Life in Gwinnett, GA
Gwinnett County is one of Georgia’s fastest-growing and most diverse counties, located about 20–40 minutes northeast of downtown Atlanta. Known for its award-winning schools, family-friendly neighborhoods, international community, and major retail hubs, Gwinnett is a top choice for first-time homebuyers, professionals, and investors alike.
Facts About Gwinnett County
- County Seat: Lawrenceville
- Population: 980,000+ (second-most populous county in GA)
- School District: Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) - the largest in Georgia
- Median Household Income: $75,000
- Top Employers: GCPS, Gwinnett Medical Center (Northside), Amazon, Primerica, Comcast, Mitsubishi Electric
Cities & Communities Within Henry County
Incorporated Cities in Gwinnett County
Gwinnett County has 16 incorporated cities (plus one partially in
the county):
List of Cities:
- Auburn (partially in Gwinnett)
- Berkeley Lake
- Braselton (partially in Gwinnett)
- Buford (partially in Hall County as
well)
- Dacula
- Duluth
- Grayson
- Lawrenceville (county seat)
- Lilburn
- Loganville (extends into Walton County)
- Norcross
- Peachtree Corners (largest city in Gwinnett)
- Rest Haven (smallest city in Gwinnett)
- Snellville
- Sugar Hill
- Suwanee
Each city offers its own blend of amenities, parks, housing styles, and
culture. Many also host farmer's markets, arts festivals, and seasonal
family events.
Population
Gwinnett County is one of Georgia's most dynamic and fast-growing counties, combining suburban comfort with a thriving urban edge and easy access to the greater Atlanta metro area. With a population of nearly 1 million residents, Gwinnett has become a hub that attracts families, professionals, and businesses from across the state and beyond.
Known for its exceptional diversity, Gwinnett is home to one of the most racially and ethnically varied populations in Georgia. Residents represent a wide range of cultures, languages, and traditions, enriching the community with international dining, cultural festivals, and multilingual schools. Local organizations, schools, and churches actively reflect this inclusivity, making Gwinnett one of the most welcoming counties in the state.
The county's population growth is supported by a strong economy, top-rated public schools, and expanding opportunities in business, healthcare, and technology. Cities like Lawrenceville, Duluth, Norcross, and Suwanee serve as major centers, offering historic charm, vibrant downtowns, and modern retail and entertainment districts.
Gwinnett County residents enjoy a strong sense of community, visible in year-round festivals, youth sports programs, arts initiatives, and farmers markets. Its diverse population also fuels a flourishing small-business and restaurant scene, reflecting the wide variety of cultural influences.
With its combination of suburban living, economic opportunity, and cultural richness, Gwinnett County offers a welcoming environment for newcomers and long-time residents alike—making it one of the most desirable places to live, work, and grow in Georgia.
Gwinnett County Schools
Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) is the largest school system in Georgia and one of the largest in the nation, serving nearly 182,000 students across 140+ schools. GCPS is highly regarded for its academic excellence, innovative programs, and commitment to diversity, making it a top choice for families in the Atlanta metro area.
Elementary Schools (Public & Private)
Top Public Elementary Schools
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Simpson Elementary (Peachtree Corners) - Rated A+, consistently among the top in the state with outstanding test scores, engaged teachers, and strong parent involvement.
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Level Creek Elementary (Suwanee) - A rating, known for excellent math and reading proficiency and a supportive learning environment.
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Shakerag Elementary (Johns Creek) - A rating, praised for academic rigor and a student-teacher ratio that supports personalized learning.
Other highly rated elementary schools include Burnette Elementary, Parsons Elementary, and Riverside Elementary, all with strong statewide rankings on Niche and GreatSchools.
Top Private Elementary Schools
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Greater Atlanta Christian School (Norcross) - Rated A+, one of the most recognized private schools in metro Atlanta, offering rigorous academics and extracurriculars.
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Hebron Christian Academy (Dacula) - A rating, known for small class sizes, strong faith-based education, and college prep focus.
Middle Schools (Public & Private)
Top Public Middle Schools
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North Gwinnett Middle (Suwanee) - A rating, highly ranked for academics, advanced courses, and extracurricular offerings.
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Riverwatch Middle (Suwanee) - A rating, recognized for STEM focus and top test performance.
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Five Forks Middle (Lawrenceville) - A- rating, with strong academic performance and teacher support.
Private K-12 Schools (Covering Middle Grades)
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Greater Atlanta Christian School (Norcross) - Serves grades K-12 with advanced academics, athletics, and arts programs.
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Wesleyan School (Peachtree Corners) - Elite private school with small class sizes, personalized instruction, and consistent top-tier college admissions.
High Schools (Public)
Top Public High Schools (2025)
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North Gwinnett High School (Suwanee) - Rated A+, nationally recognized for academics, AP/IB offerings, and athletic excellence.
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Brookwood High School (Snellville) - A rating, strong in academics, arts, and extracurriculars, with a reputation for community involvement.
