Gwinnet County

One of the nation’s fastest growing counties, Gwinnett offers residents the best of both worlds, with close access to Atlanta and the modern infrastructure of suburbia.  As of 2018, the population is estimated to be 927,781, making it the second-most populous county in Georgia. With communities that combine vision and heritage with Southern charm, this growing county has a wealth of opportunities for all.

                  Parks and recreation abound in Gwinnett, with the Gwinnett Parks Foundation actively protecting and maintaining the beauty of the 50 parks in the county. A detailed guide of amenities at each park can be found at gwinnettcounty.com under Parks and Recreation. A wide variety of services and facilities, from fishing lakes, golf courses, dog parks and equestrian trails to mountain bike trails, indoor and outdoor pools, roller rinks and even sand volleyball courts can be found throughout the county.

                  In Gwinnett, you seldom have to leave the county to quench a thirst for arts and entertainment, even with the city of Atlanta a short drive away. Infinite Energy Center’s 90-acre lakefront campus can accommodate a variety of events such as concerts, performances, meetings, trade shows, conventions, banquets and celebrations. The multipurpose campus includes a 13,000-seat arena (The Arena at Infinite Energy Center), a 708-seat theater (Infinite Energy Theater), a 50,000-square-foot exhibit hall, and a 21,600-square-foot grand ballroom (Infinite Energy Forum). The campus is operated by the Gwinnett Convention and Visitors Bureau. Visit www.InfiniteEnergyCenter.com for a list of events.

                  The Jacqueline Casey Hudgens Center for the Arts offers boasts an award-winning sculpture garden, the Children’s Art Museum at the Hudgens, 2,800 square feet of enclosed outdoor space and lovely art galleries to make the perfect backdrop for a special day. The Gwinnett History Museum and Lawrenceville Female Seminary offers historical artifacts and is on the National Register for Historic Places.

                  Sports of all kinds can be found in the county, from rock climbing and ice skating to major sporting events at the Arena at Gwinnett Center. Home to two of Atlanta’s premier minor league teams, residents of Gwinnett and nearby counties cheer loud for the Gwinnett Stripers, an affiliate of the Atlanta Braves, and the Gwinnett Gladiators, the ECHL minor league hockey team. The county has no shortage of locations to play tennis and other racquet sports, in addition to a wide variety of other sports facilities.

                  Schooling options abound in Gwinnett. Gwinnett County Public Schools, consistently ranked among the highest in the country, is the largest school system in Georgia, with 141 schools and an estimated enrollment of 180,324 students for the 2018-2019 year. Georgia Gwinnett College, DeVry University Keller Graduate School of Management, Gwinnett Technical College and the Gwinnett campus of the University of Georgia all call Gwinnett County home.

                  The downtown square motif is prominent in Gwinnett, where Suwanee, Norcross, Buford, Duluth, Peachtree Corners and Lawrenceville offer great dining, live music, local shops and fun events year-round. Vibrant downtown and community projects such as Suwanee’s PlayTown and Community Garden instill a sense of family friendliness. Art galleries, studios, shops and restaurants in the restored Tannery Row Artist Colony in historic Buford are alive with the talents of pottery, acrylic, glass and woodworking artists.  For outdoor enthusiasts, greenspace and bikeways abound in Duluth, where events like the Duluth Fall Festival draw people from all over the country to the Town Green.

                  Business is big in Gwinnett. There are approximately 475,000 jobs in Gwinnett County, including more than 47,000 at these 10 major employers: Gwinnett County Public Schools, Gwinnett County Government, Gwinnett Health Care System, Publix, Walmart, State of Georgia, Kroger, U.S. Postal Service, Primerica and NCR. The film industry is growing exponentially in Gwinnett; dozens of recent movies (such as the Hunger Games series and Fast and Furious 7) and TV shows (including Brockmire and Good Girls) were shot at Gwinnett locations.

                  The Atlanta metro area is also consistently ranked as one of the best cities for recent graduates, women in business, small businesses and more, making Gwinnett a great place for young, educated career starters looking for good opportunities for friendships, fun and success.

 

 

The Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce strives to be the forum where business, government (county and cities working together), education, healthcare, arts/culture/entertainment, and the philanthropic and public service communities come together to advance the region’s economy and enhance the quality of life for the Gwinnett community. In Gwinnett, these sectors work in harmony to ensure progress and prosperity. The county’s numerous assets continue to propel it forward.

Discover Gwinnett, and see for yourself how it fulfills its slogan: “Vibrantly Connected.”

