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.
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)
Georgia Service Areas
We are a local security system provider protecting the homes and businesses in the following areas:
