According to Niche, an online site that touts itself as the “the best place to research US colleges, schools, neighborhoods and companies”, 9 out of the top 10 public high schools and 8 out of the top 10 private high schools in the state of Georgia are located within Metro Atlanta.

Niche analyzed academic and student life data from the U.S. Department of Education, along with test scores, college data and ratings collected from millions of its users. The Gwinnett School of Mathematics located in Lawrenceville came in at the number one spot for the second year in a row on the list of top ten public schools. Recently moving from a charter school to a lottery based acceptance, eligible participants at the Gwinnett School of Mathematics must live within Gwinnett County Public Schools’ attendance zone, enrolled in a recognized 8th grade curriculum and complete all requirements to ninth grade status by the spring semester and be currently enrolled in and successfully complete a full unit of Carnegie eligible Algebra or higher.

Northview High School in Johns Creek closed in very closely at second place on the list and according to the AJC, “received a grade of A+ in academics, college prep and health and safety and an A in teachers, administration and diversity.

The spot for the number one private school in the state of Georgia went to The Westminister Schools in Atlanta, which boasts “experiences that extend beyond the classroom, into our city, throughout our country and across the globe.” It sits on a more than 180-acre campus in town Atlanta and offers a need-blind admissions process and financial aid funding at the 99% level for students. Tuition for pre-first through Fifth grade is $26,370 per year and sixth through twelfth grade is $30,330 per year.

Pace Academy grabbed the second place spot on the list and the intown Atlanta school offers an opportunity to “develop meaningful relationships with one another and with their teachers” and a place to “come together within a safe, supportive environment to form the “Pace family.” Lower School tuition is $25,800 per year and Middle and Upper School tuition is $29,715 per year. Pace Academy administers more than $2 million annually in need-based financial aid. 

We have included the full list of school rankings from Niche below. 

Georgia’s Top 10 Public Schools

1. Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science & Technology in Lawrenceville


2. Northview High School in Johns Creek


3. Walton High School in Marietta


4. Columbus High School in Columbus


5. Alpharetta High School in Alpharetta


6. North Gwinnett High School in Suwanee


7. Lambert High School in Forsyth County


8. South Forsyth High School in Cumming


9. Johns Creek High School in Johns Creek


10. Chattahoochee High School in Johns Creek


Georgia’s Top 10 Private Schools

1. The Westminster Schools in Atlanta


2. Pace Academy in Buckhead


3. The Paideia School in Druid Hills


4. The Lovett School in Atlanta


5. Woodward Academy in College Park and Johns Creek


6. Atlanta International School in Atlanta


7. Holy Innocents' Episcopal School in Sandy Springs


8. The Savannah Country Day School in Savannah


9. Athens Academy in Athens


10. Marist School in Dunwoody


When you think of your local library you may immediately think of books. But did you know that local libraries also offer a wealth of free programs and knowledge not limited to the bookshelf? If you are a resident of Johns Creek, your free library card gets you access to a number of free activities and resources including preschool story time, yoga, tax prep and tutoring.

Johns Creek has two library branches: NE Spruill Oaks Library which is located at 9560 Spruill Road at the intersection with Old Alabama Road across from River Pines Golf Club as well as the Ocee Library which is located at 5090 Abbotts Bridge Road near the intersection of Jones Bridge Road.

Normal weekday hours for each library vary from 10:00 am - 6:00 pm to 10:00 am - 8:00 pm and weekend hours vary from 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm and 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm.

For a full list of free library program offerings, check out the full calendar for the NE Spruill Oaks Library here and the full calendar for the Ocee library here.

The results are in and four metro Atlanta cities are officially on the short list of the top ten safest cities in the state of Georgia. According to the National Council for Home Safety and Security, Milton (#3), Johns Creek (#4), Duluth (#6) and Roswell (#8) are among the top 10 safest cities in Georgia. 

