Considering a move to the Atlanta area? The small city of Sugar Hill, Georgia, located 38 miles northeast of Atlanta in northern Gwinnett County, has so to offer. According to one local legend, the community, incorporated in 1939, was named after an incident in which a large sugar shipment spilled, likely on its way to the moonshine stills. The area was referred to as “sugar hill” or “the hill where the sugar spilled.” Another legend claims the name is a reference to the gold mining days when quartz would flake away and leave a sugar-like substance on the rock.
Once known for moonshiners and being one of Georgia’s core gold mining towns, today Sugar Hill is known for its live music, festivals, and sense of community. Now a rapidly growing community, there’s a lot to love about living in Sugar Hill!
Sugar Hill, GA Population & Demographics
The population of Sugar Hill, GA is 25,076 according to the 2020 Census. That’s up an astounding 26% from 2010! The city has been growing rapidly for decades with just 2,500 residents in 1980, 4,500 in 1990, and more than 11,000 in 2000 when it posted 150% population growth and was ranked one of the fastest growing cities in the U.S.
It’s the fourth largest of Gwinnett County cities after Peachtree Corners, Lawrenceville, and Duluth. Sugar Hill is part of Metro Atlanta which has a population of 6.0 million and a combined statistical area population of 6.9 million across 39 counties.
The racial and ethnic composition of the city is 69% white, 12% Black or African American, 9% Asian, 3% two or more races, and almost 20% Hispanic of any race.
Additional Sugar Hill demographics:
- Median age: 36.6
- Sex ratio: 51% female to 49% male
- Marital status: 57% married (Georgia: 51%)
- Poverty: 8.4% below poverty line (Georgia: 15%)
- Educational attainment: 88% high school grad or higher; 39% bachelor’s degree or higher
- Foreign-born population: 21.6% (Georgia: 10.1%)
Sugar Hill is a fairly affluent city with a median household income of $87,090, much higher than the state median of $58,700 and also high for Metro Atlanta. The per capita income is $32,882.
The small city has even had its share of famous residents including actor Daryl Mitchell and Kurt and Warren Johnson, father and son former NHRA professional stock drivers.
Is Sugar Hill a safe place to live? The crime rate is 2,311 total crimes per 100,000 people with 384 violent crimes and 1,927 property crimes per 100,000. The crime rate is 2% below the national average so this city is a safe place to live. The city is served by the North Precinct of the Gwinnett County Police Department. Additional patrols are provided by Insight Protection Services, LLC, under contract with the city, although IPS is not a licensed or authorized first responder.
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Cost of Living in Sugar Hill, Georgia
How much does it cost to live in Sugar Hill, GA? Is it expensive? The good news is the Sugar Hill cost of living is almost exactly the national average, although it’s about 7% more expensive than average for Georgia.
Utilities and housing are slightly above the national average and transportation and groceries are slightly lower. Healthcare is very affordable!
The biggest factor affecting your cost of living is housing. The median home price in Sugar Hill is $405,000. That’s higher than the national average, but the Sugar Hill real estate market is hot with home prices up 33.7% year-over-year and just 15 median days on market!
Planning to rent after moving to Sugar Hill, GA? The average rent is $1,527, up from just $1,200 in 2020. That’s still a steal compared to the average $1,800 rent in Atlanta!
Sugar Hill Neighborhoods | Best Places to Live in Sugar Hill, GA
Ready to explore the best neighborhoods in Sugar Hill? You’ll find a wide variety of options including newer subdivisions, established family-friendly neighborhoods, and more rural settings with plenty of land and scenery.
One of the most desirable places to live is the area around E. E. Robinson Park and Lanier High School. Popular with families, you’ll find affordable homes built in the 1980s and 1990s under $300,000 with no HOA fees.
For large lots in an established neighborhood, look around northern Sugar Hill close to Buford. You’ll find many two-story homes close to the best shopping, homes built in the late 1990s, and no HOA fees.
Looking for maintenance-free townhome living? The Sugar Hill townhomes on Paramount View Trace are perfect for young couples, retirees, and small families. Townhomes are usually priced in the low $200s with an ideal location near the new splash park and the Mall of Georgia with low HOA fees of $200 per month.
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Sugar Hill Climate
Moving from a cold climate? Be prepared for a lot of rain, thunderstorms, and even the occasional snow flurries. Sugar Hill gets 54” of annual rainfall, well above average, and about 2” of snow every year. Spring is chilly and summers are very humid, often exceeding 100 degrees. During July, the average heat index is 107°F so be prepared to have your air conditioner running!
Summer afternoon thunderstorms are common and bring temperatures below 80 degrees and heavy rain. The fall is very pleasant with average highs in the high 60s to mid-80s. During the winter, it often gets below freezing but rarely lower than 10 degrees at night. You’ll see the occasional day of snow but it almost never accumulates.
The best time to visit Sugar Hill, GA is March, April, and May or September to avoid the most intense summer rain, humidity, and scorching temperatures.
Fun Things to Do in Sugar Hill, GA
Get ready to enjoy the great outdoors, beautiful scenery, and family-friendly attractions after moving to Sugar Hill! Here are some of the top Sugar Hill attractions you’ll love.
