It can be really beneficial to take a step back and think about making good financial decisions when looking for a Johns Creek home. Purchasing a home is a big decision that can impact your life in many ways. It is a good idea not to rush into things and really consider a wide variety of aspects. A good place to start is doing some research to understand all of the different types of mortgages that are out there. Many young people sign on the dotted line for a mortgage with an adjustable rate (ARM). This can look enticing because it starts with a very low interest rate and most people think that they will be making far more money down the road, so why not get into a house now? This often turns out to be a mistake when the rate goes up and the person’s finances are no better off. Never bank on the fact that you will be making significantly more money later on. There are many other mortgage options and programs to help out first time buyers. Ask questions and learn as much as you can.

Research Mortgages and Neighborhoods to Find the Right Johns Creek Real Estate

It is also a good idea to make sure that you can see yourself living in your Johns Creek home for many years in the future. Think about what your life might be like in five or ten years. If you are hoping to have a family by then, look for a home that you can grow into. If you start out by buying a house or condo that is way too small you could end up having to sell at a really bad time to buy something bigger and end up losing money. Another place where buyers get into trouble is buying more house than they can really afford. Just because a mortgage company approves a person for a certain amount does not mean that it is wise to go that high. Think about what your monthly mortgage will be. Compare that to what you are paying now and see how feasible that seems. If you are part of a two income household, think about how much you could pay if one person got laid off or decided to stay home with children. Don’t forget about possible HOA dues and home repairs as well.

Lastly, be sure to be wise about the location where you are buying your Johns Creek real estate. What is the commute time like? Even though you try to convince yourself that the house is so perfect that a long commute time won’t matter, that might not help while stuck in traffic. Take a look at the neighborhood at different times of day and think about needs such as schools, healthcare, and proximity to friends and relatives. It is expensive to move. Make sure to take the time to make the right decision.

If you think you're ready to begin your home search, check out some of the most popular neighborhoods in Johns Creek such as Doublegate, The Falls of Autry Mill, Medlock Bridge, Farmbrook and Kingston Crossing.

Mid-summer heat is in full swing and an inexpensive option to keep your kids cool and entertained is visiting one of our many area splash pads in and around Johns Creek. Many of them are free or very low cost and provide at least an hour of two of entertainment for your kids who are in the midst of summer boredom. Here are our favorite water parks and splash pads to stay cool in and around Johns Creek this summer.

Duluth Town Green Fountain

Located in the middle of Duluth’s Town Green, this kid friendly fountain sprays water two stories tall in the air and lights up in different colors at night time. Trees provide plenty of shade to enjoy an adult beverage from Truck and Tap and plenty of green space provides room to kick a ball or throw a frisbee. Taylor Park is also located a short walk up the hill by city hall and offers a railroad themed playground if your kids get tired of the fountain.  Cost: Free.

Suwanee Town Center Big Splash Interactive Fountain

One of Gwinnett's largest interactive fountains, Suwanee's Big Splash features 43 jets and uses up to 1,400 gallons of water per minute. Suwanee has a large green space for kicking a ball and bringing a picnic lunch. If you don’t want to bring your own lunch, pick up food to-go from Brown Bag Deli or stop by Rita’s across the street and grab an Italian ice before you leave! Cost: Free

E.E. Robinson Park Interactive Fountain in Sugar Hill

The interactive fountain at E.E. Robinson Park in Sugar Hill offers a large fountain space specifically geared toward toddlers. It’s located next to a large playground, covered pavilion and walking trails. Make sure you use the Peachtree Industrial Boulevard entrance of the park located at 650 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard Sugar Hill for easy access to the fountain. Cost: Free

Spray Station at East Roswell Park

East Roswell Park’s premier sprayground offers many varieties of spray features as well as concession stands including popsicles, chips and hot dogs. A covered pavilion offers shade for cooling off. The cost is $2 per child for children over 1 year of age. Adults are free when accompanying a child. East Roswell Park is located at 9000 Fouts Road in Roswell.

