If you’ve driven down Old Peachtree Road lately, you’ve probably noticed the dust settling and the scaffolding coming down. It’s hard to miss. The Beacon at Old Peachtree isn’t just another cookie-cutter subdivision popping up in the Lawrenceville-Suwanee sprawl. Honestly, it’s a massive project that's been in the works since 2019, and it's finally showing its true face in 2026.
People are talking about it. Why? Because Gwinnett is crowded. Finding a spot that doesn't feel like a concrete trap but still lets you walk to a baseball game is a tall order.
What is The Beacon at Old Peachtree, anyway?
Basically, it's a massive, multi-phase Traditional Neighborhood Development (TND). That’s a fancy developer term for "we want this to feel like a real town, not just a parking lot with houses." Stanley Martin Homes is the primary builder here, and they've carved out a space that mixes single-family detached houses with those sleek, three-story townhomes that are all over North Atlanta right now.
The location is the big draw. You’re at 2511 Line Drive, which is essentially a stone’s throw from Coolray Field. You can literally hear the crack of the bat when the Gwinnett Stripers are home.
The layout breakdown (No fluff)
- Single-Family Homes: These are the "grown-up" houses. We're talking 3 to 5 bedrooms, often hitting that 2,700-square-foot mark. Prices generally hover in the mid-$500s, though that fluctuates based on how many upgrades you jam into the kitchen.
- The Townhomes: These are the heart of the community's "vibe." Most have 3 bedrooms and around 3.5 baths. They start in the high $370s.
- The Amenities: It’s got the "resort-style" checklist: a cabana, a pool, and yes, the mandatory pickleball courts because it's 2026 and we're all obsessed.
The "Walkability" Reality Check
You’ve heard it before. "Walkable lifestyle!" Usually, that means you can walk to a gas station if you’re brave. But The Beacon is kinda different.
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Being able to walk to Coolray Field is a legitimate perk. Beyond the baseball, you've got the Mall of Georgia about three miles away. You aren't walking to the mall—don't try it, the traffic on 20 is a nightmare—but you're close enough that a Target run doesn't feel like a day trip.
One thing people get wrong: they think TND means there’s a grocery store inside the neighborhood. There isn't. You still need a car. According to recent walk-score data, the area sits around a 43. That’s "car-dependent" in polite terms. You're buying here for the community feel and the proximity to the Gwinnett County School District (specifically the Mountain View cluster), not because you’re giving up your SUV.
Why Gwinnett Locals are Actually Moving Here
It’s the maintenance. Or the lack of it.
If you grab one of the townhomes, the HOA handles the lawn. For a lot of young professionals working in tech over in Alpharetta or commuters heading down I-85 into the city, spending Saturday morning behind a lawnmower is a hard "no."
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Real Talk on the Schools
Parents are the main demographic here. The Beacon at Old Peachtree feeds into some of the most consistent schools in the county. In Gwinnett, school zones are everything for property value. Even if you don’t have kids, the fact that you’re in a "good" zone acts as a floor for your home's resale value. It’s a smart move, honestly.
The Planning Backstory
This wasn't an overnight success. Gwinnett County records show this project went through three distinct approval phases in 2019, 2020, and 2022. It was designed to transition the area from old, large-lot residences into a "mixed-residential" hub.
There was some pushback early on—typical "not in my backyard" stuff regarding traffic. To fix this, the developers had to put in specific acceleration and deceleration lanes on Old Peachtree Road. If you’ve driven it during rush hour, you know those lanes are doing heavy lifting.
Is it worth the price tag?
In 2026, the Atlanta housing market is... weird. But Lawrenceville stays steady.
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The average property tax here hits around $6,000 to $6,500 annually for the bigger homes. HOA fees vary wildly—anywhere from $80 for the basic single-family lots to over $250 for the townhomes where they do all the landscaping and pool upkeep.
You’ve got to weigh that against the "newness" factor. These homes are built with current energy codes, meaning your Georgia Power bill won't make you cry in August.
Actionable Advice for Potential Residents
If you're looking at The Beacon, don't just look at the model home.
- Check the Phase: Phase III is the newest. If you want a "deal," look for the remaining units in earlier phases or re-sales where the owner has already added blinds and a fence—those costs add up fast on new builds.
- Drive the Commute: Do it at 8:00 AM on a Tuesday. The proximity to I-85 is great, but the bottleneck at the Old Peachtree entrance can be a test of patience.
- Visit the Dog Park: It’s one of the best social spots in the neighborhood. If you want to know what the neighbors are actually like, that’s where the real tea is spilled.
The Beacon at Old Peachtree is basically the blueprint for how Gwinnett is growing: denser, slightly more walkable, and very focused on "lifestyle" amenities. It's not the cheapest spot in Lawrenceville, but you're paying for the fact that you can walk to a ballgame and never have to touch a weed-whacker again.
Next Steps for You:
Start by verifying the current school assignments for the specific lot you're eyeing. Gwinnett redistricts more often than people realize. Once you’ve confirmed the zone, visit a Saturday open house—not just to see the floor plan, but to see how the street parking holds up when everyone is home. If the visitor spots are full at 2 PM, that’s a sign to look for a unit with a longer driveway.