True Cost of Living in Lawrenceville, GA

Lawrenceville, Georgia, is a bustling town situated in Gwinnett County, located approximately 30 miles north of Atlanta. As of 2020, Lawrenceville was home to nearly 31,000 residents and spanned across six different zip codes, covering about 14 square miles. The town's size, combined with its population density, makes it a substantial and vibrant place to live. Lawrenceville appeals to those who want to enjoy suburban life while having easy access to the city of Atlanta. In this video, we will explore the costs associated with living in Lawrenceville.

Real Estate Landscape

Lawrenceville has a more developed environment compared to some of the other towns in the region. It features numerous office spaces, commercial developments, and business parks. Homes in Lawrenceville tend to have smaller lots, with many properties being less than an acre in size, and some even less than half an acre. As of November 2021, the median home price in Lawrenceville was $348,000, making it relatively affordable, especially when compared to neighboring towns like Alpharetta or Buford.

Real Estate Appreciation

Lawrenceville's real estate market has experienced significant growth, with the median home sales price increasing by 30% year over year. This level of appreciation is not unique to Lawrenceville but is typical of many areas in Georgia. Across the state, real estate values have appreciated in the high teens to 30% range.

Renting in Lawrenceville

If you're considering renting a property in Lawrenceville, you can expect to pay approximately $2,000 per month. Rental prices are subject to market conditions and may vary based on factors such as property size and location.

Cost of Living

To gauge the overall cost of living in Lawrenceville, we use the website BestPlaces.org, which assigns a score based on how an area's cost of living compares to the national average (with 100 being the national average). For Georgia as a whole, the cost of living is rated at 93, which is below the national average of 100. Lawrenceville, however, has a rating above the state's average, indicating that it is relatively more expensive than other places in Georgia.

Housing Costs

Housing affordability in Lawrenceville is given a rating of 95. This score reflects the town's reasonable housing prices, especially when considering its proximity to Atlanta. With a diverse selection of housing options, including updated older homes and modern new construction properties, there are choices to suit various budgets and preferences.

Property Taxes

Georgia, in general, boasts lower property taxes compared to many other states. Property taxes in Lawrenceville, as in the rest of the state, are based on the assessed value of your home, which helps keep these taxes relatively low.

Homeowners' Associations (HOAs)

Most homes in Lawrenceville are part of neighborhoods with homeowners' associations. HOA fees typically range from $400 to $800 per year, not per month, as in some other states. The affordability of HOA fees in Lawrenceville is noteworthy for those moving from states where they are accustomed to higher fees.

Transportation

A vehicle is essential in Lawrenceville since public transportation options are limited. The transportation ranking for Lawrenceville is 99, reflecting the need for personal transportation. Notably, Gwinnett County does not require yearly vehicle inspections, which can be a cost-saving factor for residents.

Utilities

Utilities in Lawrenceville receive a score of 101, indicating they are slightly more affordable than the national average. Despite the need to run air conditioning for a significant part of the year, utility costs remain reasonable.

Shopping and Dining

Lawrenceville provides a wide range of shopping and dining options. The town features big-box stores like Walmart and Target, numerous restaurants, and multiple grocery stores. The downtown area offers charming local eateries, such as The Universal Joint and Peachtree Cafe. The Sugarloaf Mills shopping complex includes a Bass Pro Shop, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.

Lifestyle and Considerations

Lawrenceville offers a dynamic urban environment, making it less suitable for those seeking the small-town charm found in other towns in the region. It has become an attractive choice for those who appreciate affordability while being within easy reach of Atlanta.

When moving to Georgia, it's essential to understand the local culture and policies, such as homeowners' association regulations, as well as the realities of daily life. If you are interested in making Lawrenceville your new home or exploring other towns in the region, our team is here to assist you. Feel free to reach out to us; our contact information is provided in the comments below.