Cumming Aquatic Center

For all day fun lasting longer than a splash pad visit, check out the Cumming Aquatic Center. It features a lazy river, play structure and two water slides. Cabanas are available to rent and family discounts are also offered. Adults are $7 each, ages 2-17 are $6 each and ages 2 and younger are free. The Aquatic Center is located at 210 Aquatic Circle in Cumming.

According to Travel and Leisure, “in 1777, on the first anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Philadelphia marked the Fourth of July with fireworks, beginning the tradition that has grown over the last 200 years.” John Adams is credited with suggesting “bells, bonfires, and illuminations,” for the event and with an estimated 14,000 fireworks displays throughout the country according to the American Pyrotechnics Association, we have gathered our favorite local celebrations for you to choose from. 

We're a little partial, but we especially love the Fourth of July because our fearless leader Eric Robb was born on July 4! If you see him in Newtown Park in Johns Creek on July 3 make sure you wish him a happy birthday.

Johns Creek Celebration at Newtown Park - July 3, 2019

Celebrate our country's independence at Newtown Park in Johns Creek with live music by Crystal Clear Band (Dance Party Band), activities, food, and an exceptional fireworks display at Newtown Park in Johns Creek beginning at 6:00 p.m.

Grab a spot on the terraced amphitheater lawn with a home-packed picnic or delicious food from Patty Wagon, Southern Crust, Lat’s Taco Bout It, Peace of Pita, and King of Pops. Cold beer and wine will be available for purchase.

Crystal Clear Band will take the Mark Burkhalter Amphitheater stage. Crystal Clear is sure to keep people on their feet from start to finish. The group performs an exciting blend of Classic R&B, Jazz, and current dance favorites. So, be sure to bring your dancing shoes!

And if that’s not enough, top-off the night with a fireworks extravaganza!  Fireworks will begin after sunset. 

Bringing your own alcohol, pets and personal fireworks to the event is prohibited.  Lawn chairs and blankets are welcome and, tables (reserved seating for 8) are available for rent for $200. Reserve a table online here.

Duluth Celebrates America at the Duluth Town Green - July 3, 2019


From 5:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m., celebrate Independence Day on July 3rd in Downtown Duluth with a fabulous fireworks display, rockin' bands and activities for all to enjoy. Enjoy food trucks, children's activities, giveaways and more on Duluth Town Green. Backyard to Brooklyn band will be on the Main Stage from 5:30-7:30 p.m. and A-Town A-List will be on stage from 7:45 p.m. - 9:45 p.m.. Parsons Alley will also have live entertainment Tommy and Marty from 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Fireworks begin at 9:45 p.m. 

Downtown Duluth is an open container area so you are welcome to bring anything you want but food and beverage vendors will be onsite if you do not wish to bring your own. Blankets, lawn chairs etc. are welcome.

City of Alpharetta Fireworks Display at Wills Park - July 4, 2019 

Alpharetta Recreation and Parks will host an evening of entertainment and children’s activities on the lawn and field behind Alpharetta Community Center from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on July 4, with a spectacular fireworks display to begin at dusk. Located throughout the park, food vendors will serve festive fare until 10 p.m., including classics like barbecue, hot dogs, and hamburgers, as well as Mediterranean-style dishes, wood-fired pizza, and tacos.  Old fashioned lemonade, Italian ice, snowballs and ice cream will also be available for purchase.

Enjoy inflatables, face painting, balloon animals and fun in the children’s area, sponsored by Alpharetta Golden Age Club, with wristbands available for nominal fees. The Alpharetta City Band is set to perform patriotic tunes starting at 6 p.m., followed by a local band, Serious Business, playing classic rock and new country favorites. Red, white and blue glow sticks sold by Alpharetta’s Police Explorers will be a fundraiser for new uniforms and training materials. To top off the night, the City of Alpharetta will present a fireworks show after sunset.

