ll see for more Georgia families<br />

and business.<br />

Consequently, much of our time and energy is spent on bringing<br />

folks together to address our community’s transportation challenges.<br />

Transportation problems don’t stop at city or county lines. It is a<br />

regional issue that requires cooperation across different municipalities<br />

and with different community leaders.<br />

Dealing directly with those challenges is under the purview of local<br />

and state elected officials, but my job includes trying to keep the<br />

federal government from getting in the way and making sure states<br />

have the flexibility they need – in addition to making sure Georgia tax<br />

dollars come home to provide the needed resources.<br />

Because we are growing as a community, we need the infrastructure<br />

to accompany that growth. After all, the 6th District is home to the<br />

headquarters and/or employees of several major companies including<br />

UPS, International Hotel Group, Cox Media Group, Mercedes-Benz,<br />

and First Data. Moreover, we have access to health care that is some of<br />

the highest quality you can find anywhere. Health systems, hospitals,<br />

and physicians in the 6th District are incredibly well-equipped and<br />

well-trained to take care of folks..<br />

In addition to economic opportunities, there are other reasons the<br />

6th District enjoys the reputation it does as a great place to live,<br />

work and play. We have access to beautiful outdoor areas like the<br />

Chattahoochee River and numerous parks and recreation areas.<br />

Being close to downtown affords 6th District families access to<br />

the city’s museums, amenities and sports teams. Citizens in our<br />

community are also very civic-minded and, as a community, we<br />

come together often to honor and celebrate our national identity<br />

and mark national days of remembrance, including Memorial Day<br />

and Veterans Day.<br />

The 6th District of Georgia is a vibrant, dynamic community full of<br />

hardworking families who value a strong educational foundation and<br />

understand the importance of working together to improve our way<br />

of life.<br />

From the<br />

North Fulton<br />

County Chamber<br />

Welcome<br />

to North Fulton!<br />

Within the Metro Atlanta<br />

community, North Fulton is known<br />

as the ‘Golden Corridor’ thanks<br />

in large part to the vision and<br />

leadership of this Chamber. Many<br />

of the successes North Fulton has<br />

seen over the last 40 years can be directly attributed to the<br />

forward-thinking and innovative leaders of this organization.<br />

Their hard work and dedication have positioned the GNFCC to<br />

be the catalyst for economic development, business growth and<br />

quality of life in North Fulton. This remains our mission today.<br />

This year’s leadership team has set its sights on even greater<br />

accomplishments. The 2015 GNFCC Board, along with our<br />

professional staff and numerous volunteer-led committees, has<br />

established valuable community partnerships and leveraged the<br />

resources that will:<br />

1. Strengthen North Fulton’s economic development<br />

opportunities thorough Progress Partners;<br />

2. Capitalize on the investment in our road network<br />

infrastructure with the help of the North Fulton Community<br />

Improvement District;<br />

3. Expand our technology infrastructure to remain the leader<br />

with cutting edge 21st century high tech infrastructure;<br />

4. Work with technical colleges and institutions of higher<br />

learning to provide for a highly educated quality workforce;<br />

5. Expand our medical resources by collaborating with the<br />

hospitals, healthcare providers and technology companies<br />

inside our footprint on healthcare initiatives; and<br />

6. Support the quality education that makes North Fulton such<br />

an attractive place to live.<br />

It’s exciting to watch the growth of our six vibrant and distinct cities<br />

- Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Mountain Park, Roswell and<br />

Sandy Springs - we continue to build on the unique opportunities<br />

that make North Fulton THE best place to live, work, play and<br />

stay. I encourage you to be a part of the excitement by actively<br />

participating in the GNFCC and in the community. The returns<br />

you’ll see on your investment will be worthwhile. We are truly<br />

“Greater Together”.<br />

Brandon Beach<br />

President & CEO<br />

The Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce<br />

<strong>CommunityProfiles</strong> >> <strong>2017</strong>


North Fulton Community Profile<br />

Welcome to<br />

Fulton County<br />

by John H. Eaves; Chairman,<br />

Fulton County Board of<br />

Commissioners<br />

It is with great pride that I welcome<br />

you to north Fulton County.<br />

North Fulton, particularly around<br />

the Georgia 400 corridor, is a<br />

hub of industry, creativity and<br />

economic opportunity that<br />

benefits the entire Atlanta region.<br />

Of the ten Fortune 500 companies<br />

based in Metro Atlanta, three<br />

(First Data Corporation, Newell<br />

Rubbermaid and UPS) call North Fulton home. They along with<br />

so many of the major employers in our area together comprise an<br />

economic engine that fuels not just Georgia, but the entire region.<br />

The roots of so many other major corporate entities are here in<br />

our county. A tasty beverage first brewed by an Atlanta pharmacist<br />

grew into Coca-Cola; an enterprising restaurateur feeding Fulton<br />

County auto assembly line workers started Chick-Fil- A; a small cable<br />

television station that became the leading international information<br />

resource known as CNN; a small regional carrier that blossomed<br />

into the global phenomenon known as Delta Air Lines. Their stories<br />

share several things in common: a world class product, a spirit of<br />

product innovation, and a community that nurtured both – Fulton<br />

County.<br />

Our county is home to Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, the<br />

world’s busiest airport and an incubator of international commerce.<br />

That places our county not just at the crossroads of the South but<br />

within a few hours of anywhere in the world.<br />

Visitors will find a multitude of things to see and do in our area. Some<br />

of those attractions celebrate our region’s rich history. The Martin<br />

Luther King Center for Nonviolent Social Change commemorates the<br />

life’s work and achievements of civil rights icon Dr. Martin Luther<br />

King, Jr. The Margaret Mitchell House brings to life the work of the<br />

literary giant behind Gone with the Wind. Centennial Olympic Park<br />

is a unique entertainment and leisure space, buffered on each side<br />

by several major tourist destinations including the internationally<br />

renowned Georgia Aquarium, CNN Center, and the World of Coca-<br />

Cola. An already great spot to visit is only further bolstered by the<br />

recent additions of the National Center for Civil and Human Rights<br />

and the College Football Hall of Fame.<br />

People are also learning more about what Fulton County has to offer<br />

as a place to live. According to the Atlanta Business Chronicle, Fulton<br />

County added more new residents than any other Metropolitan<br />

Atlanta county last year, with 12,700 new residents making Fulton<br />

County their home. These transplants have discovered what nearly<br />

a million of their neighbors have already figured out – the state’s<br />

most populous county is also a great place to live.<br />

According to the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce,<br />

North Fulton residents have an average income of $108,991 and<br />

a median household income of $86,703. Its population boasts a<br />

unique level of cultural and social diversity.<br />

Fulton County Government maintains an extensive network of<br />

public libraries to serve the educational and enrichment needs of<br />

our residents. Residents can enjoy the natural beauty of our region<br />

at the Chattahoochee Nature Center and at several community parks<br />

scattered throughout the county. Our region is home to a wealth of<br />

cultural and arts organizations including the Woodruff Arts Center.<br />

Our region supports three major league sports franchises which last<br />

year attracted more than 3 and a half million fans. Annually, Verizon<br />

Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park, Philips Arena and the Fox<br />

Theatre attract a series of world renowned performing artists. In<br />

<strong>2017</strong>, those facilities will be joined by a new Atlanta Falcons stadium<br />

(across the street from the Georgia Dome) which will host an MLS<br />

soccer club and more world class events including being one of the<br />

six rotating sites of college football’s national championship.<br />

The region boasts an impressive set of health care options for our<br />

citizens. Grady Memorial Hospital, in downtown Atlanta, is home<br />

to world class trauma unit. Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta’s<br />

multiple campuses provide outstanding care uniquely tailored to<br />

our youngest citizens. Emory Johns Creek Hospital, North Fulton<br />

Hospital, Northside Hospital and St. Joseph’s Hospital have all been<br />

recognized for medical excellence in a wide variety of specialties.<br />

North Fulton County represents a unique opportunity for parents<br />

seeking the best for their children. In U.S. News & World Report’s<br />

most recent rankings, 11 North Fulton County Schools were ranked<br />

in the Top 25 statewide, each with a College Readiness Index well<br />

above the state average. Our county is also home to some of the<br />

nation’s most distinguished institutions of higher learning including<br />

Georgia Tech, Georgia State University and the colleges of the<br />

Atlanta University Center. All of this is proof that success is not a<br />

goal in the Fulton County schools, but a standard that we maintain.<br />

The Development Authority of Fulton County maintains an AAA<br />

Client Services Rating and has a reputation for seeking out new and<br />

innovative business opportunities. The goal is to help grow more<br />

business development that will provide increased job opportunities<br />

for our citizens.<br />

All of these details add up to one basic conclusion; Fulton County is<br />

open for business and welcomes you.<br />

600+<br />

TECH. COMPANIES<br />

{ A CONNECTED COMMUNITY }<br />

1#<br />

PLACE TO RELOCATE IN U.S.<br />

6 th<br />

FASTEST GROWING<br />

CITY IN THE U.S.<br />

7th<br />

FRIENDLIEST CITY<br />

IN AMERICA<br />

GrowAlpharetta.com<br />

<strong>CommunityProfiles</strong> >> <strong>2017</strong> 7


N<br />

8<br />

Courtesy of City of Johns Creek<br />

orth Fulton County is known for many things: top-notch<br />

schools, well-preserved historical sites and great parks. It is<br />

also a hub for many businesses, both large and small. The educated<br />

population base makes it the perfect place to start a business or to<br />

seek a job with one that is already well established. From the IT<br />

giants of Alpharetta to the local shops lining Roswell Square, North<br />

Fulton has it all. Over the past few years, industry leaders such as<br />

State Farm have made moves to increase their presence in the<br />

metro area. In addition to being the hub for some of the world’s<br />

most innovative companies, North Fulton also boasts more than<br />

a few business that employ a large number of county residents,<br />

making it the perfect place to live, work and play. Here is a list of<br />

the 10 largest employers in North Fulton, according to the Greater<br />

North Fulton Chamber of Commerce.<br />

Northside Hospital<br />

Industry: Health care Number of employees: 6,000<br />

More than 6,000 of Northside Hospital’s 10,000 employees work<br />

at the Fulton County facility, which has been open since 1970.<br />

The hospital originally had 250 beds and has subsequently been<br />

expanded to 537. Northside physicians perform more surgical<br />

procedures than any other hospital in Georgia, and for three<br />

years running, Northside has been awarded the J.D. Power and<br />

Associates Distinguished Hospital award for Maternity Services.<br />

AT&T Inc.<br />

Industry: Telecommunications Number of employees: 3,500<br />

AT&T is one of the nation’s largest providers of cable, Internet and<br />

cell phone service. In 2013, the company added many new jobs to<br />

its local operations. Most of these jobs support Project Velocity<br />

IP, a multibillion-dollar investment plan to expand and enhance<br />

AT&T’s national wireless and wired IP broadband networks.<br />

Verizon Wireless<br />

Industry: Telecommunications Number of employees: 3,000<br />

More than just the namesake for one of the area’s best<br />

entertainment venues (Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore<br />

