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
Olga Lucia Jimenez,
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 51 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Buford, GA over the last 12 months is $479,900, down 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Minutes from downtown Buford and Sugar Hill, this upgraded home offers the rare combination of privacy, functionality, and standout features buyers are actively searching for. Set on a wooded lot near Lake Lanier, the home features a fully remodeled gourmet kitchen with cherry cabinetry, granite countertops, wall oven, built-in microwave, warming drawer, 5-burner gas cooktop, and dual sinks (prep
Privately gated NEW CONSTRUCTION luxury home on 1 acre with NO HOA, DUAL PRIMARY SUITES, PREP KITCHEN, UNFINISHED BASEMENT, and nearly 10,000 sq ft. A rare combination of features buyers are actively searching for—designed for flexibility, entertaining, and long-term value. 5 bedrooms plus HUGE BONUS ROOM plus PRIVATE OFFICE, 5 full baths, 2 half baths, with 6,788 sq ft finished plus 3,003 sq ft
Rare opportunity in the highly sought-after Buford City School District—this move-in ready home offers bright, open living, refined and updated finishes throughout, and an exceptional outdoor living experience in one of the area’s most convenient locations.Step inside to a light-filled interior where the main living spaces flow effortlessly, creating an open and intentional layout. The living
Next Move ATLKeller Williams Realty Atlanta Partners
Main-level living, private ensuites, and space to entertain...this home checks the boxes buyers are asking for most. Hardwood floors greet you as soon as you enter the front door, and continue throughout the entire home. In the main living area, built-ins flank the fire place providing open shelving above, and closed shelving below. The spacious kitchen is designed with gathering in mind offering
Room to spread out, space to make memories, and value that’s hard to ignore. With 4,000+ square feet of finished living space and priced below a recent appraisal, 1880 Rocksram offers an incredible opportunity. Situated on nearly half an acre with no HOA, this property gives you the freedom to truly enjoy your home inside and out. The main level welcomes you with a proper foyer that leads to a
Seller is motivated and welcomes offers, creating a great opportunity to make this home your own in the desirable Trinity Falls community. The property is also available for lease under MLS #7729673; however, if the home goes under contract for sale, the lease listing will be removed from the market. Built in 2021, this spacious five-bedroom, four-bath home offers a flexible layout with room to
BRAND NEW ROOF INSTALLED ON 4/3/2026!!!! NEW Upgraded 6" Gutters!! Gorgeous hardwood floors throughout!!! Solid Wood Stair Treads!! New Bathrooms!! New Tiled Shower!! Quartz Vanity Tops!! Updated kitchen and Lighting!! Tucked away in the heart of Buford, this beautifully modernized home welcomes you with an effortless blend of warmth, elegance, and modern comfort. From the moment you step inside,
Welcome to this beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath townhome built in 2021, located in the highly sought-after Buford High School district and just minutes from Lake Lanier. Designed for easy living, the open-concept floor plan features luxury vinyl plank flooring, granite countertops, tiled backsplash, tiled kitchen area, stainless steel appliances (including a new dishwasher), upgraded
Welcome to an exceptional opportunity in the heart of Buford, where luxury, location, and lifestyle converge. Nestled in a private cul-de-sac, this beautifully designed residence features a bright, open-concept layout filled with natural light. The main level flows seamlessly into a chef-inspired kitchen with modern finishes, complemented by flexible rooms perfect for a home office, game room, or
Location, convenience, and space - this home truly has it all! Ideally situated just minutes from the Mall of Georgia with easy access to I-85 and I-985, this beautifully maintained home is located in the highly sought-after Seckinger High School district. Grand two-story foyer, spacious family room features a cozy fireplace and open kitchen. Main level offers a bedroom and a full bath, upstairs
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
**LAKE LANIER RETREAT WITH DUAL PRIMARY SUITES IN BUFORD** Welcome to this stunning Lake Lanier home designed for ultimate flexibility. The heart of the home is a FAMILY ROOM WITH SOARING CEILINGS that opens to the kitchen, which creates a bright living and entertaining space. This unique layout features TWO PRIMARY SUITES: one conveniently located on the main level and a second private suite
Welcome to 3965 Portico Run Drive—a beautifully updated 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home on a convenient slab foundation, thoughtfully designed for both everyday living and entertaining. This move-in ready home has been completely repainted, including the garage and even the garage floor, giving it a fresh, clean feel from top to bottom.Step inside to discover freshly refinished hardwood floors that
Welcome to 3774 Commodore Ct! Built in 2023, this stunning 4-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom two-story home offers modern living in a prime Buford location. Just minutes from I-85, the Mall of Georgia, and within the award-winning Seckinger school district, this home provides unmatched convenience with easy access to a wide variety of shopping and dining options. Residents can also enjoy access to a
Welcome Home! Rent this NEW townhome! The beautiful new 4 BR/3.5 BA townhome is ready for you to move in and make it your own. You will love the open floor plan with loads of natural light. This townhome is an entertainers dream with gourmet kitchen. The kitchen is complete with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and walk in pantry. This home is complete with new washer and dryer.
Super spacious 4-bedroom home with 2 master bedrooms and a workshop! New flooring and paint. Large living room with stone fireplace. Nice kitchen with eat-in section that looks out into the large backyard! Almost an acre lot! Workable workshop with electricity. Partially finished basement completes this great property. Great location! Close to Mall of GA, 85, Coolray field, shopping and parks!
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
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!
Welcome Home! Rent this NEW townhome! This beautiful new 4 BR/3.5 BA townhome is ready for you to move in and make it your own. You will love the open floor plan with loads of natural light. This townhome is an entertainers dream with the gourmet kitchen. The kitchen is complete with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and walk in pantry. The home is complete with a new washer and
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.
Stunning 4 bedroom/2.5 bathroom craftsman stye home in Buford! Brand new flooring, light fixtures, fresh paint, completely move-in ready! Easy access to I-985, restaurants and shopping, including less than 10 minutes to Downtown Sugar Hill development! All All County Perimeter residents are enrolled in the Resident Benefits Package (RBP) for $49.95/month which includes liability insurance, credit
Welcome home to Station 18! Our apartments in Buford, GA are ready to elevate your lifestyle. Blending luxury, comfort, and an excellent location with timeless finishes and impeccable amenities, we are here to make sure you live the life you desire. A resort style pool with lounge areas, state of the art fitness center and yoga space, cyber cafe, and bark park are all part of the Station 18
Fully furnished 3BR / 2BA rental in Buford, GA 30518 in the Buford City School District with All the utilities and lawn care included, flexible short, mid, or long- term lease options, and RV or boat parking permitted on site. Not in an HOA subdivision. Located 2 miles from Margaritaville at Lanier Islands and Lake Lanier Olympic Park, and within 3 miles of public boat ramps. Interior includes
Elevate your idea of home at The Enzo at Ariston. Located in the heart of Buford, Georgia, our brand-new apartment community near Mall of Georgia is luxury living done right. Our one, two, and three bedroom floor plans feature open-concept floor plans outfitted with high-end finishes and quality craftsmanship throughout. Footsteps from your front door, the luxury continues. Our boutique-style
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