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Duluth has quietly become one of North Metro Atlanta’s most versatile rental markets. Located in western Gwinnett County with direct access to I-85 and Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, Duluth attracts a broad mix of renters—young professionals, immigrant families, creatives, and long-term residents who value culture, food, and affordability over polish.
Unlike Alpharetta or Johns Creek, Duluth is not built around luxury mixed-use districts. Instead, it offers a layered housing stock: older garden apartments, mid-2000s condo communities, small multifamily buildings, and an increasing number of newer townhomes and single-family rentals. That variety makes the $1,000–$3,000 range far more flexible here than in North Fulton suburbs.
This guide breaks down what renters can expect in Duluth within that budget, which neighborhoods offer the best value, and how the city compares to nearby rental markets in Gwinnett and North Fulton.
A Snapshot of Duluth’s Rental Scene
- Inventory: ~420–480 active rental listings
- Most Common Units: 1BR, 2BR, townhomes, small condos
- Average 1BR Rent: ~$1,450/month
- Average 2BR Rent: ~$1,850/month
- Townhomes / SFH Rentals: $2,200–$3,000
- Lowest Listings: ~$1,050–$1,200 (older apartments)
- Upper End: ~$2,800–$3,000 (newer townhomes, detached homes)
Primary rental corridors:
- Pleasant Hill Road
- Buford Highway
- Satellite Boulevard
- Downtown Duluth / Parsons Alley area
Common amenities:
Pools, surface parking, in-unit laundry (newer units), balconies, green courtyards, some gated communities
Nearby comparisons:
- Norcross: Slightly cheaper, older inventory
- Peachtree Corners: Higher averages, more office-driven
- Johns Creek: Limited rental supply, higher prices
Duluth’s rental market is one of Gwinnett County’s most active because it serves multiple renter profiles at once. It remains accessible to $1,200 renters while also accommodating families seeking three-bedroom townhomes under $3,000—something increasingly rare in North Atlanta.
What $1,000–$3,000 Gets You in Duluth
The strength of Duluth’s market is range, not luxury. Here’s how the pricing typically breaks down:
One-Bedroom Apartments ($1,000–$1,600)
One-bedroom units dominate Duluth’s lower and middle tiers. Older communities along Buford Highway and Pleasant Hill Road still offer 1BR apartments in the $1,050–$1,250 range, though finishes are modest and amenities limited.
More updated 1BR units—often in mid-2000s complexes—fall between $1,350 and $1,600. These typically include in-unit laundry, basic fitness rooms, and improved interiors without luxury branding.
Two-Bedroom Apartments & Condos ($1,500–$2,200)
Two-bedroom rentals represent the core of Duluth’s market. Most standard 2BR units lease between $1,650 and $1,950, offering strong value for space. Square footage here often exceeds comparable units in Alpharetta or Sandy Springs.
Condo rentals and renovated apartments can push into the low $2,000s, particularly near Downtown Duluth or Peachtree Industrial Boulevard.
Townhomes & Single-Family Rentals ($2,200–$3,000)
This is where Duluth truly stands out. Renters with budgets above $2,200 can access:
- 3BR townhomes
- Newer townhouse communities
- Detached single-family homes
Many of these rentals fall between $2,400 and $2,900—well below similar options in Alpharetta or Milton. Families priced out of buying often land here, drawn by space, schools, and commute access.
Neighborhoods: Highs and Lows
Downtown Duluth has seen the most visible transformation. Rentals near Parsons Alley and the Town Green command slightly higher prices, but still remain reasonable compared to North Fulton. Expect mid-$1,600s for 1BRs and low-$2,000s for larger units.
Pleasant Hill Road hosts the city’s largest concentration of apartments. This area offers the best selection under $1,400, though properties vary widely in age and upkeep.
Buford Highway neighborhoods are culturally rich and often more affordable, with older buildings and smaller landlords. Rents tend to be lower, but amenities are limited.
Satellite Boulevard / Peachtree Industrial areas lean more corporate and newer, with higher rents and easier access to office parks and I-85.
Amenities and Lifestyle Perks
Duluth rentals are not known for luxury—but they deliver functionality and livability. Pools and surface parking are common. Gated communities exist, though fewer include concierge-style services.
What Duluth offers instead is lifestyle diversity:
- One of metro Atlanta’s strongest international food scenes
- Walkable downtown events and festivals
- Proximity to Gwinnett Place redevelopment plans
- Quick access to Norcross, Peachtree Corners, and Suwanee
For renters who value space, culture, and cost control over branding, Duluth performs exceptionally well.
How Duluth Compares to Nearby Areas
Compared to Alpharetta, Duluth offers:
- Lower average rents
- Larger units
- Far more inventory under $2,000
Compared to Johns Creek, Duluth provides:
- Greater rental variety
- More apartments and townhomes
- Lower barriers to entry
Compared to Norcross, Duluth is slightly more expensive—but benefits from stronger infrastructure, schools, and downtown investment.
Outlook: Affordability, Competition, and Options for Renters
Duluth remains one of North Atlanta’s most balanced rental markets. While prices have risen steadily, the city still supports renters across income levels—something fewer suburbs can claim in 2025.
Competition exists, especially for well-maintained units under $1,500 and family-sized rentals under $2,700. However, inventory turnover is healthy, and renters who act quickly still find solid options.
For households seeking space, cultural richness, and manageable rents, Duluth continues to outperform flashier neighbors. The $1,000–$3,000 range captures nearly the full spectrum of what the city offers—making it one of the most practical rental markets in Gwinnett County.
Want to explore more of what Duluth has to offer?
From walkable downtown spots to neighborhoods, parks, and local events, our city guide brings everything together.
Searching for apartments in Duluth within this price range? Local agents can share current availability, typical pricing, and what’s opening soon.
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