BARROW COUNTY
County Offices
30 North Broad Street
Winder 770-307-3005
www.barrowga.org
Chamber of Commerce
Six Porter Street
Winder 770-867-9444
https://www.barrowchamber.com/
Quality of Life
Strategically located between Athens and Atlanta, residents of Barrow County find themselves pleasantly removed from the bustling metropolitan Atlanta area. Those who live in Barrow County enjoy the tranquility and serenity found only in a distinctly rural area. Created in 1914, the county was formed from portions of Gwinnett, Jackson, and Walton counties. Today the county houses five municipalities, with the county seat, Winder, being the largest.
The county is home to one of the most visited parks in Georgia. Located in Winder, Fort Yargo State Park is a 1,850-acre complex offering a wide range of recreational activities including camping, fishing, swimming, miniature golf, and hiking. Barrow County is also home to the Chateau Elan Winery, located north of Winder in I-85. This exquisite facility features four-star accommodations, dining, world-class golf, a tennis complex, and an equestrian center.
Services
Georgia Tech, Georgia Sate University and Emory University are all located within an hour’s drive from Barrow County. Less than 30 minutes away are Gainesville College, Brenau University, and the University of Georgia. Three excellent vocational schools are also equally accessible: Athens Area Tech, Lanier Tech and Gwinnett Tech.
With access these institutions, Barrow County businesses have the advantage of cutting edge developments in engineering and medicine, among other disciplines. The University of Georgia also provides local industry with up-to-date research on environmental, ecological, agricultural and chemical technologies.
Barrow Medical Center serves the county with a 56-bed acute-care facility and 4-bed skilled nursing unit. This state-of-the-art facility is affiliated with Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corporation, the world’s leader in healthcare. Hospital services include a 24-hour emergency department, staffed by highly trained physicians and support personnel.
Auburn
City Hall
770-963-4002
https://www.cityofauburn-ga.org/
Chamber of Commerce
770-867-9444
https://www.barrowchamber.com/home
The City of Auburn is located in the far western reaches of Barrow County near the adjoining Gwinnett County line. Local residents enjoy convenient access to the Athens Highway, as well as many other major transportation arteries. As one of five municipalities in Barrow County, Auburn has remained a distinctly rural community offering newcomers a welcome retreat from the more populated and developed metropolitan area. Residents of Auburn also enjoy close proximity to Fort Yargo State Park, a popular regional destination.
Winder
City Hall
770-867-3106
https://www.cityofwinder.com/
Chamber of Commerce
770-867-9444
https://www.barrowchamber.com/home
Serving as the county seat of Barrow County, Winder was incorporated in 1893 when the Seaboard Air Line Railroad was built through town. The name “Winder” is derived from the president of the railroad, John H. Winder of North Carolina. Winder has shared in the rapid growth of the county in the last ten years. Boasting a prime location in the center of Georgia’s “Golden Triangle,” newcomers to Winder are never far away from the metropolitan amenities of Atlanta. Known as the University Parkway, Georgia Route 316 crosses Barrow County east to west and connects the University of Georgia to Georgia Tech, Emory University and Georgia State University in Atlanta. In addition, easy access to I-85 provides residents a short one hour drive to the greater Atlanta area.
