Blog > Buford vs. Suwanee: Which is the Better Place to Live?
Buford vs. Suwanee: Which is the Better Place to Live? 🏡✨
Buford and Suwanee are two of the most sought-after cities in Gwinnett County, Georgia—both offering fantastic schools, great communities, and plenty of amenities. But which one is better for you? Let’s break it down!
1. Schools & Education 🎓
✅ Buford – Home to the Buford City School District, which is one of the top-ranked districts in the entire state. Smaller class sizes, strong academic performance, and athletic programs make it a top choice for families.
✅ Suwanee – Served by Gwinnett County Schools, which is highly rated and includes top-tier schools like North Gwinnett High School and Lambert High School (in nearby Forsyth County).
🏆 Winner: Buford for having its own elite city school district, but Suwanee also offers fantastic public schools.
2. Housing & Real Estate 🏠
✅ Buford – Offers a mix of historic homes, luxury new construction, and lakefront properties on Lake Lanier. The median home price is slightly lower than in Suwanee, making it an attractive option for buyers.
✅ Suwanee – Known for modern subdivisions, master-planned communities, and upscale neighborhoods. Home values are strong, and many new construction homes are built with family-friendly amenities.
🏆 Winner: Tie! Buford offers more affordable options and lakefront homes, while Suwanee provides planned communities with resort-style amenities.
3. Community & Atmosphere 👨👩👧👦
✅ Buford – Has a small-town charm with a strong sense of pride and tradition. The historic downtown district features unique shops, restaurants, and entertainment, giving it a cozy yet vibrant feel.
✅ Suwanee – Known for its community-oriented atmosphere with a lively Suwanee Town Center, festivals, and family-friendly events all year long.
🏆 Winner: Suwanee – It has a more centralized, walkable town hub, while Buford has a traditional Southern charm.
4. Parks & Outdoor Recreation 🌳
✅ Buford – Located near Lake Lanier, offering endless opportunities for boating, fishing, and water activities. It also has great parks like Bogan Park and Buford Dam Park.
✅ Suwanee – Known for its beautiful parks and green spaces, including Sims Lake Park, Suwanee Creek Greenway, and George Pierce Park. Outdoor lovers enjoy walking trails, playgrounds, and nature preserves.
🏆 Winner: Buford for lake access; Suwanee for parks & trails—so it depends on what you love more!
5. Dining & Shopping 🍽️🛍️
✅ Buford – Features The Mall of Georgia, the largest shopping mall in the state, plus plenty of chain and local dining options.
✅ Suwanee – Offers a mix of trendy restaurants, boutique shops, and local markets in areas like Suwanee Town Center.
🏆 Winner: Buford for major shopping; Suwanee for a unique, small-town shopping experience.
6. Commute & Accessibility 🚗
✅ Buford – Offers easy access to I-985 and I-85, making it convenient for those traveling to Atlanta or North Georgia.
✅ Suwanee – Has a slightly better location for commuters, with closer access to major highways and more direct routes to Atlanta.
🏆 Winner: Suwanee – It’s closer to Atlanta, making it more convenient for commuters.
7. Entertainment & Events 🎉
✅ Buford – Home to The Buford Community Center, Tannery Row Artist Colony, and live music venues. Also, close to Lake Lanier Islands Resort for year-round fun.
✅ Suwanee – Known for its festivals, concerts, and outdoor movie nights at Suwanee Town Center.
🏆 Winner: Suwanee for festivals & events, but Buford for lake activities and performing arts.
So, Which Town Is Better? 🤔
It depends on what you're looking for!
🏡 Choose Buford if you want:
✔️ Top-rated Buford City Schools
✔️ Lake Lanier access & outdoor adventures
✔️ Historic charm with lower home prices
✔️ Easy access to major shopping (Mall of Georgia)
🏡 Choose Suwanee if you want:
✔️ A master-planned community feel
✔️ More parks, trails, and festivals
✔️ Walkable, town-center lifestyle
✔️ A slightly shorter commute to Atlanta
Ready to Find Your Perfect Home?
Contact Krista Sallaz @ 770-355-9877 or KristaSellsGa@gmail.com
www.BuyBuildSellGa.com
Both Buford and Suwanee have so much to offer—let’s find the best fit for you! 🚀🏡