Park in Alpharetta), the telecommunications giant—which serves<br />

nearly 58 million voice and data customers—also operates a<br />

corporate office in Alpharetta. Employees here support everything<br />

from finance to technology and supply chain logistics.<br />

UPS<br />

Industry: Shipping, logistics Number of employees: 2,880<br />

UPS is one of the largest shipping and logistics companies in the<br />

world, delivering more than 15 million packages a day to more<br />

than 220 countries and territories. With a total employee base of<br />

more than 400,000, UPS is a strong presence in the metro Atlanta<br />

area. UPS was founded in 1907 in Seattle and called several cities<br />

Big<br />

Business<br />

across the U.S. home in the past 100 years before moving its<br />

headquarters to Sandy Springs in 1991.<br />

on<br />

ADP<br />

Industry: Business, technology Number of employees: 2,100<br />

ADP provides outsourcing and computer services for many<br />

businesses. It is one of only four companies in the U.S. to earn a<br />

AAA credit rating from both Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s. ADP<br />

serves clients in more than 125 countries around the world, with<br />

90 of those clients being Fortune 500 companies. Since 2012, the<br />

company has earned a spot on Computerworld’s list of the 100<br />

best IT places to work.<br />

Emory Saint Joseph’s Hospital of Atlanta<br />

Industry: Health care Number of employees: 2,100<br />

Saint Joseph’s has been recognized as one of the best facilities in the<br />

nation for hip and knee replacement surgeries, and in March 2014<br />

it was recognized by the American Heart Association/American<br />

Stroke Association for implementing measures to prevent and<br />

treat strokes. Finally, it is the only Atlanta hospital named to J.D.<br />

Power and Associates’ Distinguished Hospital Program for Service<br />

Excellence.<br />

Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta<br />

Industry: Health care Number of employees: 2,055<br />

In addition to being one of the nation’s best health care networks<br />

for children, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA) is also a<br />

great place to work. For ten years running, Fortune magazine has<br />

named CHOA to its list of the 100 best companies in the country<br />

to work for. Additionally, due to its flextime hours, telecommuting<br />

options, paid maternity leave and employee assistance programs,<br />

Working Mother magazine named Children’s a Working Mother<br />

100 Best Company—an honor bestowed on only three companies<br />

in Georgia.<br />

Kimberly-Clark<br />

Industry: Health care, consumer products<br />

Number of employees: 1,600<br />

Kimberly-Clark’s Roswell campus sits on 98 acres of private land and<br />

includes a 9-acre lake. Employees benefit from the campus’s health<br />

center, exercise room and indoor pool, among other perks. The site<br />

houses the company’s business sectors and employs scientists,<br />

engineers, finance professionals and sales and operations.<br />

McKesson<br />

Industry: Pharmaceutical, medical supply<br />

Number of employees: 1,500<br />

With a sales figure of more than $122 billion, McKesson is one of<br />

the largest pharmaceutical and medical supply companies in the<br />

country. McKesson has the distinction of being the 18th largest<br />

company in the United States, with a network of more than 37,000<br />

employees. It is one of the many Fortune 500 companies with a<br />

strong presence in the Atlanta area.<br />

Hewlett-Packard<br />

Industry: Technology Number of employees: 1,200<br />

In 2013, the Palo Alto, Calif.-based technology company and No. 1<br />

maker of personal computers added 200 new employees to its 60-<br />

acre Alpharetta office. New positions included customer support<br />

staffers who help customers resolve issues that arise with its<br />

hardware products. The campus also runs an HP education center<br />

where technology professionals can brush up on skills like project<br />

management and security.<br />

<strong>CommunityProfiles</strong> >> <strong>2017</strong>


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<strong>CommunityProfiles</strong> >> <strong>2017</strong> 9


Choosing the<br />

RIGHT School<br />

North Fulton County Schools<br />

fultonschools.org (404) 768 3600<br />

Number of Schools: 32 Elementary, 12 Middle, 11 high<br />

Choosing the right school for your child is one of the greatest challenges<br />

parents face. Being informed of what the different school districts have to<br />

offer students helps make that challenge a little easier for parents. What<br />

North Fulton School District has to offer leaves little wonder as to why it is<br />

one of the top school districts in the state.<br />

Fulton County Schools dominated a list of the best schools in Georgia based<br />

on the state’s report card for 2015-2016. Of the 187 top Georgia schools<br />

named by the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement, 23 were in Fulton<br />

County. The results are based on the state’s College and Career Ready<br />

Performance Index. The results of the report can be found on its website:<br />

https://schoolgrades.georgia.gov/<br />

Public Schools in North Fulton are part of the Fulton County School System.<br />

Founded in 1871, the Fulton County School System is one of the largest and<br />

oldest school districts in Georgia. As the fourth largest school system in<br />

the state, Fulton has approximately 96,200 students who attend classes in<br />

59 elementary schools, 19 middle schools, 17 high schools (including two<br />

open campus high schools) and 10 charter organizations. The southern part<br />

of Fulton County is comprised of the cities of Chattahoochee Hills, College<br />

Park, East Point, Fairburn, Hapeville, Palmetto and Union City. The northern<br />

part is home to the cities of Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Mountain Park,<br />

Roswell and Sandy Springs. With a focus on student achievement and a<br />

commitment to continual improvement, Fulton has earned a reputation as<br />

a premier school system. This long history of excellence is evidenced by<br />

the many state and national honors bestowed on Fulton’s schools, staff and<br />

students.<br />

Fulton has a long history of success as a school district. In 2011, FCS was<br />

named “One of the Top 100 School Districts in Places You Can Afford”<br />

by Money Magazine. In 2012, Fulton County Schools became Georgia’s<br />

largest charter system. The charter strengthens the district’s ability to<br />

provide flexibility in its operations which has proven results of increased<br />

student achievement. Fulton’s SAT scores continue to exceed the state<br />

and national average with an overall score of 1558, compared to 1450 and<br />

1490 respectively. Additionally, eight Fulton schools rank within the top<br />

25 highest-scoring schools in Georgia. According to the College Board,<br />

Fulton has more schools with high SAT performance than any other district<br />

in Georgia. More than half of Fulton’s high schools received Advanced<br />

Placement Honor Awards from the Georgia Department of Education. The<br />

awards are given for high performance in AP courses which are rigorous<br />

college-level learning options for high school students. In addition to this,<br />

more than 90% of elementary students in Fulton County, meet or exceed<br />

the state standard for English/Language Arts.<br />

Fulton County Schools believes families should be allowed to choose the<br />

best educational options for students, given each student’s unique needs.<br />

These choices are offered through a number of initiatives in the district that<br />

provide different opportunities and flexibility to families. The following are<br />

a few of the many choices offered by Fulton County Schools.<br />

Charter schools<br />

Charter schools are independently governed, free standing public schools<br />

that offer parents and students an alternative public education outside<br />

the traditional school system. The Charter has been approved and is held<br />

accountable for meeting the performance based objectives specified in the<br />

Charter contract.<br />

Career and Technical Education<br />

Career and Technical Education at Fulton County Schools aims to engage<br />

10<br />

students in cutting-edge, grade appropriate career exploration and<br />

preparation opportunities that set them up to excel in post-secondary<br />

education and productive careers. All Fulton High Schools and many middle<br />

schools offer at least one pathway program and many locations offer several<br />

options.<br />

Magnet Programs<br />

Fulton County Schools offers several magnet programs throughout the<br />

district to provide opportunities for students to explore curriculum focused<br />

on specific areas of study. Programs currently offer studies including<br />

international studies, business, visual & performing arts and math & science.<br />

Virtual School<br />

Fulton Virtual School now offers 20 courses, either as regular course<br />

completion, acceleration, or credit recovery, and more courses are in the<br />

works. The program currently uses adjunct teachers from across the school<br />

system, an administrator and coordinator, and is expanding this year into<br />

middle and elementary school. Fulton students also have the option to<br />

take classes through Georgia Virtual School, which is run by the Georgia<br />

Department of Education. About 1500 Fulton students are enrolled there.<br />

Here are the schools and the categories in which they excelled from this<br />

year’s Governor’s List. The highest performers were those that ranked at or<br />

above the 93rd percentile for their achievement score, while the greatest<br />

gains ranked that way on their progress score. Each ranking is based on<br />

averages over three years.<br />

For more information visit Office of Student Achievement’s website<br />

https://gosa.georgia.gov/<br />

School<br />

Abbotts Hill Elementary School<br />

Alpharetta High School<br />

Autrey Mill Middle School<br />

Cogburn Woods Elementary School<br />

Conley Hills Elementary School<br />

Crabapple Crossing Elem. School<br />

Creek View Elementary School<br />

Dolvin Elementary School<br />

Findley Oaks Elementary School<br />

Heards Ferry Elementary School<br />

Johns Creek High School<br />

KIPP South Fulton Academy School<br />

Lake Windward Elementary School<br />

New Prospect Elementary School<br />

Northview High School<br />

Northwood Elementary School<br />

Ocee Elementary School<br />

River Trail Middle School<br />

Summit Hill Elementary School<br />

Sweet Apple Elementary School<br />

Webb Bridge Middle School<br />

Wilson Creek Elementary School<br />

Woodland Elementary School<br />

Area of Excellence<br />

performance<br />

performance<br />

performance<br />

performance<br />

gains<br />

performance<br />

performance<br />

performance<br />

performance<br />

performance<br />

performance<br />

gains<br />

both<br />

performance<br />

both<br />

performance<br />

both<br />

both<br />

performance<br />

both<br />

both<br />

performance<br />

gains<br />

<strong>CommunityProfiles</strong> >> <strong>2017</strong>


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<strong>CommunityProfiles</strong> >> <strong>2017</strong> 11


PRIVATE SCHOOL PROFILES<br />

Alfred and Adele Davis Academy<br />

(PreK–8)<br />

davisacademy.org<br />

(770) 671-0085 lower school<br />

(770) 804-9191 middle school<br />

In addition to its challenging academics, students at Davis Academy also learn<br />

values, life skills and a strong background in Judaic studies. As an accredited<br />

Reform Jewish Day School, “Davis Academy strives to create a community in<br />

which children develop a life-long love for learning and commitment to Jewish<br />

life founded on morals, values and ethics, grounded in Torah,” according to<br />

the school’s website. Its focus on 21st century learning, as well as athletics,<br />

extracurricular activities and the fine arts, ensures that students grow to be<br />

confident, motivated and appreciative of the diversity around them.<br />

Bridgeway Christian Academy<br />

(PreK-4–8)<br />

bridgewayca.org (770) 751-1972<br />

This Alpharetta school was founded in 1998 with the mission of providing a<br />

quality, Christ-centered education. BCA’s nurturing environment begins with its<br />

small class sizes: fewer than 20 for PreK-4 through fifth grade, 22 for the middle<br />

school. It is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools<br />

and the Association of Christian Schools International, so parents can be sure<br />

their children are getting a quality education. As well as North Fulton, students<br />

come from Gwinnett, Cherokee and southern Forsyth counties to attend BCA,<br />

and represent more than 80 different churches across the metro area.<br />

The Cottage School (6–12)<br />

cottageschool.org (770) 641-8688<br />

The Cottage School began in 1985 as an after-school tutoring program for<br />

academically frustrated students. While the original “campus” was a one-room<br />

office in a Roswell office park, students now have access to a 23-acre wooded<br />

campus. Its enrollment of only 150 ensures that all students receive the one-onone<br />

attention they need in order to achieve success, and the school has stayed<br />

true to its mission to serve students who were disillusioned or discouraged<br />

with more traditional educational environments. TCS also teaches basic work<br />

and life skills, such as managing a budget, study skills and organizational skills.<br />

Fellowship Christian School<br />

(PreK-4–12)<br />

fellowshipchristianschool.org<br />

(770) 992-4975 elementary school<br />

(770) 993-1650 middle and high school<br />

Fellowship Christian began in 1986 serving students in kindergarten through<br />

eighth grade. The high school was added in 1993 and the Pre-K program in 2007.<br />

Current enrollment across all grades is 834 students, who attend 70 different<br />

churches. Located on a 30-acre campus in Roswell, FCS boasts computer labs,<br />

new playgrounds and an athletic building that includes facilities for baseball,<br />

football, softball, soccer, tennis and track and field. FCS also values the arts,<br />

beginning art and music classes in its Pre-K program and offering performing<br />

arts, yearbook, digital design and web design to its middle school and high<br />

school students.<br />

Greenfield Hebrew Academy<br />

(PreK–8)<br />

ghacademy.org (404) 843-9900<br />

As the first Jewish day school in the U.S. to earn SACS accreditation, Greenfield<br />

has been setting the educational standard in the Atlanta area since 1953.<br />

GHA has also been honored as a National School of Excellence by the Council<br />

for American Private Education. The curriculum includes general studies<br />

in language arts, math, science and social studies, as well as Judaic studies.<br />

Students at GHA consistently excel in regional and statewide competitions, in<br />

everything from science and math to writing.<br />

King’s Ridge Christian School<br />

(PK–12)<br />

kingsridgecs.org (770) 754-5738<br />

Founded in 2001 by the Advancement for Christian Education, King’s Ridge<br />

occupies 80 acres in Alpharetta, and most of its students live within 10 miles<br />

of the campus. Student enrollment is around 855, and the school maintains a<br />

student/teacher ratio of 8-1. King’s Ridge has earned accreditation from SACS,<br />

SAIS and the Georgia Accrediting Commission. Its rigorous academic program<br />

and strong focus on community service (high school students must complete<br />

50 hours of service prior to graduation) mean that students are well prepared<br />

for their college years and professional careers.<br />

Mill Springs Academy (1–12)<br />

millsprings.org (770) 360-1336<br />

Mill Springs focuses on the “whole child” by creating a multidisciplinary<br />

academic plan for each student, based on a variety of evaluations,<br />

communications and observations. This approach is in line with founder<br />

Tweetie L. Moore’s belief that “if a student can’t learn the way we teach …<br />

we should teach the way a student can learn,” a philosophy that is especially<br />

important for its students who have been diagnosed with learning differences<br />

such as dyslexia or attention deficit. In addition to its college-prep focused<br />

curriculum—with 95 percent of students earning college acceptance—the<br />

school also offers a communication arts school for grades seven through 12.<br />