Roswell Annual 4th of July Fireworks Extravaganza at Roswell High School - July 4, 2019

The 20th Annual Roswell Fireworks Extravaganza will be held at Roswell High School on the front lawn beginning at 5:30 p.m. This Roswell tradition is a great family event filled with live stage performances, a Kids Zone and great food! Bring your picnic blankets, chairs, and the entire family. However, dogs are not allowed at this event. 

The Kids Zone will feature giant inflatables, music and more. Purchase tickets at ticket the booth. $1 for one ticket, or $10 for 12 tickets or purchase a $20 wristband for unlimited inflatables, tattoos, face painting, and Ninja Tower (excludes balloons and food items).

Food trucks will be available for attendees throughout the night and live music begins at 6:00 p.m. featuring Last Call Band and Party Nation. Fireworks begin at dark around 9:30 p.m.

As the temperature rises, we have put together a list of indoor home maintenance tips for your Johns Creek home that beat the heat this summer. Most of these tips take an hour or less to complete and are less daunting than you think. 

Paint Kitchen Cabinets

Looking to update your old kitchen cabinets? Rather than replacing them, an easier and more budget-friendly solution is to paint them. Check out this easy tutorial from Lowe’s.

Change Batteries in Smoke Detectors

When the battery requires replacement, the alarm will sound with a short beep or chirp. Beat your dying battery to the punch by removing the old battery and replacing it before your batteries inevitably need replacing at 3 am.

Examine The Dryer Vent

Sure, we swipe the thick layer of lint from the filter now and then, but there’s so much more to do. According to the National Fire Protection Agency, over 15, 000 dryer fires occurred in the U.S. in 2010. A plugged dryer vent can also burn out the heating element. Visually inspect the outside vent opening and remove any obstructions and then tackle the lint with a flexible brush or vacuum cleaner.

Deep Clean The Fridge

Grab the trash bags, rubber gloves and a sponge. Take everything out and begin your deep scrubbing. Discard anything you haven’t used in a while and are tempted to save. And don’t forget the outside of the fridge! You can clean that easily with a microfiber towel.

Deep Clean Carpets

Your local hardware store like Home Depot or Lowe’s both have deep clean carpet rentals available. Tackling this yourself is much more affordable than hiring a company to do it and it’s not as hard as you think it is. Remove the furniture from the room you’re cleaning, vacuum to remove surface level debris and dirt and pre-treat stains before beginning the steam clean rental. Once you’ve completed deep steaming each room, don’t forget to allow time for your carpets to drive before you move your furniture back. 

Change Filters

The most important filters in your home are arguably your HVAC and Furnace filters. Neglecting HVAC filters can increase your power bill or strain your system and damage it and impact your indoor air quality. A furnace filter is one of the most important house filters, ­especially if you own pets, smoke, or have asthma or allergies. The more often you replace it (usually every 30 to 90 days), the longer your furnace could last according to Cartier Kirby, customer experience manager at online filter store Filters Fast.

Clean Shower Curtains and Showerheads

Cleaning your shower curtain is super easy. According to Molly Maids, you can simply take down your curtain and toss it in the washing machine with a bath towel. Set your wash load on the gentle cycle and hang your curtain back on the rod to air dry. Good Housekeeping recommends cleaning your showerhead beginning by wiping as much debris from the holes with a scrubber sponge. Then mix a one-cup solution of equal parts white vinegar and water and pour it in a plastic bag. Place the plastic bag around the showerhead and soak it for 20 minutes or up to an hour. Then remove the bag, wipe additional debris and run the shower on hot to flush and you are ready to go.

The Chattahoochee River is directly in our backyard here in Johns Creek and there are some great opportunities to explore the river by float with your family and friends. We’ve compiled our favorite vendors for you to check out. You may even see some fish, otters, beavers and turtles along the way!

