Welcome to

Buford

Buford, Georgia, is a thriving city located in both Gwinnett and Hall counties, just north of Atlanta. Known for its family-friendly atmosphere, it offers a blend of suburban living and easy access to the big city. Buford is home to the popular Mall of Georgia, one of the largest shopping centers in the state, as well as numerous parks, top-rated schools, and recreational activities. The city also has a rich history and a growing arts and culture scene. It's a great place for those seeking both convenience and charm.

Search Homes in the Area

Buford, GA

Gwinnett and Hall County living with Lake Lanier access, top-rated schools, and 30 minutes to Atlanta.

Buford is a city in both Gwinnett County and Hall County, Georgia, with zip codes 30518 and 30519. The population is approximately 113,957. Yes, Buford is a safe and highly desirable community: Gwinnett County consistently ranks among Georgia's safer large counties, and Buford City Schools is one of the top-rated school systems in the state with multiple campuses earning 4 to 5 out of 5 ratings. Buford sits 30 miles north of Atlanta via I-985 and I-85, and is the primary city with direct access to Lake Lanier's southern shoreline.

Buford, GA Fast Facts

Category	Detail
County	Gwinnett County and Hall County
Zip Codes	30518 and 30519
Population	Approximately 113,957 (U.S. Census Bureau)
Median Age	36.7 years
To Atlanta	30 miles via I-985 and I-85 (approx. 35 to 45 min)
Lake Lanier Access	Southern shoreline of Lake Lanier; multiple public boat ramps
School District	Buford City Schools and Gwinnett County Public Schools
Major Retail	Mall of Georgia (one of the largest in Georgia)
Walk Score	35 (Car-Dependent)
Bike Score	20 (Somewhat Bikeable)

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau; Walk Score; Gwinnett County; Hall County public records.

Buford straddles the Gwinnett and Hall county line, which gives it a dual-county identity that affects school district zoning, property taxes, and HOA rules depending on which side of the line a home sits. The southern portion of the city falls in Gwinnett County and is served by Gwinnett County Public Schools; the northern and lakeside portions fall in Hall County and are served by Buford City Schools, which is an independent city school system consistently rated among the best in Georgia.

Looking for Homes in Buford?

Buford's dual-county structure means school zoning, tax rates, and HOA rules vary significantly by address. The Living on Lake Lanier team works specifically in this market and can walk you through what each address means for your investment before you make an offer.

Browse Buford Listings Talk to the Team

Living in Buford

Buford is a family-oriented suburban city with a historic downtown on Main Street, a modern retail core anchored by the Mall of Georgia, and direct access to Lake Lanier to the north. The combination of highly rated schools, lake proximity, and Atlanta commute access makes it one of the most consistently in-demand residential markets in the north Atlanta corridor.

The city's downtown district along Main Street and Shadburn Avenue retains its small-town character, with local restaurants, boutiques, and the Buford Community Center. The Mall of Georgia corridor on Buford Drive handles the big-box retail and national dining needs. These two commercial layers coexist with residential neighborhoods that range from entry-level subdivisions in southern Gwinnett County to waterfront estates on Lake Lanier in Hall County.

Explore Buford Area Communities

🚤

Lake Lanier Waterfront

Lakefront estates and dock-access communities along the southern shore of Lake Lanier, primarily in Hall County zip 30518.

⛳

Chestatee Golf Community

Golf course living with Lake Lanier access on Chestatee Bay, combining fairway homes with marina amenities.

🌿

Flowery Branch

Adjacent to Buford along Lake Lanier's eastern corridor with a small historic downtown and lake access communities.

🏡

Oakwood

Hall County suburb between Buford and Gainesville with established neighborhoods and convenient access to Lake Lanier.

Schools in Buford, GA

School zoning in Buford depends on which county the address falls in. Homes in the Hall County portion of Buford are served by Buford City Schools, an independent city district consistently rated among the top systems in Georgia. Homes in the Gwinnett County portion are served by Gwinnett County Public Schools, one of the largest districts in the state with a wide range of rated campuses.