Mount Pisgah Christian School<br />

(PreK–12)<br />

experiencepisgah.org<br />

(678) 893-5320 early school full day<br />

(678) 336-3300 early school half day/lower school<br />

(678) 336-3351 middle school (678) 336-3402 (upper school)<br />

Founded in 1986, Mount Pisgah educates students from the age of six weeks<br />

through the 12th grade and has a total student population of nearly 700. Its<br />

stellar academics are reflected in its class statistics: 100 percent of recent<br />

graduates earned acceptance to a four-year college or university, with 90<br />

percent earning acceptance into their first choice of school. Its students also<br />

score, on average, more than 200 percent higher on the SAT than the state<br />

average. The class of 2015 earned more than $3.3 million in merit-based<br />

scholarships.<br />

Mount Vernon Presbyterian School<br />

(Preschool–12)<br />

mountvernonschool.org<br />

(404) 252-3448 preschool–6 (404) 250-5880 (7–12)<br />

Located on 37 acres in Sandy Springs, Mount Vernon was established in 1972<br />

and has a current enrollment of nearly 900. With 100 percent of its student<br />

having access to a laptop computer, Mount Vernon understands the role of<br />

technology in encouraging creative problem-solving. The school also values<br />

learning outside of the classroom and offers travel opportunities for cultural<br />

arts, college tours, mission trips and internships. Students at Mount Vernon<br />

perform more than 10,000 hours of community service every year.<br />

12<br />

High Meadows School<br />

(PreK–8)<br />

highmeadows.org (770) 993-2940<br />

Founded in 1973, High Meadows occupies a 40-acre campus in the heart<br />

of Roswell. Student enrollment is approximately 400, and the school is an<br />

International Baccalaureate World School and is also accredited by SACS and<br />

the Southern Association of Independent Schools. High Meadows engages<br />

students in an inquiry-based approach to learning, so that they develop a<br />

strong sense of personal responsibility and respect for other perspectives.<br />

Almost all of High Meadows’ students go on to attend the independent high<br />

school of their choice.<br />

Photo courtesy of the city of Sandy Springs<br />

<strong>CommunityProfiles</strong> >> <strong>2017</strong>


Name & Enrollment<br />

Alpharetta Christian Academy<br />

Grades: PK-5 Enrollment: 588 Year: 1970<br />

Arlington Christian School<br />

Grades: K-12 Enrollments: 270 Year: 1958<br />

Atlanta Girl’s School<br />

Grades: 6-12 Enrollment: 223 Year: 2000<br />

Atlanta International School<br />

Grades: K-12 Enrollment: 1113 Year: 1984<br />

Contact Information<br />

(770) 475-5762 Alpharetta, GA alpharettachristianacademy.com<br />

(770) 964-9871 Fairburn, GA arlingtonchristian.org<br />

(404) 845-0900 Atlanta, GA atlantagirlssschool.org<br />

(770) 279-7771 Atlanta, GA aischool.org<br />

Atlanta Jewish Academy<br />

Grades: PK-8 Enrollment: 332<br />

Year:1998<br />

(404) 843-9900 Atlanta, GA ghacademy.org<br />

Blessed Trinity Catholic High School<br />

Grades: 9-12 Enrollment: 970 Year: 2000<br />

Christ the King School<br />

Grades: K-8 Enrollment: 566 Year: 1937<br />

Davis Academy<br />

Grades: K-8 Enrollment: 581 Year: 1992<br />

Fellowship Christian School<br />

Grades: K-12 Enrollment: 750 Year 1986<br />

Fulton Science Academy Private School<br />

Grades: K-8 Enrollment: 360 Year: 2013<br />

High Meadows School<br />

Grades: 3 yr-12 yr Enrollment: 1411 Year: 1959<br />

Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School<br />

Grades: PK-8 Enrollment: 225 Year: 1958<br />

Holy Redeemer Catholic School<br />

Grades: K-8 Enrollment: 509 Year: 1999<br />

Holy Spirit Prepatory School<br />

Grades: PK-12 Enrollment: 782 Year: 1953<br />

King’s Ridge Christain School<br />

Grades: PK-12 Enrollment: 855 Year2001<br />

McGinnis Woods Country Day School<br />

Grades: PK-8 Enrollment: 279 Year: 1999<br />

Mill Springs Academy<br />

Grades: 1-12 Enrollment: 351 Year: 1981<br />

Mohammed Schools of Atlanta<br />

Grades: PK-12 Enrollment: 259 Year: 1965<br />

Mount Pisgah Christian School<br />

Grades: PK-12 Enrollment: 512 Year: 1980<br />

Pace Academy<br />

Grades: K-12 Enrollment: 1083 Year: 1958<br />

Perimeter Christian School<br />

Grades K-12 Enrollment:1083 Year: 1989<br />

The Lovett School<br />

Grades: K-12 Enrollment: 1594 Year: 1926<br />

The Ron Clark Academy<br />

Grades: 5-8 Enrollment: 228 Year: 2007<br />

The Swift School<br />

Grades: PK-12 Enrollment: 240 Year: 1998<br />

The Westminster Schools<br />

Grades: PK-12 Enrollment: 1845 Year: 1951<br />

Trinity School Inc<br />

Grades: PK-6 Enrollment: 643 Year: 1951<br />

Woodward Academy North<br />

Grades: PK-6 Enrollment: 441 Year: 1900<br />

(678) 277-9083 Roswell, GA btcatholic.org<br />

(404) 233-0383 Atlanta, GA christking.org<br />

(770) 379-9372 Atlanta, GA davisacademy.org<br />

(770) 992-4975 Roswell, GA fellowshipchristianschool.org<br />

(678) 366-2555 Alpharetta, GA fultonscienceacademy.org<br />

(404) 255-4026 Atlanta, GA hies.org<br />

(770) 973-8921 Marietta, GA faithmarietta.com/school<br />

(770) 410-4056 Johns Creek, GA hrcatholicschool.org<br />

(404) 252-8008 Atlanta, GA holyspiritprep.org<br />

(770) 754-5738 Alpharetta, GA kingsridgecs.org<br />

(770) 664-7764 Alpharetta, GA mcginniswoods.org<br />

(770) 926-7729 Alpharetta, GA millsprings.org<br />

(404) 378-4219 Atlanta, GA mohammedschools.org<br />

(678) 336-3443 Alpharetta, GA experiencepisgah.org<br />

(404) 262-1345 Atlanta, GA paceacademy.org<br />

(678) 405-2300 Johns Creek, GA perimeterschool.org<br />

(404) 262-3032 Atlanta, GA lovett.org<br />

(678) 651-2100 Atlanta, GA ronclarkacademy.com<br />

(678) 205-4988 Roswell, GA theswiftschool.org<br />

(404) 355-8673 Atlanta, GA westminster.net<br />

(404) 231-8100 Atlanta, GA trinityatl.org<br />

(404) 765-4490 Johns Creek, GA woodward.edu<br />

<strong>CommunityProfiles</strong> >> <strong>2017</strong> 13


HIGHER Education<br />

in North Fulton County<br />

As a leading city in the U.S. for higher education, Atlanta prides<br />

itself on its active student population and 22 institutions of<br />

higher learning. Both traditional and non-traditional students<br />

can take advantage of a wide range of degree and certificate<br />

programs, from the arts and sciences to medicine and law. With<br />

its large concentration of colleges and universities within its<br />

borders, North Fulton County is a great place for students to earn<br />

their degrees, while also taking advantage of the recreational<br />

opportunities the county has to offer.<br />

DeVry University<br />

(Alpharetta campus)<br />

devry.edu (770) 619-360<br />

DeVry University is one of the most widely respected national<br />

and online universities. It is accredited by the Higher Learning<br />

Commission and is also a member of the North Central<br />

Association of Colleges and Schools. With locations all across<br />

the country and flexible scheduling, DeVry can meet the needs<br />

of traditional and non-traditional students alike. The Alpharetta<br />

location offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in a wide<br />

range of programs that help students prepare for their careers<br />

like technical communication, finance, human resource<br />

management and accounting. DeVry’s Alpharetta campus<br />

has spacious classrooms, a research library and a fully wired<br />

computer lab. Students can also take classes at any of the other<br />

metro area locations, or online.<br />

Gwinnett Technical College<br />

(Sandy Springs campus)<br />

risingspirit.edu (877) 527-3504<br />

The state’s third largest technical college, serving over 18,000<br />

students annually in college credit courses, adult education and<br />

continuing education.Gwinnett Tech has been providing careerfocused<br />

education and training for our region for more than 25<br />

years. They offer more than 50 programs – degree, diploma<br />

and certificate options – that you can finish in two years or less.<br />

They are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and<br />

Schools Commission on Colleges to award the associate degree.<br />

The North Fulton campus is located in Alpharetta. The college<br />

awarded 2,691 technical certificates of credit, and the highest<br />

number of associate degrees (569) in the state. Gwinnett Tech is<br />

one of the nation’s top producers of associate degree graduates<br />

in Computer and Information Sciences.<br />

The Art Institute of Atlanta<br />

artinstitutes.edu/atlanta (770) 394-8300<br />

Atlanta is home to one of the 50 Art Institutes schools located<br />

throughout North America that was founded in 1949. Students<br />

can focus on everything from the culinary arts and interior<br />

design to media arts and fashion design at this Sandy Springs<br />

campus. The 115,000-square-foot facility includes high-tech<br />

computer labs, a video production studio, animation lab, library<br />

and student cafe. Students represent 36 states and 27 countries<br />

for its Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of<br />

Science, Associate of Arts and diploma programs. Alumni include<br />

local chef Kevin Gillespie, a contestant on “Top Chef,” whose<br />

restaurant Gunshow opened in 2013 to wide critical acclaim.<br />

National Personal Training Institute<br />

(Johns Creek)<br />

nptifitness.com (800) 960-6294<br />

As the oldest and largest personal training school in North<br />

America, the National Personal Training Institute provides<br />

students access to trainers and support staff with a wide range<br />

of experience in body building, weight training and exercise<br />

physiology. Classes are held during the day, evening and on<br />

weekends to accommodate working adults. All students complete<br />

300 hours of classroom instruction and 200 hours of handson<br />

gym time. Upon completion of the program, students earn<br />

the 500-Hour Diploma in Personal Training, which requires no<br />

continuing education courses and does not need to be renewed.<br />

Some students choose to take their diploma further and sit for<br />

the National Academy of Sports Medicine CPT certification.<br />

Sanford-Brown College<br />

(Sandy Springs campus)<br />

sanfordbrown.edu/Atlanta (770) 576-4498<br />

Founded in 1866 to meet the educational needs of adults in<br />

post-Civil War America, the 18 private colleges and schools in<br />

the Sanford-Brown network has educated more than 170,000<br />

alumni. With more than 20 career-focused programs in fields<br />

like health, technology and design, Sanford-Brown has helped<br />

countless people pursue professional success. The Sandy Springs<br />

campus offers degrees in cardiovascular sonography, diagnostic<br />

medical sonography, medical billing, medical assistant and<br />

massage therapy. Given the high concentration of health care<br />

facilities in North Fulton, professionals with these skills are<br />

always in high demand.<br />

Strayer University<br />

(Roswell campus)<br />

strayer.edu (770) 650-3000<br />

Originally founded as Strayer’s Business College in 1892 in<br />

Baltimore, Strayer College has been offering Bachelor of Science<br />

degrees since 1969, master’s degrees since 1987 and online<br />

classes since 1996. The institution earned university status in<br />

1998 and is accredited by the Middle States Commission on<br />

Higher Education, one of the nation’s six regional accrediting<br />

bodies. The Roswell campus offers undergraduate and graduate<br />

programs in accounting, business, education, health services<br />

administration, information systems, and public administration.<br />

Strayer prides itself on providing strong academic and career<br />

support for its students, making it a great option for working<br />

adults.<br />

Image courtesy of the Art Institute of Atlanta<br />

14<br />

<strong>CommunityProfiles</strong> >> <strong>2017</strong>


North Fulton<br />

Health<br />

Care<br />

The hospital landscape in metropolitan Atlanta is as much a reflection<br />

of the city’s growth as any of the traditional economic indicators. It<br />

wasn’t so long ago that the choice of hospital was driven by where<br />

your doctor had privileges, without concern for geography. Fortunately,<br />

hospital systems now recognize the need to provide residents access<br />

to any treatment they need, from simple procedures to the latest in<br />

medical technology, no matter where they live. The metro area boasts<br />

health care systems that consistently rank as some of the best in the<br />

county in everything from maternity care to cancer treatment.<br />

North Fulton County boasts campuses of some of the metro area’s best<br />

hospitals, like Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Northside Hospital.<br />

