10 Things to Know Before Moving to Suwanee, GA
The city of Suwanee, with a population of over 21,000, is situated on the northern boundary of Gwinnett County, not far from Sugar Hill and Duluth.
Originally a quiet residential community with some remaining rural charm, the area has since grown into a bustling suburb with a thriving town center. Due in significant part to a concentrated effort at regeneration and rebuilding, the population of Suwanee increased by 35.4% during the census of 2020.
Let’s check out ten things to know before moving to Suwanee, GA.
1. The Gwinnett County School System is a highly respected one
The acclaimed Gwinnett County School system serves the residents of Suwanee. As far as public high schools go, Suwanee has three options: North Gwinnett, Peachtree Ridge, and Collins Hill. The academic performance of all three institutions is excellent.
In 2021, out of 472 public high schools in Georgia, North Gwinnett was ranked #17, Peachtree Ridge #37, and Collins Hill #56 by US News & World Report. Additionally, North Gwinnett was recognized as Gwinnett County’s #2 public high school. Six primary schools, two middle schools, and three high schools make up Suwanee’s educational landscape.
2. Check out the Suwanee Town Center
There is little doubt that the Suwanee Town Center is a top-notch amenity for Suwanee residents. Visitors from all over Suwanee, including those who live in the nearby townhome and single-family home communities, as well as those who live further afield, flock to the Town Center for all of their shopping, dining, and entertainment needs, as well as to enjoy live performances at the amphitheater.
With its convenient location, the Suwanee Town Center is regarded as a “community front yard” in the city of Suwanee.
3. Suwanee has a higher-than-average cost of living
Suwanee, like many of the suburbs in northern Metro Atlanta, can have a high cost of living. The cost of living index for the city is 116.
Suwanee has a higher cost of living than both Georgia and the United States as a whole, with an annual total of $41,256 for a single adult. This includes housing, food, child care, transportation, healthcare, taxes, and more.
Many first-time homebuyers and young families are priced out of the market in Suwanee due to the high median home price of $577,294. Finding a home under $400,000 is incredibly tough.
4. Suwanee has eight parks
In addition to its extensive park system, Suwanee also has the fantastic Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation department at its disposal. The Suwanee region is home to eight parks managed by the city as well as three parks by Gwinnett County. A four-mile hard-surface route spanning the center of Suwanee, the Suwanee Creek Greenway links George Pierce Park with Suwanee Creek Park.
The parks in Suwanee provide a wide range of amenities to the locals, including playgrounds, basketball courts, an open orchard, disc golf, ample green space, pavilions for picnics, hard surface paths, and more.
5. Suwanee is close to many exciting destinations
Although Suwanee may not be everyone’s first choice for a vacation spot, those who call Suwanee home are never far from exciting adventures. The 30-minute drive to Lake Lanier Island Resort is ideal for a weekend escape.
A lot of people buy second homes or weekend getaways in the North Georgia mountain villages since they are less than two hours away. Two hours away is Chattanooga, Tennessee, and just under three hours away is Asheville, North Carolina; so, you have a plethora of fantastic vacation spots within easy driving distance on a Friday afternoon after work.
6. Traffic is a problem in Suwanee
Living in any suburb of Metro Atlanta is sure to be a challenge due to the inevitable traffic. Due to its proximity to Sugar Hill and Buford, a large number of inhabitants from those areas use Suwanee as a stop on their daily commute, which increases traffic volume in Suwanee. Fortunately, Suwannee’s two main north-south routes, Peachtree Industrial Boulevard and Buford Highway, significantly mitigate the city’s traffic problems.
You can reach downtown Atlanta quickly and easily via Interstate 85, which passes past the far eastern fringe of Suwanee. Even though there is a good chance that you may encounter traffic on the interstate whether you travel to Atlanta for business or pleasure, the fact that it is easily accessible is still a plus.
7. Live in areas like Laurel Springs, Hillside Trace, or Turnberry
Regardless of your taste, you’ll find the perfect home in Suwanee. Various types of residences can be found here, including contemporary farmhouses with lovely landscaping, lake estates with all the bells and whistles, craftsman-style mansions with a modern twist, and more.
Laurel Springs is a beautiful gated community with nearly all single-family houses set among fairways bordered by trees. Wonderful restaurants, shops, and all of Suwanee’s other facilities are within a short drive from this charming neighborhood. Laurel Springs is a popular location for people looking for a tranquil lifestyle.
Hillside Trace is a great place for seniors and small families to find a townhome or charming single-family house to settle down. People living here have a lot of chances to be active and involved because of the community’s pool and tennis courts.
The charming neighborhood of Turnberry has been featured on numerous “best of” lists due to its huge brick homes and well-kept lawns. The convenience of being close to world-class restaurants, shops, and attractions is a major perk of living here.
8. Summers are warm and the humidity is manageable
Suwanee enjoys pleasant temperatures throughout the year, in contrast to the notoriously erratic weather in Georgia, as any Georgia resident can attest. With highs of around 88 degrees Fahrenheit in July and August, summers can grow hot and muggy.
The humidity, meanwhile, is far more tolerable than in other areas of the state. The winters are brief and warm, with January lows of about 35 degrees.
The snow that does fall is usually not heavy and goes away rather rapidly, though it does happen from time to time. Generally speaking, Suwanee has weather that is nearly ideal throughout the year. Enjoy all your outdoor activities to the fullest during the mildest months in Suwanee: May, September, and October.
9. Retail, professional and scientific services and healthcare are the major sectors in Suwanee
In Suwanee, the median household income stands at $90,980. There are 10,226 individuals working in the city right now, up 5.86% over last year. Retail, professional and scientific services and healthcare make up the bulk of Suwanee’s workforce.
The average commuting time for inhabitants of Suwanee is 30.6 minutes. The reason is that other excellent career prospects are located in larger places like Atlanta, thus folks don’t have much choice except to commute there daily.
10. Savor good food at Hammerheads Seafood and Sports Grille, Seaside Oyster Bar, or Two Cities
Suwanee has developed into a dining destination in recent years, with a diverse array of restaurants to suit any taste or occasion. Some of the most popular restaurants in Suwanee include:
Hammerheads Seafood and Sports Grille stands out as a unique local seafood restaurant in Suwanee, offering specialty dishes that keep customers returning. Among the popular choices at Hammerheads are their buffalo wings and shrimp, crab cakes, New England clam chowder, and chipotle salmon salad.
Seaside Oyster Bar in Suwanee is the go-to place for seafood, happy hours, brunch, and a great time. This charming eatery exudes beach vibes that are truly inviting. Join them for their Social Hour every Monday to Thursday from 3 to 6 PM, offering fantastic deals such as $1 oysters and $6 small plates.
Two Cities, established in March 2022, has been bustling with pizza enthusiasts ever since its opening. Being the pioneer in Suwanee to introduce a rooftop dining experience, it’s no wonder this place has become immensely popular. They offer a variety of Chicago and New York-style pizzas, which perfectly reflects the concept behind their name, “Two Cities.”
From upscale dining to casual fare, Suwanee provides options for meals throughout the day. The variety of cuisines and settings make it easy to find a restaurant to suit your tastes and occasion.
In Conclusion
Suwanee, with its growing population and thriving town center, offers excellent educational institutions, expansive park systems, and diverse housing options. With a pleasant climate and a thriving dining scene, Suwanee has evolved into a promising destination while maintaining its residential charm.
However, this vibrant suburban town comes with a higher-than-average cost of living, particularly in housing. Likewise, while traffic remains a challenge, Suwanee’s accessibility to various destinations within driving distance enhances its appeal.
