More Big Lots Found in Milton Than Anywhere Else in North Fulton
categories: Milton Real Estate
Seeing a Big Lots store always makes me think about real estate. That’s evidence that how we perceive things is controlled by our perspective. As a Realtor, whenever I see the word ‘lot’, that means real estate to me!
Of course, I knew that Big Lots really wasn’t a place to purchase a 3 acre heavily wooded parcel on which to build your dream home. I actually thought that Big Lots was for "big people." You know, similar to the Big and Tall Store, but for women. I guess that is another sort of lot. Anyway, one day someone told me that Big Lots was where you could buy, not in large size, but in large quantity. I suppose that things don’t always turn out to be how you initially perceive them.
The reason I bring this up is because my last post on the recent Milton municipal election got me thinking about Big Lots. You see, my perspective is that the election was really about Big Lots. You can say it was about extending sewer or controlling development or managing traffic, but the real issue was lifestyle…and more precisely preserving a certain type of lifestyle.
Milton is unique in that it offers a housing "product" that other municipalities in North Fulton (and Atlanta for that matter) can no longer offer: low density, non-commercial, big lot living. Milton’s struggle is to preserve that "product" or to eventually become like every other suburban city in what I call Generica - generic America.
|
Milton |
% of Total |
GA-400 East |
% of Total |
|
| Less than 1 acre | 177 | 30% | 1162 | 93% |
| 1-2 acres | 302 | 52% | 63 | 5% |
| 2+ acres | 100 | 17% | 23 | 93% |
The fact that Milton provides this product today is not debated: A quick review of current home data shows you the real difference across North Fulton real estate. If you look at all the real estate for sale in the Milton High School district, there are 579 properties currently listed in MLS this week. Of those, 69% have lots at least an acre in size. Practically all these homes are in Milton.
Of the 302 homes on 1-2 acres, almost all on in subdivisions with one acre lots, the minimum required by Fulton County to have a septic system. There are a few multi-acre lot subdivisions like Tullamore and Sunnybrook Farms, which are geared to horse ownership, but these are the exception.
The 100 homes on 2+ acres are mostly not in subdivisions. These are mini horse farms or estate homes on stand alone lots not in a neighborhood. Some of them are older 1060’s rach homes that haven’t resold and still ahve acreage.
The other 31% of home for sale in Milton High School district are homes in the sewered area of Alpharetta - mostly in the neighborhoods along Rucker Road. (Milton High School serves almost all of the homes in the City of Milton plus some in the western portions of the City of Alpharetta.) Many of this 31% are also new homes on smaller lots are in the new developments of Crabapple Crossing and Crabapple Crossroads.
If you look at the rest of North Fulton County east of GA-400, there are 1,248 properties for sale. This area is defined a "Eastern Alpharetta" and Johns Creek. It is a much larger area, with many more homes, which is why there are more for sale. However, of those homes, only 7% have an acre or more land. Almost all of those homes are in Country Club of the South and come with multi-million dollar price tags.
I’m not saying that big lots are intrinsicly good or bad. Some people look at a big lot and see endless yard work. Other people look at a big lot and see rows of vegetables; others see kids playing soccer. It all depends on your perspective. Remember, I "saw" large ladies clothing whenever I saw a Big Lots store!
The bottom line, though, is that North Fulton offers you options. The cities of Johns Creek, Milton, Alpharetta and Roswell have different housing products and meet different real estate needs. In Alpharetta, for instance, there is barely any new single family construction going on; Alpharetta is focused on the townhouse and luxury condo market.
The November election in Milton was about maintaining the option of the large lot (1 acre+) for a single family residence. It was about a lifestyle choice, nothing else.
“Generica” - cute.
Though I do take some comfort in the whole “subdivision” idea.
Kevin - Thanks for the laugh and the education about Big Lots, both the store and the availability of lots in Alpharetta.
It really is a personal choice. I have clients now looking for a home on 5 acres, while others say, no yardwork for me. - Paula