Founded in 1872 as a railroad stop between Charlotte and Atlanta, Buford quickly became an important regional hub. At one time, it was the most populous city in Gwinnett County. Over the years, it earned the nickname "Leather City" thanks to Bona Allen Company’s global reputation for leather goods—from cowboy saddles to harnesses worn in Hollywood’s western films sterlingonthelake.com.
A preserved highlight is the John Quincy Allen House, a Georgian Revival-style residence built in 1911 for a member of the Allen family. It's one of several Allen homes along Main Street near the heritage tannery complex Wikipedia.
The city’s population grew from around 17,144 in 2020 to an estimated 18,600+ in 2024–2025, representing a growth rate near 2% annually World Population Review+1Wikipedia+1. The demographic mix is rich: roughly 52% White, 11% Black, over 7% Asian, and nearly 30% Hispanic or Latino, with about 20% identifying as two or more races census.govdatausa.ioWorld Population Review.
Households average 3.3 people, with a homeownership rate around 70%. The median household income is about $71,600, and median home value hovers near $346,000 datausa.io.
Mall of Georgia: Southeast’s largest mall with nearly 200+ stores, two-level shopping, an IMAX cinema, and a 500-seat outdoor amphitheater. It's a key entertainment hub near downtown Buford and even ties into the city’s Ivy Creek Greenway trail Wikipedia+5Wikipedia+5reddit.com+5.
Lake Sidney Lanier & Buford Dam Park: A popular local escape offering boating, fishing, water parks, and scenic views over Buford Dam and the Chattahoochee River apnews.com+3familydestinationsguide.com+3tripadvisor.com+3.
Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center: An eco-minded museum and community center featuring interactive exhibits, historic relocated buildings, walking trails, and a ropes course along Clean Water Drive Wikipedia+1familydestinationsguide.com+1.
Ivy Creek Greenway: This 3.4 mi trail (between Mall of Georgia and George Pierce Park) offers cycling and walking paths complete with boardwalks and scenic creek views Wikipedia.
Buford is served by the top-ranked Buford City School District, recognized as Georgia’s #1 district by Niche for six straight years. With about 5,500 students, the schools provide quality education in a campus-like environment complete with performing-art centers and a multipurpose arena Wikipedia.
The city demonstrates small-town pride with regular parks events, festivals, and local eateries—especially in its revitalized downtown scene. Residents often rave about the family-friendly living, though they note traffic congestion can be a downside as the area grows reddit.com.
Local diners recommend downtown Main Street spots like Aqua Terra, Barebones Steakhouse, and Rico’s, plus nearby entertainment at Topgolf and Andretti Indoor Karting. The Mall of Georgia remains a favorite for shopping and leisure reddit.com.
Buford High School’s football team plays in the impressive $62 million Phillips Beard Stadium, seating 10,000 and rivaling college venues. The facility reflects the community’s passion for sports and investment in youth development talksport.com.
Buford offers a rare blend of heritage and contemporary living.
You’ll find elegant historic structures, a rich leather-industry past, tucked-into nature trails, entertainment at a massive mall, and high-performing schools—all within a growing, vibrant, and diverse community.
It’s ideal for anyone seeking family-friendly living near metro Atlanta with access to outdoor recreation, urban amenities, and a strong civic identity.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Population (≈2025) | ~18,600 |
| Median Income | ≈ $71,600 |
| Median Home Value | ≈ $346,000 |
| School District | Buford City Schools (top‑ranked in GA) |
| Major Attractions | Mall of Georgia, Lake Lanier, Heritage Center, Greenway |
| Historical Identity | Railway & leather industry town (Bona Allen legacy) |
| Commute to Atlanta | ~25–30 minutes |
| Community & Culture | Diverse, growing, local events, historic downtown |
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