We’ve broken down their findings for you to include the number of total violent crimes and property crimes as well as the overall violent crime rate and property crime rate per 1,000 people in each Metro Atlanta city that made the list. All data was taken by the National Council for Home Safety and Security from the 2017 FBI Uniform Crime Report Statistics which was recently released. A total of 7,639 cities were factored into this ranking with populations ranging from 7,639 to 4,007,147. However, the National Council for Home Safety and Security eliminated any cities that failed to submit a complete crime report to the FBI and removed cities with populations under 10,000.

3rd Safest City in Georgia - Milton

Total Number of Violent Crimes: 9

Total Number of Property Crimes: 298

Violent Crime Rate per 1,000 people: 0.228

Property Crime Rate per 1,000 people: 7.566


4th Safest City in Georgia - Johns Creek 

Total Number of Violent Crimes: 25

Total Number of Property Crimes: 575

Violent Crime Rate per 1,000 people: 0.294

Property Crime Rate per 1,000 people: 6.761


6th Safest City in Georgia - Duluth

Total Number of Violent Crimes: 33

Total Number of Property Crimes: 557

Violent Crime Rate per 1,000 people: 1.108

Property Crime Rate per 1,000 people: 18.694


8th Safest City in Georgia - Roswell

Total Number of Violent Crimes: 108

Total Number of Property Crimes: 1,616

Violent Crime Rate per 1,000 people: 1.130

Property Crime Rate per 1,000 people: 16.903


Click here to see the full list of the safest cities in Georgia according to the National Council for Home Safety and Security.

Tickets to Super Bowl LIII may be over $3,000 a ticket right now, but there are plenty of free and inexpensive options for family fun throughout the nine-day celebration leading up to event right here in Atlanta. We’ve put together some of the best family friendly options for you and the whole family to check out without having to spend a fortune.

Super Bowl Opening Night presented by the NFL - Jan. 28, 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Super Bowl Opening Night is being held at State Farm Arena (formerly Philips Arena) and only costs $26.60 a ticket to attend. According to the NFL, fans can be a part of the action by celebrating with cheerleaders and team mascots, collecting free autographs from NFL players and Legends and immerse yourself in the media frenzy from up-close viewing platforms, unique photo opportunities and more.

Super Bowl Experience presented by the NFL - Jan. 26 to Feb. 2, times vary

According to the NFL, the Super Bowl Experience will have games, such as drills, touch passes, and goal kicks. Event goers will also get to take a look at the Vince Lombardi Trophy and to take photos with the Atlanta Falcons cheerleaders. From virtual reality viewings to getting a photo opp with the Atlanta Falcons home team, there will be many things to do and see at the Georgia World Congress Center. Admission is $40 for ages 13 and up, $25 for children 12 and under.

 Super Bowl Live presented by Verizon - Jan. 26 to Feb. 2, times vary

Perhaps the most exciting experience at Super Bowl LIII is the completely free to the public Super Bowl Live fan village experience in Centennial Olympic Park. According to Verizon, Super Bowl Live will highlight Atlanta’s vibrant culture and music scene, featuring concerts produced by GRAMMY Award-Winning Producer Jermaine Dupri and offer a fun – and free – way for locals and visitors alike to enjoy the family friendly extravaganza that is the sporting world’s biggest annual event. We’ve broken down the concert line-up below by day for you. 

