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
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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 $484,200, down 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to 1294 Rock Springs Road, a stunning custom-built residence nestled on a spacious homesite in the heart of Buford. This exceptional property offers the perfect blend of luxury, comfort, and timeless craftsmanship. The striking exterior showcases beautiful stone and brick accents, a welcoming front porch, and a three-car garage. Inside, you'll find an open-concept floor plan with high
When the owners first walked into this home, it wasn't just the house they fell in love with—it was the feeling they got standing in the backyard.There's something special about having nearly three-quarters of an acre that's surrounded by trees. It's peaceful. Private. The kind of backyard where kids can play for hours, friends gather on the deck, and your morning coffee somehow tastes a
Walk to Lake Lanier from this beautifully updated 4-bedroom, 3-bath ranch with a full finished basement! Located in a sought-after lake community with neighborhood lake access and no HOA, this move-in-ready home offers the perfect blend of comfort, style, and convenience. Freshly painted inside and out with new landscaping, this home welcomes you with exceptional curb appeal. The spacious double
Bobbie Schmitt
Ansley Real Estate | Christie's International Real Estate
Welcome to 6799 Island Pointe Drive, a stunning move-in-ready gem in Buford, GA. Perfect for buyers looking under $500K, this 2-story home is completely updated with fresh paint, brand-new carpet, and new LVP flooring. The kitchen shines with new hard stone countertops, a modern backsplash, and brand-new appliances. Property Features:Size: 2,194 sq ft with 4 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. Lot:
Welcome to 6181 Shoreland Circle, a truly one-of-a-kind custom-built home located in the highly sought-after Buford City School District. Thoughtfully designed with both elegance and functionality in mind, this stunning residence showcases quality craftsmanship and upscale finishes throughout. The main level features soaring 10-foot ceilings, a formal dining room, a private home office with
Welcome to 1294 Rock Springs Road, a stunning custom-built residence nestled on a spacious homesite in the heart of Buford. This exceptional property offers the perfect blend of luxury, comfort, and timeless craftsmanship. The striking exterior showcases beautiful stone and brick accents, a welcoming front porch, and a three-car garage. Inside, you'll find an open-concept floor plan with high
When the owners first walked into this home, it wasn't just the house they fell in love with—it was the feeling they got standing in the backyard.There's something special about having nearly three-quarters of an acre that's surrounded by trees. It's peaceful. Private. The kind of backyard where kids can play for hours, friends gather on the deck, and your morning coffee somehow tastes a
Modern Style Corner Lot Home in Prime Buford Location – Fully Renovated & Move-In Ready Welcome to this beautifully maintained, like-new home located in the highly desirable Seckinger High School district. Nestled on a premium corner lot, this stunning farmhouse-style property offers a perfect mix of privacy, charm, and modern convenience. Close to the Mall of Georgia and Quick access to I-85 and
Bright, open, and full of functional living space, this 4-bedroom, 3-bath ranch in Chandler Grove offers true one-level living with the added benefit of a private upstairs bedroom/bathroom suite and a full finished basement. The home makes an immediate impression with beautiful landscaping, lush zoysia grass, a side-entry garage, and inviting curb appeal that continues into the peaceful backyard
Walk to Lake Lanier from this beautifully updated 4-bedroom, 3-bath ranch with a full finished basement! Located in a sought-after lake community with neighborhood lake access and no HOA, this move-in-ready home offers the perfect blend of comfort, style, and convenience. Freshly painted inside and out with new landscaping, this home welcomes you with exceptional curb appeal. The spacious double
Bobbie Schmitt
Ansley Real Estate | Christie's International Real Estate
**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
Built in 2023 and positioned in one of Buford's most in-demand pockets, 3774 Commodore Ct delivers something increasingly rare: brand-new construction quality, award-winning schools, and genuine everyday convenience. Zoned for the nationally recognized Seckinger High School district and just minutes from I-85 and the Mall of Georgia, this two-story home spans 2,632 square feet across two
South Lake Lanier Waterfront. Steps from your back door to your private covered dock - this is the Lake Lanier address buyers spend years searching for. Positioned on one of Lake Lanier's most coveted south lake corridors, this beautifully updated 5-bedroom, 5.5 bath waterfront home delivers the full package: year-round deep water, year-round lake views, a private covered dock with jet ski ports,
Premium private lot with no views to neighbors or busy streets. 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,
Packed With Premium Upgrades & Custom Craftsmanship — this 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home blends thoughtful updates, quality finishes, and long-term value throughout. Every space reflects consistent care and attention to detail rarely found at this price point. Step inside to a welcoming two-story foyer with custom woodworking, setting the tone for the elevated finishes across the main level. The
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.
Discover spacious one, two, and three-bedroom apartment homes at Preserve at Mill Creek in Buford, GA. Enjoy open-concept layouts filled with natural light, contemporary kitchens, private patios or balconies, and upscale finishes throughout. Relax with resort-style amenities including a sparkling pool with gazebos and a fully equipped fitness center, all in a prime location near shopping, dining,
Spacious 5 bedrooms, 4 full baths home featuring a guest suite and a full bath on the main level, an open kitchen with a large center island and breakfast bar overlooking the family room, a warm and inviting family room anchored by a cozy fireplace, and a generous primary ensuite with a separate shower, soaking tub, and oversized walk-in closet. The second-floor media loft offers flexible
Luxury Rentals NOW LEASINGWhere 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.
5 Bedrooms 5 Full Bathrooms 2 Half Bathrooms 2 Primary Suites 2 Full Kitchens 3-Car Garage Unfinished Basement Buford City Schools No HOA New Construction Luxury leasing in the Buford area reaches a new level with this exceptional European-inspired custom home located in the highly sought-after Buford City School District with no HOA. Thoughtfully designed for multigenerational living and
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
Welcome to 6181 Shoreland Circle, a stunning custom-built home available for lease in the highly sought-after Buford City School District. This beautifully designed residence features 10-foot ceilings, a formal dining room, private home office, and an open-concept living area perfect for everyday living and entertaining. The chef-inspired kitchen offers quartz countertops, a large island, and
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 service and an ideal location within walking distance to shopping, dining and entertainment options. Are you looking for an apartment for rent in Buford, GA? Contact our friendly, professional office staff to
MOVE-IN READY FOR YOU! 3BED/2BATH HOME IN A QUIET NEIGHBORHOOD CONVENIENTLY LOCATED JUST MINUTES FROM I-85, MALL OF GEORGIA, SHOPPING CENTERS, RESTAURANTS, AND MUCH MORE. PLEASE COME TO SEE FOR YOURSELF. NEWLY PAINTED INTERIOR WALLS AND VINYL FLOORING RUNS THROUGHOUT ENTIRE HOUSE. NO CARPETS! NO HOA! QUARTZ COUNTERTOP. PRIVATE FENCED-IN BACK YARD WITH A LARGE DECK. COOKOUT READY! EXCELLENT
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
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
Experience the pinnacle of Gwinnett County living at Ellison at the Exchange in Buford, GA. Located at the vibrant intersection of I-85 and Highway 20, our community offers unrivaled highway access for an easy commute to Suwanee or Atlanta. Choose from our modern 1, 2, and 3-bedroom luxury apartments and townhomes, featuring designer kitchens with quartz countertops and stainless steel
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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.
