Auburn Graduate School Relocation: Where Should You Live?
Auburn Graduate School relocation for a faculty or staff position requires more than finding an available house. Your primary workplace, campus parking, commute, budget, preferred property type, and personal life should all influence where you choose to live.
Many relocating employees want a central location with convenient access to multiple parts of Auburn University. Others prefer additional space, newer housing options, or a more residential setting in Opelika.
The right choice is not simply Auburn versus Opelika. It is finding the property that works for both your university role and the life you want outside work.
Table of Contents
- Start with your actual workplace
- Why central access may matter
- Living near downtown Auburn
- Considering other Auburn neighborhoods
- Why buyers consider Opelika
- Comparing Auburn and Opelika
- Housing options for university employees
- Questions to ask before moving
- Quick Q&A
- Plan your relocation with Laura
Start Your Auburn Graduate School Relocation With Your Workplace
The Auburn University Graduate School is located in historic Hargis Hall near downtown Auburn and the edge of campus.
However, a position connected to the Graduate School does not necessarily mean you will spend every working hour in Hargis Hall.
Auburn’s graduate programs extend across numerous colleges, departments, laboratories, research facilities, and administrative offices. Your responsibilities may require you to travel between several areas of campus.
Before searching for a home, confirm:
- Your primary office or building
- Whether you will work in multiple locations
- Your assigned parking area
- How often you will attend meetings elsewhere on campus
- Whether campus transportation will be part of your commute
- Your expected working hours
- Whether your position includes remote work
- How frequently you may work evenings or weekends
A house that appears close to Auburn University on a map may not provide the most convenient access to your specific office or parking area.
Why Central Access May Matter
The Graduate School serves programs distributed across Auburn University. Therefore, employees whose roles involve several academic units may value convenient access to more than one section of campus.
A central location can potentially reduce the time spent traveling between:
- Hargis Hall
- Academic colleges
- Administrative offices
- Research facilities
- Libraries
- Meeting locations
- Downtown Auburn
- University events
According to the Graduate School’s current academics information, Auburn offers more than 200 graduate degree programs and hundreds of program options across multiple colleges.
That broad university footprint is one reason relocation buyers should investigate their complete working routine—not simply the address of the Graduate School.
Living Near Hargis Hall and Downtown Auburn
Hargis Hall is close to downtown Auburn, Toomer’s Corner, Samford Hall, and several university landmarks.
The university describes Hargis Hall as one of Auburn’s historic and architecturally distinctive buildings. It has served multiple purposes throughout its long history and is now home to the Graduate School.
A close-to-downtown home may appeal to employees who want:
- A shorter trip to Hargis Hall
- Convenient access to downtown restaurants
- Proximity to Auburn University events
- A stronger connection to campus life
- Potential walking or biking options
- Easier access to Toomer’s Corner
- Convenient football-weekend activities
Possible Close-to-Campus Housing Options
Depending on availability and budget, buyers may encounter:
- Condominiums
- Townhomes
- Older detached homes
- Newer infill construction
- Patio homes
- Student-oriented developments
- Game-day properties
Possible Tradeoffs Near Downtown Auburn
Close-to-campus convenience can involve compromises, including:
- Smaller lots
- Limited parking
- More pedestrian activity
- Higher demand for certain locations
- Homeowners association fees
- Older properties requiring maintenance
- Student-oriented housing nearby
- Football and university-event traffic
- Less separation between properties
Living close to downtown Auburn can be highly convenient, but buyers should evaluate the complete setting—not just the distance to campus.
Football and University-Event Traffic
Homes near downtown Auburn, campus, or Jordan-Hare Stadium may experience additional traffic during football games, graduation, student move-in periods, and major university events.
For some employees, proximity to Tiger Walk, tailgating, downtown Auburn, and Auburn football is a major advantage.
Others prefer to participate in university events and then return to a home with more separation from the activity.
When touring a property near campus, consider:
- Road closures
- Pedestrian traffic
- Visitor parking
- Stadium noise
- Tailgating activity
- Access to your driveway
- The route to work during major events
- Whether guests will expect to stay with you
Visit the area during both an ordinary workday and a major university event when possible.
Considering Other Auburn Neighborhoods
You do not have to live downtown to have a manageable Auburn University commute.
Other Auburn neighborhoods may provide different combinations of:
- Larger floor plans
- Additional bedrooms
- Home-office space
- Garage parking
- Storage
- Outdoor living areas
- Newer construction
- Established homes
- Larger or smaller yards
- Different neighborhood settings
A position that includes remote work may make a dedicated office more valuable than saving a few minutes on the commute.
Likewise, someone planning to remain in Auburn for many years may prioritize a flexible floor plan, guest space, or lower-maintenance living.
Explore different Auburn subdivisions to compare housing types, homeowners association requirements, lot sizes, and routes to campus.
Why Relocation Buyers Consider Opelika
Opelika can expand the housing options available to Auburn University faculty and staff.
Depending on the current inventory and price range, buyers may find different combinations of:
- Newer homes
- Established properties
- Additional interior space
- Larger garages
- Home offices
- Outdoor areas
- Residential settings
- Lower-maintenance options
However, buyers should not assume that every Opelika home is newer, larger, or less expensive than every Auburn property. Compare the actual homes, recurring expenses, condition, and location.
Opelika also has its own downtown, restaurants, parks, community events, and identity. Opelika Tiger Town offers shopping and dining convenient to many Auburn–Opelika neighborhoods.