Often known as the city’s “baby factory,” Northside Hospital ranks<br />

first in the nation for the number of babies delivered at a community<br />

hospital—more than 27,000 in 2010. It is also in the top 5 percent for<br />

the number of robotic surgeries performed. Below is information on<br />

just a few of the outstanding medical facilities located right here in<br />

North Fulton County.<br />

Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta<br />

choa.org<br />

Children’s at Scottish Rite (Perimeter) (404) 785-5252<br />

Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA), a not-for-profit organization,<br />

sees half a million patients each year at its three area hospitals and<br />

20 neighborhood locations, including the nationally renowned Marcus<br />

Autism Center. As the pediatric teaching hospital for the Emory<br />

University School of Medicine and the Morehouse School of Medicine,<br />

Children’s values a team approach to care. Children’s Healthcare<br />

of Atlanta and Emory Healthcare recently partnered to launch the<br />

Congenital Heart Center of Georgia, the first such program in the state.<br />

With more than 30 pediatric specialties, CHOA has been ranked one<br />

of the best children’s hospitals by Parents magazine and U.S. News &<br />

World Report. It is also a great place to work, according to Fortune<br />

magazine (for nine years running) and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.<br />

Emory Johns Creek Hospital<br />

emoryjohnscreek.com (678) 474-7000<br />

Since its opening in 2007, Emory Johns Creek Hospital (EJCH) has earned<br />

a reputation for its state-of-the-art medical technologies. Jointly owned<br />

by Emory Healthcare and the Hospital Corporation of America, EJCH is<br />

110-bed community hospital that participates in most insurance plans.<br />

The hospital offers a full range of services including 24/7 emergency<br />

care, women’s services, advanced cardiac care, vascular medicine<br />

and surgery and advanced digital imaging. It has a designated Level<br />

III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, and its bariatric surgery center has<br />

been designated a Center of Excellence by the American Society of<br />

Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons.<br />

WellStar North Fulton Hospital<br />

WellStar.org (770) 751-2500<br />

WellStar North Fulton Hospital is a 202-bed acute-care hospital and has<br />

one of the state’s three designated Level II Trauma Centers. Located<br />

between Roswell and Alpharetta, it was founded in 1983 and has served<br />

patients from North Fulton, Forsyth, East Cobb, East Cherokee and West<br />

Gwinnett counties for more than 30 years. With a staff of more than<br />

400 physicians, it offers a wide range of services including women’s<br />

health, orthopedics, rehabilitation, surgical services, gastroenterology<br />

and oncology. WellStar North Fulton Hospital has been certified as a<br />

Primary Stroke Center by the Joint Commission on the Accreditation<br />

of Healthcare Organizations. It also has a sleep disorders clinic to help<br />

patients address issues such as sleep apnea and insomnia.<br />

Northside Hospital<br />

northside.com (404) 851-8000<br />

Northside Hospital operates three not-for-profit hospitals in Atlanta,<br />

Forsyth County and Cherokee County, along with 15 outpatient centers<br />

and medical office buildings throughout the Atlanta metro area.<br />

Specialties at Northside range from oncology to gynecology, and<br />

everything in between. Two years ago, one of the hospital’s surgeons<br />

performed the state’s first single-incision robotic surgery. In 2010, the<br />

National Cancer Institute named Northside Hospital Cancer one of its<br />

30 National Community Cancer Centers due to its excellence in cancer<br />

care and its role as a leading community hospital. Its maternity and<br />

obstetrical services also rank high, both locally and nationally. For<br />

three years running, Northside has been awarded the J.D. Power and<br />

Associates Distinguished Hospital award for Maternity Services.<br />

Concentra<br />

Emory Saint Joseph’s Hospital of Atlanta<br />

concentraprimarycare.com/atlanta (678) 916-3600 emoryhealthcare.org/saint-josephs-hospital-atlanta (678) 843-7001<br />

Since its founding in 1979 by a group of physicians, Concentra has Saint Joseph’s hospital has the distinction of being Atlanta’s oldest<br />

maintained a commitment to clinical expertise and customer service. hospital. Founded in 1880 by the Sisters of Mercy, Saint Joseph’s is now<br />

As part of the Humana health care network, Concentra is served by a 410-bed acute-care facility. Its staff of 750 physicians works around the<br />

primary care physicians who have close working relationships with clock to provide the best patient care. The facility recently received its<br />

patients. Concentra’s care focuses on five main areas: occupational fifth Magnet designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center,<br />

health, physical therapy, health and wellness, urgent care and primary making it one of three hospitals to receive five consecutive designations.<br />

care. From asthma and diabetic care to routine screenings and exams, Saint Joseph’s has also been recognized as one of the best facilities in<br />

Concentra boasts the largest occupational and urgent care medical the nation for hip and knee replacement surgeries, and in March 2014<br />

practice in the United States. Nationwide, more than 25,000 patients it was recognized by the American Heart Association/American Stroke<br />

are treated in one of the more than 300 walk-in clinics in 40 states. Association for implementing measures to prevent and treat strokes.<br />

Appointments are not required, and the payment procedure, whether Finally, it is the only Atlanta hospital named to J.D. Power and Associates’<br />

you are self-paying or using insurance, has been drastically simplified. Distinguished Hospital Program for Service Excellence.<br />

