In the early days of our nations, before the Revolutionary War, the Georgia area was crisscrossed with Indian trails. One of these trails became the site of New Prospect Camp Ground, a tiny trading village of tents and shacks. As trade became more prominent, the village grew until in 1858 a city charter was signed, making Alpharetta the seat of Milton County. The name is Greek and means First City. In 1932, Milton County was abolished; merged into the growing bulk of Fulton County.
Today, Alpharetta is a bustling suburb at the very edge of Atlanta. Alpharetta, ironically, suffered in the past due to the city's lack of a railroad, but now that is a major reason that people move to the city, less noise, less danger and more opportunity for growth. The city has developed a reputation for growth while maintaining the area's natural beauty. This is evident everywhere you look in Alpharetta, but most spectacularly, in the Big Creek Greenway. This linear park runs 6.2 miles and consists of a concrete walking/jogging/biking trail that runs parallel to Big Creek, through the lush forests and wetlands in the area. It allows the city's residents and other visitors to enjoy the spectacular natural beauty that Georgia can provide.
Alpharetta also boasts the area's newest shopping mall. North Point Mall boasts over 1.3 million square feet dedicated to shopping and dining. The mall is also home to two movie theaters, a roller skating rink and ice skating rink. The area offers an incredible array of shops and restaurants for residents and visitors to enjoy themselves. Other areas around the city also offer a vast array of goods and services, from local craftsmen to big name chain stores. Alpharetta apartments are scattered throughout the city. The rental rates are very reasonable.
The city of Alpharetta is one of the fastest growing city's in the metro Atlanta area. The city offers tons of historical sites, great shopping and other attractions, combined with an impressive system of parks to keep Alpharetta green. The city prides itself on being one of the best places for families to move and offers everything from a YMCA center to a vast system of libraries. The school system is also one of the best in the state of Georgia. During the year, the city of Alpharetta also offers many festivals and fairs. Fall is especially packed with activities, from hay rides to pumpkin carving contests. As the air cools with the coming of autumn, fall festivals and local arts and crafts fairs proliferate around the city. There are Halloween activities like costume contests and the festivals continue through the Christmas season. Spring finds the city crowned with flowers and budding leaves, and spring festivals in full swing. These seasonal fairs and festivals offer the community a place to come together and develop a closeness, a feeling of family.