Milton became a city in 2006, northwest of the City of Alpharetta, and the city says about 85 percent of its land is zoned agricultural, with residential lots of at least one acre. That zoning is why the roads around Crabapple, Birmingham and Hopewell still pass pastures, board fences and barns.
Milton also holds several golf communities, including Atlanta National, White Columns and The Manor. The city does not provide water or sewer itself, and many large lots rely on septic systems, so the permit and an inspection belong in due diligence.
- Acreage
- Horse properties
- Golf communities
- Septic common
| Government | City of Milton |
|---|---|
| County | Fulton |
| Public schools | Fulton County Schools (confirm by address) |
| Typical lot | One acre and up |
Trade-off: Space, privacy and lower city millage, but longer drives and septic systems to inspect.
Sourced facts for Milton
- The City of Milton formed in 2006 from parts of unincorporated Fulton County. It is named for John Milton, also the namesake of the former Milton County (1857-1931). City of Milton: About Milton, checked 2026-10-19
- The 2020 Census counted 41,296 residents in the City of Milton. U.S. Census Bureau, 2020 Census Redistricting Data (P.L. 94-171), Table P1, Milton city, Georgia, checked 2026-10-19
- Milton borders Cherokee County to the north and west, Forsyth County to the east, Roswell to the southwest and Alpharetta to the south. City of Milton: About Milton, checked 2026-10-19
- Milton covers more than 39 square miles. The City says about 85% of it is agriculturally zoned, so residential lots there must be at least 1 acre. City of Milton: About Milton, checked 2026-10-19
- The City of Milton does not provide water or sewer service; residents get it privately or through Fulton County Water Services. The City says Milton residents who don't pay for sewer are likely on septic systems, which the homeowner must maintain. City of Milton: Water, Sewer and Septic Information, checked 2026-10-19
- Atlanta National Golf Club in Milton has a course designed by Pete and P.B. Dye. The club says it opened in 1987. Atlanta National Golf Club (club page on Invited Clubs): Traditions & Community, checked 2026-10-19
- White Columns Country Club (300 Clubhouse Dr, Milton) dates to 1993. Its Tom Fazio course covers 250 acres. White Columns Country Club (club page, operated by Arcis Golf): Our Story, checked 2026-10-19
- The Manor Golf & Country Club (15952 Manor Club Dr, Milton) opened in 2006. The club says its course is one of only 16 Tom Watson designs worldwide and his only one in Georgia. The Manor Golf & Country Club (club page, operated by Arcis Golf): Our Story, checked 2026-10-19
- City of Milton: an estimated 3,410 owner-occupied homes (30.9%) were valued at $1,000,000 or more: 2,261 at $1M-$1.49M, 676 at $1.5M-$1.99M and 473 at $2M or more (ACS 2020-2024). U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates, Table B25075, checked 2026-10-19
Zoning decides what the land can do
Before you price a barn, a riding ring or a guest house, read the parcel’s zoning in the City of Milton’s code and ask the city’s planning staff about anything you plan to add, including whether and how many horses the parcel may keep. Agricultural zoning is what keeps lots large here, and it also limits what can be split off or built.
Septic, not sewer, on much of the land
Large Milton lots commonly rely on a septic system. Ask the seller for the permit and the last pump-out, and have the system inspected inside your due-diligence period. The due-diligence checklist lists who keeps the records.
Taxes in Milton
Milton levies its own city millage on top of Fulton County and Fulton County Schools. Compare it with the other jurisdictions in the tax and closing-cost estimator.
| Where the home sits | Combined mills | Yearly tax, no homestead | With homestead exemptions |
|---|---|---|---|
| City of Alpharetta | 31.869 | $25,495 | $24,969 |
| City of Milton | 30.622 | $24,498 | $24,134 |
| City of Johns Creek | 29.861 | $23,889 | $23,536 |
| South Forsyth | 24.522 | $19,618 | $19,524 |
Questions buyers ask
How much is the Milton homestead exemption?
Milton’s basic homestead exemption takes $15,000 off assessed value for city operations, with a floating exemption that caps base-year growth.
Source: City of Milton: Property Taxes (2025 Milton Property Tax Guide)
How big are lots in Milton?
The City of Milton says about 85% of the city is zoned agricultural, so residential lots there must be at least one acre.
Source: City of Milton: About Milton
Does Milton have sewer?
The City of Milton does not provide water or sewer service itself; residents are served privately or by Fulton County Water Services, and many rely on septic systems.
Tax rates, exemptions and rules change every year. Every number on this page links to the office that sets it; confirm with that office before you rely on it.