Alpharetta's long history can be traced back to the 1830s - to the time of the Cherokee Indian resettlement. Settlers moved into the area and formed the New Prospect Camground, the downtown area of which was located just to the north of present-day downtown, where there was a natural spring.

The City of Alpharetta, located in north Fulton County, was incorporated December 11, 1858. The name of the city is also believed to have been derived from the Greek words "alpha" meaning first and "retta" meaning town. The City was hard hit during the Civil War, witnessing the burning of its original courthouse as the Union Army passed through Milton County. Alpharetta was the county seat of the former Milton County until, in 1932, Milton County was merged into Fulton County to save it from bankruptcy.

In 1981 Alpharetta was a small town of approximately 3,000 residents. By July 2007 the community had become home to 51,243 citizens, composing roughly 20% of the population of northern Fulton County. During the workday, the City swells to more than 120,000 residents, workers, and visitors.

Today, Alpharetta is one of the fastest growing communities in the South. Its environment is considered ideal for raising families and living a quality lifestyle free from the problems found in so many similar sized cities. Its schools are sought-after and ranked among the highest in the nation.

Alpharetta's residents have the benefit of some of the finest outdoor living in the Atlanta area, enjoying a number of parks and recreation areas, including the Big Creek Greenway system, a 12-foot wide concrete path which wanders through the deciduous woods along Big Creek and provides a safe, environmentally pleasing pathway for users to enjoy quiet leisure time, walking, biking, jogging, picnicking and more! In addition, Alpharetta also offers one of the finest equestrian facilities in the southeast at Wills Park.

The social calendar for the City of Alpharetta is never blank. Offering such community programs and events as Taste of Alpharetta, Breakfast with Santa, Alpharetta Arts Streetfest, and a monthly farmers' market, Alpharetta is teeming with fun and interesting things to do!

Alpharetta is a desirable and enjoyable place to live - with so much to offer. You will love to call Alpharetta your home!