Snellville is a diverse city
Snellville’s proximity to Atlanta has made it one of the fastest-growing cities in Gwinnett County. Settled by English immigrant and entrepreneur Thomas Snell in the late 1800s, the area continues to draw newcomers from near and far. “Snellville is a really diverse community,” says Rachel Holland, a Realtor with EXP Realty, who lives in Snellville. “It’s a true melting pot with people from all over the world.”
Located 25 miles from downtown Atlanta, Snellville is home to 22,000 people. It still retains its close-knit feel with multiple community events, including a farmers’ market and summer concert series. “Snellville is a wonderful place to grow your family,” says Angie Epstein, a real estate specialist with Virtual Properties Realty, who lived in Snellville for 22 years. “The schools are top ranked in the state. There’s plenty of dining and retail in the area. It’s a great hometown community with affordable housing.”
Scenic Highway serves as a hub for shopping and dining
Residents have access to plenty of well-recognized chains along Scenic Highway, including Publix, Target, and Home Depot. For dining out, Provino’s is a local favorite for Italian fare and complimentary garlic knots. “Snellville has everything you need as far as shopping and restaurants. We have Chili’s, Applebee’s, Red Lobster,” Holland says. “It’s got a suburban feel, but you’ve got some of the city issues like traffic. The traffic is bad because the population has grown so quickly, and a lot of the arteries are two-lane roads.”
Towne Green is the hot spot for entertainment
Snellville’s Towne Green, a green space in front of City Hall on Main Street, is the site of multiple community events throughout the year. During summer, residents grab lawn chairs and blankets and head to Live on the Lawn, a monthly concert series featuring tribute and cover bands. Snellville Beach Blast brings the beach to central Georgia every May, transforming the Towne Green with 70 tons of sand.
Snellville Farmers Market offers fresh local produce, handmade crafts and artisan food on Saturdays from June through September. Food Truck Friday showcases culinary variety, from Vietnamese street food and lobster dogs to cheesesteaks and funnel cakes. The event is held on the first Friday of the month from June to October.
Snellville’s got curb appeal
Homes in Snellville come in a variety of styles including ranch houses, split-levels, Cape Cods and contemporary homes with two-car garages. Older properties tend to be fairly spaced out with mature tree growth, while newer homes rest on more compact lots and commonly feature sidewalk-lined streets. “It’s an established area,” Epstein says. “Most of the homes were built in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s. There are pockets of newer subdivisions.”
The average sales price hovers around $400,000. A vintage three-bedroom could be found for $350,000, while a recently constructed five-bedroom might sell for $500,000. “It’s a strong market,” Holland says. “Things usually sell in less than a month.”
Brookwood High makes the grade
Public school students may attend multiple schools, including Britt Elementary, Alton C. Crews Middle and Brookwood High. The schools are part of the Gwinnett County Public Schools system and earn B-plus, A and A-minus Niche grades, respectively. Brookwood High boasts a 94 percent graduation rate, compared to the 84 percent state average.
Locals get their steps in at Briscoe Park
Briscoe Park, on Sawyer Parkway, features a walking trail that loops around a lake and a community garden with raised beds, a greenhouse and beehives. South Gwinnett Park, on McGee Road, offers a playground and multiple sports fields. “The Gwinnett parks system is awesome,” Holland says. “It’s really great for kids. There are lots of little league teams that play at the parks.”
Residents hop on U.S. Route 78 to get to Atlanta
U.S. Route 78 cuts through Snellville, making for an easy 25-mile commute west to downtown Atlanta. “We’re close enough to go to the city anytime we want to, but we are far enough away that we don’t have that frantic pace,” Holland says. The Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is about 40 miles away along the same stretch of road. Piedmont Eastside Medical Center, a 310-bed hospital, is located on Fountain Drive.
Written By
Kathryn Ashworth