Saturday 1/26 – Hip Hop:

• 1 p.m.: Emerald Empire Band

• 3 p.m.: Gritz & Jelly Butter

• 5 p.m.: Robnhood Tra

• 6 p.m.: Taylor Girlz

• 7 p.m.: Street Bud & Friends:
 Atlanta Drum Academy, LayLay, Bankroll PJ, Tootie Raw, Nia Kay, King Imprint, Backpack Kid, Lil Donald, Ayo & Teo

• 8 p.m.: Pastor Troy

• 9 p.m.: S.O.S. Band


Sunday 1/27 – Country:

• 1:30 p.m.: Sunday Gospel Brunch, Players Gospel Choir

• 2:30 p.m.: REMakes

• 4 p.m.: Jack Michael

• 5 p.m. Josh Bricker

• 6 p.m.: Seckond Chaynce


Monday 1/28 – Hip Hop/R&B:

• 5 p.m.: Ayanis

• 6:30 p.m.: 5am

• 7 p.m.: Goodie Mob

• 8 p.m.: DJ Holiday & Friends:
 YFN Lucci, Waka Flocka, Trinidad James, DJ Unk, Travis Porter, 1playy, Young Dro, Derez Deshawn, Fly, Coca Vango, Light Skin Keisha, Swag Surf Boys, Scrappy


Thursday 1/31 – Country & Rock:

• 4 p.m.: Lyn Avenue

• 6 p.m.: Tyler Tritt

• 7 p.m.: Hero the Band

• 8:30 p.m.: Craig Campbell


Friday 2/1 – Pop & EDM:

• 3 p.m.: Super Bowl LIVE Happy Hour, Seed & Feed Marching Band

• 5 p.m.: Leah Culver

• 6 p.m.: The Jacks

• 7 p.m.: Hearty Har

• 8 p.m.: Heroes X Villains

• 9 p.m.: ATLiens


Saturday 2/2 – Hip Hop:

• 11:30 a.m.: “Around the NFL” (NFL Podcast)

• 12:30 p.m.: Georgia Tech Pep Band

• 1 p.m.: Team (TBD) Fan Rally

• 2:15 p.m.: Georgia Tech Drum Line

• 3 p.m. Team (TBD) Fan Rally

• 5 p.m.: Kelechi

• 7 p.m.: Monica

• 8 p.m.: DJ Smurf & So So Def All-Stars
: MC Shy D, Raheem the Dream, Kilo Ali, Playa Poncho, Deuce, DJ Kizzy Rock, KP & Envyi, DJ Taz, Freak Nasty, 12 Gauge, Tag Team, Ghost Town DJ’s, Lathun


Aside from choosing the Johns Creek home you want to make an offer on, deciding what type of financing to secure and from what lender is arguably one of the biggest decisions you’ll make as a homebuyer. This week we have included three tips to help you choose the right mortgage lender for you. 

Shop Around

The best place to start is to ask your family, friends and your real estate agent what lenders they recommend. Getting referrals from your friends who have recently purchased a home can help you navigate the sea of prospects to find someone you trust. Your real estate agent works with mortgage lenders daily, has your best interest at heart and can recommend lenders he or she trusts to successfully close the transaction and complete the approval process. 

Interview and Research Lenders 

Once you have a few referrals from friends and your agent, take time to meet and interview these lenders. Important things you want to discuss include how quickly the lender can get you pre-approved, how your credit score and any potential improvements needed affect your ability to get a loan, whether or not the lender offers in-house underwriting and having the lender walk you through the best loan options for your personal situation. Do you prefer a smaller lender or a larger lender? These are all things to think about when interviewing lenders.

Get Pre-Approved and Understand What Fees are Charged

Once you’ve interviewed lenders, choose at least two you want to get pre-approved with. During this process, you’ll want to ask for a full understanding of what fees are charged and ensure you’re getting the lowest rate and best loan terms. Many homebuyers don’t realize how many fees are added into each transaction based on the lender you choose as a homebuyer. According to Realtor.com, some of the most common mortgage fees to be on the lookout for are: 

• Settlement or closing costs

• Title insurance

• Taxes

• Attorney fees

• Interest rates

• Partial month interest

• Credit check costs

• Hazard and property insurance rates


You’ll want to get a breakdown from the lenders you’re pre-approved with of what the fees that are associated with your specific mortgage loan include and ensure the lender takes the time to walk you through each fee. 

