Thinking about moving your family to Alpharetta but not sure which neighborhood fits best? You are not alone. With so many great options, it helps to compare price ranges, amenities, school clusters, and commute patterns side by side. In this guide, you will see how Alpharetta’s most popular family neighborhoods stack up, plus a simple checklist to help you verify details before you buy. Let’s dive in.
How to read this guide
- Price ranges reflect late 2025 to early 2026 public snapshots. Always verify current MLS data before decisions.
- School zones and HOA details vary by address. Verify by street address with Fulton County Schools and the HOA before you make a decision.
- Links below point to city, community, or school sources for context.
Windward
Windward is a large, established master-planned community known for on-site recreation and neighborhood programming.
Price range
- Recent public snapshots showed many homes ranging from the high $800s to $1M plus, with lake and golf locations trading higher.
At a glance
- Schools: Many addresses list Lake Windward Elementary or Creek View, Webb Bridge Middle, and Alpharetta High. Always confirm by address with Fulton County Schools.
- Amenities: Swim and tennis complexes, trails, playgrounds, and a private golf club. Learn more on the Windward community site.
- Commute: Short drive to GA 400 and north Fulton job centers. Avalon and Old Milton corridors offer nearby shopping and dining, highlighted in this Avalon case study.
- HOA: Master association with neighborhood rules and optional club memberships. Verify dues, reserves, and any special fees in the HOA packet.
Best for
- Families who want robust on-site recreation, community programs, and larger lots.
Crabapple and the Village area
Crabapple blends a historic village feel with nearby single-family pockets just off the core.
Price range
- Late 2025 public snapshots showed a median listing price around the $1M mark, with wide variation by street and product type.
At a glance
- Schools: Many addresses mention Crabapple Crossing Elementary, with middle and high school feeders varying by street. Confirm by address with Fulton County Schools.
- Amenities: Restaurants, small parks, and regular community events around the village green. Explore the area on the Alpharetta neighborhood guide.
- Commute: Surface-street access to GA 400 via Birmingham Hwy and Old Milton corridors.
- HOA: Older subdivisions may have modest dues. Newer or gated pockets can have higher dues. Review CC&Rs, budgets, and reserves carefully using this HOA due-diligence guide.
Best for
- Buyers who want small-town charm with suburban convenience.
Glen Abbey and the Big Creek Greenway corridor
Glen Abbey is an established swim and tennis community close to trails, sports programs, and major shopping.
Price range
- Many recent listings and closed sales have fallen in the $800k to $1.3M plus band, depending on lot and home size.
At a glance
- Schools: Addresses commonly show Ocee Elementary or New Prospect/Creek View, Webb Bridge Middle, and Alpharetta High. Confirm by address with Fulton County Schools.
- Amenities: Olympic-sized pool, tennis programs, clubhouse, playgrounds, and quick access to the Big Creek Greenway. See the Glen Abbey overview.
- Commute: Short drive to GA 400, Avalon, and North Point corridors.
- HOA: Community-managed amenities with typical pool and tennis fees. Verify current dues and coverage per listing.
Best for
- Active families who want on-site sports and close trail access.
Ocee and the Avalon edge
Ocee includes older single-family pockets plus newer townhomes and mixed-use living closer to Avalon.
Price range
- Many Ocee single-family homes trade in the mid $600s to $800s. Townhomes and condos near Avalon often price from the high $600s to $1M plus, depending on product and finish level.
At a glance
- Schools: Ocee Elementary is the common local reference. Confirm feeders by exact address with Fulton County Schools. Neighborhood context here: Ocee area overview.
- Amenities: Avalon’s 86-acre mixed-use district offers shops, dining, cinema, and regular events. See the Avalon case study. The Alpha Loop and Big Creek Greenway enhance walk and bike options.
- Commute: Direct access to GA 400 at Old Milton. Expect typical peak-hour congestion near the corridor.
- HOA: Mix of condos, townhomes, and single-family communities. Confirm what monthly or annual fees cover for each property.
Best for
- Buyers who value quick errands, dining, and events with flexible home types.
Downtown Alpharetta and the Alpha Loop
Close to Main Street, you will find restaurants, event programming, and new infill housing with a compact, walkable feel.
Price range
- Condos and townhomes often land in the mid to high six-figure range. Single-family homes close to downtown typically command a premium.
At a glance
- Schools: Many addresses feed into Alpharetta clusters, but it varies street by street. Verify any home with Fulton County Schools.
