A New City with Big Potential: Welcome to Mulberry, Georgia

                                                        PHOTO CREDITS: WSBTV.COM

A New City with Big Potential: Welcome to Mulberry, Georgia

Something huge just happened in North Gwinnett County, and if you live here or are thinking about moving to this part of Metro Atlanta, this is one update you don’t want to miss.

As of January 1st, 2025, Mulberry, Georgia is officially on the map.

Yep, a brand-new city has been created, and while the name might sound sweet and charming (kind of like it belongs in an episode of The Andy Griffith Show), the journey to get here has been anything but quiet. Drama, lawsuits, controversy, bold promises, this story has it all. And as a local Realtor (and yes, a proud “Mulbarian”, we think that’s the word?), I’m breaking it all down: what happened, what’s next, and what this means if you’re a homeowner or buyer in the area.

How Mulberry, GA Was Born

It all started with a zoning proposal for a high-density apartment complex near the busy Hamilton Mill area, right around Walmart, Chick-fil-A, and Sardis Church Road. Until now, this part of Gwinnett had no multifamily housing, and residents pushed back quickly, worried about traffic, overgrowth, and losing the character of the community.

That resistance sparked a bigger conversation: What if this area had more local control?

From there, lawmakers stepped in. State House Majority Leader Chuck Efstration and State Senator Clint Dixon introduced a bill to form a new city. After community meetings, feasibility studies, and a whole lot of debate, the proposal went to a public vote on May 21, 2024. Of the 41,000 residents in the area, nearly 57% voted YES.

Just like that, Mulberry, Georgia was born.

Why “Mulberry”?

Naming the new city came with its own round of back-and-forth. "Hamilton Mill" was considered, but not everyone lives there. "Mill Creek" was another contender, since it’s the name of the local high school, but not all homes are zoned for it. Ultimately, they chose Mulberry, named after Little Mulberry Park, a beloved and beautiful local spot with walking trails, scenic views, and the kind of peace that makes it feel like home.

Controversy and Legal Drama

Of course, starting a new city isn’t without its bumps and Mulberry hit a few. Right after the vote passed, Gwinnett County filed a lawsuit, arguing that the city was trying to take control of land and services that were already managed by the county. They even accused city leaders of misleading voters.

For months, it was lawsuit after lawsuit, with questions about city boundaries, services, and whether Mulberry should even exist. But as of now, there are no active lawsuits and Mulberry is officially moving forward.

What Services Does Mulberry Provide?

One big concern from residents? Taxes. Gwinnett already has some of the highest property taxes in Georgia, and nobody was eager to see them go up.

City leaders promised no increase in property taxes and they’ve said that having local control will actually make services more efficient. Here’s what Mulberry handles:

• Zoning
• Code enforcement
• Stormwater services

Police, fire, and sanitation? Those still fall under Gwinnett County for now.

What This Means for Real Estate

From a real estate perspective, the dust is still settling. So far, not much has changed, home values in the area have always been strong. The average home price in Mulberry is around $585,000, compared to $420,000 across Gwinnett County. So this has never been an entry-level price point, but the new city status could help protect or even boost home values over time.

Mulberry officials have said they want to see smart, controlled growth, no sudden surge of apartments without supporting infrastructure. That’s good news for current homeowners and for buyers who want that suburban feel with thoughtful development.

Should You Buy in Mulberry?

That depends.

If you’re looking for a growing community with strong local involvement, a suburban lifestyle, and a new city that's aiming to do things differently, Mulberry could be a great fit. If you’re wary of change or skeptical about long-term tax impacts, you might want to keep exploring other North Metro communities with more established leadership.

Either way, Mulberry is here to stay and the next few years will be crucial in shaping what kind of city it becomes.

Final Thoughts from a Local

Living in North Metro Atlanta has always been about more than just buying a house, it’s about planting roots, building community, and finding the kind of lifestyle that truly feels like home.

The creation of Mulberry might have stirred up strong opinions, but at its heart, it reflects what so many families are looking for: a community that listens, grows with intention, and creates space for connection.

Whether you're already here or just starting to explore, there's something exciting about watching a city take shape, and even more exciting when you find your place in it.

If you're thinking about buying or selling in Mulberry, Gwinnett County, or anywhere in the North Atlanta suburbs, I’d be honored to help you make that next move, confidently, and with a local by your side.

Curious about Mulberry or planning your next move? Here’s your free North Metro Atlanta guide: Discover All The Best Suburbs Around Atlanta. Feel free to reach out, I’d love to hear what’s on your mind. Or just reach out, I'd love to hear your thoughts on Mulberry and what you're looking for next.