Alpharetta Named One of U.S.’s Fastest Growing Cities

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the 22.4 square mile city in north Georgia is the 6th-fastest growing city in the nation.

“We’re a 150-year-old Southern city.  But for the first time, we’re taking steps to create an active downtown,” says Alpharetta Mayor David Belle Isle.

It’s been a ongoing process.

“We’re building up our businesses and our economic development efforts.  And at the same time, we’re building up our community, and both of those are working really well together,” says Belle Isle.

It’s also attracting new residents.  

The Census Bureau based its data on cities with more than 50,000 people, and between the years 2011 and 2012, Alpharetta’s population rose by nearly 4.5% to about 62,000.

“Georgia, historically, has had some of the fastest-growing counties in the nation.  In Alpharetta’s case, I think, the advantage of having recognized, very good public schools, coupled with a very active recruitment of businesses to the area have made it a very attractive place to relocate to,” says Dr. Roger Tutterow, an economic professor at Mercer University.

Last year, Alpharetta came in 7th on Forbes Magazine’s list of Friendliest Towns in the U.S.