- Amenities: Farmer’s markets, amphitheater events, and dining at your doorstep. The Alpha Loop adds bike and pedestrian connectivity.
- Commute: Quick local access to GA 400 and major retail corridors.
- HOA: Most condo and townhome product carries monthly fees. Balance those costs against the maintenance you avoid and the walkability you gain.
Best for
- Families who prefer a lower-maintenance home and to spend free time at community events rather than in a large yard.
Nesbit Lakes and nearby lakeside enclaves
Nesbit Lakes offers estate-scale lots, lakes, and large amenity centers in a premium tier. Addresses may appear as Alpharetta, Johns Creek, or Roswell.
Price range
- Recent snapshots placed many homes near or above $1M, with lakefront properties trading higher.
At a glance
- Schools: Nearby references include Hillside Elementary, Haynes Bridge Middle, and Centennial High, but assignments can change. Always verify by address with Fulton County Schools.
- Amenities: Lake access, clubhouse, and community recreation typical of higher-amenity neighborhoods.
- Commute: Short drive to GA 400 and north Fulton job centers.
- HOA: Expect structured HOA governance and amenity fees. Confirm dues, reserves, rental rules, and any assessments in writing.
Best for
- Buyers seeking larger homes, lakes, and a private amenity setting.
Quick comparison: which is right for you
- If you want resort-style amenities on site, look at Windward or Glen Abbey.
- If a village vibe and boutique retail appeal to you, consider Crabapple.
- If walkability to shops, restaurants, and events matters most, check Downtown Alpharetta or the Ocee/Avalon edge with access to the Alpha Loop and Big Creek Greenway.
- If you prefer premium, estate-scale homes with lakes and large amenities, explore Nesbit Lakes and nearby enclaves.
- For hybrid needs, focus on commute times first, then layer in schools and HOA tradeoffs.
Important note on schools and HOAs
School zones and HOA details vary by address — verify before making decisions.
- Use the Fulton County Schools address lookup and Learning Zone pages: Fulton County Schools.
- Request the full HOA packet for any property, including CC&Rs, current budget, reserve study, rental caps, and recent meeting minutes. A helpful overview of what to look for is here: Georgia HOA due-diligence guide.
Due-diligence checklist for Alpharetta buyers
- Verify school assignment by the exact street address with Fulton County Schools.
- Request and read the HOA documents: CC&Rs, budget, reserves, special assessments, rental restrictions, and maintenance responsibilities. See this HOA review primer.
- Check flood zones and local drainage history, especially near Big Creek. Use FEMA maps and the Fulton County parcel or flood layers. The county parcel viewer can be found through this Fulton County parcel search link.
- Confirm municipal services and jurisdiction if a neighborhood straddles city lines. Use the county parcel viewer to confirm address-level details.
- Test-drive your school and work routes at typical travel times. If you plan to use transit, review MARTA park-and-ride and bus options here: MARTA bus routes.
Final thoughts
Choosing among Windward, Crabapple, Glen Abbey, Ocee near Avalon, Downtown Alpharetta, and Nesbit Lakes comes down to how you want to spend your time. Do you want on-site swim and tennis, a short walk to dinner, or a bigger yard near a lake and clubhouse? Start with commute and daily routines, then balance schools, HOA costs, and trail or event access to find your fit.
If you want a local, hands-on guide to compare homes and neighborhoods with up-to-the-minute data, we are here to help. Reach out to One Nest Georgia to map your short list, tour homes, and move forward with confidence.
FAQs
Which schools serve a specific Alpharetta address?
- Always verify by exact street address with the district’s lookup on the Fulton County Schools Learning Zone page.
How much are HOA dues and what do they cover?
- Dues vary by community and product type, so request the HOA packet for the property and review budgets, reserves, CC&Rs, and any special assessments using this HOA due-diligence guide.
How walkable are these neighborhoods for errands and activities?
- Downtown Alpharetta and the Avalon edge are the most walkable, supported by the Alpha Loop and Big Creek Greenway; most other areas are car-oriented but offer strong trail access for recreation.
What is the commute like to major job centers?
- GA 400 is the primary corridor, so test drive your route at peak times and consider MARTA park-and-ride options listed on the MARTA bus routes page.
Are there flood or foundation risks near Big Creek?
- For creek-adjacent addresses, review FEMA flood maps and the Fulton County parcel or flood layers found via this Fulton County parcel search link during due diligence.
