Pros and Cons of Living in Suwanee, GA (2025 UPDATED)

Hi, this is Tim Trevathan with Tim Trevathan Homes. Boy, do I have a treat for you: it’s time to revisit the pros and cons of living in Suwanee, Georgia. You won’t believe what has changed, and I can’t wait to unpack all of it for you.

So, Suwanee… What’s going on in Suwanee?

Well, for starters, Suwanee is located in the northwest quadrant of Gwinnett County, which borders Fulton and Forsyth counties. The city is about seven miles north of Duluth, so if you saw my video on the pros and cons of living in Duluth and felt undecided about checking out properties in that area, you’ll definitely want to stick around to see what Suwanee has to offer.

I’m going to break down Suwanee’s current demographics, revisit the pros and cons from three years ago, and reveal new developments that could be a game changer for some buyers.

Without further ado, let’s get into it.

Since my last video, many more buyers have made Suwanee their home. In the past three years, Suwanee’s population has grown from twenty-two thousand to twenty-four, and it is projected to climb to twenty-six thousand residents in the next four years. ^[1]

Just recently, Suwanee made Fortune’s list of the Top 50 Best Places to Live for Families in the United States. Not only did it rank better than 2,000 cities, but it secured the 27th spot.^[2]

Fortune’s annual list evaluates cities based on education, resources for aging adults, general wellness, financial health, and livability. It showcases the best places for families to flourish and says, “With a growing portion of Americans caring for both children and aging parents, more people want to live in cities where multigenerational families can thrive.”

And that is surely the case with Suwanee, which has independent living complexes like TerraBella Sugarloaf, Park at Johns Creek, and Heartis Suwanee and assisted living facilities like Belmont Village Johns Creek, Oaks at Suwanee Creek, and once again, Heartis Suwanee.^[3]

When it comes to the city’s character, the heart of Suwanee beats in places like Old Town Suwanee, with its lush 56-acre historic district and the bustling Town Center corridor known for its lively atmosphere and family-friendly festivals year-round.

Outdoor enthusiasts love the Suwanee Running Series, tranquil parks, and scenic trails.

Art lovers express immense gratitude for Suwanee’s public art initiatives, like SculpTour and the Art for All campaign, which has raised over $1.25 million for new public artworks. The Suwanee Arts Center doubles as the city’s Welcome Center, further enriching the community’s creative spirit.

Suwanee ensures excellent healthcare with four hospitals within a 10-mile radius and boasts top-tier public education through Gwinnett County Public Schools.

Mayor Jimmy Burnette perfectly captures the spirit, saying, “Suwanee’s inclusion in Fortune’s Best Places to Live for Families is a testament to our community’s dedication to creating a welcoming, connected, and thriving environment for all residents.”

Speaking of all residents, Suwanee’s cross-section of residents has remained fairly the same from year to year.

The latest data shows that:

55.99% identify as White;

24.44% identify as Asian
12.66% identify as Black or African American
6.9%% identify as mixed-raced or other.^[4]

The median age of residents is around 37, and Suwanee is mainly home to young professionals and growing families.

The median income here is higher than the national average, but what is most interesting is that some of the highest earners in the city are residents who self-report having less than a 9th-grade education. That’s right, many of these successful residents are tradesmen, women, and local business owners. Talk about a city that fosters growth and opportunity for people from all walks of life.^[5]

But the real question here is: does Suwanee have great opportunities for you? Is this market a good fit for your needs, and if not, where else should you look?

Let’s find out by breaking down the updated pros and cons of living in Suwanee.

Pro Number One: Suwanee Town Center

In my last video, I discussed Suwanee’s town center and everything it had to offer. However, since then, there has been a major new development in the area, and it’s worth sharing. Before I get into what it is, let’s quickly recap some of the town center’s current amenities and features.

I’ve interviewed more than a few residents in the area, and they unanimously agree that the town center gives off great live-work-play energy with its splash pad for kids, large lawn for event gatherings or throwing frisbee, and unique dining and shopping options.