Auburn • cityofauburn-ga.org  (770) 963-4002 • Pop. 7,000

Auburn is a relatively small community that strives to focus on the individual residents while it expands progressively. The city has a good school system, medical offices, a veterinary office, multiple active service organizations, a public library system, a museum, and excellent police and fire departments. James Shackelford Memorial Park is a beautiful recreation area with the Appalachee River and Sandy Creek running alongside it. The park offers a camping area, walking trails, and several pavilions. The J.D. Withers building provides the perfect venue for small events.

 

Berkeley Lake • berkeley-lake.com  (770) 368-9484 • Pop. 2,100

Developed in the late 1940s, Berkeley Lake’s 700-acre lake properties were primarily used as summer retreats. As permanent residents moved in, area leaders sought to protect and control development, and the city was incorporated in 1956. Strict ordinances and zoning have kept the integrity and intent of the area intact. Berkeley Lake has been designated a Tree City USA for the past two decades.

 

Braselton •  braselton.net  (706) 654-3915 •  Pop. 10,947

The world-class Chateau Elan Winery and Resort is a major attraction in Braselton — more than half a million visitors flock to the winery each year and enjoy the Chateau Elan golf and residential community. Easy access to I-85 makes the area a great attraction for employment, and it also provides residents with many entertainment opportunities. Some of the corporate businesses in the region are PetCo, Tractor Supply, SafeLite, Whole Foods, Home Depot, Dayton Superior and Haverty Furniture’s Southeast Distribution Center.

 

Buford • cityofbuford.com  (770) 945-6761 • Pop. 15,189

Originally a railway depot between Atlanta and Charlotte, the present-day city of Buford represents far more than just a rail stop. The Buford Dam is a major source of power for the state, and Lake Lanier Islands is recognized as a premier recreational development in the Southeast. The friendliness of this small town welcomes new residents and weekend visitors perusing the many shops, restaurants, and galleries along Main Street Buford. The Mall of Georgia in Buford is the largest enclosed shopping mall in Georgia and attracts visitors from all over the state and Southeast. Recreational opportunities are abundant in the area, including swimming, skiing, camping, boating, fishing and hiking. More than 10 universities are located within a 50-mile radius, and an independent city school system controls elementary, middle and high schools.

 

Dacula • daculaga.gov  (770) 963-7451 • Pop. 6,190 

Those wanting small-town living with big-city access are finding that Dacula offers the perfect opportunity. Explosive growth along the Highway 316 corridor has led many new residents to the area, while regional air services at Briscoe Field provides additional transportation options for the busy executive.  Dacula is inclusive community where businesses thrive and residents enjoy world-class schools, opportunities for life-long learning, a vibrant economy, diverse partnerships and a superior quality of life.

 

Duluth • duluthga.net    (770)-476-3434  Pop. 29,463

A culturally diverse and vibrant community, Duluth is a place where families and businesses can thrive. Now the third largest city in Gwinnett County, it offers everything to truly capture the spirit of good living. With sidewalks and bikeways that connect all areas of the city, celebrations such as the Barefoot in the Park Fine Arts Festival, Duluth Fall Festival, concerts, dining delights, and multiple entertainment and shopping venues, Duluth is a prosperous community with small-town sensibilities. Designated a Tree City USA, Duluth’s residents and leaders work constantly to develop and preserve the area’s green spaces and expand its many parks. With easy access to Atlanta, Duluth offers the best of big-city amenities and small-town ambiance. It was named a Top 10 City for Best American Values by NewsMax magazine.

 

Grayson • cityofgrayson.org  (770) 963-8017 • Pop. 4,195

A growing area of the county, the city of Grayson has numerous city parks and an annual Grayson Day festival. Grayson is a vibrant “live, work and play” community close enough to the big city for easy access but far enough to experience personalized hometown living. With excellent schools, sports programs, parks, restaurants and shopping Grayson is a popular destination for families. Tribble Mill Park provides Grayson residents with 700 acres of recreation, including two lakes, trails, biking, fishing and horseback riding. The Grayson Arts and History Center preserves the history of the city, showcases local artists’ work, and holds many cultural events throughout the year.

 

Lawrenceville • lawrencevillega.org  (770) 963-2414 • Pop. 29,795

Incorporated on December 15, 1821, Lawrenceville is the county seat and second oldest city in Greater Atlanta. The city’s elected officials and employees continually work together to enhance this vibrant and thriving municipality, which is currently undergoing a resurgence of growth. Developments and improvements include the College Corridor, the cultural arts facility, the South Lawn project, the Lawrenceville Housing Authority project and the City View project.  Historic Downtown Lawrenceville offers a walkable array of sightseeing, shopping, dining and entertainment venues that appeal to all ages. The Lawrenceville Lawn, a city park, is undergoing a full renovation that will add a permanent amphitheater, arbor shades for tables and additional public parking; the project is scheduled for completion in late summer 2020.