$10 River Tubing - Duluth

Located just across the river from Johns Creek in Duluth, $10 River Tubing is the closest and most affordable innertube experience on the Chattahoochee. With each $10 two-hour trip, participants receive a dual chamber tube, coast guard approved life vest and shuttle service to pick up and drop off. $10 River Tubing is open every day except Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm with the last trip of the day leaving their location at 4:45 pm. Links are provider to customer so you can chain tubes together with your friends and family members and there are plenty of parks along the river if you want to stop mid ride for a break. $10 River Tubing is located at 4349 Abbotts Bridge Road Duluth and tickets can be purchased in advance here.

Shoot the Hooch - Roswell

If innertubes aren’t your thing and you’d rather explore the Chattahoochee via kayak, paddle board or canoe, Shoot the Hooch in Roswell has more options for you. Two men canoes start at $20 per hour, a single kayak starts at $25 per hour, four person rafts start at $100 per hour and paddle boards start at $25 per hour. You can also rent an innertube for $26 if you’d rather go the more traditional tubing route. Each rental does not include the $1 Chattahoochee National Forest visitor fee. Shoot the Hooch is open seven days a week from 10:00 am until 6:00 pm Memorial Day through Labor Day and is located at Azalea Park, 203 Azalea Drive Roswell. Reservations can be made online here.

Nantahala Outdoor Center Chattahoochee River Outpost - Sandy Springs

The Nantahala Outdoor Center offers two Chattahoochee River outposts at Johnson Ferry and Powers Island for river trips and rentals for tubing, kayaking, stand up paddleboarding and rafting. Half-day and full-day rentals are available and offer options to explore up to eight miles of flatwater and Class 1-11 whitewater. River tubing starts at $25 per half day, kayaking starts at $25 per half day for youth and $35 per half day for adults, paddleboarding starts at $35 per half day and rafting starts at $25 per half day for youth and $35 per half day for adults. The NOC Chattahoochee Outpost is located at 5450 Interstate N Parkway Sandy Springs. Reservations can be made online here.

Father’s Day is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the hard working Dad in your life by taking him to one of our local Johns Creek restaurants for lunch or dinner. We’ve compiled our favorite options for you below. Let us know which one you choose to bring dad to!

Pampas Steakhouse

If a traditional steak is your dad’s favorite meal, Pampas Steakhouse could be a great option for your Father’s Day meal. Pampas  is an Argentinian-style cuisine that offers diverse cut and varieties of steaks and an extensive wine list offered in upscale, wood-paneled quarters. The restaurant features authentic Argentinian cuisine and utilizes the traditional Argentinian method of steakhouse over oak, woodfire grill and a bank of hot coals.  Their specialties include “The Brick” Filet, the Bone-in filet and special cuts like the Tomahawk, Delmonico and Churrasco. Bring dad to Sunday Brunch on Father’s Day starting at 11:30 pm or treat him to a steak dinner starting at 5:00 pm. Pampas Steakhouse is located at 10970 State Bridge Road in Johns Creek.

Kani House

What dad doesn’t like hibachi? Celebrate Father’s Day at Kani House starting at 11:30 am on Father’s Day. Kani House offers a true Japanese dining experience featuring flavorful fresh foods and an entertaining experience. Come see the theatrical flare with fire spouting onion volcanoes, clanging knives, and maybe even a magic trick or two. Kani House also offers a full sushi bar and private booths if you would rather have a more intimate Father’s Day lunch or dinner. Kani House is located at 10820 Abbotts Bridge Road in Johns Creek.

Mari’s Cucina and Social House

If you’re craving a hearty homemade meal but don’t feel like cooking, Mari’s Cucina and Social House could be a great option for your family. Mari’s offers old world Sicilian Italian recipes and prides itself on using all natural fresh ingredients including USDA Prime Beef, organic produce, organic free-range meats and sushi grade salmon, with each entrée cooked from scratch daily. Better yet is their restaurant is truly in a setting that feels like home and on Sundays Mari’s offers a $5 kids meal. Mari’s Cucina and Social House is located at 2100 Ray Moss Connector in Johns Creek.

