It's been a big few weeks for Alpharetta.
The city has been making national headlines, the North Point Mall redevelopment just took a significant step forward, and a beloved Saturday tradition is back.
Here's what you need to know. Let’s dive in.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Image source: Jamestown, L.P.
Jamestown has officially submitted a rezoning application to the City of Alpharetta to advance the long-sought redevelopment of the nearly 100-acre North Point Mall site. Our team interviewed Frances Bohn, Director of Development and Construction - North America at Jamestown, to get the complete picture of the redevelopment and know what to expect. Check out the full interview here.
The proposal includes a 20,000-seat arena, a 2,000-seat community hockey rink, 750,000 square feet of office space, 907,000 square feet of retail and dining space, and 1,385 for-rent multifamily units.
On timeline: subject to city approval, the redevelopment would roll out in phases over 10 to 15 years, with a construction start date still to be determined pending the rezoning outcome.
Takeaway: This is still early-stage; A rezoning application is not a groundbreaking. Alpharetta is competing with a separate $3 billion proposal up the road in Forsyth County for the same NHL bid. However, Jamestown knows how to execute mixed-use at scale with the development of Ponce City Market and other developments across the country. Worth paying attention to the upcoming public hearings.
The Alpharetta Farmers market returned this spring and runs every Saturday through November 14.
Held on Saturdays in Downtown Alpharetta across from Alpharetta City Hall from 8:30AM to 12:30PM.
Over 100 vendors offering fresh produce, natural meat, baked goods, locally roasted coffee, and more.
Hosts a collection of local artisans showcasing unique gifts, soaps, candles, and other hand-crafted goods.
Takeaway: If you haven't been, you're missing out on one of the best ongoing local events in the area. The event is community-focused, locally driven, and worth making a habit of every Saturday morning.
Two separate national studies landed in the same place: Alpharetta is the best small city in the U.S. for career opportunities.
CoWorkingCafe analyzed 298 cities with under 250,000 residents across economic, workforce, and quality-of-life factors, and Alpharetta came out on top.
The ranking placed Alpharetta ahead of cities such as Boca Raton, Florida and Santa Clara, California.
The New York Times independently covered the findings and published its own piece ranking Alpharetta #1 for small cities with big career potential.
Takeaway: Two independent national outlets arriving at the same conclusion about Alpharetta is not a coincidence. The city has quietly built strong job access, solid infrastructure, and a quality of life that's hard to replicate at this size. The risk now is that the attention accelerates growth faster than the city can absorb it. That's a good problem to have, but it's still a problem worth watching.
Image source: Ted’s Montana Grill
George McKerrow built some of Atlanta's most iconic restaurant brands like Ted’s Montana Grill and Longhorn Steakhouse, and he saw Alpharetta's potential before most people did. In our interview, McKerrow discussed Alpharetta’s growth over the years and why his decision to bring a Ted’s Montana Grill location to Avalon has been a success.
He called Avalon one of "the most creative and well-executed lifestyle centers ever built in the country" and said he believed early on it would be a dynamic draw based on where people were moving and the economic drivers in the area.
McKerrow also credited Alpharetta itself: "The Alpharetta community was welcoming businesses. Alpharetta was defining itself as a desirable place to grow a business and live, work, and play. And we jumped on the bandwagon early."
COMMUNITY
🐶 Pet of the Week: Milton
(Up For Adoption!)
Milton is a sweet and adorable 4-month-old mixed breed puppy who’s ready to find his forever home. Full of curiosity, he’s always eager to learn about the world around him and take in all the exciting “firsts” that come with being a young pup. This affectionate little guy will happily melt right into your arms and absolutely loves hugs, making him the perfect cuddle companion after a fun day of play.
If you’re looking for a curious, playful, and snuggly pup to join your family, Milton might just be the perfect match!
Milton has been neutered, is up to date on all vaccinations & preventatives, and is microchipped.
If you’re interested in bringing Milton home, please visit FurKids.org.
📅 Top Events For This Week:
⭐️ Featured Event: Alpharetta Food Truck Alley
April 23 from 5PM - 9PM
Downtown Alpharetta
Kick off the weekend a little early at Alpharetta’s Food Truck Alley. Culinary options include more than 10 food trucks each month, offering a diverse range of cuisine types. This is a family-friendly event, with limited seating available, and will feature live music each month!
For more information, please visit the Alpharetta Food Truck Alley Facebook Page.
Other Events This Week
Laura Peek
April 23, 7:30PM-10PM at Helium Comedy Club
Laura Peek is one of the most promising young Los Angeles-based stand-up comics to come out of Nashville’s bustling comedy scene.
Groovin’ on the Green
April 24, 6PM-9PM at Halcyon
Visit the Village Green in Halcyon every Friday and Saturday evening through October for live acoustic music with talented local musicians.
Avalon Nights Live: The Kurt Thomas Band
April 24, 6PM-8PM at The Plaza in Avalon
Unwind after a long week with live music in the Plaza every Friday from 6PM-8PM at Avalon Nights Live.
Alpharetta Farmers Market
April 25, 8:30AM-12:30PM in Downtown Alpharetta
Spend your Saturday morning in downtown Alpharetta as local farmers, bakers, makers, and artisans fill the streets with fresh produce, handcrafted goods, flowers, and irresistible treats.
That's it for this week!
Until next week,
Alpharetta.com Insider Team