As a homebuyer, following these three steps will equip you with the confidence to choose the best lender for your needs and make the home buying process much less overwhelming.

While Johns Creek is sought out by families for its fine schools and golf and tennis suburban lifestyle, did you know that many celebrities enjoy Johns Creek for the same reasons? Past Johns Creek residents include Jeff Foxworthy, Usher and more Braves, Falcons and Hawks athletes than you can list. We have put together some of the 3 most expensive homes on the market in Johns Creek to give you a peek inside the celebrity lifestyle that often times only the mega rich and famous see. If you're interested in touring any of the homes below, give us a call today for a private, VIP tour (proof of funds/pre-approval necessary).

910 Hurleston Lane

This beautiful home is owned by former Atlanta Braves Hall of Fame pitcher Tom Glavine. Located in Country Club of the South directly on the Chattahoochee River, 910 Hurleston Lane was custom-built in 2008 and designed by renowned architect Norman Askins. It features 8 bedrooms, and 12 bathrooms and over 16,000 sq feet of living space including a billiard room, arcade room, custom wine cellar, exercise and steam room and a pitching and batting cage. Outdoors there is an unbelievable garden, pool and spa, cabana, fire pit, baseball field and basketball court. The current list price is $6,075,000. Photo is courtesy of MLS.

4825 Candacraig

A rare Lewis Reeves new construction in Cameron Crest Farms, 4825 Candacraig offers privacy and a full attached carriage house. Upgrades include all tile and marble finishes, state of the art technology throughout and elevator access. Featuring 6 bedrooms and 8 bathrooms, this home is priced at $2,995,000. Photo is courtesy of MLS.

9720 Almaviva Dr

This Grand Estates of the South resort style home is built for entertaining, featuring an infinity edge pool outdoor kitchen with fireplace, gym, theater, sauna and elevator. There is mahogany flooring and imported marble upgrades throughout the 6 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms and the entire home is upgraded with smart technology including a safe room and concrete roof. 9720 Almaviva Drive is listed at $2,150,000. Photo is courtesy of MLS.

If getting back into a healthier routine is on your list of New Year’s resolutions, check out the wide variety of fitness programs we have right here in Johns Creek. Each of these studios have a wide variety of options for people of all ages and abilities. Many also offer affordable new student specials that allow you to get comfortable with your choice before you commit.

Iron Tribe Fitness Johns Creek

Iron Tribe’s purpose is to get you in the best shape of your life through high intensity workouts in a small group atmosphere and their program works with any fitness level at any age. Their classes blend one-on-one coaching with group fitness and each 45 minute workout is limited to 20 minutes They also offer a 6 week challenge including meal prep instructions, a personal accountability coach and three workout sessions per week. Iron Tribe is located in the Regal Cinema shopping center on Medlock Bridge at 9700 Medlock Bridge Rd #128 Johns Creek. 

Johns Creek Yoga

Located in a beautiful space off Jones Bridge Road, Johns Creek Yoga offers a variety of 75 minute classes that emphasize the union of the mind, heart, body and spirit through movement. Some of the benefits you can expect are improved strength, stamina and flexibility, better athletic performance for athletes whose muscles tend to contract and tighten over time and the increased ability to focus. Johns Creek Yoga offers a one month unlimited new student special for $55 and is located at 11705 Jones Bridge Road Suite C105 Johns Creek.

Omni Fight Club Johns Creek

At Omni Fight Club, you can experience a “fighter’s training regimen, but without the bloody lips”. Each workout features multiple 4-minute rounds of high-intensity interval exercise guided by custom dynamic music in an all-inclusive training format to ensure you get the most of every workout. Best of all, your first two classes are free. Omni Fight Club Johns Creek is located at 3005 Old Alabama Rd Ste 210 Johns Creek.