El Trompo Mexican Taqueria

For a simple yet delicious meal, try El Trompo Mexican Taqueria in Johns Creek off of Douglas Road. If you’re not familiar with the term, the trompo - Spanish for a spinning top - is comparable to the spit you see cooking gyro or shawarma. That’s where richly spiced tacos al pastor get their juiciness and their char, and while there’s not much in the way of frills at this taco spot, there is a whole lot of flavor in the authentic Mexican flavors. The menu is simple – several different kinds of meat served either as a street tacos, tortas, quesadillas or burritos. Meats include carne asada steak, chicken, carnitas (fried pork), house-made chorizo and of course the spiced pork al pastor. Add a traditional Horchata to dad’s meal for an especially refreshing treat! El Trompo is located at 11877 #113 Douglas Road in Johns Creek.

The City of Johns Creek is kicking off their free summer Movies at Newtown Park series this Saturday, June 8 and will continue monthly through August 2019. Pre-movie activities start at 7:00 p.m with the movie set to start at dusk. Each movie will be shown on a huge inflatable screen in Newtown Park in Johns Creek.

Pre-movie activities such as an inflatable moonwalk, face painting, children's activities, giveaways, and music will be set up for children to enjoy and each month, food trucks will be available for food purchases. Families are encouraged to bring a blanket or small stadium chairs to enjoy the movie.

On June 8 the movie series kicks off with a showing of "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse" and the featured food trucks are the Mercedes-Benz Stadium Food Truck and Kona Ice. The film introduces Brooklyn teen Miles Morales and the limitless possibilities of the Spider-Verse, where more than one character can wear the mask. 

The additional Movies at Newtown Park dates are July 13 and August 10, 2019 and each featured G and PG rated movie will be announced closer to the date.

The City of Duluth’s Flicks on the Bricks runs alongside Food Truck Friday and movies take place on the first Friday of every month from June through August. Movies start at dusk and the screen is located on the fountain at the Duluth Town Green. Flicks on the Bricks kicks off this Friday, June 7, 2019 with a showing of “Wonder” and will continue on July 5, 2019 with “Aquaman” and conclude on August 2, 2019 with “The Incredibles 2”. 

Over 10 food trucks are available each Friday if you’re interested in purchasing food and many local downtown Duluth restaurants offer takeout meals. You can even grab an adult beverage to-go from any restaurant or food truck because of Duluth’s open container law downtown. 

Don’t forget a blanket and check out the many free games and activities around the green for kids before the fountain is turned off for the movie.

Memorial Day is an opportunity for us to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country. We’ve compiled a list of local services to help you celebrate the holiday and honor the fallen throughout the Johns Creek area this Memorial Day.

Duluth Memorial Day Service - Saturday, May 25 at 2:00 pm at Red Clay Music Foundry.

In addition to the annual memorial service, each year over 800 markers and flags line the streets of the City of Duluth representing those who served in the armed forces.

Alpharetta Memorial Day Tribute - Monday, May 27 at 9:00 am at Alpharetta City Hall.

If you are looking to embrace your community, celebrate our country, and honor those who, in establishing and protecting our freedoms and liberties, paid the highest price, there is no better place to be than the Alpharetta Memorial Day Tribute according to the City of Alpharetta. 

Milton Memorial Day Ceremony - Monday, May 27 at 10:00 am at Freedom Park.

The City of Milton invites you to proudly salute our veterans in a very special Memorial Day ceremony at Freedom Park. The ceremony will feature a guest speaker, a presentation of the colors by the Milton Public Safety Color Guard, local musicians, and a roll call of Milton's fallen veterans.

Roswell Memorial Day Ceremony - Monday, May 27 at 11:00 am at City Hall.

The Roswell Memorial Day Ceremony is the largest Memorial Day Ceremony in Georgia and attracts approximately 6,000 attendees each year. Event organizers pride themselves on hosting a non-political, non-commercial ceremony honoring veterans and the sacrifices they made in protecting our freedom. 

