If you’re relocating from out of state and researching where to live near Atlanta, Buford, Georgia is likely popping up in your searches — and it’s not by accident. Located in northern Gwinnett County, Buford has become one of the most desirable destinations for families, professionals, and retirees moving to Georgia.

At Next Move ATL, we work with out-of-state buyers relocating from across the country, and Buford consistently rises to the top of their short list. It offers a rare blend of strong schools, community feel, lifestyle amenities, and long-term real estate stability — all while remaining conveniently connected to Metro Atlanta.

This guide is designed to help you understand why Buford continues to attract so many relocations and whether it might be the right fit for your next move.

Where Is Buford, Georgia — and Why Its Location Matters

Buford is located in North Metro Atlanta, primarily within Gwinnett County, with a small portion extending into Hall County. Its location along the I-85 corridor makes it especially appealing to buyers who want access to Atlanta’s job market without living directly in the city.

From Buford, residents can reach downtown Atlanta in roughly 45 to 60 minutes depending on traffic, while also enjoying proximity to major employment hubs throughout Gwinnett County and North Fulton. The area is also well-positioned for travel, with reasonable access to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, which is a major consideration for relocating professionals and frequent travelers.

For many out-of-state buyers, Buford strikes the right balance. It feels removed from the congestion of downtown Atlanta while still offering connectivity, convenience, and opportunity.

Why Out-of-State Buyers Are Choosing Buford, GA

One of the most common reasons families relocate to Buford is the Buford City School System. Unlike many surrounding areas, Buford operates its own independent school district, which has earned a reputation for strong academic performance, high graduation rates, and competitive athletics. For families moving from states where private school is often necessary, the quality of Buford’s public schools is a significant draw and a major contributor to long-term property values.

Beyond schools, Buford offers a sense of community that many buyers say is difficult to find in larger metro areas. The city maintains a small-town feel while continuing to invest in modern amenities, infrastructure, and local events. Historic Downtown Buford has become a focal point for dining, shopping, and community gatherings, creating an environment where residents feel connected rather than anonymous.

Another major factor driving relocation is Buford’s proximity to Lake Lanier. Few Atlanta-area suburbs offer direct access to a large recreational lake, and for many buyers relocating from colder or landlocked states, this becomes an unexpected lifestyle upgrade. Lake Lanier provides opportunities for boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, lakeside dining, and weekend recreation without the need for long trips. Homes near the lake often carry strong long-term appeal and resale demand, particularly among lifestyle-focused buyers.

Cost of Living and Housing Value in Buford

When compared to the states many buyers are relocating from — such as California, New York, New Jersey, Illinois, and parts of Florida — Buford offers substantially more home for the money. Buyers are often surprised by the amount of space, newer construction, and community amenities available at price points that would be unattainable in their previous markets.

Georgia’s overall tax structure is also attractive to many relocating buyers. Property taxes are often lower than in northern states, and Georgia does not tax Social Security income, which is an important consideration for retirees or those planning ahead. While Buford is not the least expensive area in Georgia, it consistently delivers strong value relative to schools, lifestyle, and long-term market stability.

From a real estate perspective, Buford has historically shown steady appreciation due to sustained demand, limited land for new development in prime areas, and the continued strength of the school system. These factors contribute to Buford’s reputation as a solid long-term investment rather than a speculative market.

Housing Options for Relocating Buyers

Buford offers a wide range of housing options, which makes it especially appealing to buyers relocating at different stages of life. New construction communities are available for those seeking modern layouts and amenities, while established neighborhoods offer mature trees, larger lots, and a sense of character that many buyers appreciate.

You’ll also find townhomes and condos near downtown Buford for those looking for lower-maintenance living, as well as larger luxury and custom homes for buyers who want space, privacy, or proximity to Lake Lanier. This variety allows relocating buyers to find a home that fits both their lifestyle and their long-term plans, whether they are upsizing, downsizing, or making a fresh start in a new state.

Current homes for sale in Buford can be explored at FindAtlantaProperties.com, where listings are updated regularly and can be filtered by price, school district, and neighborhood.

Employment, Commuting, and Remote Work

Many out-of-state buyers relocating to Buford work in Atlanta, throughout Gwinnett County, or in North Fulton. Buford’s access to major roadways such as I-85, GA-316, and Sugarloaf Parkway makes commuting manageable and more predictable than in many larger metro areas.

For remote and hybrid workers, Buford has become particularly attractive. Homes often offer space for dedicated home offices, neighborhoods tend to be quieter, and the area supports a strong work-life balance. This combination has made Buford a popular choice for professionals who no longer need to live close to downtown offices but still want access to major markets when needed.

Community Feel and Quality of Life

Relocating to a new state can be intimidating, but Buford is known for being welcoming and easy to integrate into. Many new residents find it simple to connect through school involvement, youth sports, local events, churches, fitness centers, and neighborhood activities.

Buford offers a pace of life that feels intentional rather than rushed. It’s a place where neighbors know each other, community events are well attended, and families often stay long-term. For buyers coming from more transient or high-density areas, this sense of stability and belonging is often one of the most appreciated aspects of the move.

Is Buford a Smart Long-Term Move?

From both a lifestyle and investment standpoint, Buford has proven to be a strong long-term choice. Demand remains consistent, resale appeal is high due to schools and location, and the area has shown resilience through changing market conditions. For out-of-state buyers, this means purchasing in Buford is not just about where you live today, but also about protecting your investment for the future.

Relocating to Buford? Work With a Local Expert

Relocating to Georgia involves more than choosing a home. Property taxes, HOA structures, school district boundaries, commute patterns, and neighborhood dynamics all vary significantly and can impact your experience as a homeowner.

At Next Move ATL, we specialize in helping out-of-state buyers relocate to Buford and surrounding Gwinnett County communities. We offer virtual consultations and showings, detailed neighborhood guidance, school district insights, and support throughout the entire relocation process.

You can begin exploring homes at FindAtlantaProperties.com, or schedule a relocation strategy call with Next Move ATL to discuss your goals and timeline.

Moving out of state is a major life decision. Our job is to make sure it’s an informed, confident, and exciting one.