Adrenaline Climbing
Stay fit and enjoy some thrills at this indoor rock-climbing gym with camps, lessons, and climbing for kids and adults!
Adrenaline Climbing, 460 Brogdon Rd STE 100, Suwanee, GA 30024 (770) 271-1390
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E. E. Robinson Park
E. E. Robinson is one of the best things to do in Sugar Hill with kids! This gorgeous park covers 53 acres with several covered playgrounds, seven baseball fields, sand volleyball, pickleball, and the community garden. A separate entrance takes you to a 66-acre section with additional playgrounds, the Connie Wiggins Pavilion, grills, an interactive fountain, and a lighted tennis center.
E. E. Robinson Park, 650 Peachtree Industrial Blvd, Sugar Hill, GA 30518 (678) 277-0910
Other major attractions in Sugar Hill:
The city keeps track of some Sugar Hill events on their own calendar! Along with these great attractions in the city, you’ll find tons to do just outside the city limits. While living in Sugar Hill, you’ll be just minutes from Lake Sidney Lanier, the North Georgia Mountains, and the gorgeous Sims Lake Park. The Suwanee Town Center and Sugar Hill Corner offer excellent shopping within a couple of miles!
Best Restaurants in Sugar Hill
It may not be a large city, but you’ll find amazing cuisine in Sugar Hill. Whether you’re a fan of Southern comfort food, BBQ, or Italian, here are some top-rated eateries you’ll definitely want to try.
- The Diner at Sugar Hill. A local favorite, the Diner serves up American comfort foods and home-cooked favorites with a full bar. The Diner at Sugar Hill, 4500 Nelson Brogdon Blvd, Sugar Hill, GA 30518 (770) 831-0180
- Central City Tavern. This upscale sports tavern is THE place to be on the weekend for signature cocktails, cold beers, and tasty pub fare. Central City Tavern, 5019 West Broad Street M122 & M123, Sugar Hill, GA 30518 (470) 326-5155
- Bravos Cantina and Grill. You’ll love Sugar Hill’s best Mexican restaurant with hip décor and an extensive menu. Bravos Cantina and Grill, 5965 Cumming Hwy NE #780, Sugar Hill, GA 30518 (678) 546-7670
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Sugar Hill Jobs
Can I afford to live in Sugar Hill? If you’re asking yourself this, it may help to start with the average salary in Sugar Hill, GA. The average wage is $13.66/hour with an average salary of $57,000 per year according to Payscale.
The average commute for people living in Sugar Hill is 33.5 minutes. Many residents work in Alpharetta, Marietta, Athens, and even Atlanta. However, Gwinnett County is a major job center for the metro area. You’ll find thousands of employers, including Fortune 500 companies, within 15 miles. Major industries include manufacturing, education, healthcare, government, retail, and professional services.
Top employers near Sugar Hill include:
- Gwinnett County Public Schools
- Gwinnett County Government
- Northside Hospital (Lawrenceville & Duluth)
- Northeast Georgia Health System (Braselton)
- Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta-Gwinnett (Duluth)
- Publix Distribution & Manufacturing (Lawrenceville)
- Primerica Inc (Duluth)
- Georgia Gwinnett College (Lawrenceville)
- Assurance Inc. Service Center (Duluth)
- WIKA USA (Lawrenceville)
- Global Industrial (Buford)
- Price Industries (Suwanee)
- Pruitt Health
Sugar Hill, GA Schools & Higher Education
While living in Sugar Hill, GA, you’ll be served by Gwinnett County Public Schools. Students in the city attend Lanier High School, Lanier Middle School, and one of three elementary schools: Sugar Hill, Sycamore, or White Oak. With one of the top high schools in Georgia and one of the best Atlanta school districts, it’s easy to see why moving to Sugar Hills is a great choice for parents!
If you’re considering higher education, you’ll find several options nearby:
- Underwood University (Suwanee, 5 miles)
- Atlanta University of Health Sciences (Suwanee, 5 miles)
- Georgia Atlanta College (Duluth, 10 miles)
- Lanier Technical College (Cumming, 10 miles)
- University of North Georgia – Cumming Campus (Cumming, 10 miles)
- Gwinnett Technical College (Lawrenceville, 13 miles)
- UGA Gwinnett Campus (Lawrenceville, 13 miles)
- Georgia Gwinnett College (Lawrenceville, 13 miles)
Students and other residents also benefit from the Buford-Sugar Hill branch of the Gwinnett County Public Library with digital resources, live author talks, and regular community events.
Sugar Hill Statistics & Additional Information
- County: Gwinnett County
- Zip code: 30518
- Area codes: 770 & 678
- Time zone: UTC-5 (Eastern)
- Total area: 11.16 sq ft
- Elevation: 1,148 feet
Tips for Living in Sugar Hill
- Pro: Kids attend one of the best schools in Georgia
- Pro: Enjoy an affordable cost of living
- Pro: Jobs are plentiful in Sugar Hill and surrounding communities!
- Con: Home prices have skyrocketed in recent years with a booming population
Map of Sugar Hill, GA
Does living in Sugar Hill sound like a dream come true? Give our Sugar Hill movers a call at Wirks Moving & Storage today to discuss your upcoming relocation and how we can make it easy and painless!