Buford City Schools (Hall County addresses):

Buford Academy (K-3, rated 5/5) Buford Elementary (PreK-K)

Gwinnett County Public Schools (Gwinnett County addresses):

Ivy Creek Elementary (5/5) Sugar Hill Elementary (4/5) Patrick Elementary (4/5) Sycamore Elementary (3/5)

School ratings from U.S. Census Bureau data. Verify current zoning with Gwinnett County Public Schools and Buford City Schools before purchasing.

Buford Highlights

🛍️

Mall of Georgia

One of the largest shopping centers in Georgia, anchoring the commercial corridor on Buford Drive in the Gwinnett County portion of the city.

⛵

Lake Lanier Access

Multiple public boat ramps and marinas on the southern shore of Lake Lanier, with year-round boating, fishing, and watersport access.

🏛️

Historic Downtown

The Main Street and Shadburn Avenue corridor retains its small-town character with local dining, boutiques, and the Buford Community Center.

Frequently Asked Questions

What county is Buford, GA in?

Buford is located in both Gwinnett County and Hall County, Georgia. The city straddles the county line, so the county an address falls in depends on its specific location within Buford. The southern portions of the city are primarily in Gwinnett County, and the northern and lakeside portions are primarily in Hall County. This dual-county structure affects school district zoning, property tax rates, and some HOA regulations.

What zip code is Buford, GA?

Buford, GA has two primary zip codes: 30518 and 30519. The 30518 zip code covers the northern and Hall County portions of the city including many of the Lake Lanier waterfront communities. The 30519 zip code covers the southern Gwinnett County portions including the Mall of Georgia corridor and many of the newer subdivisions.

Is Buford, GA a good place to live?

Yes. Buford consistently ranks as one of the most desirable communities in the north Atlanta corridor. The combination of top-rated schools in both Buford City Schools and Gwinnett County Public Schools, direct access to Lake Lanier, a 30-minute commute to Atlanta, and a range of housing from entry-level to luxury lakefront estates makes it appealing across buyer profiles. The city has grown significantly over the past decade and property values have risen accordingly.

How far is Buford, GA from Atlanta?

Buford is approximately 30 miles north of Atlanta via I-985 connecting to I-85. The drive takes approximately 35 to 45 minutes outside of peak traffic hours. During Atlanta rush hour, northbound I-85 can add significant time; many Buford residents use Park and Ride facilities and express lanes to manage the commute. Buford is also accessible from the Gainesville Amtrak station approximately 15 miles north for rail commuters.

Does Buford, GA have access to Lake Lanier?

Yes. Buford sits on the southern shore of Lake Lanier. The Hall County portion of the city includes established lakefront communities with private docks, and multiple public boat ramps provide lake access for all residents. Lake Lanier's southern basin is the portion of the lake most directly associated with Buford addresses. Many of the waterfront communities along this stretch are in the 30518 zip code.

Living on Lake Lanier Team

Teresa Smith, Michele Kaplan, and Mackenzie Scott are the Living on Lake Lanier team based at 4878 Manhattan Dr NE, Buford GA 30518. The team specializes in Lake Lanier waterfront properties, dual-county transactions in Gwinnett and Hall counties, and dock permit navigation for buyers new to lakefront ownership. Contact: Teresa Smith (770) 654-4173 or Michele Kaplan (678) 677-5653.

Overview for Buford, GA

113,957 people live in Buford, where the median age is 36.7 and the average individual income is $39,792.364. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

113,957

Total Population

36.7 years

Median Age

High

Population Density Population Density
This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

$39,792.364

Average individual Income

Around Buford, GA

There's plenty to do around Buford, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.

35

Car-Dependent

Walking Score

20

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score

Points of Interest

Explore popular things to do in the area, including Get Fit With Heather Hale, South Hall CrossFit, and Fit Frenzy Studio.

