Alpharetta - East vs. West (Roswell: for sale, foreclosure, houses)

[jgoff]

We've decided to move to Alpharetta and are deciding between 2 houses. One is east of 400 and one is to the west. From our very brief visit, I get the feeling that the west side has more to do, and strikes me as having a more community feel. The east side seems to have newer homes, but mainly big box stores, not much to do, but good shopping. Just wondering if I could get some input on where everyone lives, and how you like it.
FYI, we have an eight month old daughter and two dogs. We're looking for a family friendly area, with activities suitable for a young child. Any and all comments are appreciated.

[Mattie]

You've done well at differentiating between the two areas. If you don't have to worry about access to a job, then yes, west of 400 will be where you find most of the community functions. Wills Park is the site for most of the festivals, sports, concerts, etc. There is also a farmers' market in the same area. But, east or west, you will have decent access to most town activities. Go with the house you like best.

[roxyrn]

Lots of big box stores, strip malls on west side, too with some good shopping (just no big mall). Harry's Whole Foods is also there. There is also, a short drive down the road, the new Roswell movie theater and mini-golf complex.

The west side neighbors Milton, which is very "country," but more like Greenwich than Mayberry. Pretty with lots of horse farms, a Christmas tree farm, the Crabapple neighborhood.

[warrenmom]

We recently moved to Milton (west of 400) and are very happy with our decision. We also looked on the east side, but loved the larger lots and more open feel in Milton. Good luck with your move!

[K'ledgeBldr]

Alpharetta has many similarities to Roswell- both of the city "centers" are west of 400. And I believe the majority of businesses are located on the westside (I think most "big box" stores are west of 400 also). The eastside tends to be more residential.
West side of Alpharetta proper (not Milton) has much older homes as compared to the eastside. The largest single development that encompasses a vast majority of east Alpharetta is Windward.
North Point Mall is in Alpharetta- but is actually closer to Roswell.
A crude map of east Alpharetta would be anything north of Mansell Rd., east of 400, west of Jones Bridge Rd., and south of McGinnis Ferry Rd.

[billl]

Originally Posted by roxyrn

the new Roswell movie theater and mini-golf complex.

You mean the Aurora Cineplex? That's the renovated Startime complex -- not really "new".

[dens]

Where is the farmers market?

[Mattie]

There are a few different farmers markets in the area. There is one in downtown Alpharetta, across from the municipal building, another at Wills Park, and a 3rd in the Crabapple complex. I don't know if any of them are still being held this late in the year. There is a farmers market store at Birmingham and Birmingham.

[Caleb Longstreet]

When I came back in 1997 to Alpharetta, I moved to the East side. There isn't a week goes by that I wish I had moved to the West. To be fair, both are very nice overall relative to all of the choices one could make but, for me, the more open, the better.

I'm sure over time the West side will take on a more densely populated feel much like what happened on the East side. It just happened here first based on the North Point Mall development.

Shopping is moot as you have full, relatively unecumbered access to all. Besides, it's not like you are going to have to pack a suitcase or lunch before you leave the West to get to the mall anyway.....if you do, try one of the soon-to-be-defunct restaurants that are over here. The restaurant owners will be thrilled and who knows, your purchase might buy them another week or two.

All joking aside, both are nice. Pick the one with the best feel. Just make sure you are not too close to any of the 4 major arteries (Windward, Old Milton, Haynes, and Mansell) as you might see/feel the growth. If you want a steal, go out in the country a bit on 372. There are mega boxes for sale/in foreclosure and homes that USED to fetch 800-1.2 are now going for 400-600.....NOT kidding.

Good luck,