<strong>CommunityProfiles</strong> >> <strong>2017</strong> 15


Welcome to Atlanta!<br />

On behalf of the<br />

Georgia Restaurant<br />

Association (GRA), I<br />

would like to welcome<br />

you to Atlanta.<br />

Whether it is for a<br />

rehearsal dinner, a 90th<br />

birthday celebration or<br />

a college graduation<br />

party, restaurants know<br />

how to set the table for<br />

any occasion. Restaurants provide a gathering place<br />

and create a sense of community, while fostering<br />

social relationships, memories and just fulfilling the<br />

need for connection. Restaurateurs strive to create<br />

memorable dining experiences with relentless<br />

planning, attention to detail and commitment to<br />

service.<br />

The restaurant industry is<br />

a very special and unique<br />

industry. In this digital world<br />

that we are living in today, we<br />

cannot go out to eat online.<br />

Restaurants still require<br />

a need for face-to-face<br />

interaction, both internally as<br />

an employer and externally<br />

as a patron.<br />

Now more than ever,<br />

Americans are dining outside<br />

of their homes. Restaurants<br />

constitute a particularly large<br />

and growing share of our<br />

economy and it is important<br />

to promote dining out<br />

locally so that our economy<br />

continues to thrive. When<br />

supporting local businesses,<br />

there is an opportunity to<br />

preserve local character and<br />

prosperity. It creates a sense<br />

of community well-being.<br />

Dining locally will keep the<br />

dollars at home and continue<br />

to support the businesses in<br />

the area. Restaurants tend to<br />

combine our neighbors in a<br />

web of economic and social<br />

relationships.<br />

The GRA’s mission is to serve<br />

as the voice for Georgia’s<br />

Proud to<br />

be part of<br />

growth in<br />

North Futon<br />

since 1989!<br />

restaurants in advocacy, education and awareness.<br />

The GRA is sanctioned by the National Restaurant<br />

Association to operate Georgia’s only not-for-profit<br />

representing the state’s foodservice industry. The<br />

GRA serves as the unified voice for over 17,000<br />

foodservice and drinking places in the state of<br />

Georgia with total sales in excess of $17.1 billion<br />

which provides more than 438,900 jobs. From large<br />

chains to state-ups, the GRA helps make Georgia a<br />

better place for restaurants to do business and helps<br />

make restaurants better for Georgia.<br />

So as we work to set the table for our restaurant<br />

members, let your local restaurants set the table.<br />

Enjoy the dining destinations in your community and<br />

remember to dine out and dine often.<br />

Sincerely,<br />

Karen Bremer<br />

Live<br />

entertainment<br />

every night<br />

2 private rooms for any occasion<br />

available for private parties and business<br />

conferences and meetings<br />

as early as 8:00 AM.<br />

Open for dinner at 5:00 PM every night.<br />

Breakfast - Lunch Tuesday - Friday from 10:00 AM<br />

and earlier for group parties<br />

Sunday Brunch at 10:00 AM<br />

(770) 664 8055<br />

3000 Old Alabama Road<br />

Johns Creek, GA 30022<br />

email: altobeli_s@hotmail.com<br />

│ www.altobelis.com<br />

16<br />

<strong>CommunityProfiles</strong> >> <strong>2017</strong>


Dining Out in North Fulton<br />

Photo credit : Jay Hatfield<br />

Over the past few years, the Atlanta metro area has<br />

become a foodie paradise. Chef-driven concepts are<br />

taking center stage and using locally grown seasonal<br />

ingredients, which means diners can find any type of<br />

cuisine they may desire, from comfort food at the local<br />

diner to a wide range of ethnic cuisine and established<br />

chain restaurants. To celebrate the best and brightest,<br />

many of North Fulton’s cities have their own restaurant<br />

weeks throughout the year, where diners can sample<br />

some of the area’s best food from a fixed-price menu.<br />

Here are just a few of North Fulton’s best culinary options:<br />

5 Seasons Brewing Company<br />

5600 Roswell Road (The Prado), Sandy Springs<br />

5seasonsbrewing.com • (404) 255-5911<br />

5 Seasons has three locations across Atlanta and<br />

brews more than 70,000 gallons of beer each year.<br />

Locally sourced ingredients come together to create<br />

unique dishes like rabbit enchiladas and goat cheese<br />

cheesecake.<br />

Altobeli’s Italian Restaurant & Piano Bar<br />

3000 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek<br />

altobelis.com • (770) 664-8055<br />

This restaurant and piano bar has been serving<br />

authentic Italian food since 1988. Altobeli’s features<br />

live music Tuesday through Sunday.<br />

Atlantic Seafood Company<br />

2345 Mansell Road, Alpharetta<br />

atlanticseafoodco.com • (770) 640-0488<br />

For more than 10 years, the Atlantic Seafood<br />

Company has been flying in fresh foods every day to<br />

be prepared by its master fish cutters and chefs. From<br />

prawns and tuna to sushi and shellfish, the menu will<br />

not disappoint.<br />

Bistro VG<br />

70 West Crossville Road, Roswell<br />

www.sedgwickrestaurantgroup.com/bistroVG.html<br />

(770) 993-1156<br />

This European-style bistro serves small plates and<br />

classic French dishes in a relaxed environment.<br />

Bite Bistro & Bar<br />

11500 Webb Bridge Way, Ste A9, Alpharetta<br />

biteatl.com • (770) 754-5500<br />

Owner and chef Leif Johnson started Bite as a catering<br />

company based in Dunwoody before expanding it<br />

into a restaurant. The menu features Latin, Asian and<br />

Southern flavors.<br />

Cibo e Beve<br />

4969 Roswell Road, Sandy Springs<br />

ciboatlanta.com • (404) 250-8988<br />

Translating as “Eat and Drink,” Cibo e Beve pays<br />

homage to classic Italian dishes like fresh pasta and<br />

pizza.<br />

Erawan Organic Thai<br />

7537 Roswell Road, Sandy Springs<br />

besterawan.com • (770) 399-3033<br />

For more than 10 years, diners have flocked to the<br />

area’s only Thai restaurant that uses all organic<br />

ingredients in everything from curries and stir-fry to<br />

wine and beer. Be sure to sample the wild rice.<br />

Greenwood’s Restaurant<br />

1087 Green St., Roswell<br />

greenwoodsongreenstreet.com • (770) 992 -5383<br />

One of the best restaurants in the metro area for oldfashioned<br />

Southern comfort food, Greenwood’s has<br />

been open since 1986 and uses fresh local ingredients.<br />

Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails<br />

800 Mayfield Road, Milton<br />

miltonscuisine.com • (770) 817-0161<br />

Occupying a 150-year-old farmhouse and a 1930s<br />

cottage, this classic restaurant in the heart of the<br />

Crabapple Historic District features a bar, patio and<br />

fireplace.<br />

<strong>CommunityProfiles</strong> >> <strong>2017</strong><br />

Osteria Mattone<br />

1095 Canton St., Roswell<br />

osteriamattone.com • (678) 878-3378<br />

Owner and Roswell native Ryan Pernice opened<br />

Canton Street’s only Italian restaurant after an<br />

extensive eating tour of Italy with his business partner<br />

and the restaurant’s executive chef Ted Lahey.<br />

Ray’s on the Creek<br />

1700 Mansell Road, Alpharetta<br />

raysrestaurants.com/raysonthecreek • (770) 649-0064<br />

A recently renovated interior designed by renowned<br />

architects ai3 and a revamped menu that features<br />

small plates, fresh seafood and specialties like veal<br />

meatloaf, Ray’s is one of Alpharetta’s best restaurants.<br />

Rumi’s Kitchen<br />

6112 Roswell Road, Atlanta<br />

rumiskitchen.com • (404) 477-2100<br />

Rumi’s is a mainstay on Atlanta magazine’s list of<br />

best local restaurants. Flavors and dishes like saffron,<br />

kebabs and freshly baked bread bring the authentic<br />

Persian cuisine to life.<br />

Sage Woodfire Tavern<br />

11405 Haynes Bridge Road, Alpharetta<br />

(770) 569-9199<br />

4505 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Sandy Springs<br />

(770) 804-8880<br />

sagewoodfiretavern.com<br />

The phrase “chic yet casual” accurately describes<br />

the two locations of this local favorite, which feature<br />

American cuisine with global influences.<br />

Salt Factory<br />

952 Canton St., Roswell<br />

(770) 998-4850<br />

102 South Main St., Alpharetta<br />

(770) 752-1888<br />

fhfoodtradinggroup.com<br />

This upscale gastropub features a menu full of comfort<br />

food cooked with local and organic ingredients and<br />

a beer menu of more than 50 different brews. The<br />

Alpharetta location also has a bocce ball court.<br />

Satay House<br />

281 S Main St., Alpharetta<br />

satayhouseatlanta.com • (770) 663-8666<br />

While Atlanta’s Buford Highway is widely known<br />

as the best place to find authentic ethnic cuisine,<br />

Satay House brings some of the area’s best Thai and<br />

Malaysian dishes to Alpharetta.<br />

Spice Brick Oven Kitchen<br />

10800 Haynes Bridge Road, Alpharetta<br />

spicebrickovenkitchen.com • (770) 777-0778<br />

Live music, an inviting patio and a laid-back<br />

atmosphere accompany a tapas and hand-crafted<br />

pizza menu.<br />

Table & Main<br />

1028 Canton St., Roswell<br />

tableandmain.com • (678) 869-5178<br />

Earning accolades on everything from its fried chicken<br />

(Zagat) and shrimp and grits (Atlanta magazine)<br />

to its location and interior (HGTV’s FrontDoor, “6<br />

Restaurants That Were Once Private Homes”), Table<br />

& Main is a great addition to Roswell’s dining scene.<br />

Trattoria 141<br />

9810 Medlock Bridge Road, Suite A, Johns Creek<br />

trattoria141.com • (770) 497-0021<br />

Executive chef Marc Sublette made a name for himself<br />

at some of Atlanta’s most prestigious restaurants.<br />

His passion for Italian cuisine shines through at this<br />

boutique neighborhood restaurant.<br />

Wildflour<br />

5815 Windward Parkway, Suite 210, Alpharetta<br />

wildflouratlanta.com • (678) 822-9453<br />

This family-owned cafe serves breakfast and lunch<br />

and many of its dishes feature its delicious homemade<br />

bread.<br />

photo courtesy of the city of Sandy Springs<br />

19


Don’t Forget<br />

to Have Some Fun!<br />

North Fulton County has a wealth of<br />

entertainment options for families. Explore<br />

everything from symphony performances<br />

and arts festivals to museum exhibitions<br />

and hiking trails. Below are just some of the<br />

family attractions North Fulton has to offer,<br />

along with websites for more information.<br />

Abernathy Arts Center<br />

fultonarts.org • (404) 612-5780<br />

AAC is the county’s oldest neighborhood arts<br />

center and offers day and evening classes for<br />

both children and adults.<br />

Andretti Indoor Karting and Games<br />

andrettikarting.com • (770) 992-5688<br />

Enjoy go-karts, food and games at this facility<br />

named after racing legend Mario Andretti.<br />

Autrey Mill Nature Preserve & Heritage Center<br />

autreymill.org • (678) 366-3511<br />

The preserve includes 46 acres of ravine forest<br />

as well as 2 miles of walking trails and a Heritage<br />

Village that recreates life in the 19th century.<br />

Barrington Hall<br />

barringtonhall.net • (770) 640-3855<br />

Located just off Roswell Square, this 19th<br />

century home features the metro area’s only<br />

antebellum garden.<br />

Bulloch Hall<br />

bullochhall.org • (770) 992-1731<br />

This antebellum home is best known as the<br />

location of the marriage of Mittie Bulloch<br />

and Theodore Roosevelt, the parents of<br />

future U.S. President Teddy Roosevelt.<br />

Chattahoochee<br />

Nature Center<br />

chattnaturecenter.org<br />

(770) 992-2055<br />

The metro area’s<br />

largest nature center<br />

features a butterfly<br />

garden, native plant garden and a green room<br />

garden in addition to children’s programming<br />

and hiking trails.<br />

Chukkar Farm Polo Club<br />

chukkarfarmpoloclub.com • (770) 664-1733<br />

This family-run business boasts 173 acres of<br />

pastures and woods and hosts polo events<br />

throughout the year.<br />

Georgia Ensemble Theater<br />

get.org • (770) 641-1260<br />

Open since 1993, this ensemble is the resident<br />

professional theater at the Roswell Cultural Arts<br />

Center.<br />

Heritage Green<br />

heritagesandysprings.org • (404) 851-9111<br />

This sprawling complex includes gardens, a<br />

nature walk and an entertainment lawn, as well<br />

as the Williams-Payne House, which houses the<br />

Heritage Sandy Springs Museum.<br />

Johns Creek Arts Center<br />

johnscreekarts.org • (770) 623-8448<br />

This nonprofit arts center’s mission is to<br />

“inspire artistic development for youth and<br />

adults by embracing community and corporate<br />

relationships that stimulate creative growth and<br />

opportunity.”<br />

Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre courtesy of alpharettacvb<br />

Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra<br />

johnscreeksymphony.org • (678) 748-5802<br />

Comprising professional musicians from across<br />

the metro area, the symphony is under the<br />

direction of founder J. Wayne Baughman.<br />

Roswell Cultural Art Center<br />

roswellcac.com • (770) 594-6232<br />

Featuring a 600-seat theatre as well as meeting<br />

rooms, exhibits halls and a research library, the<br />

art center hosts events from puppet shows to<br />

corporate meetings.<br />

Roswell Mills and Old Mill Park<br />

georgiatrails.com<br />

Visitors to this historic site can see the remains<br />

of Roswell’s cotton mills, and tours tell the story<br />

of the “Lost Workers of Roswell,” who were<br />

charged with treason and sent north during the<br />

Civil War.<br />

Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park<br />

vzwamp.com • (404) 733-5010<br />

Open since 2008, this 12,000-seat amphitheatre<br />

hosts a wide range of concerts and, during<br />

the summer months, is home to the Atlanta<br />

Symphony Orchestra.<br />

Get Out and Play!<br />

North Fulton is home to a multitude of parks, playgrounds, gardens and other green spaces. There are even dog parks for<br />

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<br />

neighborhood parks, pocket parks and passive spaces scattered throughout the county. Keep in mind that some of these parks<br />

are run by the county parks and recreation department, while others are run by the city in which they are located. For more<br />

information, visit fultoncountyga.gov.<br />

18<br />

ALPHARETTA<br />

Big Creek Greenway<br />

Five access points in Alpharetta (Alpharetta<br />

YMCA; Haynes Bridge Road; North Point Mall;<br />

Kimball Bridge Road; Marconi Drive)<br />

Info: 8-mile concrete trail<br />

Cogburn Road Park<br />

12825 Cogburn Road<br />

Info: 2 picnic pavilions; playground; walking<br />

trails; arboretum<br />

North Park<br />

13450 Cogburn Road<br />

Info: 7 lighted tennis courts; 2 multipurpose<br />

synthetic turf fields; 8 lighted softball fields; 2<br />

picnic pavilions; 2 playgrounds; adult activity<br />

center; arts building; Rotary Reflection Garden;<br />

walking trail<br />

Providence Park<br />

13440 Providence Park Drive<br />

Info: Park center building; pavilion; hiking<br />

trails; outdoor amphitheater; grills; picnic<br />

tables; overnight campsites; lake; creeks/<br />

wetlands; rappelling and rock climbing areas;<br />

rock climbing cliff; climbing walls; high ropes<br />

challenge course<br />

Union Hill Park<br />

1590 Little Pine Trail<br />

Info: 2 outdoor roller hockey rinks (1 covered);<br />

concession stand<br />

Webb Bridge Park<br />

4780 Webb Bridge Road<br />

Info: 2 grass soccer fields; multipurpose<br />

synthetic turf field; 4 baseball fields; 4 tennis<br />

courts; walking trail; arboretum; concession<br />

stands; 3 picnic pavilions; playground<br />

photo courtesy of Johns Creek<br />

<strong>CommunityProfiles</strong> >> <strong>2017</strong>


Wills Park<br />

Old Milton Parkway (west of Georgia 400 and<br />

west of Highway 9)<br />

Info: 7 grass baseball fields; synthetic turf<br />

baseball field; 2 T-ball fields; 5 picnic pavilions;<br />

3 playgrounds; disc golf course; 6 lighted<br />

tennis courts; 1.8-mile walking trail; Alpharetta<br />

Community Garden; Alpharetta Arboretum at<br />

Wills Park<br />

JOHNS CREEK<br />

Autrey Mill Nature Preserve & Heritage<br />

Center<br />

9770 Autrey Mill Road<br />

Info: 46 acres; visitor’s center; Heritage Village<br />

with historic buildings; replica Native American<br />

dwellings; farm museum; picnic pavilions;<br />

2 miles of nature trails; wildlife and animal<br />

displays<br />

Newtown Park<br />

3150 Old Alabama Road<br />

Info: 46 acres; lake; 2 miles of walking/<br />

jogging trails; 3 multipurpose athletic fields;<br />

2 basketball courts; 3 softball/baseball<br />

fields; 6 tennis courts; 13 picnic pavilions;<br />

2 playgrounds; community clubhouse;<br />

community garden; dog park; active adult<br />

center<br />

Ocee Park<br />

10900 Buice Road<br />

Info: 37 acres; walking/jogging track; 2<br />

basketball courts; batting cages; 8 lighted<br />

softball/baseball fields; T-ball field; 2 hard<br />

tennis courts; 2 sand volleyball courts; 4 picnic<br />

pavilions; 2 playgrounds<br />

Shakerag Park<br />

10945 Rogers Circle<br />

Info: 66 acres; walking/jogging track; 3.8-<br />

acre lake; 3 multipurpose athletic fields;<br />

playground; 3 picnic pavilions; community<br />

room<br />

ROSWELL<br />

Azalea Park - Chattahoochee National<br />

Recreation Area<br />

203 Azalea Drive<br />

Info: 10.2-mile walking trail<br />

Big Creek Park<br />

1600 Old Alabama Road<br />

Info: 1-mile walking trail; 1.3-mile concrete<br />

multipurpose trail; mountain bike trails<br />

Don White Memorial Park<br />

925 Riverside Road<br />

Info: 2 sand volleyball courts; picnic pavilion;<br />

outdoor exercise equipment; fishing dock;<br />

access to Roswell River Walk<br />

East Roswell Park<br />

9000 Fouts Road<br />

Info: 1.4-mile walking trail; playground; disc<br />

golf; tennis courts<br />

Garrard Landing Park<br />

8000 Holcomb Bridge<br />

Info: 0.6-mile walking trail; playground<br />

Grimes Bridge Park<br />

830 Grimes Bridge Road<br />

Info: Soccer fields; football fields<br />

Hembree Park<br />

850 Hembree Road<br />

Info: 1-mile walking trail; tennis courts; batting<br />

cages; recreation center; baseball fields<br />

Leita Thompson Memorial Park<br />

1200 Woodstock Road<br />

Info: 2.3-mile walking trail; dog park<br />

Riverside Park<br />

575 Riverside Road<br />

Info: 23 acres; picnic tables; grills; playground;<br />

open field; trail system; concession stand;<br />

sprayground<br />

Roswell Area Park<br />

10495 Woodstock Road<br />

Info: 1.6-mile walking trail; 7.4-mile historic<br />

trail; playground; picnic tables<br />

Sloan Street Park<br />

75 Sloan Street<br />

Info: Playground<br />

Sweet Apple Park<br />

11850 Crabapple Road<br />

Info: 1.1-mile walking trail;<br />

multipurpose fields<br />

Waller Park<br />

250 Oak Street<br />

Info: Recreation center;<br />

playground; baseball field;<br />

outdoor soccer field; picnic<br />

area; Hog Waller Creek;<br />

access to Historic Roswell<br />

Trail System<br />

SANDY SPRINGS<br />

Abernathy Park<br />

254 Johnson Ferry Road<br />

Info: Tennis courts;<br />

playground; picnic tables;<br />

arts center<br />

Allen Park<br />

5900 Lake Forest Drive at<br />

Allen Road<br />

Info: Playground;<br />

multipurpose court; walking<br />

trail; basketball court<br />

Hammond Park<br />

705 Hammond Drive at<br />

Glenridge<br />

Info: Multipurpose building;<br />

gym; game room; soccer<br />

field; lighted tennis courts;<br />

basketball courts; picnic<br />

pavilions; playground<br />

photo courtesy of Sandy Springs<br />

Heritage Green<br />

6075 Sandy Springs Circle<br />

Info: Williams-Payne House; bandstand;<br />

walking trail; boardwalk<br />

John Ripley Forbes Big Trees Forest Preserve<br />

7645 Roswell Road<br />

Info: Nature trails; tree; plant and wildlife<br />

sanctuary<br />

Morgan Falls Overlook Park<br />

200 Morgan Falls Road<br />

Info: Picnic pavilions; playground; boat dock/<br />

fishing pier; hiking trail (less than 1 mile); fire<br />

pit; porch swings<br />

Ridgeview Park<br />

5200 South Trimble Road<br />

Info: Nature trails; picnic pavilion; playground<br />

photo courtesy of Johns Creek<br />

<strong>CommunityProfiles</strong> >> <strong>2017</strong> 19


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call visit 770.698.2000 or ConcourseClub.com to get started today.<br />

