If I Were Moving to Metro ATL in 2025, I'd Move HERE: Buford, GA

If you’re looking for a town in Northeast Metro Atlanta with excellent shopping, great amenities, top-notch schools, and a price tag that won’t rival Alpharetta or Johns Creek, Buford, GA, might be your perfect fit.

Why Buford Stands Out

Buford offers all the modern conveniences you could want but at a more affordable price point. Located in Gwinnett County, the city is known for its highly rated Buford City Schools, consistently ranking among the best in Georgia for both academics and sports. Homes zoned for these schools are limited and in high demand, driving prices up. If you don’t live in the district, there’s a tuition-based application process, but entry is only available at kindergarten or ninth grade.

One of Buford’s most unique features is its $62 million high school football stadium, seating 10,000 people and rivaling many college facilities. Across the street, Buford High School itself is an $80 million campus that turns heads—often mistaken for a college. Beyond Buford City Schools, residents also have access to other excellent schools such as Seckinger High School and Lanier High School, both rated 8/10 on GreatSchools.org.

Housing Market and Inventory

Compared to nearby areas like Suwanee ($765,000 average sales price) or Alpharetta ($869,000), Buford’s average sales price of around $586,000 offers strong value considering its amenities and location. The Buford City School District itself is small, but across the whole city, there’s a healthy housing inventory—over 430 homes listed in July, up 51% from the previous year. Buyers can find everything from established neighborhoods with mature landscaping to high-end modern homes exceeding $1 million.

Location and Lifestyle

Buford enjoys a slice of Lake Lanier shoreline, making it one of the more accessible lake towns in Metro Atlanta. Lakefront homes come with a premium price, but residents can still enjoy the water through public parks, boat ramps, and attractions like Margaritaville at Lanier Islands, which features a water park, hotel, marina, golf course, and more.

The city’s location along I-985 offers reasonable access to Atlanta—about an hour on a good traffic day. And when it comes to shopping, Buford is home to the Mall of Georgia, one of the largest malls in the state. This area is surrounded by big-box retailers like Costco, Target, and Sam’s Club, as well as entertainment spots like Topgolf, Andretti Indoor Karting, and the Gwinnett Stripers minor league baseball stadium.

Downtown Charm and Dining

Buford’s historic downtown may be small, but it’s packed with locally owned restaurants and shops. Popular dining spots include Rico’s World Kitchen, Aqua Terra, and Tani Thai. While downtown and the Mall of Georgia are in different parts of the city, both are surrounded by neighborhoods and new modern builds, giving residents plenty of housing variety.

A Glimpse Inside Buford Luxury

High-end modern homes are in demand here, often built on small clusters of lots due to limited land availability. These properties feature expansive floor plans, chef’s kitchens, loft spaces, and upscale finishes—showcasing what nearly $2 million can buy in Buford.

KeyPoint

Buford, GA, delivers a rare combination of affordability, amenities, strong schools, and location that’s hard to match in Metro Atlanta. Whether you’re drawn to its thriving shopping scene, proximity to Lake Lanier, excellent school options, or beautiful housing stock, Buford is a community that offers big-city convenience with a small-town feel. For many, it strikes the perfect balance between lifestyle and value—making it a strong contender for anyone moving to Metro Atlanta in 2025.