Janice Slaven, Suwanee Georgia Real Estate

GWINNETT COUNTY REAL ESTATE: Buford, Duluth & Suwanee

Thank you for visiting "Suwanee Talk". You will find a collection of current events, local and national market information as well as the ability to search the MLS...and, may be some information that is just for fun and good for the soul.

I have been a resident of Suwanee for over 20 years; and, I have been a licensed Realtor in Georgia for over 13 years with my area of expertise in Gwinnett County; specifically, Suwanee, Duluth and Buford. All my real estate experience has been right here in Atlanta.

During my years as a Realtor, I have prided myself on strong business ethics, honesty, integrity, a strong knowledge and understanding of our real estate market (yesterday, today and tomorrow) as well as a high level of professionalism while providing a personal commitment to client satisfaction. And, hopefully, I make the whole experience a bit fun at the same time! I enjoy relationship building with both the homeowners and buyers I work with. At the end of the transaction, I never say "good-bye..." it's "until we meet again." I pride myself in being there for you well after the transaction and make it a point to stay in touch with you and letting you know I am there for you if you need me; or better yet, just to hear how things are going.

ABOUT GWINNETT COUNTY

Named for Button Gwinnett, signer of the Declaration of Independence, Gwinnett County originated in 1818. Some of the county's land came from neighboring Jackson County (to the north); while frontier land was ceded to the state by the Creek Indians.

Gwinnett County emcompasses the following cities: Buford, Dacula, Duluth, Grayson, Lawrenceville, Lilburn, Norcross, Sugar Hill, Suwanee and Snellville. Gwinnett County has been one of the fastest growing counties in America over the past 20 years combining big city living with the small town feel of the suburbs.

Gwinnett County is home to approximately 776,347 residents (according to Gwinnett County Forecasting and Research Division estimates, 2007). The county lies approximately 30 miles northeast of Atlanta and the county seat is located in Lawrenceville, GA. The county encompasses 437 square miles and is neighbor to Barrow, DeKalb, Fulton, Hall, Jackson, Rockdale and Walton counties. We are the gateway to metro Atlanta from the north on I-85 and I-985. The University of Georgia is about a 40 minute drive via Hwy 316 (University Parkway); while Georgia State University is approximately a 25 minute drive south on I-85. We enjoy the luxury of being just minutes from beautiful Lake Lanier a 700 mile shoreline lake offering water park, picnicking, boating, golf, beach, horse back riding, hotel accomodations and so much more!

GWINNETT CITIES:

• Buford - Buford is one of the few cities which actually has its own school system: Buford City Schools. The high school, middle school and academy are run by the city of Buford separate from the county. Utility services such as water, sewer, gas and electric are city owned making Buford with some the lowest utility rates in the area. Like many cities in Gwinnett, the historic area of Buford has been revitalized. Nostalgia is part of what makes historic Buford so special. From the doors of many of the original store fronts, come many artists of all types displaying their wares. You can also browse through many of the antique stores looking for that small piece of yester-year. Take time to enjoy the concerts and festivals held throughout the year. Amongst the history that is evident when you come to Buford, you will enjoy the beauty of many antibellum homes .

• Dacula - Dacula is located approximately six miles east of Lawrenceville. The city was home to the CSX Railroad which ran through Northeast Georgia. It is home to one of the largest Baptist churches in the Southeastern United States, Hebron Baptist Church as well as home to the historial Elisha Winn House.The city is well known for its Memorial Day parade and Mulberry Park.
• Duluth - Duluth has been nationally recognized as a model city within the county. It ranks as one of the second largest cities within Gwinnett County. Current population is approximately 22,000. A satellite location for Gwinnett Medical Center is located in the center of Duluth off Pleasant Hill and Peachtree Industrial Blvd. A revitalization of the historic area hosts concerts during the summer, quaint restaurants and shops, upscale townhomes and lofts; as well as the infamous Duluth Fall Festival.

• Grayson - Grayson provides a very small town feel and is located on the Southeastern edge of Gwinnett County. With the growth in the area, Grayson will welcome two new elementary schools and two new middle schools to their cluster in the 2008-2009 school year. Tribble Mill Park with 700 acres provides hours of fishing enjoyment at any one of their two lakes. The park also allows for leisurely walking, jogging. Mountain biking as well as horseback riding is also available at the park. Enjoy the History Center in the Kennerly-Cox House which was purchased by the city in 2001.
• Lawrenceville - Lawrenceville is located about 30 minutes from downtown. Lawrenceville is known as the Crepe Myrtle city and is the county seat of Gwinnett. Like so many of the cities in Gwinnett County, Lawrenceville's historic area has seen a revitalization of their downtown area. The old Courthouse and brickpaved sidewalks is a reminder to visitors of times gone by. Like many of the other cities, historic Lawrenceville includes specialty stores, restaurants and coffee shops. It has also become home to the Aurora Theatre as well as many other theatrical companies. Lawrenceville hosts many holiday events throughout the year including a large fireworks display on 4th of July. Downtown Lawrenceville is a definite stop during your visit to the Gwinnett County area.
• Norcross - Norcross is known as Gwinnett's second oldest city and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Norcross is located just outside the I-285 Perimeter. Truly a step back into yester-year, gorgeous antebellum homes line the streets as you come into the historic area of Norcross. Wonderful hometown charm is evident when venturing into Old Town Norcross. Enjoy many of the specialty restaurants which Norcross has become famous. In the fall don't miss the wonderful Art's Festival where artists from around the area show and sell their wares.

