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Life in Norcross, GA

Norcross, Georgia is a historic and culturally diverse city in western Gwinnett County, about 20 miles northeast of downtown Atlanta. Known for its charming downtown district, eclectic food scene, and close-knit neighborhoods, Norcross offers a unique blend of historic preservation and modern development. It’s a top choice for families, commuters, and creatives alike.

Norcross Neighborhoods

  • Historic Norcross: Cobblestone streets, local shops, restaurants, and beautifully restored homes.
  • Peachtree Corners/Norcross Area: Suburban convenience with upscale housing and shopping.
  • Beaver Ruin Road Corridor: Affordable apartment communities and international markets.
  • Langford Close: Quiet, family-friendly enclave near top schools.
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Norcross Population

Norcross has a population of approximately 18,000 residents, while the surrounding unincorporated area pushes that number closer to 40,000.

Norcross Demographics

  • Hispanic or Latino: 45%
  • African American: 33%
  • White: 15%
  • Asian: 5%
  • Median Age: 31 years
  • Median Household Income: $60,000

Norcross Schools

Public School System:

  • Operated by Gwinnett County Public Schools

Top Public & Charter Schools in Norcross

School Grades Highlights / Notes
Paul Duke STEM High School 9-12 STEM-focused high school serving the Norcross High attendance zone.
Norcross High School 9-12 Offers Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) programs.
Brookhaven Innovation Academy K-8 Charter school with strong performance in Georgia rankings.
Norcross Elementary School PreK-5 One of the top public elementary schools in the 30071 area.

Daycare & After-School Care

  • The Goddard School
  • Kids 'R' Kids Norcross
  • Little Ones Learning Center
  • YMCA after-school programs

Extracurricular Activities

  • Dance: The Royal Dance Academy
  • Swim: West Gwinnett Aquatic Center
  • Martial Arts: Tiger-Rock Martial Arts
  • Music & Art: Kudzu Art Zone, Lionheart Theatre programs

Norcross is Known for

1. Historic Downtown & Small-Town Charm

Norcross is one of Gwinnett County's oldest cities (founded in 1870) and is well known for its beautifully preserved historic downtown. The area features 19th-century architecture, antique shops, local restaurants, art galleries, and cozy boutiques — all creating a walkable, small-town feel just minutes from Atlanta. The downtown square often hosts concerts, art festivals, and farmers markets, making it a lively community hub.


2. Parks, Green Space & Outdoor Recreation

The city is home to several well-maintained parks like Thrasher Park, Lillian Webb Park, and Pinnacle Park, which are popular for outdoor concerts, picnics, splash pads, and community gatherings. Norcross also connects to regional greenway systems, making it great for walking, jogging, and biking enthusiasts.


3. Business & Economic Growth

Despite its small-town vibe, Norcross is a major business and technology corridor in Gwinnett County. It's home to corporate offices, logistics hubs, and tech companies, thanks to its strategic location near I-85 and easy access to Atlanta. The Peachtree Corners/Norcross tech cluster is a growing hotspot for startups and established firms.


4. Cultural Diversity & Community Events

Norcross is one of the most culturally diverse cities in metro Atlanta. This diversity is reflected in its restaurants, cultural festivals, and international markets. Events like the Norcross Art Splash Festival, Summer Concert Series, and Caribbean Jerk Festival celebrate the city's multicultural spirit and bring the community together year-round.


5. Affordable Living & Proximity to Atlanta

Norcross is known for offering affordable housing options compared to nearby cities like Duluth or Alpharetta. Its location — about 20 miles northeast of downtown Atlanta — makes it a popular choice for families and young professionals seeking suburban comfort with urban convenience.


6. Strong Schools & Family-Friendly Environment

The city is part of the Gwinnett County Public Schools system, one of the top-rated districts in Georgia. Schools like Norcross High School and Paul Duke STEM High School attract families looking for strong academics and specialized programs.

Living in Norcross

  • Homeownership rate: 46%
  • Renting: 54%, especially in the central and southwestern parts of the city

Why Live in Norcross?

  • Close to I-85 and Peachtree Industrial Blvd for commuting
  • Walkable downtown with parks and green space
  • Diverse food, arts, and cultural community
  • Affordable homes with access to top Gwinnett County schools

Parks and Recreation

  • Thrasher Park (playground, green space, amphitheater)
  • Pinnacle Park (pond, trails, picnic areas)
  • Rossie Brundage Park (youth programs)
  • Johnson Dean Park (sports and community events)

Working in Norcross

Major Employers & Top Hiring Fields

  • Gwinnett County Public Schools
  • WestRock (packaging solutions)
  • EMS Technologies
  • Tech startups and logistics companies along I-85 corridor

Hiring Sectors

  • Technology
  • Education
  • Manufacturing & Logistics
  • Hospitality & Retail

Transportation

  • Easy access to I-85, I-285, and Peachtree Industrial Blvd
  • Gwinnett County Transit (bus service)
  • 40-50 minutes to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

Shopping, Dining and Entertainment

Grocery Stores

  • Publix, Kroger, Walmart, ALDI
  • Super H Mart and other international markets along Buford Hwy
  • Norcross Farmers Market (seasonal)

Dining Scene

  • Mojitos Cuban American Bistro
  • Dominick's (Italian)
  • Ba Bellies (Asian fusion)
  • The Crossing Steakhouse
  • Chase's Grille & Wingery

Entertainment Options

  • Norcross Summer Concert Series
  • Thrasher Park and Norcross Community Market
  • Lionheart Theatre performances
  • Historic downtown festivals and car shows

Community Services & Resources in Norcross

Medical Providers

  • Norcross Medical Center
  • Peachtree Women's Specialists
  • Pediatric and dental clinics throughout the city

Emergency & Healthcare Services

  • Police: Norcross Police Department
  • Fire: Gwinnett County Fire Services
  • Hospitals: Northside Hospital Gwinnett, Emory Johns Creek (nearby)
  • Urgent Care: Peachtree Immediate Care, Piedmont Urgent Care

Religious Institutions

  • Norcross First United Methodist Church
  • Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church
  • Iglesia Vida Nueva Norcross
  • BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir (nearby in Lilburn)
Modern church building with large glass windows, flagpoles, and a globe sculpture at the entrance under a cloudy sky.