Located in Gwinnett County, Norcross was chartered as a town in October of 1870. Used as a major transportation route since the early 19th century, the city was named after Jonathon Norcross, the fourth mayor of Atlanta.
Overtime, Norcross became known as “Atlanta’s favorite summer resort.” Atlantans would flock to the city by train to enjoy lakeside camping or stay in one of the luxury hotels.
To preserve this rich history, the city has restored its early Victorians and Craftsman cottages. Additionally, the old brick buildings of downtown still remain the center of the community. Here, residents and visitors alike can shop, dine and enjoy the city’s atmosphere.
The lifestyle of Norcross is more laid back than Atlanta and attracts those that enjoy the time-honored values of family and community. According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution’s Homefinder, Norcross is home to 24,301 people. Most are between the ages of 20 and 34, and about 41 percent of the population have children.
These children attend top schools:
- Elementary Schools: Beaver Ridge, Meadowcreek, Norcross, Rockbridge
- Middle Schools: Summerour
- High Schools: Meadowcreek, Norcross
In 2012, Norcross High School played in the Class AAAAAA football championship game and won, the third consecutive win for Gwinnett County.
If you want to be among its residents, the city has tons of real estate options. In fact, Trulia has a total of 729 homes listed for sale. Among these homes, prices range from $14,900 to $2,188,000. Trulia also has a wide variety of rental options ranging in price from $339 to $4,000 per month.
Besides amazing real estate, Norcross also has a variety of shopping, dining, recreation and historical attractions.
Shopping and Dining
• Norcross Station Café. Decorated with tons of pieces of railroad memorabilia, Norcross Station Café is a staple. The restaurant is located in the original train depot with an extensive menu. Items include stuffed mushrooms, soup and salad, low country shrimp, grilled salmon, filet mignon, buffalo chicken quesadilla and Cajun pasta.
• The Forum. Located on Peachtree Parkway in Norcross, The Forum features a variety of stores and restaurants. The directory includes Ann Taylor, Brookstone, Banana Republic, Barnes & Noble, Express, La Parrilla, Atlanta Bread Company Bakery Café, Gigi’s Cupcakes and J. Alexander’s.
• Dominicks. This family style Italian restaurant serves platters of all things Italian. Menu items include calamari, crab cakes, lasagna, stuffed porkchops, ravioli, chicken carbonara, tira mi su and chocolate mousse.
Entertainment and Recreation
• Lillian Webb Park. A gathering place for locals, the park used to be a baseball field in the late 19th century. Now, it serves as the prime spot for picnics, concerts, sports and walking
• Norcross Fall Festival. This two day artist market showcases the works of more than 100 artisans. Attendees enjoy a parade, great food, games, rides and a silent auction.
• Whistle Stop Farmer’s Market. Voted one of the top five farmer’s markets in Georgia, this open air market features fresh produce, homemade baked goods, meats, fresh eggs, milk, sauces, spices and jams. For more details on this year’s market, call 770-448-7545.
• Lionheart Theatre Company. This award-winning and non-profit community theater is located in a century-old chapel located at the corner of College Street and Britt Avenue. Upcoming shows include Second Samuel, To Kill a Mockingbird and The Odd Couple. To purchase tickets, call 678-938-8518.
Historical Attractions
• Carlyle House. Located at 173 South Peachtree Street, the Carlyle House was built in the 1900s. It has been beautifully renovated with lovely chandeliers, a grand ballroom and five intimate sized rooms. This turn-of-the-century structure is perfect for meetings, weddings, rehearsal dinners, conferences and any other special occasions.
• Flint Hill Mansion. This 1835 restored mansion is located in historic Norcross. The mansion is beautifully decorated and takes visitors back to the South’s most romantic era. Flint Hill is great for weddings, corporate events and meetings.
If you haven’t visited Norcross, do so today! You will be captivated by its history, real estate opportunities and recreation.
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