*Restrictions 22 and terms may apply. ©2010 Wellbridge<br />

<strong>CommunityProfiles</strong> >> <strong>2017</strong>


Sports in<br />

Getting<br />

Around<br />

North Fulton<br />

Ocee Park<br />

10945 State Bridge Road, Suite 401-PMB 145, Johns Creek<br />

oceepark.com<br />

With nine youth T-ball and baseball leagues and adult coed leagues as<br />

well, the whole family can get their fix of the American pastime here.<br />

River Pines Golf<br />

4775 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek (770) 442-5960<br />

Located on the banks of the Chattahoochee River, River Pines boasts two<br />

courses and a variety of practice facilities for driving, chipping, pitching,<br />

and putting.<br />

Courtesy of the city of Sandy Springs<br />

In addition to the many parks and recreational facilities around the county,<br />

North Fulton also has myriad other ways for residents to stay active. From<br />

adult and children’s organized sports leagues run by the county Department<br />

of Parks and Recreation to chain fitness gyms and the country’s largest<br />

recreational tennis league, the options are limitless.<br />

Alpharetta<br />

Ed Isakson/Alpharetta Family YMCA<br />

3655 Preston Ridge Road, Alpharetta (770) 664-1220<br />

Enjoy summer camps, a swimming pool, workout facility and a variety<br />

of fitness classes and other family-friendly activities.<br />

Golf Club of Georgia<br />

1 Golf Club Drive, Alpharetta (770) 664-8644<br />

Founded in 1990, this club has hosted a wide range of tournaments<br />

and events, including the Senior PGA Tour’s Nationwide Championship.<br />

Seaventures<br />

2880 Holcomb Bridge Road, No. 136, Alpharetta (770) 992-3772<br />

Prep for swim team, host a pool party, or get your scuba certification<br />

(including fun “mission-based” scuba lessons for kids!).<br />

The Cooler<br />

10800 Davis Drive, Alpharetta (770) 649-6600<br />

For the Mighty Duck in everyone, The Cooler sports two ice arenas for<br />

hockey and figure skating, as well as a roller arena for roller hockey.<br />

Dynamo<br />

5075 Abbotts Bridge Road, Johns Creek (770) 772-6007<br />

Specializing in competitive swim lessons, meets, and competitions,<br />

Dynamo also offers water aerobics, basic swim lessons, and multisport<br />

training.<br />

Newtown Park<br />

3000 Old Alabama Road, Suite 104, Johns Creek (678) 297-2662<br />

Newtown Park is your one-stop sport spot with youth leagues for soccer,<br />

flag football, baseball, softball, lacrosse, tennis, and basketball.<br />

Photo courtesy of Alpharetta Convention & Visitors Bureau<br />

Milton<br />

Courtesy of the city of Sandy Springs<br />

Atlanta National Golf Club<br />

350 Tournament Players Drive, Milton (770) 442-8801<br />

Membership at this private club also includes access to White Columns<br />

Country Club and The Manor Golf & Country Club.<br />

Stars Sports Complex<br />

14295 Birmingham Highway, Milton (678) 366-9008<br />

Stars boasts one indoor and six outdoor fields for adult soccer, youth<br />

leagues for various age ranges, and indoor winter lacrosse.<br />

Mountain Park<br />

Fishing in Mountain Park:<br />

mountainparkgov.com/recreation/seasonal-fishing-and-boating-permits<br />

Enjoy the unique beauty of Mountain Park’s two lakes with a season or<br />

day pass for fishing and boating (catch and release only ... remember,<br />

Mountain Park is a wildlife refuge!)<br />

Roswell<br />

Cage Rage<br />

11005 Alpharetta Highway, Roswell (770) 998-7700<br />

A convenient facility for the youth of North Fulton to practice, develop skills<br />

and have fun, Cage Rage offers batting cages, training areas for baseball,<br />

softball, basketball, lacrosse, football, volleyball, soccer, wrestling, golf<br />

and cheerleading. Group and private instruction is available as well.<br />

Southern Volleyball Center<br />

11415 Old Roswell Road, Roswell (770) 346-8878<br />

SVC offers leagues for youths and adults, hosts tournaments and offers<br />

court rentals for private matches -- plus an open gym!<br />

Wall2Wall Sports<br />

170 Cox Road, Roswell (770) 674-1774<br />

Four artificial turf fields and one full-sized natural grass field for youth and<br />

adult soccer, lacrosse, flag/arena football, dodgeball, kickball, and various<br />

fitness programs really is “wall to wall.”<br />

<strong>CommunityProfiles</strong> >> <strong>2017</strong> 21


Atlanta Real Estate Market<br />

CITY UNITS SOLD DAYS ON<br />

MARKET<br />

AVERAGE<br />

SALES PRICE<br />

(770) 971-2332<br />

(770) 975-0252<br />

CHEROKEE COUNTY<br />

Acworth 337 62 $190,730<br />

Alpharetta 41 81 $562,579<br />

Ball Ground 190 68 $228,835<br />

Canton 1,544 66 $260,106<br />

Holly Springs 8, 27 $205,221<br />

Roswell 11 69 $300,218<br />

Waleska 108 79 $236,439<br />

White 16 82 $252,394<br />

Woodstock 1,693 47 $232,806<br />

COBB COUNTY<br />

Acworth 820 46 $220,568<br />

Austell 332 55 $108,674<br />

Kennesaw 1,263 45 $223,425<br />

Mableton 555 53 $224,375<br />

Marietta 3,631 45 $274,446<br />

Powder Springs 687 53 $202,601<br />

Roswell 182 35 $369,900<br />

Smyrna 1,121 45 $251,616<br />

Vinings 427 49 $299,884<br />

FORSYTH COUNTY<br />

Alpharetta 327 38 $296,915<br />

Ball Ground 22 70 $283,907<br />

Cumming 2,854 59 $308,038<br />

Dawsonville 27 57 $236,390<br />

Duluth 50 63 $788,574<br />

Gainesville 218 80 $271,062<br />

Suwanee 382 53 $415,194<br />

FULTON COUNTY<br />

Alpharetta 1,696 44 $350,772<br />

Buckhead 1,862 57 $560,188<br />

Duluth 74 63 $392,926<br />

Dunwoody 210 59 $449,180<br />

Johns Creek 522 42 $435,426<br />

Milton 268 69 $639,442<br />

NW Atlanta 1,058 58 $192,713<br />

Roswell 1,242 45 $346,422<br />

Sandy Springs 1,108 53 $385,953<br />

Virginia Highlands 1,096 41 $373,030<br />

GWINNETT COUNTY<br />

Auburn 41 55 $215,673<br />

Berkeley 24 46 $435,010<br />

Bethlehem 28 48 $195,227<br />

Braselton 63 74 $405,483<br />

Buford 780 51 $228,336<br />

Dacula 561 58 $236,337<br />

Duluth 775 46 $247,816<br />

Grayson 241 72 $240,679<br />

Hoschton 59 56 $290,759<br />

Lawrenceville 2,339 47 $174,946<br />

Lilburn 627 55 $191,288<br />

Loganville 414 52 $168,233<br />

Norcross 608 48 $168,000<br />

Peachtree Corners 182 42 $324,182<br />

Snellville 877 55 $174,381<br />

Stone Mountain 125 49 $153,197<br />

Sugar Hill 367 48 $215,147<br />

Suwanee 735 42 $303,006<br />

Tucker 102 42 $199,589<br />

22<br />

Chart Courtesy of Smart Real Estate Data of Recent 12 month period<br />

<strong>CommunityProfiles</strong> >> <strong>2017</strong>


New Homes<br />

in Atlanta<br />

Are Coming<br />

Back Strong<br />

By David Ellis,<br />

Executive Vice<br />

President, Greater<br />

Atlanta Home Builders<br />

Association<br />

The housing and new home market in the Atlanta region<br />

continues to improve and the prospects going forward<br />

look very good.<br />

After the greatest housing downturn in American<br />

history, new home construction in our region is<br />

rebounding at a brisk pace. During the downturn, new<br />

home construction in our area fell almost 90%. In 2016,<br />

around 20,000 new homes were built in our community.<br />

This year, the numbers will be even better. The Atlanta<br />

region has regained its footing with burgeoning job<br />

growth and economic incentives that are breathing new<br />

life back into our local economy. Today, Atlanta has the<br />

third highest new home permit rate in the country. As<br />

consumer confidence continues to rise and the interest<br />

rates stay low, the demand for new homes will continue<br />

to increase.<br />

As the housing recovery began, the growth was concentrated<br />

in the northern portion of the region in Forsyth, Cobb and the<br />

new cities of North Fulton. In the last year, other areas of<br />

Atlanta have begun to surge. Gwinnett County returned to<br />

being our fastest growing county. New home construction<br />

has begun to return throughout the region. Every county in<br />

the metro area has seen improved permits and new home<br />

sales in the past year.<br />

Still, housing inventory levels have been at historically low<br />

levels for well over a year. In addition, builders have to face<br />

headwinds in the regulatory environment, labor market<br />

restraints and rising land costs. Even with these issues,<br />

Atlanta’s new home market is moving forward and growing.<br />

Smaller builders and developers are still finding it challenging<br />

to find credit to meet the demands of the market. However,<br />

credit is slowing becoming available through community<br />

and state banks, as well as private investors who see the<br />

opportunities in housing. Increasingly, builders of all sizes<br />

are able to join in the housing recovery.<br />

Home buyers are also finding positives in low mortgage<br />

interest rates and more reasonable mortgage qualifying<br />

standards. Atlanta remains as one of the most affordable<br />

major housing markets in the country. Consistently, Atlanta<br />

is named as one of the markets in the nation where home<br />

buying is more affordable than renting. Also, homes today<br />

are more energy efficient and are designed to accommodate<br />

the technologies that home owners want to see today.<br />

The home building market in Atlanta is gaining strength.<br />

Low interest rates, regional job growth, growing consumer<br />

confidence and rising home values are all very positive signs.<br />

All the market indicators are pointing in the right direction.<br />

new ad to come<br />

<strong>CommunityProfiles</strong> >> <strong>2017</strong> 23


Now for the Fun Part!<br />

By Lisa Mowry<br />

After months of finding your new<br />

house, it’s time to figure out the<br />

right decorating and remodeling<br />

projects to make it wonderful.<br />

Is there anything more intimidating than an empty house? The<br />

possibilities are enormous, but nobody wants to spend money<br />

on the wrong priorities—or last year’s trends. We’ve asked the<br />

experts to help homebuyers get started on making their new home<br />

everything it can be.<br />

Remodeling<br />

Dale Contant, president-elect of the National Association of the Remodeling<br />