Residents enjoy the city’s consistent flow of concerts and outdoor events like Summer Porch Jam, the Wine Festival, Glow in the Park, and more. They also have fitness events like the 5K run, yoga classes, and outdoor fitness challenges. In the fall, residents gather on the lawn with chairs, blankets, and popcorn for outdoor movie screenings. Overall, the city gives everyone a reason to step out of the house and commune with their neighbors.

When it comes to dining, I mentioned in my previous video that the dominant cuisine in Suwanee is mostly Asian, specifically Korean, but if you’re looking for something a little more unique, the town center offers more food fusion options. For instance, Tequila Mama blends Asian, Caribbean, and Mexican cuisine to serve their famous Cadillac nachos, Ahi tuna tostadas, bulgogi tacos, and Cubano bowls. Oddly enough, nearby Seaside Oyster Bar has one of the best chicken salad sandwiches in town and is the only place to serve a seafood poutine. I wonder what Canadians would think of it if they came to Suwanee.

And guess what? The places are so popular that sometimes the wait to get in can take up to 50 minutes, but that’s not even an issue. Most residents walk over to the local brewery, Still Fire, for food-truck appetizers, beer, and live music. There’s never a dull moment. The brewery even has a play area so kids can have fun while their parents chat the evening away.

During the summer months, residents enjoy perusing the weekend farmers market, which presents more opportunities to sample new foods, support local artists, and buy hand-crafted goods.

And if all that sounds good, wait until you hear this…The big reveal. Later this year, just across from the Town Center, behind the Suwanee Library, a major new development is about to open to the public. ^[6]

It’s a massive 25-acre mixed-used property officially known as the Town Center on Main + DeLay Nature Park project. It features a second amphitheater, a massive event lawn perfect for picnics and gatherings, volleyball sand pits, a scenic pedestrian bridge to stroll across the entire property, a Veteran’s memorial, two stunning water features, and so much more.

The best part is that this new addition connects to the existing Town Center through underground tunnels and crosswalks, keeping residents safe from traffic as they venture from one side of the development to the other.

Now, I know some of you really like what you’re hearing right now, and maybe you’re shouting, “Take my money!” but let’s talk about the money part. It’s our first Con of the series…

Con Number One: Affordability

You know what they say: “To whom much is given, much is required.” In this case, with the outstanding experience Suwanee gives its residents, the pinch new residents could feel is in the home prices. Since my last video, they have been on the rise, and as the city continues to develop the land and make this an attractive place to live, these prices will only increase with time. The median listing price of homes in Suwanee has now exceeded $550,000. Buyers with generous budgets will love what they find because there’s a good selection of single-family homes, but unfortunately, the more time goes on, the more some buyers will get priced out of Suwanee. That’s not to say it’s impossible. With the right first-time home buyer’s program and other financial strategies, some buyers are making their dreams come true. If you’re interested in how I can help with your home-buying strategy, send me a DM, and let’s connect.

But moving on, let’s revisit the next big thing on our list…

Pro Number Two: Schools

Suwanee is served by four public high schools: Gwinnett School of Mathematics—Science and Technology, often called GSMST, North Gwinnett High, Peachtree Ridge High, and Collins Hill High.

While GSMST has maintained its #1 status in the entire state since 2016, the other high schools have seen a little slip in their rankings this year. As of today, the rankings reported by SchoolDigger.com (out of 451 high schools) show North Gwinnett at 32nd place, Peachtree Ridge at 92nd, and Collins Hill High at 143rd. On average, they’re down by 13 spots from where they used to be. But hey, if the schools your kids are currently zoned for rank in the high 300s or low 400s, any of these options will give them a great educational experience.