Auburn or Opelika for Graduate School Employees?
| Consideration | Auburn | Opelika |
|---|---|---|
| Campus commute | Many locations offer direct Auburn University routes | Depends heavily on the property and route |
| Downtown access | Convenient to downtown Auburn and campus | Convenient to downtown Opelika from many areas |
| Housing choices | Condos, townhomes, established homes, and newer communities | Historic homes, established properties, and newer developments |
| Property size | Varies significantly by location | Also varies; additional options may be available |
| University activity | More direct exposure near campus | More separation in many locations |
| Football traffic | Often greater near campus routes | Usually less direct in many areas |
| Shopping | Downtown Auburn, Auburn Mall, and surrounding retail | Downtown Opelika, Tiger Town, and surrounding retail |
| Lifestyle | Strong university influence | Distinct community identity with access to Auburn |
Neither city automatically wins.
The correct choice depends on your university responsibilities, desired commute, budget, property needs, and preferred lifestyle.
Test the Complete Commute
Do not judge a commute only by mileage.
For Auburn Graduate School relocation, the complete trip may include:
- Driving from home to campus
- Entering the assigned parking area
- Walking or using campus transportation
- Reaching Hargis Hall or another workplace
- Traveling to meetings elsewhere on campus
- Returning to the parking area after work
Test possible routes during the hours when you expect to commute.
Also consider:
- School traffic
- University schedules
- Train crossings
- Construction
- Major intersections
- Football weekends
- Graduation
- Student move-in periods
- Alternative routes
A home with an Auburn address is not automatically more convenient than every Opelika property. Exact location matters.
Housing Options for an Auburn University Role
Relocating employees may consider:
- A downtown Auburn condominium
- A townhome near campus
- An established detached home
- A newer Auburn property
- A newer Opelika home
- A low-maintenance patio home
- A house with a dedicated office
- A property with guest space
- A home with a larger yard
- A smaller property requiring less upkeep
Condominiums and Townhomes
A condominium or townhome may offer convenient access and reduced exterior maintenance.
Before purchasing, review:
- Association fees
- What those fees cover
- Parking arrangements
- Insurance responsibilities
- Rental restrictions
- Pet rules
- Maintenance obligations
- Financial information
- Special assessments
- Use restrictions
Detached Homes
A detached home may provide additional privacy, storage, garage space, or a yard. However, it can also require more exterior and landscaping maintenance.
Think honestly about how you want to spend your time outside work.
A Realistic Auburn University Relocation Example
Imagine an incoming Graduate School employee who initially wants to live within walking distance of Hargis Hall.
After discussing the role, the employee realizes that meetings will occur throughout campus and remote work will be available several days each month. A dedicated office, garage, and guest bedroom become more important than living downtown.
The search expands into additional Auburn neighborhoods and selected Opelika locations.
Another employee who expects to work primarily in Hargis Hall, regularly visits downtown, and prefers lower exterior maintenance may choose a condominium close to campus.
Both decisions can be right because the best location is the one that supports the employee’s complete life.
Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Home
- Where will I work most often?
- Will I travel between multiple campus buildings?
- Where will I park?
- What is my complete commute?
- Will I work remotely?
- Do I need a dedicated office?
- How much maintenance do I want?
- Do I prefer a condominium or detached home?
- How important is downtown access?
- Will football traffic affect my routine?
- Should I compare Opelika homes?
- How long do I expect to remain in the area?
- What recurring ownership expenses should I expect?
- Which property features are essential?
People researching public schools should confirm current attendance zones, enrollment procedures, and policies directly through Auburn City Schools or Opelika City Schools.
Quick Q&A About Auburn Graduate School Relocation
Where Is the Auburn University Graduate School?
The Auburn University Graduate School is located in Hargis Hall near downtown Auburn and the edge of campus.
Should Graduate School Employees Live Near Hargis Hall?
Not necessarily. A nearby location may provide convenience, but your complete job responsibilities, parking, budget, and lifestyle should guide the decision.
Can Auburn University Employees Live in Opelika?
Yes. Many employees consider properties in both cities. Test the actual commute to your workplace and parking area before purchasing.
Is Downtown Auburn Within Walking Distance of Hargis Hall?
Hargis Hall sits near downtown Auburn. However, buyers should personally test the route from any specific property and consider weather, hills, crossings, and mobility needs.
When Should I Begin My Relocation Home Search?
Start early enough to arrange financing, understand the area, compare Auburn and Opelika, tour homes, complete inspections, and prepare for closing.
Can I Purchase a Home Before Arriving in Auburn?
Some relocation buyers use virtual tours, electronic signatures, video calls, and independent inspections. Carefully review the property and consult the appropriate professionals.
Where Can I Find Auburn and Opelika Homes?
Visit AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com and contact Laura Sellers for personalized relocation assistance.
Related Auburn–Opelika Real Estate Topics
- Auburn University employee relocation
- Homes near Hargis Hall
- Moving to Auburn, Alabama
- Downtown Auburn living
- Auburn versus Opelika
- Auburn homes with offices
- Opelika newer homes
- Condominiums near Auburn University
- Auburn University faculty and staff housing
- Commuting to Auburn University
Make Your Auburn Graduate School Relocation Easier
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.
Laura helps Auburn University faculty and staff compare Auburn and Opelika properties based on their workplace, campus parking, commute, budget, lifestyle, and long-term plans.
If you are relocating for a position connected to Auburn University’s Graduate School, Laura can help you narrow the options quickly so the process feels manageable instead of overwhelming.
Call or text Laura Sellers at 334-332-7263.
Visit AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com to begin planning your move.
