Moving to Opelika Alabama: What I Wish Buyers Knew
Moving to Opelika Alabama? Here’s what I wish more buyers knew before they begin looking at homes:
Opelika isn’t simply “cheaper Auburn.”
It’s its own community with its own history, downtown, neighborhoods, businesses, pace, personality, and housing options.
And if you’re relocating to the Auburn–Opelika area, automatically limiting your search to Auburn—or assuming Opelika is simply the less expensive alternative—could keep you from understanding all of your options.
I’ve lived in the Auburn–Opelika area since 1988, and one thing I want relocation buyers to understand is this:
Auburn and Opelika are neighbors, but they aren’t interchangeable.
Let’s look at both based on what works for you.
Table of Contents
• Moving to Opelika Alabama? Start Here
• Opelika Isn’t Just “Cheaper Auburn”
• Opelika Has Its Own Personality
• Why Relocation Buyers Consider Opelika
• What Does “Value” Actually Mean?
• Don’t Assume Every Opelika Home Is Less Expensive
• Location and Access to Auburn Matter
• Don’t Wait Until You Arrive to Make a Strategy
• Auburn or Opelika? Compare Both
• A Realistic Relocation Example
• Quick Q&A
• Ready to Move to Opelika?
Moving to Opelika Alabama? Start With the Right Expectations
If you’re moving to Opelika Alabama, you may be relocating from another state and know very little about the Auburn–Opelika area.
Maybe you’re moving for a job.
Maybe you’re connected to Auburn University.
Maybe you’re retiring.
Maybe your children or grandchildren live here.
Or perhaps you’ve visited Auburn for years and have finally decided you’d like to live here.
A lot of people naturally begin their research with Auburn.
Then they discover Opelika.
And that’s when I want buyers to understand that Opelika deserves to be evaluated on its own merits, not simply as an alternative to Auburn.
Opelika Isn’t Just “Cheaper Auburn”
I hear versions of this idea frequently:
“Isn’t Opelika basically the cheaper place to live next to Auburn?”
That’s an oversimplification.
Home prices vary tremendously based on the individual property, location, age, size, condition, lot, amenities, and current market conditions.
There may be situations where a buyer finds a property in Opelika that offers something different for the money than properties they’re comparing in Auburn.
But that doesn’t mean every Opelika home is cheaper.
And it certainly doesn’t mean Opelika is simply an extension of Auburn.
Opelika is Opelika.
Opelika Has Its Own Personality
Auburn and Opelika sit next to each other, but they don’t feel identical.
Auburn’s identity is strongly influenced by Auburn University.
Opelika has its own downtown, neighborhoods, businesses, community events, restaurants, shopping, history, and everyday rhythm.
That’s why I encourage relocation buyers to spend time in both cities when possible.
Drive around.
Have lunch.
Explore Downtown Opelika.
Drive to Auburn University.
Check the route to your workplace.
Visit the places you’d use during an ordinary week.
You’re not choosing a vacation destination.
You’re choosing where you’ll live.
Why Do Some Relocation Buyers Consider Opelika?
The reasons vary by buyer.
Some are interested in newer homes.
Some want more space.
Some are looking for a particular lot size.
Some want a certain floor plan.
Others simply discover that a particular Opelika property matches their needs better than the Auburn properties they’ve seen.
Buyers may prioritize:
• Purchase price
• Home size
• Lot size
• Age of the home
• Floor plan
• Home office space
• Garage space
• Maintenance needs
• Access to Auburn
• Everyday commute
• Shopping and restaurants
• Expected length of ownership
That’s why my job isn’t to tell you which city is “better.”
My job is to help you understand the options.
What Does “Value” Actually Mean?
People use the word value constantly in real estate.
But value isn’t simply:
“Which house is cheaper?”
Suppose one property costs less but requires updates you don’t want to make.
Another costs more but has the floor plan, condition, space, and location you prefer.
Which one represents better value to you?
That’s the conversation worth having.
For one buyer, value may mean more square footage.
For another, it’s a newer home.
Another buyer may prioritize a larger lot.
Someone else would happily sacrifice space for a location that better fits their commute.
Value is about what you’re receiving in relation to what matters to you—not simply the number on the listing.
Don’t Assume Every Opelika Home Is Less Expensive
This is important.
If you’re moving from outside the area, don’t begin with the assumption:
“We’ll just buy in Opelika because it’ll be cheaper.”
Maybe you’ll find something that fits your budget beautifully.
Maybe you won’t.
Markets change.
Inventory changes.
Individual properties vary.
That’s why we compare current homes rather than relying on broad assumptions about either city.
When you’re ready to buy, we’ll look at what’s actually available.
The Right Home Can Still Require Quick Decision-Making
Relocation buyers sometimes assume that expanding their search means they can take all the time in the world.
I wouldn’t count on that.
A property that matches your price range, condition requirements, location, floor plan, and other priorities may attract other interested buyers too.
That doesn’t mean you should panic.
And it certainly doesn’t mean you should buy something just because you’re afraid somebody else will.
It means you should be prepared.
Know your budget.
