Dentist Near Johns Creek, GA

GEORGIA — Six towns in Georgia are among the 250 best places to live, according to a new ranking from U.S. News & World Report that looks at value, desirability, job markets and the quality of life in U.S. cities.

Those in Georgia named to the Best Places to Live In the U.S. in 2025-26 are:

About top-ranked Johns Creek, the editors said: "About 82,725 people live in Johns Creek, and the median age here is 43.0. The median household income in Johns Creek is $161,297, and the average commute time is about 39.0 minutes. The unemployment rate here is 3.59%. If you want to buy a house in Johns Creek, the median home price here is $528,355."

This year, U.S. News expanded its data to evaluate more than 850 cities to publish the 250 best places, up from 150 in years prior. The new data considerations and the expansion of evaluated cities resulted in a new top 10 for the 2025-2026 year, with Johns Creek taking No. 1 due to its strong job market and desirability scores.

“The expansion of the 2025-2026 Best Places to Live rankings gives consumers a more detailed view into what it’s like to live somewhere at the community level, enabling them to consider more options for potential places to settle down,” Erika Giovanetti, consumer lending analyst at U.S. News & World Report, said in a news release.

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The full top 10 are:1. Johns Creek, Georgia 2. Carmel, Indiana 3. Pearland, Texas 4. Fishers, Indiana 5. Cary, North Carolina 6. League City, Texas 7. Apex, North Carolina 8. Leander, Texas 9. Rochester Hills, Michigan 10. Troy, Michigan

The cities were determined based on a methodology that takes into account the city’s job market, value, quality of life and desirability.

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U.S. News said measures were weighted in part based on a public survey of thousands of individuals throughout the country to find what qualities they consider important in a place to live. The news outlet also used its own internal research data, as well as data from U.S. agencies, including the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Census Bureau, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Federal Emergency Management Agency and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

“While quality of life remains the top priority for many Americans – and has the heaviest weight in determining the Best Places to Live rankings – U.S. News slightly adjusted its weights to increase priority for a location’s job market amid heightened economic uncertainty,” Giovanetti said.

The 859 cities analyzed for the 2025-2026 were then ranked within state-specific rankings.

“This year’s release celebrates the top 250 places that meet consumer needs best, but also offers the ability to view top-ranked cities in states of their choice," Giovanetti said.

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JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Johns Creek City Council members said they support asking residents to vote on a bond to pay for a $60 million performing arts center they say could transform the city.

At its June 9 meeting, the council discussed several funding options for the center, settling on a $40 million general obligation bond. City Manager Kimberly Greer asked members to think about how the center would be used, saying that factor would determine the best way to fund it. Voters could be asked to consider the bond on the November ballot. To place the referendum on that ballot, the Fulton County Board of Elections has requested notice by as late as July 1.

In addition to general obligation bonds, the performing arts center could be funded by revenue bonds or lease-purchase financing through the Georgia Municipal Association.

Council members said they had considered the other options and determined they were less ideal than a general obligation bond.

Financing through the Georgia Municipal Association would fund only a portion of the project because of limits on how much outstanding debt a local government can have.

Greer asked council members to decide whether the center should prioritize use by city residents or nonresidents.

If nonresidents use the center, a profit could be generated, and contract-backed revenue bonds could be issued through the City of Johns Creek Public Facilities Authority. A revenue bond would require no voter referendum.

Revenue bond payments could be sourced from the facility’s revenue or an arrangement with a private sector partner.

Council members said they see the center as a community asset and support letting voters decide whether the project should move forward.

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“I have always envisioned this as a community, multipurpose center,” Mayor John Bradberry said. “A $40 million bond question to voters in the fall is appropriate.”

Most council members said they prefer a bond term of 20 years because of better interest rates.

For a $60 million project, a 20-year bond could increase property taxes between 14.5 and 17.5 percent depending on property values.

Johns Creek residents are assessed a maintenance and operations property tax rate at 3.646 mills, the lowest among north Fulton County cities. In Alpharetta, the rate is 5.750 mills, and in Roswell, the rate is 4.949 mills. In Milton, the rate stands at 4.389 mills.

Implications to homeowners vary, however, because each city has varying homestead exemptions, which affects how much residents pay in property taxes.

One mill generates $1 for every $1,000 of a property’s taxable value, which by state law, is 40 percent of a property’s real – or fair market – value. A home that is worth $100,000 on the market would have a taxable value of $40,000, and a levy of 1 mill would cost the homeowner $40 in taxes.

A conceptual plan calls for an 800-seat performance hall, lobby, back-of-house stage and multipurpose room at a price tag of $60 million. An optional space for art classrooms would cost another $11 million.

Inspired by designs at The Boardwalk at Town Center, renderings of Medley, Town Center, the center’s facade could feature a curtain wall of glass panels in the main lobby and a combination of brick and aluminum composite material paneling in less prominent areas.

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — The Johns Creek City Council discussed a bond referendum that would help finance a proposed $60 million performing arts center promoted as a cultural and recreational game-changer.

The council took no vote on the measure at its April 28 meeting.

Mayor John Bradberry proposed a funding plan that would include $20 million from the city’s cash reserves, $12 million from the Georgia Municipal Assocation’s Brick and Mortar loan program and $28 million from a voter-approved bond.