Eight top-rated elementary schools and two middle schools serve Suwanee, ensuring that area children receive a top-notch education.^[7]

Now, if you have high ambitions for your kids and you’re thinking, “We’re shooting for GSMST all the way,” I must tell you that getting into that school is not easy. The school has a rigorous list of requirements for all applicants, and once students meet those requirements, their applications are put into a lottery. I always tell people to give it a shot. The good news is that if the lottery doesn’t work out, families have three top-knotch schools to fall back on.^[8]

Con Number Two: Private Schools

While Suwanee is known for its excellent public schools, some families prefer private education. But here is where choices get tricky. Every K-12 institution is a Christian faith-based organization. If this doesn’t align with your religious beliefs, the only other option would be the A.A.I.M.S. Montessori School, which only teaches up to 8th grade. This was the case in my last video, and it remains the case today. For some families, this could be a deal breaker. That’s why I make these videos, so you know what’s available before looking at homes in an area that may not meet all your needs.

Okay, moving on…

Pro Number Three: Parks and Greenway

Suwanee is served by the wonderful Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation Department and its robust park system. There are now nine city-run parks and additional recreational programs that have been introduced. The Suwanee Creek Greenway is a hard-surface trail running four miles through the middle of Suwanee, connecting Suwanee Creek Park to George Pierce Park. It also splinters off into another path that leads to the Town Center. Generally speaking these parks offer everything from playgrounds and trails to disc golf, community gardens, and more.

It still remains a great feature of the city, and different groups continue to meetup on the trails for various activities, like the 5K run.

Con Number Three: Traffic

I wish I could say that traffic has improved in Suwanee, but it still remains a downside, common to most metro Atlanta suburbs. Suwanee is impacted by the daily commute of residents from neighboring areas, and the roads can become congested, especially when getting on or off the highway. I will say this: since my last video, they’ve worked on expanding roads and adding roundabouts at certain intersections to improve traffic flow. Another thing to consider, which I didn’t mention in my last video, is that Suwanee has a walk score of 44 and a bike score of 33.^[9] These scores are on par with Irving, Texas and Lincoln, Nebraska, so if you’re familiar with those cities, you’ll get a better sense of the walkability of Suwanee. Generally speaking, this means some places in Suwanee are walkable, and the city is mostly bikeable, but it still remains a somewhat car-dependent city. Knowing this may influence where you choose to purchase your home in Suwanee. Some buyers prefer to be within walking or biking distance of work, dining and shopping options.

The most walkable areas are the communities built around the Town Center, but overall you’ll find sidewalks along most roadways, and crosswalks that lead to plaza’s and gas stations.

Pro Number Four: Location for Local Fun

Suwanee seems to be strategically located at a comfortable distance from major event venues, like the Gas South Arena and the Infinity Energy Center. For outdoor activities, residents can get away to the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area for hiking, kayaking, and fishing along this river, or head on over to Lake Lanier for water sports, boating, and beaches. Want indoor entertainment, Main Event is right off I-85 at exit 111, and the Movie Tavern over at Horizon Village is a short drive from the town center. The theater serves wine, spirits, and tavern favorites like gourmet burgers, pizza, hefty salads and more. They also have popcorn and candy for a more traditional experience.

Con Number Four: Location for Commuting

As with any metro Atlanta suburb, the commute into town remains the universal downside. A drive into downtown Atlanta during peak hours can easily turn into a 60-minute commute from Suwanee. Most residents opt to leave early to beat traffic, which means they develop contingency plans for when they get into town early. Other residents will deal with the traffic by putting on an audiobook or podcast. The major artery going into Suwanee from Atlanta is I-85, but residents can also benefit from traveling along Buford Highway, or Peachtree Industrial Boulevard.

