Located on the southern banks of Lake Lanier, Buford balances suburban life with easy access to the broader metro area. Historic Downtown Buford has a charm of its own, though, and the city's proximity to Georgia's largest mall and lake is a big draw here.
Most of Buford is in Gwinnett County, but a sliver is in Hall County, giving students access to two highly rated school districts. Gwinnett County Schools is the largest school district in the state and a major employer in the area. Over 18,000 people live here — many holding management, business, science, and art-related positions. Meanwhile, downtown Atlanta is also just 25 miles away.
Realtor Stephanie Purrington, with Keller Williams Realty Intown Atlanta, has lived in Buford for decades. She calls the community active and family-oriented. "[Many] neighborhoods [in Buford] have incorporated a pool and tennis courts, and there's strong support for school sports."
Buford was founded after a railroad connected Charlotte, North Carolina, and Atlanta.
Buford's historic "Welcome to Buford," invites guests to explore the charming neighborhood.
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Buford's booming housing market
Buford's population has increased by roughly 30% in 10 years. "A lot of people from Atlanta are moving north to Buford, and folks from here are moving further north to Gainesville, which helps keep the market open," says Billy Johnson, a Realtor with Lantern Real Estate Group who was raised in Buford. Fifteen new residential developments have brought over 490 new homes to the city since 2019. The most established neighborhoods surround downtown Buford. Historic mansions and lakeside properties are coveted — sometimes heading into the millions. The city's median home price is $550,000, about 48% higher than the state median. Purrington says schools here are the biggest driver.
Buford's neighborhoods often have brick-style homes.
Charming colonial style houses can be commonly found in Buford.
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Buford's top-notch schools
Niche ranks Buford City Schools as the best in the state and gives the district an A-plus. Buford High is known for its football team, which has become state champions four times in the last 10 years alone. Gwinnett County Schools earns an A-minus. The county’s own Georgia Gwinnett College ranked 56th out of 97 in U.S. News and World Report's 2025 Regional Colleges South list.
Buford High School is located in Burford and scores an A+ from Niche.
Buford Middle School is a public school located in Buford, GA.
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Home to the largest mall in Georgia
Buford is home to the Mall of Georgia, the state’s largest mall with over 200 retailers and restaurants. Four miles from there, downtown Buford is lined with historic brick buildings housing local boutiques and restaurants. The city’s 2045 Comprehensive Plan to improve Downtown Buford promises to continue enhancing walkability. Buford has already completed at least seven pedestrian projects since 2019.
Buford is home to the Mall of Georgia which is the biggest mall in the state.
Buford's Historic Downtown has a street of walkable businesses.
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Downtown Buford embraces local artists
The Tannery Row Artist Colony studios are in downtown Buford, where the 17 artist members host rotating gallery shows. The nearby Buford Museum also collects these artists’ work, giving them a permanent home. The Buford Community Center, also downtown, hosts concerts and outdoor movie nights at its amphitheater.
Buford's Community Center is abundant in well-landscaped lush greenery.
Buford's Community Center hosts lots of town events like concerts and festivals.
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Living near ballparks, tennis courts and Lake Lanier
Buford's parks and recreation department supports a wide range of pastimes. Buford Youth Sports Complex has full-sized soccer, lacrosse and football fields. There are 12 public tennis courts on Shawnee Avenue. Bogan Park's indoor facilities include an aquatic center, a double gym and a dance room, and its outdoor amenities include trails, basketball courts and playgrounds. Buford Dam Park and its beach, the boat ramps on Pinewood Avenue and Lazy Days Park and Marina are gateways to Lake Lanier. The county offers over 10,000 acres of green space and 133 miles of trails.
Many local residents of Buford use the paved walking trails found throughout town.
Beaufort city Park is home to several tennis courts, baseball, courts, and more.
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Interstate 85 or MARTA to Atlanta
City data shows the average work commute from Buford is around 29 minutes. Interstates 85, I-985 and Buford Highway are main routes here. MARTA connects commuters to Atlanta. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International, the largest airport in the state, is around 50 miles away. Piedmont Urgent Care and Northside Medical, which opened in 2024, are in Buford. Purrington touts the city's proximity to major highlights: “Buford is maybe 40 to [50] minutes from the airport, five hours to the beach, and not even a couple hours [from the] mountains."