Pure Barre Johns Creek

Pure Barre is a collection of 45-50 minute total body workouts that engage your core through a series of low impact, isometric movements that are designed to produce results. During your first class you’ll utilize the classic ballet Barre and other light equipment, each focusing on different areas of your body. Pure Barre Johns Creek offers a month of unlimited classes for only $99 for new students and is located at 9810 Medlock Bridge Road Johns Creek.

What better way to support our thriving local community than to shop small this Christmas? Shopping small this holiday season is what makes our local Alpharetta, Johns Creek and Duluth communities vibrant and unique. We’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite local stores in the area for all your last minute gift giving needs. Let us know which stores you visit!

Piper Lillies Boutique - Johns Creek

Offering home accents, unique jewelry, apparel and children’s accessories, Piper Lillies offers a gift for everyone, for every occasion. Their ultimate goal is to provide their guests and customers with the highest quality superior shopping experience. In year’s past they’ve also offered free gift wrapping. Piper Lillies is located in Johns Creek near Bonefish Grill at 11705 Jones Bridge Rd Johns Creek.

Johns Creek Books and Gifts - Johns Creek

As Johns Creek’s newest, local independent bookstore, Johns Creek Books and Gifts offers a friendly bookstore experience. Having just opened in July 2018, owners and Johns Creek residents Tina and Anne Hamilton are excited to help guide you in the best direction for all your book recommendation needs. The store also carries unique gifts including candles, jewelry, puzzles and greeting cards. Johns Creek Books and Gifts is located in the Medlock Bridge Shopping Center at 6000 Medlock Bridge Road, Suite B500 Johns Creek.

Korner Soak - Downtown Alpharetta

This beautifully crafted store in downtown Alpharetta specializes in bath and beauty products along with pajamas and loungewear. Pick up something special for the lady in your life who deserves pampering! Korner Soak is located at 2 Milton Ave. Alpharetta 30009. 

The Ballog - Downtown Alpharetta

The Ballog is an artisan market that is proud to curate tasteful and beautiful products that support local, independent and socially conscious artisans. They have strong relationships with the artists and the vendors that they carry in store, and often feature live music and travelling art exhibits. Be sure to check them out for the art lover in your life. The Ballog is located in downtown Alpharetta at 235 Market Street Alpharetta.

Personify Shop - Downtown Duluth

If you’re looking for a truly unique and whimsical shopping experience for the dreamer in your life, you have to check out Personify Shop in downtown Duluth. Personify helps their customers find unique piece through their offering of modern and whimsical goods. It’s one of the most beautifully curated stores we’ve been in and you should check it out! Personify Shop is located in Downtown Duluth at 3550 W Lawrenceville St, Suite 320, Duluth.

Hello Rainbow - Downtown Duluth

Truly a toy store of what sugar-plum dreams are made of, Hello Rainbow is a brand new kids boutique offers adorable gifts for the kiddos in your life. From unique books, to candy, to games and stuffed animals, this adorable shop has just about every child’s gift you could imagine. Hello Rainbow is located right next door to Personify Shop in downtown Duluth.

One of the best times to check out a neighborhood you’re interested in potentially moving to is during the holiday season. While landscaping may be barren, neighborhood holiday decor gives you an idea of what a neighborhood is like during the most wonderful time of the year. After all, there’s no place like home for the holidays, so why not check out prospective neighborhoods as you enjoy family time together?

We’ve put together  some of the best neighborhoods and light displays in Johns Creek, Alpharetta, Duluth, Cumming and Roswell. 