Name	Category	Distance	Reviews	Ratings by Yelp
Visit the Get Fit With Heather Hale page on Yelp Search 5019 W Broad St NE on Google Maps	Active	2.55 miles	7 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the South Hall CrossFit page on Yelp Search 5370 Lanier Islands Pkwy on Google Maps	Active	2.61 miles	11 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Fit Frenzy Studio page on Yelp Search 922 Gainesville Hwy on Google Maps	Active	2.59 miles	6 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the ToLife! Yoga and Pilates page on Yelp Search 554 W Main St on Google Maps	Active	1.17 miles	7 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the LH Artisans page on Yelp Search 172 E Shadburn Ave on Google Maps	Beauty	0.97 miles	10 reviews	5/5 stars

Demographics and Employment Data for Buford, GA

Population Households Employment

Buford has 36,197 households, with an average household size of 6.21. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Buford do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 113,957 people call Buford home. The population density is 1,558.799 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

113,957

Total Population

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

36.655287520731505

Median Age

48.21 / 51.79%

Men vs Women

Population by Age Group

0-9:

0-9 Years

10-17:

10-17 Years

18-24:

18-24 Years

25-64:

25-64 Years

65-74:

65-74 Years

75+:

75+ Years

Education Level

Less Than 9th Grade
High School Degree
Associate Degree
Bachelor Degree
Graduate Degree

36,197

Total Households

6.21

Average Household Size

$39,792.364

Average individual Income

Households with Children

With Children:

Without Children:

Marital Status

Married

Single

Divorced

Separated

Blue vs White Collar Workers

Blue Collar:

White Collar:

Commute Time

0 to 14 Minutes

15 to 29 Minutes

30 to 59 Minutes

60+ Minutes

Schools in Buford, GA

All ()

Primary Schools ()

Middle Schools ()

High Schools ()

Mixed Schools ()

The following schools are within or nearby Buford. The rating and statistics can serve as a starting point to make baseline comparisons on the right schools for your family. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Type

Name

Neighborhoods

Marina Bay
Harbour Point
Lake Lanier
Gainesville
Dahlonega
Buford
Cumming
Dawsonville
Flowery Branch
Oakwood
Chattahoochee Country Club
Chestatee

Explore Marina Bay

Marina Bay, located in Gainesville, Georgia, is a beautiful lakeside community along the shores of Lake Lanier. Known for its scenic views and serene environment, Marina Bay offers residents and visitors a peaceful retreat with easy access to the lake's recreational activities, including boating, fishing, and water sports. The community features upscale homes, a private marina, and a welcoming atmosphere with a fun social committee, making it a desirable spot for those seeking both relaxation and adventure in the Lake Lanier area.
Read More
Explore Harbour Point

Harbour Point, located in Gainesville, Georgia, is a prestigious gated community situated along the shores of Lake Lanier. Known for its luxurious homes, stunning lake views, and top-notch amenities, Harbour Point offers an exclusive and peaceful retreat. The community features a private marina, clubhouse, swimming pool, and tennis/pickleball courts. With its serene atmosphere and proximity to the lake, Harbour Point provides an ideal setting for enjoying the natural beauty of North Georgia while being close to both Hwy 400 and I-985.
Read More
Explore Lake Lanier

Lake Lanier, located in northern Georgia, is a sprawling reservoir known for its stunning natural beauty and recreational opportunities. Spanning over 38,000 acres, the lake offers a wide range of activities, including boating, fishing, swimming, and watersports. Surrounded by scenic parks, marinas, and waterfront communities, Lake Lanier is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking a relaxing lakeside retreat. Its proximity to Atlanta also makes it a favorite getaway for both locals and visitors.
Read More
Explore Gainesville

It offers a blend of natural beauty, small-town charm, and a thriving economy.
Read More
Explore Dahlonega