Mild winters in Buford
“Atlanta, in general, has a pretty mild climate. But we just had two inches of snow the other day, which hasn’t happened in five years,” Purrington says. Buford and several other cities and unincorporated areas are served by Gwinnett County Police North Precinct. In 2024, the department responded to over 29,000 calls.
Buford's Historic Clock is one of the neighborhood's iconic points of interest.
Buford's historic "Welcome to Buford," invites guests to explore the charming neighborhood.
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Written By
Kathryn Ashworth
Photography Contributed By
Kathleen Kim
Video By
Matthew Bloch
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Judy Chin,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Buford, GA sell after 50 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Buford, GA over the last 12 months is $485,000, down 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Spacious new construction Alexander floor plan on a basement offering 4 bedrooms, and 3.5 bathrooms with two primary suites, two laundry rooms, and two living spaces-ideal for multi-generational living. This Northeast facing home is Open-concept on the main level with a chef-inspired kitchen and seamless flow for entertaining. Located in a boutique community with convenient access to shopping,
New Construction in Parkview Landing! The Connor floor plan offers a bright, open-concept design with a spacious kitchen overlooking the breakfast area and family room, plus a flexible dining room or study on the main level. Upstairs features a private primary suite with walk-in closet and spa-style bath, along with three additional bedrooms and optional bath upgrades. Select homesites offer
New Construction in Parkview Landing! The Camden floor plan offers a bright, open-concept design with a spacious kitchen overlooking the breakfast area and family room, plus a flexible dining room or study on the main level. Upstairs features a private primary suite with walk-in closet and spa-style bath, along with three additional bedrooms and optional bath upgrades. Select homesites offer
Exceptional Craftsmanship, Elegant Design & Resort-Style LivingSet within an exceptional neighborhood offering outstanding amenities and located in the highly sought-after Lanier School District, this beautifully appointed residence delivers timeless craftsmanship, refined finishes, and thoughtful design throughout. The home makes an immediate impression with a side-by-side three-car garage,
Welcome to Easy Living in The Orchards at Park Ridge - A Premier 55+ Gated Community! Step into this beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 3-bath stepless all-brick home, offering the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and community. Located in the highly sought-after Orchards at Park Ridge, this open-concept design is filled with natural light and timeless charm. Enjoy peaceful mornings on the
Enjoy your private retreat within walking distance to the great restaurants, shops and entertainment available in historic downtown Buford. Situated on just over an acre lot, this 1929 bungalow is welcoming and cozy, and combines period charm with modern convenience. The living and dining rooms feature tall ceilings and detailed woodwork and trim, as well as a new gas fireplace. The hardwood
Welcome to life on a quiet cul-de-sac in the highly desirable Trinity Falls community. Built in 2021, this five-bedroom, four-bath home offers a flexible layout, generous living space, and a setting that blends comfort with convenience. Natural light fills the main living area, where a gas-start brick fireplace anchors the space and flows seamlessly into the kitchen - creating an ideal layout for
Beautiful former model home in the sought-after Seckinger school cluster, located directly across from the neighborhood swim and tennis center. Freshly painted inside and out, this move-in ready home features custom ceilings, extensive trim work, and hardwood floors throughout the main living areas. The open-concept kitchen offers white cabinetry, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances,
This unique commercial property is located in the heart of Downtown Buford, a vibrant and sought-after destination known for its charm and bustling atmosphere. Situated in a prime location with sweeping access to Mall go Georgia, Lake Lanier, and Downtown Buford itself. This property combines the convenience of a residential home with the potential for commercial use, offering versatile
Award winning schools, small town charm and porch goals! This spacious 6-bedroom, 3-bathroom home in the Wildwood subdivision offers room for everyone, plus a bonus room for added flexibility. Inside, you'll find a separate dining room for special gatherings, a versatile flex room perfect for a home office, and an oversized main-floor primary suite with dual vanities, a soaking tub, and separate
Welcome to this spacious 6 Bedroom/3.5 bath in Buford, offering privacy, flexibility, and room to grow. Nestled on a large lot with a flat, level yard, this property is surrounded by beautiful mature blooming trees behind the home that create a stunning display of white blossoms each spring, adding charm and seasonal beauty to the backyard setting. Inside, the home features generously sized
