Just 31 miles from downtown Atlanta, Lawrenceville is a city of old and new. As the oldest city in Gwinnett County, it is named after Captain James Lawrence, commander of the Frigate Chesapeake during the War of 1812.

Lawrenceville includes many antebellum homes, an original town square and the area’s best courthouse, the Gwinnet Historic Courthouse. These town fixtures blend well with the city’s modern establishments. This unique ambience attracts new residents and visitors daily.

With a population of about 80,000, Lawrenceville is perfect for those wanting to live close to everything. According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution’s Homefinder, the median home sale price is $178,019 with 32 percent living in their homes for five or more years.  This is probably due to the area’s low crime rate and almost average cost of living.

Buyers will be able to find 2,649 homes for sale on Trulia. Prices range from $35,000 to $975,000. For renters, 434 opportunities are listed. These range in price from $550 to $2,500 per month.

Just over 50 percent of the population is made up of families. Children residing in Lawrenceville attend top ranked schools including Lawrenceville Elementary, McKendree Elementary, Alton C. Crews Middle, Creekland Middle, Mountain View High and Central Gwinnett High.

At the edge of Ga. 316 off I-85, Lawrenceville is minutes from a variety of shopping, dining, entertainment, recreation and historical attractions.

Shopping and Dining

• Cornerstop Café. Serving the famous honey butter biscuits, Cornerstop Café is located in the heart of historic downtown Lawrenceville. The lunch menu includes southern fried chicken, salmon croquettes, baked turkey and dressing, meatloaf with tomato gravy, country fried steak sandwiches and grilled tilapia.
• Market at the Depot. Located at 108 Depot St. at the historic train depot, the market revolves weekly and is comprised of local vendors with a variety of products.
• Sweets on the Square. Home of the square cupcake and named Gwinnett’s best bakery in 2012, Sweets on the Square is located in historic downtown Lawrenceville. Besides serving delectable cupcakes, the bakery offers 25 varieties of cheesecakes, scones, cookies, baklava, biscotti and so much more.
• Sugarloaf Mills. Georgia’s largest value shopping, entertainment and dining destination, Sugarloaf Mills has more than 180 stores. These include Last Call by Neiman Marcus, Bass Pro Shops, LEGO Outlet, Nike Factory Store and Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5th.
• Local Republic. A mix of southern and international dishes, Local Republic only serves the freshest regionally and locally sourced ingredients. Menu items include chicken and sausage gumbo, low country shrimp, fish tacos, jerk chicken, shrimp and grits, burgers, sandwiches, craft beer and great wines.

Entertainment and Recreation

• Aurora Theatre. Gwinnett’s only professional theatre, Aurora Theatre is located at 128 East Pike St. in Lawrenceville. Upcoming shows include The Drowsy Chaperone, Burundanga and Les Misérables.
• Collins Hill Park Aquatic Center. Featuring an indoor 25-yeard by 25-meter swimming/diving competition pool, the center is open year-round. Its outdoor leisure pool is opening this summer and has a zero-depth entry, two giant water slides, a river channel and water play structures.
• Gwinnett Braves. Coolray Field in Lawrenceville is home to the Gwinnett Braves. The next home games is today at 7:05 p.m. Go Braves!
• Painting with a Twist. With classes for all ages, Painting with a Twist is perfect for dates nights or fun times with the kids. Each class is guided by a local artist and all material is provided. No experience is necessary! Just bring yourself, your favorite people, munchies and a bottle of wine or any other beverage.
• Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament. Inside its stone walls, Medieval Spain comes to life as six knights joust in armor. The winner receives the title of King’s Champion. The royal feast includes oven roasted chicken, garlic bread, tomato bisque soup, potatoes, spare ribs and pastries.

Historical Attractions

• Gwinnett History Museum. Housed in the Lawrenceville Female Seminary, the museum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors will see exhibits on farm life, textiles, religion, schools, traditional music and more.
• Lawrenceville Ghost Tours. Each fall, many flock to Lawrenceville to take ghost tours. These tours center on the paranormal activity around the downtown area. Professional storytellers will send chills down your spine.
• Gwinnett Veterans War Memorial Museum. A tribute to brave men and women who served in the Revolutionary War to the present, the museum features exhibits compiled by the Gwinnett Veterans Council.
• Gwinnett Historic Courthouse. Built in 1885, the courthouse is located on the square of historic downtown Lawrenceville. The space is perfect for parties, weddings and other special events. Architectural features include the original balcony, clock tower, chandelier lighting, wood-carved moldings, faux fireplaces and an outdoor gazebo.
• Fallen Heroes Memorial. Located at 75 Langley Dr. on the grounds of the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center, the memorial was built in 2003 and pays tribute to all Gwinnett residents who have served and died in the line of duty in military or public safety service.

If you like a little history mixed with modernity, Lawrenceville is the place for you! For more information on Gwinnett County new homes, click