Industry and owner of Atlanta Design & Build (atlantadesignbuild.com), offers<br />

his expertise:<br />

Which areas of the house do homebuyers typically approach you to remodel<br />

as a top priority for them?<br />

Contant: Kitchens and master bathrooms are by far the most popular<br />

for every size house. Baby-boomers want any older home they’ve<br />

purchased to have fresh kitchen and bathrooms, floors and paint.<br />

As far as other projects: basements are another key area to update, as well<br />

as other bathrooms in the house.<br />

Do you recommend that homeowners try to do as much as possible before<br />

moving in?<br />

Contant: It makes for a good transition to have the floors refinished or carpeted,<br />

new paint, and any areas that desperately need updating to be done prior to<br />

moving in. It’s a lot harder to do with furniture in place and living through the<br />

mess; if you remodel before you move in, there’s less inconvenience and it can<br />

be done faster.<br />

What are some trends you’re seeing in kitchens and baths these days?<br />

Kitchens: We’re seeing that homeowners are removing walls and making an<br />

open floor plan. They seem to prefer a larger, single level island rather than the<br />

multi-level ones from past years, with stone or quartz countertops. We also see<br />

more upgrades in appliances than from previous years, and the popularity of<br />

farmhouse sinks.<br />

Master bathrooms: Bathrooms these days are featuring a much larger shower,<br />

often with a “curbless entry,” large format tile, heated tile floors, and frameless<br />

showers. We are also adding more freestanding soaking tubs, and linen<br />

cabinets.<br />

What about outdoor areas...do you see that as a popular area of the house<br />

for Atlantans to remodel or upgrade?<br />

Contant: With such a great spring, summer, fall and even winter in Atlanta, we<br />

can use the exterior areas of our home year-round. What we’re seeing a lot of:<br />

screen porches with fireplaces and TVs, fancy decks, hot tub areas, outdoor<br />

kitchens, waterfalls and serene landscape features, fire pits, and exterior<br />

fireplaces—all sorts of ways to link the outdoors and indoors.<br />

This built-on screened porch has it all: stone fireplace, vaulted ceiling, and wiring for an outdoor<br />

TV—plus an adjacent deck to get a little sun. Photos courtesy of Atlanta Design & Build;<br />

photos by Brian Reeves of Perfect Day Photos.<br />

Decorating<br />

Joann Kandrac and Kelly Kole make up Kandrac & Kole Interior Design (kandrackole.com),<br />

voted one of Atlanta’s top interior design firms by the Atlanta<br />

Business Chronicle. They are frequently featured in magazines such as Better<br />

Homes & Gardens. Their thoughts on decorating with a plan:<br />

What are some of the first steps homeowners should take to go about<br />

decorating their new house?<br />

Kelly Kole: Having just gone thru this process myself (after living in a house<br />

for 18 years) I would advise homeowners to begin the process by ruthlessly<br />

purging. Only keep the things that are of quality and that you love; sell or<br />

donate the others. Once you are dealing with an inventory of only the items you<br />

really love, start thinking about how they can be reused in different rooms. It’s<br />

fun to give new life to a piece of art, a table or chair by putting it in an entirely<br />

new space. I took photographs and measurements of my remaining inventory<br />

and then started to assign pieces to rooms. Once I did this, I knew where I<br />

needed to fill in pieces.<br />

Do you have any general guidelines to help people start the process, such as<br />

identifying favorite colors?<br />

Joann Kandrac: I know some designers say to start with the rug, others choose<br />

fabrics, others have a different set of factors. One of my favorite ground rules<br />

is to select a palette based on a favorite piece of art. If you had a piece of art<br />

in the family room in a previous house, maybe now it will work in the master<br />

bedroom, for instance. Take the opportunity to reinvent your existing pieces in<br />

different parts of your new home.<br />

What do you think are some exciting trends and opportunities in these areas<br />

of the house?<br />

Foyer:<br />

Joann: This is a place you can make a tremendous visual impact and one good<br />

way to do that is with wallpaper. It is making a big comeback and a foyer is<br />

a perfect place to incorporate it. Another opportunity in this area is to have<br />

fun with the flooring. Examples might be to mix marble and wood in the same<br />

room, or use flooring in a chevron or brick-style pattern.<br />

Living room:<br />

Joann: Make this room a true room to live in; gone are the days of the “too<br />

nice to sit on” furniture and the museum-like furnishings. Make this room<br />

comfortable and cohesive to family time, not a room that is only “for show.”<br />

Dining room:<br />

Kelly: Formal dining rooms are not as common as they once were. Some<br />

homeowners are turning their dining room into a more multi-functional space<br />

– such as also a library, music room, or craft room. For those homeowners who<br />

still want a dining room, we are seeing a trend toward a more casual area. One<br />

way to accomplish this is by using a mix of seating options. We are designing<br />

these spaces with a mix of wood and upholstered chairs, benches and banquets<br />

(like a small sofa made to cozy up to a dining table). Also, a large interesting<br />

chandelier can transform a dining room. Most chandeliers we see in clients’<br />

homes are too small.<br />

Family room/TV room:<br />

Kelly: Our clients are busy families, so the fabric choices we make are very<br />

important. We are selecting Sunbrella and Crypton fabrics in many of our<br />

projects. These fabrics are traditionally known for their indoor/outdoor<br />

qualities but the patterns, colors and softness have come a long way. They are<br />

durable and easy to clean, which appeals to everybody. We are also designing<br />

family rooms that appeal to everybody in the family—such as a quiet reading<br />

corner, a small desk to work at, a pub table for games, or a large, deep sofa for<br />

curling up in front of a movie.<br />

Kitchen:<br />

Joann: Incorporating bold and oversized light fixtures can update your kitchen<br />

in a big way. Storage is another game changer for functionality in a kitchen.<br />

In terms of cabinetry, it’s handy to incorporate trash/recycling pullouts, rollout<br />

drawers, spice pullouts and even special storage for dog bowls/food.<br />

Powder room:<br />

Joann: This is the space where company can close the door and really take it all<br />

in. Even though this is probably the smallest room in the house, it can have the<br />

most impact. The use of a graphic wall covering or an intense paint color for<br />

the ceiling is one clever way. Painting this room a dark color is also a great way<br />

to add drama and it does NOT make the room look smaller.<br />

24<br />

<strong>CommunityProfiles</strong> >> <strong>2017</strong>


Master bedroom:<br />

Kelly: Normally the last room that our clients decorate, the master bedroom<br />

is really one of the most important spaces for homebuyers. We are enjoying<br />

designing with “smart furniture” these days-- bedside tables that have a built<br />

in night light under the table, hidden drawers for iphones/ipads to charge, or<br />

headboards that have a hidden panel with an LED reading light. We are also<br />

layering windows with custom linen panels but then using a black out cellular<br />

shade underneath--a big hit with the teenagers!<br />

Home office:<br />

Kelly: With technology becoming smaller and more efficient, a home office<br />

can be a light-filled corner of a room, a renovated closet, or a portion of a<br />

laundry room or butlers pantry. We are also seeing trends towards wellness<br />

and ergonomics in the office - standing desks, adjustable smart chairs (where<br />

you can adjust the height, the lumbar and the arms) and LED lighting that is<br />

easy on the eyes.<br />

They gave the dining room a new look with slipcovered chairs and a more casual light fixture<br />

with some size to it (the previous one was wimpy).<br />

Photos courtesy Kandrac-Kole and photographer Emily Followill.<br />

“We were able to use about 40% of this Atlanta family’s previous things for their new house,”<br />

says Kelly Kole. To upgrade the family room, they painted the built-ins a soothing gray, and<br />

livened up an existing sectional with new pillows and rug in colorful hues.<br />

Photos courtesy Kandrac-Kole and photographer Emily Followill.<br />

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<strong>CommunityProfiles</strong> >> <strong>2017</strong> 25


Senior Living<br />

in Atlanta<br />

By Gwyn Herbein<br />

Relocation can happen to anyone, at any time, for any reason. Maybe<br />

your dream job just opened up in another state, or you want to be<br />

closer to your extended family. Whatever the reason, there are often<br />

other considerations that have to be made beyond what neighborhood<br />

to live in and where to send the kids to school. Members of the socalled<br />

“sandwich generation”—which refers to those who are caring for<br />

or supporting both their older parents and their children—are having to<br />

strike a delicate balance. In 2013, the Pew Research Center found that<br />

47 percent of adults in the 40s and 50s have both a parent age 65 and<br />

older and are either raising a young family or financially supporting a<br />

child over the age of 18.<br />

Relocation can often mean finding a suitable place for an aging<br />

parent to live, or planning for the “what ifs” if a person’s health or<br />

ability to live independently changes. Companies like Arbor, Brookdale,<br />

Peregrine, Insignia and others operate facilities and resources to help<br />

families find the best fit for their loved ones.<br />

Beginning the process<br />

Today’s senior living facilities go to great lengths to understand the<br />

needs of their residents, which goes far beyond their medical history<br />

and current medications list. “Our [sales people are] trained in how<br />

to discover who the person is, what is this legacy and life story of the<br />

individual who is coming to us,” explains Shirley Paulk, R.N., senior vice<br />

president of sales and marketing at the Arbor Company. The company<br />

operates nine facilities in Georgia, including several in the metro Atlanta<br />

area like Decatur, East Cobb, Alpharetta and Johns Creek.<br />

“It’s not one size fits all; it’s a very customized approach we have<br />

for each individual,” says Paulk. That could mean an adult child coming<br />

with their parent, or an older couple who may be beginning to realize<br />

they are no longer comfortable living alone in their home. After the<br />

initial consultation, Arbor’s senior care counselors make home visits<br />

to further understand the personal priorities of the resident and what<br />

material items they may want to bring with them to help preserve their<br />

memories even while they make new ones. “Our job is to help people<br />

see it’s just a bend in the road, a new intersection, rather than the end<br />

of the road,” says Paulk. That even includes additional counseling in the<br />

case of complicated family dynamics.<br />

Each family also has a different dynamic when it comes to making<br />

decisions. Sterling Estates, which operates senior living communities in<br />

East and West Cobb, has counselors on staff to guide seniors and their<br />

adult children through the process. “Furthermore, our websites have<br />

a wealth of educational information to help with the decision making<br />

process,” says Pete Green, partner at Sterling Estates’ development<br />

division, HCC Senior Living Group. The online information speaks to<br />

those who know exactly what type of community they need as well as<br />

those who are just beginning the process and may be overwhelmed by<br />

the options.<br />

Finding a home<br />

One of the many decisions that must be made is what type of living is<br />

right for the resident, even within a facility. Arbor offers independent<br />

living, assisted living and memory care. Within the memory care<br />

neighborhoods, there are two levels: Bridges, which Paulk describes<br />

as being for those in the early stages of cognitive impairment. “It’s a<br />

smaller and more intimate setting. By keeping that type of resident<br />

together, we can get creative in how we do our programming,” she says.<br />

Evergreen is a secured neighborhood for those with more progressive<br />

dementia, and both neighborhoods are served by staff specially trained<br />

for dementia care.<br />

Senior living facilities are also prepared to take on the health<br />

challenges that come with aging, regardless of whether they happen<br />

slowly or quickly. Arbor facilities constantly communicate with the<br />

family and the resident’s primary health care provider when a sudden<br />

medical change occurs.<br />

Sterling Estates provides a continuum of housing options so that<br />

residents can seamlessly transition to other types of housing when<br />

their health needs change. “Our Sterling Estates communities have<br />

independent residences that are cottages, garden homes and/or<br />

apartments. Additionally, our large Main Residences allows for either<br />

independent living or assisted living,” explains Green. “Furthermore,<br />

couples don’t need to separate when one spouse ages more rapidly.”<br />

All Sterling residents have personal emergency transponders to notify<br />

staff in case of an emergency, 24/7 nursing care and are near two major<br />

hospitals in Cobb. “Third party therapy companies, other health care<br />

professionals and doctors are available to treat residents on-site,” adds<br />

Green.<br />

Living the life<br />

Once a family has made the decision to move a loved one into a senior<br />

living facility, the focus turns to making the transition as seamless as<br />

possible. Before moving to an Arbor facility, families are visited by an<br />

engagement counselor who takes the time to learn whether the resident<br />

is a person who enjoys quiet time for reading, or a social butterfly. “We<br />

believe in deep connections, and taking what we learn about them<br />

and connecting them to others,” says Paulk. The information gathered<br />

by the engagement counselor helps inform everything from at which<br />

dining table the resident will eat meals to who their neighbors will be.<br />

Financial counselors are also available to help residents untangle the<br />

many intricacies of life insurance, veterans’ benefits and other financial<br />

assets that will help pay for care.<br />

After the boxes are unpacked, residents are then encouraged to<br />

engage in a wide range of activities offered by the facilities. “There are<br />

so many daily opportunities to engage within and outside our immediate<br />

neighborhoods that foster mental stimulation and enjoyment,” says<br />

Green, all of which are part of the “Living a Sterling Life” motto. “’Living<br />

a Sterling Life’ is all about promoting and engaging in a healthy lifestyle<br />

through nutritious and enjoyable meal plans, exercise tailored to<br />

individual needs and providing socialization engagement opportunities<br />

for our residents that they otherwise don’t have by living alone,” explains<br />

