Thompson Thrift Announces 300-Unit Luxury Apartment Development in Atlanta's Growing Buford Suburb

Thompson Thrift, a nationally recognized real estate company and leading multifamily developer, announced plans to develop Autry at Tulip Grove, a 300-unit luxury apartment community in the Atlanta suburb of Buford. The company expects to welcome the first residents to the Buford development in January 2027, marking a significant addition to one of the Southeast's most dynamic growth markets.

Gwinnett County represents one of the most vibrant growth markets in the Southeast, characterized by a thriving population, robust economy, and exceptional employment rates according to Josh Purvis, managing partner for Thompson Thrift Residential. The development is designed to offer residents a seamless integration of style, comfort, and connectivity through amenities and finishes that create a community residents are proud to call home.

Located at 1325 Laurel Crossing Pkwy NE, the 10-acre community will feature thoughtfully designed four-story buildings with elevator service offering spacious one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartment homes. Each residence will include premium interior finishes such as elegant quartz countertops, stainless-steel appliances, smooth glass-top ranges, timeless tile backsplash, designer fixtures, and hardwood-style flooring. Additional residential features include large walk-in closets, walk-in showers, patio and balcony options, private yard options, detached garages, full-size washers and dryers, high-speed internet access, and an Amazon package hub.

The resort-style community amenities will include two fully equipped fitness centers with 24-hour access, a heated swimming pool, electric vehicle charging stations, thoughtfully designed courtyards, an outdoor pavilion with gas fireplace and seating, community grilling areas, outdoor game area, golf simulator, dog park, pet spa with grooming stations, billiards and shuffleboard, and a 24-hour social hub. The comprehensive amenity package reflects Thompson Thrift's commitment to delivering high-quality homes with in-demand features that meet modern lifestyle expectations.

Situated adjacent to The Exchange, a 100-acre master planned development, future residents will have immediate access to diverse retail, entertainment, and restaurant options including Sprouts Farmers Market, Pickle and Social, Andretti Indoor Karting & Games and TopGolf. Nearby Interstate 85 access provides convenient connectivity to downtown Lawrenceville, downtown Atlanta, Mall of Georgia and Sugarloaf Mills, enhancing the development's appeal for commuters and those seeking urban accessibility with suburban living.

The strategic positioning in one of Atlanta's strongest suburban markets is supported by significant demographic trends. Within a three-mile radius of the community, population has grown 31.9% over the last 15 years, outpacing both Gwinnett County and the Atlanta metropolitan statistical area overall. Gwinnett County maintains 97% workforce employment with average household income of $114,000, creating strong demand for premium rental housing.

Major area employers include Publix Distribution & Manufacturing, Primerica, and Northside Hospital, which is currently undertaking a 17-floor tower expansion scheduled for completion in 2026 that will generate an additional 5,000 jobs. The development's proximity to Rowen, a 2,000-acre mixed-use development that could ultimately create 100,000 jobs once completed, positions Autry at Tulip Grove to benefit from sustained employment growth and housing demand. Thompson Thrift's nearly 40-year track record includes investing more than $6 billion into local communities, with the Thompson Thrift 2025 Multifamily Development, LP providing equity capital for this development. Additional information about the company is available at https://www.thompsonthrift.com.