Welcome home to the highly sought-after Greyton Springs Place community in Buford, GA. This beautifully designed two-story townhome offers 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and a convenient 2-car garage. Step onto the inviting front porch and into a long foyer that leads seamlessly into the open-concept main living area. The spacious family room is ideal for entertaining guests or enjoying a quiet
Currently offering $99 look and Lease. Up to 6 weeks free select homes, subject to change. Multiple floor plans available. Days on Market accrued is not specific to this current plan listed. Brand New Homes for Rent in Buford. Schedule your in-person or virtual tour today. Welcome to Enclave at Oak Ridge, a new community in Buford, GA! Featuring single-family homes for rent, our floor plans are
Currently offering $99 look and Lease. Up to 6 weeks free select homes, subject to change. Multiple floor plans available. Days on Market accrued is not specific to this current plan listed. Brand New Homes for Rent in Buford. Schedule your in-person or virtual tour today. Welcome to Enclave at Oak Ridge, a new community in Buford, GA! Featuring single-family homes for rent, our floor plans are
Available from April 1st! 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms TOWNHOUSE ! The great location!!! The property offers a well-thought-out floor plan on the main floor, perfect for relaxing and entertaining. The beautiful, fully-equipped kitchen features cabinets, spacious countertops, an oversized sink, on-trend lighting, and a large island, a rear patio extends it further to the outdoors. The upstairs
Just steps from Lake Lanier, this charming 2-bedroom, 1-bath lower-level duplex offers comfortable living in a peaceful Buford setting. The home features a practical layout with a welcoming living area, two well-sized bedrooms, and a full bath, creating an easy and functional space to call home. The lower-level setting provides added privacy and a quiet retreat, perfect for relaxing at the end of
Spacious five-bedroom, four-bath home available for lease in the desirable Trinity Falls community. Built in 2021, this home offers a flexible and functional layout with a main-level bedroom and full bath-ideal for guests, multi-generational living, or a private home office. The home is also currently listed for sale (MLS #7669097); however, if a lease is secured, the home will be removed.
Immaculate home just remodeled and move-in condition. All new floors, paint, tile and showers. New paint and outside siding. Plenty of space and room for storage. Nice size bedrooms and closets. Almost an acre of yard. Large yard with patio to entertain. Buford schools! Easy access and location. This is a must see!
Enjoy Two Months Free on Select Homes! Multiple floor plans available. Days on Market accrued is not specific to this current plan listed. Call for updated pricing, specials and availability. WELCOME HOME. Welcome to The Ivy at Ariston, a residential community featuring one, two, and three bedroom apartments in Buford, GA. Spacious layouts and amenities welcome you home, along with exceptional
Enjoy Two Months Free on Select Homes! Multiple floor plans available. Days on Market accrued is not specific to this current plan listed. Call for updated pricing, specials and availability. WELCOME HOME. Welcome to The Ivy at Ariston, a residential community featuring one, two, and three bedroom apartments in Buford, GA. Spacious layouts and amenities welcome you home, along with exceptional
Enjoy Two Months Free on Select Homes! Multiple floor plans available. Days on Market accrued is not specific to this current plan listed. Call for updated pricing, specials and availability. WELCOME HOME. Welcome to The Ivy at Ariston, a residential community featuring one, two, and three bedroom apartments in Buford, GA. Spacious layouts and amenities welcome you home, along with exceptional
READY TO MOVE IN 3-Bedroom, 2.5-Bathroom Townhome! Welcome to Greyton Springs Place, a brand-new community offering stunning townhomes designed for modern living. As you step in from the front porch, a long foyer leads into the open-concept main living area. A large family room is the perfect place to gather for a quiet night with a book or watch a movie. The family room flows seamlessly into the
Buford Swim Community Rental Live close to everything while enjoying the comfort of a quiet swim community. This home places you just minutes from premier shopping, dining, and entertainment, including Mall of Georgia, Andretti Indoor Karting, Topgolf, and Northside's new medical facility with quick access to I-85 (approx. 1.5 miles) and I-985 (approx. 2.5 miles). Step inside to a bright,
Luxury Rentals Coming Early 26Where moments linger, the lake sparkles, and home is hard to leave. Arriving Summer 2026, Waterside at Lake Lanier blends 1, 2, and 3 bedroom charming cottages, stylish townhomes, and apartment-style living with beautiful amenities and easy lake access designed for morning coffee by the water, sunset strolls, and days that feel a little like vacation.
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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
