Living in Auburn Alabama: Living Near Campus or Away From Campus?
If you’re thinking about living in Auburn Alabama, one of the biggest decisions you’ll make is whether you want to live near Auburn University (https://www.auburn.edu/) or farther away from campus. There isn’t a right or wrong answer. It really depends on your lifestyle, budget, and what you want your daily routine to look like.
As someone who has lived in the Auburn area since 1988 and has been a REALTOR® for over 20 years, I’ve helped buyers make this decision hundreds of times. Some people want to be in the middle of everything. Others want peace, quiet, and a little more space.
Let’s take a look at both options.
Living Near Campus
Living close to Auburn University means being close to the heart of Auburn.
Many buyers love the convenience of walking or taking a short drive to campus, downtown restaurants, sporting events, and community activities.
Benefits of living near campus include:
• Short commute to work or classes
• Easy access to downtown Auburn
• Walkability to restaurants and shops
• Strong rental demand for investors
• Close proximity to Jordan-Hare Stadium (https://auburntigers.com/jordan-hare-stadium)
• Convenient access to university events
Popular areas near campus include:
• Cary Woods
• The Preserve
• Downtown Auburn condominiums
• Longleaf Villas
• Creekside
• Donahue Crossing
For Auburn University employees, graduate students, and game-day homeowners, living near campus can be incredibly convenient.
Living Away From Campus
Many buyers relocating to Auburn are surprised to learn that you can be just 10 to 15 minutes from campus and feel like you’re in a completely different environment.
Living farther from campus often provides:
• Larger homes
• Bigger lots
• More privacy
• Less traffic
• Newer construction options
• Lower price per square foot
Many families choose neighborhoods farther from campus because they want additional space and access to Auburn City Schools (https://www.auburnschools.org/).
Popular areas farther from campus include:
• Moores Mill
• Asheton Lakes
• Camden Ridge
• Woodland Park
• Lundy Chase
• The Estates at Towne Lakes
• The Preserve at Stoney Ridge
You can explore additional neighborhoods here:
Auburn subdivisions (https://auburnopelikaalrealestate.com/auburn-al-subdivisons/)
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Near Campus | Away From Campus |
|---|---|---|
| Commute | Shortest | Usually 10-20 minutes |
| Lot Size | Smaller | Larger |
| Walkability | High | Lower |
| Traffic | Higher on game days | Lower |
| Home Age | Often older | Often newer |
| Privacy | Less | More |
| Price Per Square Foot | Typically higher | Often lower |
What About Game Day?
This is something many relocation buyers don’t consider.
If you live near Jordan-Hare Stadium (https://auburntigers.com/jordan-hare-stadium), you’ll be right in the middle of Auburn’s famous game-day atmosphere.
Some people love it.
Others discover they would rather enjoy the game and then return home to a quieter neighborhood.
That’s why I always encourage buyers to think about how they actually live day-to-day instead of how they imagine living.
A Real Client Story
A few years ago, I worked with a family relocating to Auburn for a position at Auburn University (https://www.auburn.edu/).
Initially, they wanted to be as close to campus as possible.
After spending a day touring homes, they realized they preferred larger lots, less traffic, and more privacy. They ended up purchasing a home about 15 minutes from campus and have been thrilled with their decision.
On the other hand, I’ve had retirees and Auburn alumni choose downtown condominiums because they wanted to walk to restaurants, coffee shops, and football games.
Neither choice was wrong. They simply matched the buyers’ lifestyles.
Shopping, Schools, and Everyday Convenience
Whether you live near campus or farther away, Auburn offers excellent conveniences.
Popular destinations include:
• Auburn Mall (https://www.shopauburnalabama.com/)
• Downtown Auburn
• Grocery stores throughout the city
• Parks and walking trails
• Auburn City Schools (https://www.auburnschools.org/)
One thing many relocation buyers appreciate is that most daily errands can be completed within a relatively short drive regardless of where they live.
Which Option Is Right for You?
Ask yourself these questions:
• Do you want to walk to restaurants and events?
• Is a shorter commute important?
• Do you prefer a larger yard?
• Do you want a newer home?
• How important is privacy?
• Do you enjoy game-day activity or prefer quieter surroundings?
Your answers will usually point you in the right direction.
Quick Q&A
Q: Is it more expensive to live near Auburn University?
A: In many cases, yes. Homes closer to campus often command a premium because of location and convenience.
Q: How far is “far” from campus in Auburn?
A: Most neighborhoods are still within about 10 to 20 minutes of Auburn University.
Q: Are newer homes usually farther from campus?
A: Generally yes. Many newer subdivisions are located outside the immediate campus area.
Q: Is Auburn a good place to relocate?
A: Absolutely. Auburn consistently attracts families, retirees, Auburn University employees, and professionals seeking a high quality of life.
Thinking About Moving to Auburn?
Whether you want to be right next to Auburn University or prefer a little more space farther away, I’d love to help.
I’ve lived in the area since 1988 and have been a REALTOR® for over 20 years. I help buyers, sellers, retirees, Auburn University employees, and families navigate the Auburn and Opelika real estate markets every day.
Call or text me at 334-332-7263 or visit AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com to start your search.
Homes, y’all!