Ashebrooke Night of Lights in Cumming - Sunday, December 16

On one amazing night, homeowners in the community of Ashebrooke in Cumming put together their passion and desire to “bring joy, community spirit and lots of lights” to raise money for a good cause. This year the event will benefit Family Promise of Forsyth. Out of the 310+ properties in Ashebrooke, generally 90% participate! According to the organizers, in past years there have been Santa sightings, falling snow, reindeer, bag pipers and a live nativity scene. The drive through the neighborhood can take an hour or more, but it’s worth it. Enter at 3905 Northridge Drive, Cumming, GA 30040 beginning at nightfall on Sunday, December 16

Christmas in Castille in Alpharetta (Forsyth County side) - Every Thursday through Sunday until December 25

Tune your radio to 89.9 FM and experience a phenomenal 15 minute light display with over 59,000 twinkling set to a four song playlist. Christmas in Castille is a home in the Castille neighborhood in West Forsyth county in Alpharetta. The Castille neighborhood is typically gated, but the gate will be made open each night for the display, which gives you a great opportunity to check out what makes this neighborhood so great. Hours of operation are 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm every Thursday through Sunday and the home is located at 4220 Tivoli Way Alpharetta.

Hillbrooke Neighborhood in Johns Creek - Nightly until December 25

For over 20 years, the Hillbrooke neighborhood in Johns Creek has come together to put on a beautiful neighborhood light display. Once in the subdivision, follow to the first stop sign and then go right. The entrance is Hillbrooke is located at 1600 Gladewood Drive, Johns Creek.

Duluth Christmas House in Duluth - Nightly through December 25

What started as a childhood passion turned into a reality for Tammie Hernandez of Duluth. Each year she decks her home in Duluth out with Christmas lights, multiple walk up displays for your family to get out of the car and experience, and a station for kids to write a letter to Santa all to raise money for a good cause. For the past two years she has raised money for a family friend, 12 year old Jada Chavez who was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma. Stop by 2929 Mockingbird Circle in Duluth to check out the amazing display and to write a letter of encouragement to Jada nightly from 6:00 - 10:00 pm.

Santa’s Village in Roswell - Nightly through December 31

Featuring Christmas characters, trains and lights, Santa’s Village in Roswell is straight out of the things sugarplum fairies are made of. The lights display includes eight settings, each one with a Christmas scene. Weather permitting, train rides throughout the neighborhood will be provided. Stop by nightly from 6:00 - 9:00 pm at 405 Waverly Hall Drive Roswell.

Football season is drawing to a close, which means a number of local area high schools in the North Atlanta are kicking off their Winter theater productions. We are fortunate to have some of the top rated school districts within Forsyth, Gwinnett and Fulton counties right here in our backyard. Don’t miss these family-friendly opportunities to support our local community through the arts.

Lambert High School presents Disney’s Little Mermaid Junior

Come experience a journey under the sea with Lambert High School’s Acting Troupe in Forsyth County as they present “an enchanting look look at the sacrifices we all make for love and acceptance” based on one of Hans Christian Andersen’s most beloved stories, Disney’s The Little Mermaid JR. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students.

Performance Times:

Saturday, December 1 at 2:00 pm & 7:00 pm

Thursday, December 6  at 7:00 pm

Friday, December 7 at  7:00 pm

Saturday, December 8 at 2:00 pm & 7:00 pm

Norcross High School presents Ronald Dahl’s Willy Wonka Junior 

This scrumdidilyumptious musical is adapted from Ronald Dahl’s timeless story of the world world-famous candy man and his quest to find an heir is a golden ticket to adventure. Norcross High School’s drama program will feature songs from the original 1971 film in addition to a host of fun new songs. Tickets are $7 per adult and $5 per child/student.

Performance Times:

Friday, December 7 at 7:00 pm

Saturday, December 8 at 7:00 pm

Sunday, December 9 at 2:00 pm

North Gwinnett High School presents Shrek the Musical

The North Gwinnett High School Players in Suwanee will bring this “hilarious story of everyone’s favorite ogre to life on stage and feature a terrific score of 19 all-new songs, big laughs, great dancing and breathtaking scenery in a part romance, part twisted fairytale.” Tickets are $8 online and are $10 at the door. 

Performance times:

Thursday, December 13 at 7:00 pm

Friday, December 14 at 7:00 pm

Saturday, December 15 at 7:00 pm