You're likely looking at a map or planning a move and wondering exactly what county is Snellville GA in? Honestly, it's one of those questions that seems simple until you start looking at how much this "suburb" has grown.
Snellville is located in Gwinnett County, Georgia.
It isn't just a random spot on the map, though. It's basically the heartbeat of the southern part of the county. If you've ever driven down Highway 78 or Scenic Highway 124, you've been right in the thick of it. Gwinnett is massive—one of the most populous and diverse counties in the entire Southeast—and Snellville holds down the fort on the eastern side.
The Gwinnett Connection: Why the County Matters
When people ask about the county, they usually care about three things: schools, taxes, and who picks up the trash. Being in Gwinnett means Snellville residents are part of a massive infrastructure.
Gwinnett County is famous for its school system. It’s a huge draw. People move to this specific corner of the state just to get their kids into Gwinnett County Public Schools. We're talking about a district that has won the Broad Prize for Urban Education twice. That’s a big deal in the world of pedagogy.
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The city itself was incorporated way back in 1923, but it feels a lot younger because of the "The Grove at Towne Center" project. This is a $100 million massive redevelopment that’s turning the downtown area into a walkable, "city-vibe" space. It’s a joint effort between the city and the county. They even built a brand-new Elizabeth H. Williams Gwinnett County Public Library branch right there.
A Bit of History (It Involves a Secret Trip from England)
Snellville didn't just appear out of thin air. It started with two buddies from London, England: Thomas Snell and James Sawyer.
In 1874, these guys ditched the UK, hopped on a boat, and ended up in Georgia. Sawyer eventually went back home for a bit, but Snell stayed and opened a small grocery store. When Sawyer returned, they started a business together called "Snell and Sawyer."
Eventually, the name Snellville just stuck.
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It’s wild to think that a city of over 22,000 people (as of the latest 2026 estimates) started because two teenagers wanted to see what was across the Atlantic. Today, the population is incredibly diverse. You’ve got a mix of folks from all over—roughly 40% Black or African American, 38% White, and a fast-growing Hispanic and Asian community. It’s a true melting pot in the suburbs.
What’s There to Do in Snellville?
If you're visiting or moving here, you aren't just stuck in traffic on 78. There’s actually some cool stuff to check out:
- T.W. Briscoe Park: This is the local crown jewel. It’s got a 1.2-mile paved trail, a big lake for fishing, and a pool. It’s where everyone goes for the "Snellville Days" festival.
- Creekwater Alpaca Farm: Kinda random, right? But it’s a real thing. You can literally go pet alpacas and buy socks made from their wool. It's a huge hit for families.
- The Shoppes at Webb Gin: If you like shopping, this is the spot. It’s an outdoor mall that feels very "modern suburban."
- Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary: Just a few minutes away. You can see bison, peacocks, and even some wallabies.
The Commute Reality
Let’s be real for a second. If you live in Snellville and work in downtown Atlanta, you’re going to spend some time in your car.
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The average commute is around 37 minutes. On a rainy Tuesday? Maybe add twenty more to that. You’re about 25 miles northeast of Atlanta. While the distance isn't huge, the traffic on US-78 is legendary. Most people here have a favorite podcast or a very curated Spotify playlist just to keep their sanity during the drive.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 Outlook
Snellville is currently growing at a rate of about 0.4% annually. It doesn't sound like much, but when you look at the last decade, the population has jumped nearly 9%.
The "The Grove" project is basically the city’s way of saying, "We aren't just a place people drive through anymore." They want people to stay, walk around, and eat at local spots like Lincoln Fill Station (great for craft beer and cigars) instead of just hitting the chains on the highway.
Your Next Steps
If you're planning a trip or considering a move to this part of Gwinnett County, here is what you should actually do:
- Check the School Zones: Even if you don't have kids, the school zone affects your property value. Look for the South Gwinnett or Brookwood clusters—they're the big ones here.
- Visit Briscoe Park: It’s the best way to get a "feel" for the community. If there’s a farmers market happening at the Towne Green, even better.
- Drive the Route: If you’re moving for a job in Atlanta, drive from Snellville to your office at 8:00 AM on a weekday. Do it once before you sign a lease or a mortgage. You need to know what you're signing up for!
- Explore the Grove: Take a walk through the new Towne Center area to see the Elizabeth H. Williams library. It’s a great example of how the city and county are working together to modernize the area.
Snellville is a weirdly charming mix of old-school Georgia history and new-school suburban growth. It's Gwinnett County through and through—busy, diverse, and always under construction.