Property taxes- Alpharetta vs Milton vs Forsyth (Atlanta, Cumming: homes, schools)

[Becca10]

I'm trying to understand the property tax differences here. I've heard that on average, Alpharetta and Milton run about 1.2-1.25% of market value, and Forsyth runs about 0.9-1% of market value.

Is that difference mainly due to city tax? I understand Alpharetta and Milton charge a city-specific tax on top of Fulton tax. Whereas Forsyth only has a county tax for most of its homes.

Also, Forsyth has much less commercial base than Fulton, and its schools are ranked just as high as Alpharetta and Milton schools. How do they keep their taxes so low? Is Alpharetta and Milton providing additional services to homeowners that Forsyth does not?

[AnsleyPark]

Originally Posted by Becca10

I'm trying to understand the property tax differences here. I've heard that on average, Alpharetta and Milton run about 1.2-1.25% of market value, and Forsyth runs about 0.9-1% of market value.

Is that difference mainly due to city tax? I understand Alpharetta and Milton charge a city-specific tax on top of Fulton tax. Whereas Forsyth only has a county tax for most of its homes.

Also, Forsyth has much less commercial base than Fulton, and its schools are ranked just as high as Alpharetta and Milton schools. How do they keep their taxes so low? Is Alpharetta and Milton providing additional services to homeowners that Forsyth does not?

Lived in the City of Atlanta for 22 years, in Forsyth for 6. Yes, Forsyth's taxes are much lower. No, Forsyth does not provide fewer or inferior services. In fact, Forsyth is much easier to deal with than Fulton. It is day and night. Forsyth has far more pleasant public servants and much more efficient and effective government services. My answer to "why the difference?" Atlanta and Fulton County are very inefficiently run and employee many folks (not all, mind you) who really don't give a hoot.

[markjames68]

It's a case where North Fulton's school reputation is established, while Forsyth until recently was lacking. However with many families moving in to Cumming and its surroundings I think it's evened up with Fulton.

At the same time, depending on growth it's possible that Forsyth might need more tax dollars and raise their rates.

https://patch.com/georgia/cumming/pr...syth-residents

Forsyth seems to be much more conservatively run than Fulton, which also will tend to keep spending down.