• Snellville - Snellville is located east of Atlanta. Originally a small farming town, Snellville saw its city really start to grow in the 1960's. Emory Eastside Hospital serves as Snellville's primary hospital. The 87 acre Briscoe Park, located in Snellville, hosts many events throughout the year. Shopping along "Scenic Highway" is the fourth largest shopping area in Gwinnett County. And....if you are from the area, the one thing you know: "Everybody's Somebody in Snellville!"
• Sugar Hill - Sugar Hill was originally a Georgia Militia area before it was chartered in 1939. One of the smallest cities in Gwinnett it is located in the northern part of the county. In 2007, Sugar Hill was a contender in Money Magazine's top best cities to live. Enjoy a round of gold at Sugar Hill Golf Course; and, a 15 minute drive will put on the shoreline of Lake Lanier.
• Suwanee - Historic Suwanee is a small, quaint business district which runs along Main Street. In addition to the few residential homes which still line Main Street, you will be reminded of a time long ago as you gaze at a stately brick building known as Pierce's Corner Antiques - the anchor to the historic district. The building which is still standing strong was, at its roots, a building with many purposes - one of which was the city theatre. Just a short distance, across the railroad tracks, is the Rhodes House which is also still standing. In its day, the house served as a rest place for weary travelers - many who traveled by rail - which runs right through the city. The emerging, modern-day Suwanee (referred to as Town Center) sits at the corner of Lawrenceville-Suwanee and Buford Hwy. It has become the focal point of the city. Enjoy specialty shops and restaurants at the Town Center. The ampi-theatre at Town Center has become the "place to be" during the warm summer months as the city puts on numerous, well-received FREE concerts. Many acres of greenspace has been purchased by the city over the years. The city currently has three city parks with two additional parkes underway. Enjoy walks with nature at Suwanee Creek Park. The paths run along the Suwanee Creek and is enjoyed by many. Whether it is a leisurely stroll, a "relaxing" jog; or, an exhilerating bike ride, the park offers something for everyone. Suwanee was ranked as the #10 best place to live in the U.S. last year by Money Magazine. For locals....we understand why. It is truly a live, work and play community.

AREA INFORMATION

• Gwinnett Arena - The Arena has become a magnet to the county for major conventions, trade shows, ECHL hockey and music concerts. The Arena has a seating capacity of 13,000 and includes 36 corporate suites, two party suites, club level seats, a spacious concourse. The Arena is located off Sugarloaf Parkway and is surrounded by restaurants and hotels.

Gwinnett County Schools - Gwinnett County schools rank some of the highest scores in the state. The quality of education is one of the reasons people are attraced to the county. The curriculum used by the county school system is "Acquired Knowledge and Skills (AKS). Gateway testing is the barometer to determine whether studes are prepared to move up through the grades.

Gwinnett Colleges:
Georgia Gwinnett College is the first four year college in the county. Located off Hwy 316 at Collins Hill Road .
Gwinnett Technical College offers certificate and diploma programs. Located off Hwy 316 and Sugarloaf Pkwy.

• SHOPPING:
  Gwinnett Place Mall
  Mall of Georgia
  Discover Mills

• CITY LINKS:
  Buford Dacula Duluth Grayson Lawrenceville

Norcross Snellville Sugar Hill Suwanee

• COUNTY LINKS:
  Gwinnett County Chamber of Commerce Gwinnett County Libraries
  Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation Gwinnett County Newcomers Information
  Gwinnett County Public School System

THINGS TO SEE AND DO:

Atlanta Coaliton of the Performing Arts - Atlanta's thriving, diverse performing arts community. Includes professional theatres, dance companies, symphonies and more.
Atlanta Botanical Gardens - The mission of the Atlanta Botanical Gardens is to develop and maintain collections for display, education, research, conservation and enjoyment. Come see what is in bloom.
Georgia Aquarium - World's largest aquarium and one of Atlanta's major attractions. Eight million gallons of fresh and marine water aquatic life. Come and enjoy! See aquatic life you've never seen before...If you are planning to visit this wonderful display, make advance arrangements.
Zoo Atlanta - Experience one of the finest zoos in the southeast.
Six Flags Over Georgia - Southeast's number one theme park.
Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites - Explore the great outdoors of beautiful Georgia!
World of Coca-Cola - Explore the complete story - past, present and future surrounding the world's best known "cola" drink.
Atlanta Motor Speedway - NASCAR speedway
Six Flags White Water - One of the top 10 waters parks in the country. Come enjoy the thrill!
Atlanta Symphony Orchesra - Enjoy the amazing and powerful sounds of the Atlanta Symphony.
Fox Theatre - Come get a taste of Broadway, experience the sounds of award winning music legends or the performance from well reknowned personalities

SPORTS

The Atlanta Vision - Semi-pro basketball team in Gwinnett. Official member of the American Basketball Association.
The 2005-2006 Division Champions (770-482-7994)
Atlanta Braves - One of the most successful franchises in baseball. Enjoy a game at their fabulous new stadium (404-614-1300)
Atlanta Falcons - Action packed games with our very own Atlanta Falcons football team (404- 223-8444)
Atlanta Hawks - Experience the thrill of NBA basketball with the Atlanta Hawks (866-715-1500)
Atlanta Thrashers - Enjoy the thrill of professional hockey at the Phillips Arena (866-715-1500)
Georgia Force - Arena football returns to Gwinnett - Gwinnet Arena (770-965-4944)
Gwinnett Braves - Triple A Team moving from Richmond, VA to Gwinnett beginning in 2009. Come join the fun and cheer them on.
A brand new stadium is being built at 2500 Buford Drive in Lawrenceville, GA (404-614-1300)