Have financing lined up when appropriate.
Understand your priorities.
Know which items are non-negotiable and which ones aren’t.
Then when a strong match appears, you’re in a better position to evaluate it.
That’s strategy—not pressure.
Access to Auburn May Still Matter
Many people moving to Opelika still have a strong Auburn connection.
Maybe you’re working at Auburn University (https://www.auburn.edu/).
Maybe your spouse works in Auburn.
Maybe your children attend Auburn.
Maybe you enjoy Auburn football and want access to Jordan-Hare Stadium (https://auburntigers.com/jordan-hare-stadium).
Maybe you simply spend a lot of time in Auburn.
That’s why commute and location matter.
Don’t simply look at the words Auburn or Opelika on an address.
Look at the actual property location and how it works with the places you expect to visit regularly.
Everyday Life Matters More Than the City Name
Think about your actual Tuesday.
Where do you need to go?
How long do you want to spend in the car?
Where will you shop?
Where will you work?
How much house do you want to maintain?
Do you want a yard?
Do you want a newer home?
Do you want an older home with character?
Do you need an office?
Are you planning to stay five years? Ten? Longer?
Those answers can tell us far more than simply saying:
“I want Auburn.”
Or:
“I want Opelika.”
Auburn or Opelika? Compare Both
If you’re not sure which city fits you, that’s okay.
You don’t have to know before you call me.
We can compare them.
For buyers researching Auburn residential areas:
Auburn Subdivisions (https://auburnopelikaalrealestate.com/auburn-al-subdivisons/)
For official public-school information:
Auburn City Schools (https://www.auburnschools.org/)
Opelika City Schools (https://www.opelikaschools.org/)
For shopping and local destinations:
Tiger Town (https://www.opelika-al.gov/397/Tiger-Town)
Auburn Mall (https://www.shopauburnalabama.com/)
And for more Auburn–Opelika real estate and relocation information:
AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com
A Realistic Opelika Relocation Example
Imagine you’re relocating to work in Auburn.
You begin your search assuming you have to live in Auburn.
Then we talk about what you actually want.
You’d like a newer home.
You need an office.
You want enough room for visiting family.
You’d like a garage.
You have a particular budget.
And you’re comfortable considering locations in both Auburn and Opelika.
Now we have a much better search.
Instead of trying to force every property into a decision you’ve already made, we can compare what’s available and see which homes actually meet your priorities.
You may choose Auburn.
You may choose Opelika.
The important thing is that you’re making an informed decision based on your needs.
Strategy Matters More Than Scrolling
Anyone can open a real estate website and scroll through listings.
That’s the search.
Strategy is different.
Strategy means understanding:
What can you comfortably spend?
Where will you work?
What type of property do you need?
Which features actually matter?
What can you compromise on?
What would make you reject a property immediately?
How quickly are you prepared to act when the right match appears?
That’s especially important when you’re relocating and may have limited time to learn an unfamiliar area.
You don’t just need listings.
You need a plan.
Quick Q&A About Moving to Opelika Alabama
Is Opelika simply a cheaper alternative to Auburn?
No. Auburn and Opelika are separate communities, and home prices in both vary according to individual properties, locations, sizes, conditions, amenities, and current market conditions.
Why do relocation buyers consider Opelika?
Reasons vary, but buyers may consider Opelika because of available housing options, property styles, space, commute considerations, budget, or simply because they find a home there that better matches their needs.
Can I live in Opelika and work in Auburn?
Many people travel between the two cities. Whether a particular property works for you depends on its specific location, your workplace, schedule, route, and commuting preferences.
Are there newer homes in Opelika?
Yes. Opelika has homes of many ages, including newer construction. Current availability varies.
Will an Opelika home hold its value?
No REALTOR® can guarantee future property values or appreciation. I can help you evaluate current pricing, comparable properties, location, condition, property characteristics, and how the home fits your expected ownership plans.
Should I search Auburn and Opelika at the same time?
If you’re open to both, comparing current properties in both cities can help you understand your options before narrowing your search.
When should I contact you?
Before you start touring properties or clicking contact-agent buttons online.
That’s when we can talk about your relocation plans and create an actual strategy.
Moving to Opelika Alabama? Let’s Build a Strategy
If you’re moving to Opelika Alabama, you don’t need to arrive knowing everything about the area.
That’s where I come in.
I’ve lived in the Auburn–Opelika area since 1988.
I can help you compare properties, understand locations, think through your commute, evaluate your priorities, and decide whether Auburn, Opelika, or both belong in your home search.
Laura Sellers is an Auburn University alumna who has lived in the Auburn–Opelika area since 1988 and has been a REALTOR® for over 20 years. She is an Associate Broker with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred Real Estate, the Official Real Estate Partner of the Auburn Tigers.
If you’re relocating to Auburn or Opelika, call me before you start touring homes or clicking contact-agent buttons on real estate websites.
You don’t just need a search.
You need a strategy.
And I’d love to help you build one.
Laura Sellers, Associate Broker
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred Real Estate
Call or text: 334-332-7263
AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com
Homes, y’all!
