The Gwinnett Great Debate: Established Lawrenceville or the New Frontier of Mulberry?

By Rob Dietrich "Aussie Rob", AI Certified Agent™ & NE Georgia Lifestyle Specialist

G'day, mate! If you have been keeping an eye on the Gwinnett County real estate scene, you have probably heard the buzz about Mulberry. It is officially Georgia's newest city, and folks are curious how it stacks up against the tried and true charm of Lawrenceville.

Here is the thing. Both communities are ripper options for buyers looking for that sweet spot between Atlanta access and suburban living. But they offer completely different vibes. One is historic and established. The other is fresh, affluent, and still writing its story.

So which one fits your lifestyle? Let's break it down.

The Tale of Two Cities

Before we dive into the details, let's set the scene.

Lawrenceville is the OG of Gwinnett County. It is the county seat, the oldest city in the area, and home to about 29,400 residents. Think historic town squares, antebellum homes mixed with modern development, and a community that has had decades to figure out what it wants to be.

Mulberry is the new kid on the block. Voters approved its incorporation in May 2024, and it officially took over municipal services from Gwinnett County on January 1, 2025. With 25.9 square miles, it is now Gwinnett's largest city by land area and second largest by population.

Fair dinkum, that is a massive shift in the local landscape.

Lawrenceville: Established Charm and Proven Infrastructure

If you value stability and a sense of place, Lawrenceville delivers. This city has been around long enough to work out the kinks. The infrastructure is solid. The services are reliable. You know exactly what you are getting.

Schools That Shine

One of the biggest draws for families is the school situation. Lawrenceville is home to the Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science and Technology, which ranks first in Metro Atlanta. That is not a typo. First place.

For parents who prioritize education, this alone can tip the scales.

The Downtown Vibe

Lawrenceville's downtown square is the real deal. Local restaurants, boutique shops, community events, and that small town feel that so many buyers crave. It is walkable, it is charming, and it has history baked into every corner.

Housing Mix

You will find everything here. Historic homes with character. New construction with modern amenities. Townhomes, single family, you name it. The variety means there is something for nearly every budget and style preference.

Mulberry: The Fresh Start with Big Ambitions

Now let's talk about the shiny new option.

Mulberry is not just new. It is affluent. The median household income sits around $121,200, which is more than 44% higher than the Gwinnett County median. Nearly 72% of residents have some college education, and 44% hold four year or advanced degrees.

This is a community of professionals, families, and folks who want something a bit more upscale.

New Build Energy

If you are after newer construction, modern floor plans, and that fresh paint smell, Mulberry is where you want to look. Many of the homes here were built in the last decade, which means updated systems, energy efficiency, and open concept living.

The Transition Factor

Here is where I need to be straight with you. Mulberry is still figuring things out. As a brand new city, governance structures and services are still being finalized. There have even been some legal challenges from residents questioning certain charter provisions.

Does this mean you should avoid Mulberry? Not at all. It just means you are buying into potential as much as you are buying into the present. For visionary buyers who see opportunity in growth, this is exciting. For those who prefer everything buttoned up, it is worth considering.

Location and Commute

Mulberry's position in Gwinnett gives residents solid access to major highways. Commutes to Atlanta, Alpharetta, and other employment hubs are manageable. As the city develops, expect to see more local amenities pop up, reducing the need to travel for everyday errands.

The Head to Head Comparison

Let's get practical. Here is how these two communities stack up across the factors that matter most.

Amenities

Lawrenceville wins on established amenities. You have the downtown square, Aurora Theatre, parks, and a full calendar of community events. Everything is already in place.

Mulberry is building its amenity base. The bones are there with quality neighborhoods and nearby shopping, but the city itself is still developing its identity.

Commute

Both cities offer reasonable commutes to Atlanta and surrounding job centers. Lawrenceville has slightly better highway access due to its central Gwinnett location. Mulberry's larger footprint means commute times can vary depending on where you live within the city.

Schools

Lawrenceville has a proven track record with top ranked schools. Mulberry falls within Gwinnett County Public Schools, which is excellent overall, but specific school assignments will depend on your exact address.

Vibe

Lawrenceville feels like a community that knows itself. There is history, tradition, and a rhythm to life here.

Mulberry feels like a blank canvas. It is aspirational, forward looking, and appeals to buyers who want to be part of something new.

How AI Tools Help You Decide

Choosing between two great communities can feel overwhelming. That is where my approach as an AI Certified & Trained Agent™ comes in handy.

I use advanced tools to analyze market trends, pricing patterns, and neighborhood data in both Lawrenceville and Mulberry. This means you get insights based on real numbers, not just gut feelings.

My AI Listing Advantage also helps sellers in both areas price their homes competitively and market them to the right buyers. Whether you are buying or selling, technology gives us an edge.

No worries if you are not sure where to start. That is literally what I am here for.

Who Should Choose Lawrenceville?

Lawrenceville is your spot if you:

• Want proven infrastructure and established services

• Prioritize top ranked schools for your kids

• Love the charm of a historic downtown

• Prefer a community with a clear identity

• Want housing variety across different price points

Who Should Choose Mulberry?

Mulberry makes sense if you:

• Prefer newer construction and modern homes

• Want to be part of an affluent, growing community

• See opportunity in a city that is still defining itself

• Value higher median incomes and educated neighbors

• Are comfortable with some transition period uncertainties

FAQ

Is Mulberry a good place to buy a home in 2026?

Yes, especially if you are drawn to newer homes and an affluent community. Just go in with eyes open about the fact that it is a brand new city still finalizing services and governance.

Are Lawrenceville schools better than Mulberry schools?

Both are part of Gwinnett County Public Schools, which is highly rated. Lawrenceville specifically has access to the top ranked Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science and Technology.

Which city has better home values?

It depends on what you are looking for. Lawrenceville offers more variety and price points. Mulberry tends to skew higher due to newer construction and the affluent demographic.

How far is Lawrenceville from Atlanta?

About 30 miles northeast of downtown Atlanta, with commute times varying based on traffic and time of day.

Can you help me find homes in both Lawrenceville and Mulberry?

Absolutely. As your NE Georgia Lifestyle Specialist, I cover both areas and can set you up with listings that match your criteria. Reach out here to get started.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between Lawrenceville and Mulberry comes down to what you value most. Do you want the security of an established community with proven charm? Or are you drawn to the excitement of building a life in Georgia's newest city?

Both options put you in Gwinnett County, which means excellent schools, solid job access, and a quality of life that keeps attracting buyers from across the country.

If you are one of those halfbacks migrating to Georgia or simply ready to make a move within the metro area, I would love to help you sort through the options. Just call us on 770-2304277, let's find you the right fit.

Regards,

Aussie Rob