Summer kicks off in a few weeks for many Metro Atlanta schools and Home Depot workshops can be a great opportunity to keep your kids busy throughout the break. Our local Home Depot in Johns Creek (5950 State Bridge Rd Duluth 30097) offers a variety of DIY workshops for kids and parents alike that will help kick off home improvement workshops with confidence through expert instruction and hands-on learning. Workshops are free to the public, but attendees need to register in advance to secure their spot. 

Upcoming Home Depot Workshops include:

Pegboard Shelves - Thursday, May 16, 2019 from 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

Increase productivity and maximize your space with customizable pegboard shelves in the Home Depot Pegboard Shelves Workshop. Home Depot Store Associates will show you how to measure, cut, stain and assemble a transitional shelving unit to organize multi-functional spaces like your work space, craft room or mudroom.

Interior Painting and Drywall Repair - Saturday, May 18, 2019 from 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Designed to rejuvenate the look and feel of your walls, Home Depot’s Interior Painting and Drywall Repair Workshop will teach you how to repair dings, holes, pops, scrapes and cracks. A Store Associate will cover all the steps to transform your old walls, repair damages and liven things up with a fresh coat of paint. Loaded with helpful tips to achieve a professional finish to your project, the Store Associate will share insight on selecting the proper tools, bleed preventive tapes, low shrinkage joint compounds and supplies to prepare your walls and trim and demonstrate step-by-step how to repair corner bead damage, nail pops, cracks and holes of all sizes.

Installing Tile Backsplash Saturday, May 25, 2019 from 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Rethink the most visited rooms in your home with a backsplash install. During the Installing Tile Backsplash Workshop, a Home Depot Store Associate will cover trending and classic tile options, demonstrate how to prepare your surface and instruct you how to cut your project time down by mounting tiles with SimpleMat adhesive. SimpleMat adhesive allows for immediate grouting, turning your backsplash installation into a one day project.

Kids Putting Green Workshop - Saturday, Jun 1, 2019 from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Bring your kids to experience and exercise mental strength with a game of tabletop golf at the Home Depot Putting Green Workshop. In this hands-on workshop you and your child can discuss the mindset, jargon and strategy of the sport as you build a putting green to master your hole-in-one. Once your course is built, your child can look forward to decorating it with paint and stickers. All kids get to keep their craft, receive a FREE certificate of achievement, a Workshop Apron, and a commemorative pin while supplies last. 

For a full list of Home Depot workshops in Johns Creek and to register, click here.

The Alpharetta Food Truck Alley season kicks off tomorrow, Thursday, May 9, 2019 and will last through mid-October 2019. Each Thursday, Alpharetta will offer a fun opportunity to kick off the weekend early by providing a rotating selection of 6-8 food trucks on Old Roswell Street in Downtown Alpharetta. Truck options will include five savory food trucks and two dessert options each week. Bring your whole family along with a picnic blanket and experience all downtown Alpharetta has to offer.

This year Alpharetta's Food Truck Alley will also offer a different promotion weekly inside participating local businesses for an extra fun time each Thursday. Some of these promotions include Make Your Own Margaritas at Ceviche, The Art of Smoking Drinks presented by Mercantile Social, and Beer 101 classes at Truck & Tap. Other pop-up activities will take place throughout the season at All Fired Up, The Pink Valise Boutique, Flatlands Bourbon & Bayou, Exquisite Living, and more!

In addition, Alpharetta Food Truck Alley will also highlight a different non-profit organization each week and host a social project that invites attendees to engage with their neighbors. Examples include a collaborative sticker mural with the Fulton County Library, a puppy photo booth with Canine Assistants, and a seed planting activity with the Alpharetta Community Agriculture Program.

While you're in downtown Alpharetta take a look at our brand new beautiful office building located in Liberty Hall at 33 S Main Street. Downtown Parking Lot on Roswell Street (at 37 Old Roswell Street) or the City Hall Parking Deck (2 Park Plaza).