While no specific location has been decided for the arts center, it could be sited near the city’s walkable Town Center on Medlock Bridge Road to complement amenities planned there. Within the Town Center, construction is underway for the mega mixed-use Medley project and The Boardwalk recreational and event space.

Together, the projects could create a vibrant recreational destination for residents, Bradberry said.

“That is going to create a really special environment and hopefully some great traditions,” he said.

The City Council previously reviewed a cost estimate and conceptual site plan for the performing arts center. The conceptual plan calls for an 800-seat performance hall, lobby, back-of-house stage and multipurpose room with a $60-million price tag. An optional space for art classrooms would cost another $11 million.

During discussion of the matter, council members debated how the project might be funded and implications of asking for a bond on the November ballot.

Johns Creek residents are assessed a maintenance and operations property tax rate at 3.646 mills, the lowest among north Fulton County cities. In Alpharetta, the rate is 5.750 mills, and in Roswell, the rate is 4.949 mills. In Milton, the rate stands at 4.389 mills.

Implications to homeowners varies, however, because each city has its own homestead exemption, which affects how much residents pay in property taxes.

One mill generates $1 for every $1,000 of a property’s taxable value, which by state law, is 40 percent of a property’s real – or fair market – value. A home that is worth $100,000 on the market would have a taxable value of $40,000, and a levy of 1 mill would cost the homeowner $40 in taxes.

Jobs

With a $30-million bond, Johns Creek residents could see their millage rate rise by about 0.3 mills, still lower than the rate approved by the council in 2022, Councilwoman Erin Elwood said.

“I just want to keep in perspective the city has done really big projects, really great projects that are investments,” Elwood said. “We can sharpen our pencils and make it happen, and we will have the most … fantastic town center in North Fulton.”

The city anticipates a $3 million surplus at the end of this fiscal year that includes about $2.3 million initially earmarked for a rebuild of Fire Station 63.

Cash on hand reserves, not including the emergency and cash flow stabilization funds, are about $19 million.

Councilman Larry DiBiase said he would like the council to consider pushing a bond referendum to May 2025 or 2026 to allow additional time for community engagement and to explore additional funding options. Allowing more time would promote transparency and give the council a better idea about the community’s priorities, he said.

“I want this project, but I don’t want it if it’s going to burden the citizens enormously,” DiBiase said.

Elwood said even with a November referendum the city would have opportunities to change course if circumstances change. The city would be under no obligation to immediately seek a bond if one is approved, she said.

“None of these dollars are going to be spent for years,” she said.

Mayor Bradberry said he is wary of attempts to stall the project, reminding the council they had previously supported the center. With the bond, the city would be able to comfortably pay for the project, he said.

“We are talking about values,” Bradberry said. “Are we putting something at a priority that we said we were going to put as a priority.”

A new wave of dining is heading to Johns Creek.

STIR, the elevated yet approachable cocktail bar and scratch kitchen from Chattanooga, is officially set to open its first Georgia location at Medley, the $560 million mixed-use development by Toro Development Company. The announcement was made in a press release Wednesday.

The 6,000-square-foot restaurant will anchor the project’s vibrant central plaza and is scheduled to open during Medley’s grand debut on October 29, 2026. STIR will also introduce a standalone concept next door called Tonic House, a 1,000-square-foot satellite cocktail bar that opens directly onto the plaza for a walk-up experience.

Known for its fresh oyster bar, hand-crafted cocktails, and weekend brunch menu, STIR has built a loyal following across the Southeast. Signature offerings include hand-carved ice from 300-pound blocks frozen and shaped in-house, house-made syrups and bitters, and a robust liquor program featuring more than 300 selections.

“As we expand STIR across the Southeast, finding locations that align with our hospitality-driven ethos is key,” said Allen Corey, founder of SquareOne Holdings, which owns and operates STIR. “Medley stood out for its thoughtful, community-centered approach, making it the perfect home for our first Georgia location.”

Brunch lovers can expect modern takes on classic dishes, including a mason jar mimosa and house-made Bloody Marys, served on an expansive patio with al fresco seating and open-air design.

Tonic House, STIR’s adjacent concept, will offer a focused cocktail menu built around the namesake mixer, continuing the brand’s commitment to craft, connection, and innovation.

STIR and Tonic House join an already stacked first-to-market lineup at Medley that includes Sephora, Playa Bowls, Five Daughters Bakery, Fadó Irish Pub, and more. Toro Development Company’s “Third Place” strategy is focused on creating everyday gathering spaces designed to foster community connection through active, pedestrian-friendly environments.

“We always envisioned enlivening Medley’s Plaza with chef-driven, highly activated concepts,” said Kimberly Goetz, Vice President of Leasing at TDC. “STIR and Tonic House perfectly represent the kind of experience-driven hospitality that will bring people together and keep them coming back.”

Medley will ultimately feature 200,000 square feet of retail and dining, 900 residences, lifestyle office space, and a 25,000-square-foot central plaza hosting more than 200 events annually.

The development broke ground in January 2025 and is being positioned as a major new community hub for Johns Creek.

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