Find Your Neighborhood

The city of Buford has enjoyed a resurgence since the opening of the huge Mall of Georgia, plus arts galleries – it's known nationwide for its artists' colony – a, restaurants and shops that fill the historic district. Incorporated in 1872, Buford built a reputation on industry, boasting factories and plants that kept area workers employed through some of the country's toughest economic times. The famed Bona Allen factory contributed to the town's nickname, The Leather City,'' as it cranked out shoes, saddles, horse collars and harnesses. The city weathered tough times when the opening of Gwinnett Place mall devastated the downtown shopping district.