 

Lilburn • cityoflilburn.com  (770) 921-2210 • Pop. 12,700

Lilburn is a quaint and friendly “small-town” city with a multicultural flair. It is home to a 32,000-square-foot Hindu temple built in 2007. The main route of transportation in the area is Highway 29, and the railroad also travels through the Old Town area of the city. A greenway was recently built in the heart of town and is always a popular spot for walking and biking. Lilburn is 25 miles from downtown Atlanta. Money Magazine ranked it No. 5 on the “Best Affordable Places to Live in America.”

 

Norcross • norcrossga.net   (770) 448-2122 • Pop. 16,845

Gwinnett’s second oldest city, Norcross was incorporated in 1870. Preserving the city’s charm and downtown district are priorities for citizens wishing to share the architecture and atmosphere with generations to come. The 112-acre Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Convenience to metro Atlanta and award-winning schools have kept families coming to the area. The city prides itself in its strong community atmosphere and family values. Many early craftsman cottages have been restored and offer a warm sense of escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

 

Peachtree Corners • cityofpeachtreecornersga.com   

(678) 691-1200 • Pop. 43,258

Situated in one of the fastest growing counties in Georgia, Peachtree Corners is conveniently located to major highways, I-85, I-285 and GA 400 and just 30 minutes northeast of Atlanta. The city was incorporated in 2012. Its roots began in the late 1960s as a dream of businessman Paul Duke, who pitched the idea of creating Peachtree Corners, a planned community to be built in the area once known as Pinckneyville. Duke’s dream included Technology Park Atlanta, a campus of low-rise buildings for high technology industries. Today, Technology Park is home to Fortune 500 businesses and continues to attract high-tech companies drawing top-tiered engineering talent from around the country. The Chattahoochee River flows in close proximity to many beautiful neighborhoods and parks.  Canoeing, hiking, swimming, and biking are everyday activities as temperatures are moderate most of the year. The Forum, a sought-out destination for dining and shopping, is located in the heart of Peachtree Corners.

 

Snellville • snellville.org   (770) 985-3500 • Pop. 19,738

Snellville is city of friendly Southern charm on the eastern edge of Atlanta with an award-winning farmers market and easy access to the airport. Distinctly located in southern Gwinnett’s shopping district on Scenic Highway, the city offers numerous restaurants, shops, churches, cultural events, schools and recreational opportunities. Founded by two young London immigrants who started the Snell Store in the early 1880s, Snellville is known for its entrepreneurial mindset. The city is moving forward with a planned 18-acre development called The Grove at Towne Center, which will serve as a new central hub for the city and includes apartments, public library, restaurants and a greenway.

 

Sugar Hill • cityofsugarhill.com (770) 945-6716 • Pop. 23,180

Sugar Hill has an impressive downtown with a stately City Hall, an award-winning outdoor amphitheater called The Bowl, and the brand new ECenter, a 150,000 square-foot mixed-use facility providing a place for residents and visitors to Exercise, Eat and be Entertained. The project sits right in the heart of Sugar Hill central business district, overlooking the Bowl concert venue as well as on the city’s main street, West Broad.  Phase I of the Sugar Hill Greenway, an 11.5 greenway around the city with approximately 16.5 miles of trail, has been completed and is a paved path shared by pedestrians, bicyclists, wheelchair users, joggers and other non-motorized users. Once complete, the trail will be 12 feet wide and will connect downtown Sugar Hill to city and county parks, neighborhoods and its golf course. Residents and guests alike can share photos and stories of their love of the city on Instagram or Twitter using the hashtag #InMySweetCity.

Suwanee • suwanee.com  (770) 945-8996 • Pop. 19,549

Award-winning Suwanee is a friendly, progressive community committed to maintaining a high quality of life for its residents. The Suwanee community is considered one of the most desirable places to live in the Atlanta region; it has been named by several national publications (Money, Family Circle, Kiplinger.com) as one of the best places to live and raise families, and was named Georgia’s eCity by Google. Suwanee is well known for its distinctive parks, crowd-pleasing events, and high-quality mixed-use developments. Like many Gwinnett County communities, Suwanee began as a small agricultural town with strong ties to the railroad. Today, the City works hard to retain its charm and sense of neighborliness and to manage growth in smart, innovative ways. Suwanee offers a variety of housing options that fit an array of lifestyles. Its youngest citizens are served by the Gwinnett County Schools System, the largest public school system in Georgia and largely regarded as the finest. Suwanee boasts 600+ acres of parkland and many miles of walking and biking trails. The vibrant Town Center is an attractive community “front yard” where residents and visitors gather for events, to shop and eat, or simply to relax and play.