The biggest issue I see with Alpharetta, as well as Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, etc.,... they are located in Fulton County. The taxes collected from those 3 towns, are going mostly to support services in southern Fulton county. Years ago, there were rumors that these towns might secede from Fulton County, thus the taxes they pay would benefit them, and less going to central Atlanta.
I have lived in Alpharetta for just short of 30 years. I really enjoy living here. Before Alpharetta, I lived in LA Calif. California is a beautiful state (natural beauty) but the homes, businesses, and industrial structures look old and rundown. The industrial structures there are depressing and look like something on a Pink Floyd album cover. Nearly the entire city of Alpharetta looks new and upscale. The city spends a great deal of money on parks, hiking trails, and landscaping. Last Saturday, my wife and I attended an art exhibit and concert at the Alpharetta Art Center... Free admission, free food, great art, and the live music was excellent. The City of Alpharetta supports events like these that people can enjoy rather than some cities that just take people's tax dollars and waste them on who knows what.
