Should You Move to Alpharetta or Cumming?
If you're considering moving to Alpharetta, GA or relocating to Alpharetta, GA, you may also be looking at living in Cumming, GA. Both suburbs offer fantastic amenities, great schools, and unique lifestyles, but which one is right for you? Today, we're breaking down the key differences between these two popular Atlanta metro suburbs—Alpharetta and Cumming—to help you make the best decision.
Location & Population Density
Alpharetta is one of the most sought-after suburbs in Metro Atlanta, located just north of the city along GA Highway 400. Cumming, GA, sits further north in Forsyth County, offering a mix of suburban and rural settings.
Alpharetta has a population of nearly 70,000, while Cumming is unique in that the official city population is only around 8,000. However, if you include the greater Cumming area (which makes up most of Forsyth County), that number jumps to over 200,000.
Cumming offers a mix of suburban neighborhoods and spacious, more rural properties, especially in its northern areas. Alpharetta, on the other hand, is more developed, with a denser suburban feel and limited large-lot options unless you're looking at multi-million dollar estates.
If you prefer a quieter, more open environment, Cumming may be a better fit. But if you enjoy being in the middle of the action, Alpharetta is the place to be.
Downtown & Entertainment
When it comes to city centers, Alpharetta is the clear winner. Downtown Alpharetta features great restaurants, shops, and entertainment. But the real star of the show is Avalon, a high-end mixed-use development offering dining, shopping, live music, a movie theater, and more.
Cumming’s historic downtown has been underwhelming, but the newly developed Cumming City Center is changing the game. It now offers restaurants, green spaces, live entertainment, and even a mini-golf course, with further expansions planned.
While Cumming is making strides, Alpharetta still leads when it comes to nightlife, events, and things to do.
Real Estate & Home Prices
Living in Alpharetta, GA comes with a higher price tag. Homes range from around $250,000 for a small condo to over $10 million for luxury estates. Detached single-family homes under $400,000 are extremely rare. Most homes in Alpharetta are priced above $500,000, with 41% of the market over $1 million.
Cumming, GA, offers more variety. Home prices range from around $225,000 on the north side to multi-million-dollar estates near Lake Lanier. The median home price is approximately $610,000, significantly lower than Alpharetta. If affordability and diverse housing options are a priority, Cumming has the edge.
Schools
Both Alpharetta and Cumming are home to top-rated schools, but they fall under different districts—Fulton County Schools (Alpharetta) and Forsyth County Schools (Cumming).
Forsyth County ranks as one of the top school districts in Georgia, with South Forsyth High School leading the pack. However, Alpharetta boasts multiple A+ rated high schools, including Alpharetta High, Chattahoochee, and Cambridge, offering consistent excellence across the board.
If you prioritize the best overall school performance, Alpharetta takes the win. But Forsyth County Schools are still among the best in the state.
Healthcare
Cumming is home to Northside Hospital Forsyth, a full-service hospital that provides comprehensive care. Alpharetta primarily offers outpatient and specialty medical services, with the nearest full-service hospital being WellStar North Fulton in Roswell.
For those needing quick access to major medical facilities, Cumming has the advantage.
Safety
Crime data shows that Alpharetta has a lower crime rate than Cumming. Alpharetta residents have a 1 in 62 chance of being a crime victim, compared to 1 in 40 in Cumming.
While both cities are relatively safe, Alpharetta has the edge in overall crime rates.
Things to Do
Both cities offer great outdoor and recreational opportunities. Cumming has Lake Lanier, Sawnee Mountain hiking, Fowler Park, and Big Creek Greenway. It also boasts The Collection at Forsyth and the up-and-coming Cumming City Center.
Alpharetta, however, remains Metro Atlanta’s entertainment hotspot, featuring Avalon, North Point Mall, Downtown Alpharetta, numerous parks, and high-end restaurants.
A huge new development called The Gathering is coming to Forsyth County, bringing a massive sports arena, retail, restaurants, and entertainment venues. It could change the landscape for Cumming, but for now, Alpharetta still reigns supreme in things to do.
Final Verdict
So, should you move to Alpharetta, GA, or consider living in Cumming, GA? Here’s a quick recap:
Choose Alpharetta if you want a vibrant city with entertainment, top-rated schools, and a lower crime rate.
Choose Cumming if you’re looking for affordability, larger lots, a quieter atmosphere, and a full-service hospital.
Both cities offer fantastic lifestyles—it all depends on what’s most important to you!
If you're thinking about relocating to Alpharetta, GA, or the surrounding areas, I’d love to help! Contact me anytime to start your home search and find the perfect fit for your lifestyle.