Dahlonega, Georgia, is a charming small town in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Known for its rich history, Dahlonega was the site of the first major U.S. gold rush in 1828, and its gold mining legacy still echoes throughout the town. Today, visitors can explore historic landmarks, enjoy scenic mountain views, and experience a vibrant arts scene. Dahlonega is also home to the University of North Georgia and offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, wine tasting, and exploring nearby waterfalls.
Read More
Explore Buford

Buford, Georgia, is a thriving city located in both Gwinnett and Hall counties, just north of Atlanta. Known for its family-friendly atmosphere, it offers a blend of suburban living and easy access to the big city. Buford is home to the popular Mall of Georgia, one of the largest shopping centers in the state, as well as numerous parks, top-rated schools, and recreational activities. The city also has a rich history and a growing arts and culture scene. It's a great place for those seeking both convenience and charm.
Read More
Explore Cumming

Cumming, Georgia, is a picturesque city located in Forsyth County, about 40 miles north of Atlanta. Known for its scenic beauty, Cumming sits on the shores of Lake Lanier, offering a wealth of outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, and hiking. The city combines small-town charm with suburban growth, featuring excellent schools, a strong sense of community, and a growing local economy. Cumming also is home to the Cumming Fairgrounds and the City Center which both host a variety of events throughout the year, making it a welcoming place for both residents and visitors.
Read More
Explore Dawsonville

Dawsonville, Georgia, is a small, charming city located in the foothills of the North Georgia mountains. Known as the "Gateway to the Mountains," it offers beautiful natural landscapes, including nearby waterfalls and hiking trails. Dawsonville has a rich history tied to moonshine production and the motorsport legacy of the Elliott family, famous for NASCAR drivers Bill and Chase Elliott. Today, the city blends its historic roots with modern attractions, including the Dawsonville Moonshine Distillery and the North Georgia Premium Outlets. With its welcoming atmosphere, outdoor activities, and local culture, Dawsonville is a hidden gem in the region.
Read More
Explore Flowery Branch

Flowery Branch, Georgia, is a charming city located in Hall County, just north of Atlanta and nestled along the shores of Lake Lanier. Known for its small-town charm and vibrant community, Flowery Branch offers a mix of historical character and modern amenities. With scenic views, local parks, and recreational opportunities, including access to the lake, it's an ideal spot for outdoor enthusiasts. The city’s quaint and growing downtown area and friendly atmosphere make it a welcoming place for residents.
Read More
Explore Oakwood

Oakwood, Georgia, is a growing city located in Hall County, just north of Gainesville. Known for its small-town charm and convenient location, Oakwood offers a mix of residential, commercial, and recreational opportunities. The city is home to a variety of parks, local businesses, and schools, making it a family-friendly community. Its proximity to Lake Lanier, major highways, Gainesville Square and Downtown Flowery Branch make Oakwood an ideal place for both relaxation and convenience.
Read More
Explore Chattahoochee Country Club

The Chattahoochee Country Club community in Gainesville, Georgia, offers an upscale living experience with stunning views of the North Georgia mountains and Lake Lanier. Known for its prestigious golf course, this private, members-only club provides a variety of recreational amenities, including tennis courts, a swimming pool, fine dining and a community dock. Residents enjoy a close-knit community with a focus on leisure and outdoor activities, making it an ideal location for those seeking both luxury and a relaxed lifestyle. The Chattahoochee Country Club is perfect for golf enthusiasts and anyone who appreciates natural beauty and a sense of community.
Read More
Explore Chestatee

Chestatee Golf Club, located in Dawsonville, Georgia, is a picturesque 18-hole course that offers a challenging yet enjoyable experience for golfers of all skill levels. Nestled in the foothills of the North Georgia mountains, the course features stunning views, rolling fairways, and strategically placed hazards. Known for its well-maintained greens and friendly atmosphere, Chestatee provides a serene escape for both casual players and seasoned golfers alike. The community features amenities such as a clubhouse with restaurant, swim, tennis/pickleball courts, green space and walking trails.
Read More