Pros and Cons of Living in Berkeley Lake, Georgia
If you’re in the market for a tight-knit community within easy reach of the bustling Atlanta metropolitan area, then Berkeley Lake might be the perfect choice. With its small-town charm and scenic natural beauty, it’s not surprising that this city has been repeatedly recognized as one of Georgia’s top suburban retreats.
Hello everyone, I’m Tim Trevathan with Tim Trevathan Homes. Today, I want to share some insights about living in Berkeley Lake, Georgia, as part of our ongoing series on communities in and around Metro Atlanta.
Berkeley Lake is nestled snugly in the heart of Gwinnett County. Fun fact: it is the 2nd smallest city in Gwinnett County! The 2023 census recorded 2047 residents in an area that’s roughly 1.2 square miles. This compact size means that it’s a place where anyone can strike the perfect balance between enjoying privacy and knowing their neighbors. The warm and welcoming community atmosphere resonates with everyone who visits and much more with those who live here.
Now, you’re probably wondering if Berkeley Lake is a natural lake or if it’s man-made. Well, here’s the deal: in the late 1940s, a man named Frank Coggins took it upon himself to develop most of Berkeley Lake Properties. One of the standout features of this development was a massive dam built in 1948. It’s not just a regular dam; it’s one of the largest earthen dams in the state and led to the creation of the lake.
Berkeley Lake became the go-to summer retreat as early as the 1950s[1], and more recently, it has been a film industry pick for Amazon Prime, Netflix, and other studios looking for quaint places to film romcoms and romance dramas that require a beautiful lake backdrop.
Are you intrigued yet? Let’s dive into some more details about life at Berkeley Lake and take a closer look at the pros and cons of living here.
Pro 1: Living at a Retreat. Berkeley Lake is a tranquil oasis in Georgia that allows you to escape the chaos of city living. The refreshing scent of pine trees, the songs of chirping birds, and the soothing ripples on the lake surface are daily reminders you’re in a haven, one where nature and community go hand in hand. Think about waking up on a Saturday morning, taking your boat out on Berkeley Lake, or hiking through scenic trails. These aren’t just vacation activities but part of everyday living here. When you live in Berkeley Lake, you don’t need to travel far for a bit of adventure. The town offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities right at your doorstep.
Con 1: Affordability. But this slice of paradise does have a price tag. The cost of owning a home in Berkeley Lake is significantly higher than in many other parts of Georgia. Be prepared to invest more in this premium lifestyle, where every day feels like a vacation. Most homes here sell between the upper end of 6 figures to the lower end of 7 figures, but patience may reward you with a lovely home in the $350-$450,000 range. Plus, the homes you’ll find here vary from cozy townhomes with no yard maintenance to lavish homes with state-of-the-art upgrades, so there is variety in your choices.
Pro 2: Safety. Let’s say you’ve finished up a late-night dinner party at your friend’s house, and now it’s time to walk home under the stars. Guess what? You can enjoy the walk without any fear. That’s what living in Berkeley Lake feels like – safe and secure even at odd hours. Low crime rates contribute to this sense of security that permeates this community, making it a fantastic place for adults and an ideal place to raise kids. Safety is crucial when choosing where to live; Berkeley Lake prides itself on being safer than 75% of US cities.
Con 2: Transportation. Living in Berkeley Lake comes with its unique challenges, one of the most prominent being transportation. In Berkeley Lake, public transportation is sparse. Unlike the constant flow of buses and subway networks that keep a city like Atlanta moving, Berkeley Lake is much quieter on the commuting front. It’s not uncommon for residents here to rely heavily on personal vehicles due to the absence of an extensive public transport system. So, if you’re accustomed to living in a metropolitan area where public transportation is easily accessible and running on a strict schedule, moving to Berkeley Lake could require a major adjustment.
Pro 3: Schools. Located in Gwinnett County, schools here rank among the best in the state. Berkeley Lake Elementary School’s high ranking earned it a U.S. News Best Elementary Schools award[2]. Got older kids, even better. Duluth High School was ranked 34th in the state by US News & World Report. Imagine sending your children to school, knowing they are at one of the best institutions in the state. Despite its small size, Berkeley Lake’s education system punches well above its weight. Schools here offer a comprehensive academic program with plenty of opportunities for extracurricular activities, fostering growth beyond just textbooks. It’s like having all the benefits of schooling in a big city, but within the comfort of your small town.
Con 3: Traffic.[3]Though Berkeley Lake is relatively small in population size, it doesn’t escape metro Atlanta’s notorious traffic problem due to its proximity to major highways like I-85 and GA-316. Peachtree Industrial Blvd is the main corridor that connects Berkeley Lake to neighboring cities and the greater Atlanta area, so it can be a bummer during rush hour or when an accident slows down everyone.
Pro 4: Shopping & Dining. So now, let’s talk about fun stuff, like shopping and dining. Berkeley Lake is surrounded by an amazing culinary scene that is more diverse than you’d think. For seafood, check out Peche Modern Coastal. For Indian fusion, check out Mazaj Atlanta. Enjoy brunch at The Breakfast Bar, which is known for its delicious dishes, generous portions, and friendly service. Looking for pub food? Check out Stäge Kitchen & Bar. It has an avalanche of 5-star reviews or Local On North, which is a farm-to-table restaurant that focuses on fresh, seasonal ingredients and locally sourced products.
When it comes to shopping, Berkeley Lake is home to a vibrant tapestry of local shops, that offer a pleasant and personalized shopping experience with a strong focus on community and unique finds. That’s not to say you can’t find your staple big box stores. Because it is nestled between cities like John’s Creek and Duluth, the residents of Berkeley Lake are always within a stone’s throw away from more conventional shopping options and big box stores.
Con 4: Lack of Nightlife. If you’re a night owl who loves late-night entertainment and dining opportunities, you may find Berkeley Lake somewhat lacking. While there are excellent restaurants in town, they tend to close early compared to Atlanta city standards. Similarly, bars and clubs are few and far between in this quiet suburban area. If high-energy city life excites you more than quiet lake views, then life in Berkeley Lake might seem slow-paced. The tranquil environment here can be calming and peaceful for some, but slightly monotonous to someone who is looking for a fast-paced life and a constant rotation of new faces.
So there you have it. Isn’t Berkeley Lake impressive? This isn’t just a place to live – it’s a lifestyle. Berkeley Lake offers the perfect blend of serenity and convenience, where nature’s beauty intertwines with modern amenities to create a haven for those seeking a richer, more fulfilling life.
Are you ready to call Berkeley Lake your home? If you need to know more, get in touch with me. I’d love to hear from you. Or, maybe you’ve fallen in love with another Atlanta suburb; call me for that, too. If your perfect home is out there, trust me; I’ll find it!
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Tim Trevathan, out!
