What Lawrenceville is actually like
Lawrenceville was incorporated on December 15, 1821 — exactly three years to the day after Gwinnett County itself was formed — making it both the county seat and the oldest city in Gwinnett County, and one of the oldest in metro Atlanta. It's named for Captain James Lawrence, a U.S. Navy commander in the War of 1812 remembered for the order "Don't give up the ship." The original town square, sited near several natural springs, is still the heart of downtown today, anchored by the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse, built in 1885.
Downtown has gone through a genuine, sustained revitalization since 2005, blending those historic buildings with new dining, residences, and entertainment — including the Aurora Theatre and Lawrenceville Arts Center, which puts on more than 850 events a year, and the Lawrenceville Lawn, a downtown greenspace used for concerts and community events. Gwinnett County is Georgia's second-most-populous county and, as of the 2020 census, its most diverse, with no single racial group making up more than a third of the population — a sharp shift from 1990, when the county was over 90% white.
Listings in Lawrenceville
Getting around
There's no MARTA rail station in Lawrenceville or anywhere in Gwinnett County — voters have rejected joining or funding a MARTA rail expansion three times, most recently in November 2024. Local Ride Gwinnett buses serve the city, and Xpress GA commuter buses connect for free to MARTA rail at the Doraville, Civic Center, and Five Points stations.
Lawrenceville FAQ
Is Lawrenceville part of Atlanta?
No — it's a separate incorporated city and the county seat of Gwinnett County, about 30 miles northeast of downtown Atlanta.
Does Lawrenceville have MARTA?
Not MARTA rail — there's no rail station in Gwinnett County, and voters have turned down joining MARTA three times. Local Ride Gwinnett buses and Xpress GA commuter buses connect for free to MARTA rail at Doraville and other stations.
What is Lawrenceville known for?
Being Gwinnett County's oldest city and seat, its historic downtown square and 1885 courthouse, the Aurora Theatre, and a sustained downtown revitalization since 2005.