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Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology (GSMST, Lawrenceville) - Specialized STEM charter school ranked among the top high schools in the nation, with an A+ Niche grade.
Other strong performers include Peachtree Ridge High School, Parkview High School, and Archer High School, all with solid A or B+ ratings.
Top Private Schools in Gwinnett County
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Greater Atlanta Christian School (Norcross) - Niche-rated A+, low student-teacher ratio, and nationally respected college prep curriculum.
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Wesleyan School (Peachtree Corners) - A+, elite academics, competitive athletics, and top-tier college placement.
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Hebron Christian Academy (Dacula) - A, offering strong academics in a faith-based environment.
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Killian Hill Christian School (Lilburn) - A-, supportive learning environment with high parent satisfaction.
Additional Insights
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Gwinnett County Public Schools consistently earns high rankings, with many schools rated A or A+ by Niche and recognized statewide for academic performance.
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GCPS boasts a high graduation rate (above 80%), with many schools exceeding state and national averages.
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The district is nationally known for its diversity, ranking among the top in Georgia for cultural variety and student inclusivity.
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Gwinnett also excels in athletics and extracurricular activities, consistently producing championship-level teams and award-winning arts programs.
Dining, Culture & Lifestyle
Safety & Emergency Services
- Many cities have their own police and fire departments
- Unincorporated areas are covered by Gwinnett County Police & Fire Services
- 911 services and emergency preparedness coordinated at the county level
Transportation
- Highways: I-85, GA-316, GA-20, Sugarloaf Parkway
- Transit: Gwinnett County Transit (GCT) buses and commuter shuttles
- Park-and-Ride access to MARTA (Doraville Station)
- ~45 minutes to Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport
Shopping & Dining
- Mall of Georgia - Georgia's largest mall with top retailers and restaurants
- The Forum at Peachtree Corners - Upscale shopping & dining
- Shoppes at Webb Gin (Snellville) and Downtown Duluth & Norcross - Boutique experiences
- Buford Highway corridor in Norcross - Authentic global cuisine
- Suwanee Town Center - Walkable plaza with eateries, shops, and green space
Parks & Recreation
- Gwinnett Parks & Recreation - Nationally recognized system with 50+ parks
- Suwanee Greenway, Tribble Mill Park, Little Mulberry Park, and Rabbit Hill Park
- Infinite Energy Center (Gas South District) - Sports, concerts, and conventions
- Gwinnett Stripers minor league baseball team at Coolray Field (Lawrenceville)
Healthcare Access
- Northside Hospital Gwinnett (Lawrenceville)
- Piedmont Eastside (Snellville)
- Children's Healthcare of Atlanta - Satellite campuses
- Numerous urgent care clinics, specialists, and medical centers
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Living in Gwinnett County: What to Know
1. Diverse & Welcoming Communities
Gwinnett County is one of Georgia's most vibrant and diverse counties, home to nearly 1 million residents. With cities like Lawrenceville, Duluth, Norcross, and Suwanee, the county offers a mix of thriving downtowns, suburban comfort, and strong community connections.
Benefits: International dining, cultural festivals, and community events that celebrate Gwinnett's global diversity.
Community Feel: Inclusive and welcoming, with active neighborhood associations, civic groups, and cultural organizations that bring residents together.
2. Cost of Living & Housing
Housing: Options range from charming historic homes in Lawrenceville to upscale subdivisions in Suwanee and family-friendly neighborhoods throughout the county.
Home Prices: Gwinnett offers competitive pricing compared to metro Atlanta's urban core, though highly desirable areas may trend higher.
Rental Market: A wide selection of apartments, townhomes, and single-family rentals makes Gwinnett appealing for both newcomers and long-time residents.
3. Public Services & Safety
Emergency Services: Served by Gwinnett County Police, Fire & Emergency Services, with additional support from municipal departments.
Healthcare: Access to Northside Hospital Gwinnett in Lawrenceville, Piedmont Eastside in Snellville, and other regional medical centers.
Libraries & Recreation: The Gwinnett County Public Library system, along with dozens of parks, trails, and recreation centers, support lifelong learning and active lifestyles.
Things to Consider
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Traffic: Like much of metro Atlanta, Gwinnett experiences congestion, particularly along I-85 and Highway 316.
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Commuting: Convenient access to Atlanta, major job centers, and Hartsfield-Jackson Airport makes Gwinnett ideal for professionals.
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Schools & Taxes: Gwinnett County Public Schools are highly rated and among the largest in the state; property taxes vary by city and school district.
Quick Tips for New Residents
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Register your vehicle and update your address with the Gwinnett County Tax Commissioner.
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Set up utilities with Georgia Power, Gwinnett County Water Resources, and your choice of local internet/gas providers.
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Get connected: Join local community groups, attend city events, or explore Gwinnett's many parks and recreation programs.
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📞 Call 800.552.1111 or schedule an appointment today to protect your Gwinnett County home.
Georgia Service Areas
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