Johns Creek, Georgia

Johns Creek is a large, growing suburb of Atlanta, located on the banks of the Chattahoochee River. About 30 miles northeast of the city, Johns Creek has a population around 85,000. Johns Creek is known as an important business center of the northern suburbs. It is a family-oriented community as well as home to more than 2,500 local businesses, including about 600 restaurants.

Johns Creek seeks to offer something for everyone in terms of outdoor exercise and activity. The city counts its park system as one of its greatest assets, and offers programs for residents from youth to seniors to promote education, provide exercise and encourage lifelong wellness. There are more than 200 acres of parkland and nature reserves, and five points of access to the river. The lifestyle here is pleasant, with outings along the banks of the Chattahoochee as popular with locals as for visitors. Driving to Atlanta takes about 45 minutes, via I-85 and I-285.

Johns Creek celebrates Founders Day every December, but that's just one event on the community calendar. There are arts programs, fresh produce and fun at a local farmers' market open May through August, a September Family Festival and The Taste of Johns Creek, a fall food festival planned to benefit public school extracurricular activities. There are holiday celebrations and a full calendar of cultural events, outdoor concerts, movies and exhibits. Annual play days, including the Touch a Truck event sponsored by the city's public works department, captivate young and old alike.

Johns Creek only became an incorporated city in 2006, although there were settlements in the area even when it was Cherokee land. The young city gained a lot of attention in 2015 when it was named number 3 on the 24-7 Wall St. list of best places to live in America. Johns Creek is noted for its business opportunities, fine schools, shops, restaurants, and leisure attractions. It also has the cultural bonus of the Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra, Metro Atlanta's only part-time professional symphony.