Pro Number Five: Restaurants

So I already touched on this when reviewing the best part of Suwanee’s town center. The city’s diversity is reflected in its restaurant scene, particularly with many Korean and other Asian cuisine options. But there are award-winning restaurants tucked away in places you would least expect them. For instance, there’s Flavor Rich which is located in an unassuming plaza off Buford Highway. The restaurant serves American favorites, cooked by Ritz-Carlton chefs. The restaurant evolved from a food truck in 2018 to a brick-and-mortar restaurant in 2020, serving high-quality, locally sourced dishes to Suwanee residents. How is that for a diamond in the rough?^[10]

There’s also Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q, which is not technically an award-winning establishment, but certainly the people’s choice based on its exceptional ratings. They serve up slow-smoked meats and Southern sides.

Then, there’s Warm Waves Coffee. Suwanee residents pop in there for locally sourced pastries, ginormous slices of quiche, and quality crafted coffee.

I should also mention that it is connected to Thrive, a brand-new co-working space that has opened on Buford Highway. If you’ve watched my video on Duluth then you know they’re opening another location in that city as well, but the Suwanee location is up and running with plenty of business owners to network with. The crowd is a mix of members who prefer to work remotely from there instead of home, and businesses running their operations out of that location.

Con Number Five: Weather

To be honest, how you feel about the weather in Suwanee depends on your temperament and your tolerance for pollen. For anyone suffering from seasonal allergies, Spring and Summer might not be your favorite here in Suwanee. Pollen covers everything, from your front porch to your car. Some newcomers to Georgia, have developed allergies since moving to the state, while others are unaffected.

When it comes to Fall and Winter, it can get pretty cold, but it’s nothing to compare to northern states. The cold down here is right for thick sweaters, a hot cup of coffee, and warming up your car an extra 15 minutes before getting into it. The major downside to the cold months is that if we get the occasional snowfall or iced-over roads, most cities are not well prepared to take preventative measures like salting the grounds or clearing roadways. I guess it’s a good thing those instances are rare.

And that about wraps up our updated list of pros and cons. Tell me how you feel about Suwanee in the comments section. I mean sure, there are traffic issues, homes are on the pricier side, private schools are scarce, and summers can see you blowing the pollen off your car. But the town center, parks, excellent public schools, diverse dining options, and great location for weekend getaways more than make up for these downsides.

Again, if you liked this video, make sure to subscribe to my channel and click the like button. I’m your guide to navigating the real estate market in Atlanta. Tim Trevathan, out!

Summary:

Tim Trevathan revisits Suwanee, Georgia, highlighting what’s changed since his last review. Located in northwest Gwinnett County, Suwanee has grown from 22,000 to 24,000 residents and is projected to reach 26,000 within four years. It recently ranked #27 on Fortune’s Top 50 Best Places to Live for Families, praised for education, health, livability, and multi-generational opportunities.

The city blends small-town charm with urban convenience through landmarks like Old Town Suwanee, the Town Center, and multiple parks and trails. Public art, festivals, and fitness events enrich its lively, family-friendly culture. Demographically, Suwanee remains diverse—56% White, 24% Asian, 13% Black—with a median age of 37 and above-average incomes.

Pros:

Town Center & New Development: A 25-acre expansion called Town Center on Main + DeLay Nature Park adds an amphitheater, event lawn, volleyball courts, and safe pedestrian tunnels.
Schools: Suwanee hosts four strong public high schools, including the state-leading GSMST. Excellent elementary and middle schools support families.
Parks & Trails: Nine city parks and the Suwanee Creek Greenway offer abundant outdoor recreation.
Location for Fun: Close to Lake Lanier, Chattahoochee River, Gas South Arena, and major entertainment venues.
Restaurants: A thriving dining scene with diverse options, from Korean eateries to the upscale Flavor Rich and family favorites like Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q.

Cons:

Affordability: Median home prices now exceed $550,000 and continue to rise.
Private School Options: Limited mainly to Christian-based institutions.
Traffic & Commute: Heavy congestion along I-85; walk score only 44.
Weather: Hot, humid summers with intense pollen; occasional icy winter roads.

Despite these drawbacks, Suwanee remains one of metro Atlanta’s most desirable and well-rounded suburban communities for families.