Green. “Our overriding goal is providing our residents the programs and<br />

services necessary to remain active and as independent as possible.”<br />

Arbor offers art and music studios, rehab and fitness facilities, as well as<br />

a beauty salon and libraries.<br />

No matter their current or future health needs, metro area seniors<br />

and their families can rest assured that there is a facility that is a<br />

good fit. From the beginning of the research process through difficult<br />

conversations and decisions, today’s senior living facilities are there<br />

every step of the way.<br />

26<br />

<strong>CommunityProfiles</strong> >> <strong>2017</strong>


STERLING ESTATES<br />

OF WEST COBB<br />

An Independent and Assisted Living Community<br />

Look Forward to<br />

Living a Sterling Life<br />

Right in the Heart of<br />

West Cobb!<br />

Opening Summer<br />

of 2016<br />

For More Information and to Learn about<br />

our Sterling Advantage Club, Visit us at<br />

www.sterlingestateswestcobb.com/acp<br />

or call us at 877-259-0197<br />

Located at 3165 Dallas Highway, Marietta, GA 30064<br />

Locally Developed, Owned and Managed<br />

INDEPENDENT APARTMENTS<br />

INDEPENDENT COTTAGES AND GARDEN HOMES<br />

ASSISTED LIVING RESIDENCE<br />

STERLING ESTATES<br />

OF EAST COBB<br />

Live a Sterling Life, Right in the Heart of East Cobb!<br />

For more information or to<br />

schedule a tour, please contact<br />

Sharon Egitton, Assistant Executive Director.<br />

www.sterlingestateseastcobb.com/acp<br />

4220 Lower Roswell Rd., Marietta, GA 30068 • 877-385-8617<br />

Locally Developed, Owned and Managed<br />

Licensed Assisted Living Facility<br />

<strong>CommunityProfiles</strong> >> <strong>2017</strong> 27


Cities in North Fulton<br />

Fulton County Population: 977,773 County Seat: Atlanta<br />

Median Household Income: $57,582 Median Home Price: $250,300<br />

Square Miles: 526.64 Millage Rate: 10.281<br />

North Fulton Municipalities: Johns Creek, Milton, Mountain Park,<br />

Roswell, Sandy Springs<br />

Alpharetta<br />

alpharetta.ga.us<br />

(678) 297-6000<br />

Like many cities in the metro<br />

area, Alpharetta sprang out<br />

of settlements that emerged<br />

after the Cherokee Indians<br />

were forcibly removed from<br />

Georgia in the 1830s. First<br />

known as the New Prospect<br />

Camp Ground, present-day<br />

Alpharetta is located near a<br />

natural spring that became<br />

a trading post for nearby<br />

Photo courtesy of Alpharetta CVB<br />

settlers. Alpharetta was chartered in 1858 and until 1931 was the county<br />

seat of Milton County, which merged with Fulton County in order to avoid<br />

bankruptcy during the Great Depression.<br />

The city has changed a lot in the past 84 years. With an area of 21.4 square miles,<br />

it is one of the largest—and wealthiest—municipalities in North Fulton County.<br />

Known as “The Technology City of the South,” Alpharetta is home to countless<br />

office parks and IT centers. It is also a hub for many well- known businesses<br />

like ADP, LexisNexis, Comcast and E-Trade, among others. Alpharetta is a<br />

shopper’s paradise, with NorthPoint Mall and its surrounding neighborhoods<br />

housing many major retailers. Avalon, a new mixed-use development from<br />

North American Properties, which owns the Atlantic Station development in<br />

Midtown Atlanta, is scheduled to be opened later this year. With retailers like<br />

Whole Foods, J. Crew and Road Runner Sports confirmed and dining concepts<br />

from some of the area’s best chefs, the development is sure to up the ante on<br />

shopping and dining in the area. Festivals and musical performances abound<br />

both in the historic downtown area and at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at<br />

Encore Park, the summer home of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.<br />

________________________________________________________<br />

Johns Creek<br />

johnscreekga.gov (678) 512-3200<br />

One of the newer municipalities in North Fulton, Johns Creek was incorporated<br />

in 2006. It has quickly earned a reputation as a business-friendly and affluent<br />

community. While it shares similar history to many of the area’s other cities,<br />

first as a trading post in Cherokee Territory, then as a community in what used<br />

to be Milton County, Johns Creek has set itself apart. Initially conceived as a<br />

planned community and the second campus of a technology business park<br />

founded by two Georgia Tech graduates, the 1,700 acres of rural land soon<br />

grew to house more than 200 businesses and more than 11,000 people across<br />

28<br />

Photo courtesy of Johns Creek<br />

6 million square feet of office, retail and industrial space. Money magazine<br />

ranked the city the 13th highest-earning city in the U.S. It has a total population<br />

of more than 76,000 people, and its schools, which are part of the Fulton<br />

County system, are some of the best in the metro area. Johns Creek boasts<br />

three National Blue Ribbon Schools: Chattahoochee High School, River Trail<br />

Middle School and Dolvin Elementary. Additionally, Northview High School has<br />

been awarded the Governor’s Cup for earning the state’s highest SAT scores<br />

three times.<br />

In addition to a strong educational base, Johns Creek also has many cultural and<br />

entertainment options for both residents and visitors. It is home to five public<br />

golf facilities and one private one. The renowned Atlanta Athletic Club hosted<br />

the 2011 PGA Championship. Festivals, farmers markets and its location on the<br />

banks of the Chattahoochee River make Johns Creek a great place to live.<br />

________________________________________________________<br />

Photo courtesy of Milton<br />

Milton<br />

cityofmiltonga.us (678) 252-2400<br />

Incorporated in 2006, the city of Milton is named after Revolutionary War hero<br />

John Milton. Milton also served as Georgia’s Secretary of State from 1777 until<br />

1799. The city wasted no time in catching up with some of its neighbors and<br />

has already been recognized locally and nationally for its accomplishments.<br />

In 2011, the Atlanta Business Chronicle ranked Milton as having the best<br />

quality of life in the metro area. The same year, Milton was awarded the No.<br />

9 spot in the South for quality of life by The Business Journals. Metrics for this<br />

survey of more than 1,100 cities across the region included the percentage of<br />

workers who either walk to work or telecommute (13.4 percent), adults with<br />

advanced degrees (20.4 percent) and the homeownership rate (81 percent).<br />

Its population of more than 33,000 residents also boasts a median household<br />

income of about $99,000 per year. Milton also came in at No. 3 on home<br />

security firm SafeWise’s list of the 50 safest cities in Georgia. For recreation,<br />

Milton has partnered with Alpharetta for use of local parks.<br />

Business has also thrived in Milton. In 2013, the city founded its economic<br />

development department in an effort to meet goals set out in its strategic<br />

plan. Considering the strides the city has made in the eight years since its<br />

incorporation, the future looks bright for Milton and its residents.<br />

________________________________________________________<br />

Mountain Park<br />

mountainparkgov.com 770-993-4231<br />

Bordered on three sides by Roswell and extending into Cherokee County by less<br />

than 1,000 feet, Mountain Park, GA is the smallest of North Fulton’s cities with a<br />

total area of less than a square mile and a population of only 547. Incorporated<br />

in 1927, Mountain Park was originally a summer getaway for some of Atlanta’s<br />

more elite citizens, with only three families living as permanent residents<br />

including the mayor, who ran a small shop called “The Stand.”<br />

While it has grown since then, Mountain Park remains an idyllic change of pace<br />

for the Atlanta area. The city is zoned as a wildlife refuge, and many official<br />

clubs are dedicated to maintaining its unique natural beauty, including the<br />

Watershed Preservation Society, the Mountain Park Organic community garden<br />

project, and the Green and Beautiful Program. The Arbor Day Foundation,<br />

USDA Forest Service and Association of State Foresters recently awarded the<br />

city the distinction of Tree City USA, which recognizes urban and community<br />

forestry programs across the US. If you want the jobs of the Atlanta area but the<br />

peace and quiet of a lakeside cabin, Mountain Park is an ideal spot, but hurry<br />

-- at the time of this writing, there are only 10 houses for sale!<br />

<strong>CommunityProfiles</strong> >> <strong>2017</strong>


Roswell<br />

roswellgov.com (770) 641-3727<br />

Unlike many of North Fulton’s communities, Roswell was founded in the early<br />

19th century. The city is named after its founder, Roswell King, who built<br />

what became the largest cotton mill in North Georgia. The city was officially<br />

incorporated in 1854. By the time the Civil War started, the cotton mill<br />

employed more than 400 people, many of whom were sent north when the<br />

mill was destroyed by Gen. Sherman’s troops. During the Great Depression,<br />

when much of the area’s agricultural industry was lagging, Roswell was<br />

ceded from Cobb County to become part of Fulton at the same time that<br />

neighboring Milton County was being absorbed by Fulton.<br />

Roswell is now the eighth largest city in Georgia with a population close to<br />

90,000, after having experienced extensive growth over the past 20 years.<br />

Due to its outstanding quality of life, the city has twice been voted one of<br />

the best places in the metro area to live by Atlanta magazine. Additionally,<br />

Frommer’s ranked Roswell No. 3 on its list of the best places to raise a family.<br />

Part of that can be attributed to its 13 parks, which comprise more than 900<br />

acres of active and passive green space. Residents also have access to the<br />

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, which is part of the National<br />

Park System. Roswell boasts a quaint downtown square full of eclectic shops<br />

and some of the metro area’s best restaurants.<br />

________________________________________________________<br />

Sandy Springs<br />

sandyspringsga.org (770) 730-5600<br />

Located just outside the I-285 Perimeter and easily accessible via Georgia<br />

400, Sandy Springs was incorporated in 2006 and now has a population<br />

of more than 94,000. While Perimeter Mall, one of the area’s premier<br />

shopping destinations, falls within the borders of the city of Dunwoody, the<br />

surrounding business district belongs to Sandy Springs. Northside Hospital,<br />

Saint Joseph’s Hospital and the Scottish Rite campus of Children’s Healthcare<br />

of Atlanta also fall within Sandy Springs’ borders. These are also some of the<br />

largest employers in the city. Sandy Springs has the distinction of being the<br />

home of UPS, one of the world’s most recognizable brands.<br />

Recreation opportunities abound in Sandy Springs, which has 12 parks<br />

and several annual outdoor festivals and events. Heritage Sandy Springs, a<br />

nonprofit that seeks to preserve and promote the history of Sandy Springs,<br />

sponsors the annual Sandy Springs Festival and also runs Heritage Green,<br />

which includes the Williams-Payne House and Museum. Tennis magazine<br />

recently called The Sandy Springs Tennis Center, which has 24 lighted courts,<br />

“one of the finest public facilities in the country.” Over the past few years,<br />

Sandy Springs has implemented many projects to increase green space,<br />

make the city more pedestrian friendly and decrease dependence on fossil<br />

fuels. The Atlanta Regional Commission recently honored Sandy Springs<br />

for its efforts to use solar energy and propane auto gas for many of its fire<br />

stations and police vehicles.<br />

Power<br />

Georgia Power<br />

888-660-5890<br />

georgiapower.com<br />

Greystone Power Corp<br />

(770) 942-6576<br />

greystonepower.com<br />

Sawnee EMC<br />

(770) 887-2363<br />

sawnee.com<br />

Gas<br />

Atlanta Gas Light<br />

(877) 427-4321<br />

atlantagaslight.com<br />

Gas South<br />

(877) 472-4932<br />

gas-south.com<br />

Georgia Natural Gas<br />

(877) 850-6200<br />

onlygng.com<br />

Infinite Energy Company<br />

(877) 342-5434<br />

infiniteenergy.com<br />

SCANA Energy<br />

(877) 467-2262<br />

scanaenergy.com<br />

True Natural Gas<br />

(877) 746-4362<br />

truenaturalgas.com<br />

Walton EMC Natural Gas<br />

(770) 267-2505<br />

waltonemcnaturalgas.com<br />

Water and Sewer<br />

Fulton County Water<br />

& Sewer Billing<br />

fultoncountyga.gov<br />

(404) 730-6830<br />

Cable<br />

Comcast<br />

comcast.com<br />

866-922-0069<br />

Fulton County Office<br />

of Broadcast and Cable<br />

www.fultoncountyga.gov<br />

(404)-612-8394<br />

Telephone<br />

AT&T<br />

att.com<br />

(888) 695-3398<br />

Smith Plantation photo credit to the Roswell Convention and Visitors Bureau.<br />

Published by:<br />

Lou@communityprofiles.info<br />

Phone: 678-319-4433<br />

©<strong>2017</strong><strong>CommunityProfiles</strong><br />

<strong>CommunityProfiles</strong> >> <strong>2017</strong> 29


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<strong>CommunityProfiles</strong> >> <strong>2017</strong>


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8<br />

JOHN’S CREEK<br />

<strong>CommunityProfiles</strong> >> <strong>2017</strong> 31


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1<br />

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<strong>CommunityProfiles</strong> >> <strong>2017</strong>


1<br />

6<br />

JOHN’S CREEK<br />

4<br />

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<strong>CommunityProfiles</strong> >> <strong>2017</strong> 33


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36 <strong>CommunityProfiles</strong> >> <strong>2017</strong>

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