Bio-Ready Status and Beyond: 7 Reasons to Choose Gwinnett for a Thriving Life Sciences Career

Gwinnett has earned gold-level BioReady® certification, making it an ideal destination for life sciences companies seeking expansion or relocation. This certification, awarded by Georgia Bio, confirms that the county has the necessary zoning, infrastructure, and resources to support biotech facilities. Gwinnett’s commitment to innovation positions it as a top hub for bioscience, healthcare, and technology industries. 

With a population exceeding 1 million, Gwinnett offers a thriving community that blends urban development with a small-town feel across its 17 cities. It’s an emerging hub for the life sciences industry, and innovation is at its core. Find out seven reasons why Gwinnett is a top choice for bioscience professionals: 

#1 There’s a high concentration of top-tier life sciences companies 

Gwinnett is home to numerous life sciences companies, including Intuitive Surgical, Werfern, among others. Gwinnett offers limitless opportunities in biotech and beyond. 

#2 Gwinnett has an affordable cost of living 

When compared to other life sciences hubs like Boston or San Francisco, Gwinnett offers a significantly lower cost of living, making it a more affordable place to live while still having access to a growing life sciences industry. 

In 2024, the median listing price per square foot in the Metro Atlanta area was $198, while the Boston area was $459, Durham-Chapel area was $256, and Miami-Fort Lauderdale- West Palm area was $222.  

Salaries in the Metro Atlanta area range according to the industry. For a career in pharma and medicine manufacturing or medical and diagnostic salaries, the average salary in 2023 was $103,701.  

#3 Its skilled workforce is like no other  

Gwinnett has a remarkable higher education system, with Gwinnett Technical College, Georgia Gwinnett College, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, and the University of Georgia Gwinnett Campus within the county limits.  

Because of this, Gwinnett benefits from a large pool of highly educated professionals, ensuring a strong and skilled talent pool for life sciences companies. 

#4 Gwinnett has gold status as a Bio-Ready community  

In July 2024, Gwinnett achieved gold status as a BioReady® community from Georgia Bio, the state’s leading life sciences membership organization. 

The BioReady® program rates communities in three tiers: Bronze, Silver and Gold. These ratings assess a municipality’s readiness to host biotechnology facilities based on zoning practices and infrastructure capacity, helping real estate developers and biotechnology companies find the most favorable destinations to locate. 

Gwinnett is committed to fostering the biotech sector and aims to remain an ideal hub for life sciences research and development 

#5 It boasts a booming life sciences infrastructure 

Gwinnett’s life sciences sector is rapidly growing, with more companies choosing the area for its business-friendly environment and access to its skilled labor pool.  

Gwinnett is a key player in the state’s biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices industries. The addition of Rowen, a world-class innovation district in Gwinnett County, further strengthens the area’s infrastructure. Rowen will serve as a hub for research and development in the life sciences, bringing together academic institutions, private enterprises, and public spaces to foster innovation and collaboration.  

This cutting-edge development enhances Gwinnett’s appeal as a destination for life sciences companies, providing state-of-the-art facilities, a robust talent pipeline, and opportunities for partnerships in the growing biotech and healthcare sectors. 

#6 Gwinnett has strong government and state support 

Gwinnett provides strong local, regional, and state support for the life sciences industry, including tax incentives, grants, and workforce training programs.  

Partnership Gwinnett, a public/private initiative aimed at driving economic prosperity in Gwinnett, plays a key role in fostering innovation and attracting life sciences business expansion opportunities to the area.  

#7 Gwinnett’s quality of life is like no other 

Gwinnett is vibrantly connected. It’s a diverse destination its residents are proud to live in with something for everyone. From shopping at the Mall of Georgia to breathtaking outdoor spaces in Gwinnett and nearby Stone Mountain Park, there’s something for everyone.  

Gwinnett also cultivates the thrill of the outdoors. It’s home to two premier minor league teams, several collegiate teams, more than 50 award-winning parks, and numerous recreational centers that keep residents on their toes and buzzing with activity. 

Additionally, Gwinnett’s recreational spaces were created to exceed expectations. Boasting acres of forested walking trails, inclusive and accessible parks, invigorating aquatic centers, senior recreation centers, specialized programs, and several sports leagues, there’s entertainment for everyone. 

Final Thoughts 

Gwinnett is the top place to consider for a career in the life sciences industry. With its innovation, gold Bio-Ready status, and flourishing community, Gwinnett leads the way in the life sciences industry and quality of life.