Auburn Relocation: Why Some of My Buyers Choose Opelika
Auburn relocation buyers don’t always end up buying a home inside Auburn—and that’s something people moving here from out of town sometimes don’t realize.
Some of my relocation clients expand their home search into Opelika, Alabama.
Why?
Depending on their individual needs and what’s available at the time, they may find newer construction, different lot sizes, additional home choices, or locations that still provide practical access to Auburn.
That’s why I don’t believe a relocation search should begin with:
“Which neighborhood should I buy in?”
I think it should begin with:
“What do you need from your home, your location, and your everyday life?”
Then we build the search around those answers.
Table of Contents
• Why Auburn Relocation Buyers Consider Opelika
• What My Relocation Buyers Are Looking For
• Newer Homes Can Be Part of the Appeal
• Some Buyers Want More Space
• Access to Auburn Still Matters
• Value Means More Than the Purchase Price
• Don’t Buy Based Only on What Looks Good Today
• Auburn or Opelika?
• Why Relocation Strategy Matters
• Quick Q&A
• Relocating to Auburn or Opelika?
Auburn Relocation Buyers Don’t Always Buy in Auburn
This sometimes surprises people.
A buyer contacts me because they’re moving to Auburn.
Maybe they’re relocating for Auburn University.
Maybe they have family here.
Maybe they’re moving for another job.
Maybe they’re retiring.
Naturally, they begin by looking at Auburn homes for sale.
But once we start talking about what they actually want, Opelika may become part of the conversation too.
Auburn and Opelika are neighboring communities, and many relocation buyers benefit from understanding what both markets may offer before narrowing their search.
What Are My Relocation Buyers Actually Looking For?
Every buyer is different, but there are some practical things that frequently come up during relocation conversations.
Buyers may be looking for:
• A newer home
• More interior space
• Different lot-size options
• A home office
• A particular floor plan
• Less maintenance
• Convenient access to Auburn
• Shopping and restaurants nearby
• A manageable everyday commute
• A home that fits their expected length of ownership
Notice what’s missing from that list?
A particular ZIP code just because somebody told them that’s where they “should” live.
I want to understand the buyer first.
Then we look at properties and locations that fit their criteria.
Newer Homes Can Be Part of the Appeal
Some relocation buyers prefer newer construction or relatively newer homes.
Maybe they like newer floor plans.
Maybe they want a large kitchen connected to the living area.
Maybe they need a dedicated office because they work remotely.
Maybe they want a primary suite on the main level.
Maybe they’re looking for a newer roof, HVAC system, appliances, or other components—although the condition of every individual property still needs to be evaluated.
Depending on current inventory, expanding a search into Opelika may provide additional possibilities.
The important thing is not assuming.
We look at what’s actually available when you’re ready to buy.
Some Buyers Want More Space
Space can mean several different things.
More square footage.
A larger lot.
More bedrooms.
A dedicated office.
Storage.
A garage.
Room for guests.
Outdoor living space.
When someone is relocating from another market, I like to know what they’re accustomed to and what they’re hoping to change.
Maybe they’re leaving a much larger city and want more room.
Maybe they’re downsizing.
Maybe they’re moving from a suburban house and don’t want to give up their yard.
Maybe they’re tired of yard work and want something smaller.
Those answers help us decide what properties to explore in both Auburn and Opelika.
Access to Auburn Can Still Matter
A buyer doesn’t necessarily stop caring about Auburn just because we expand the home search into Opelika.
Quite the opposite.
For many relocation buyers, access to Auburn remains an important consideration.
If someone will be working at Auburn University (https://www.auburn.edu/), we’ll talk about their commute and how often they expect to travel to campus.
If Auburn football and university events are important, we may discuss access to Jordan-Hare Stadium (https://auburntigers.com/jordan-hare-stadium) and how game-day traffic affects their routine.
Someone working from home may have much more flexibility.
That’s why I don’t like making broad assumptions about where someone needs to live.
Your routine matters.
Value Means More Than the Purchase Price
Relocation buyers often tell me they want “value.”
But what does that mean?
It isn’t necessarily the cheapest house.
For one buyer, value might mean getting another bedroom.
For someone else, it could mean a larger lot.
Another buyer may prioritize newer construction.
Someone else may willingly choose a smaller home because the location better fits their everyday routine.
That’s why I like to look at the whole picture:
Price + property + condition + location + lifestyle + expected ownership.
And when it comes to future resale value or appreciation, nobody can promise exactly what a property will be worth years from now.
What we can do is make a thoughtful purchase based on the information available today.
Don’t Buy Based Only on What Looks Good Today
This is where relocation strategy really matters.
A beautiful kitchen can grab your attention immediately.
So can new flooring.
Fresh paint.
A gorgeous primary bathroom.
But I also want buyers thinking beyond the photographs.
How does the floor plan work?
Does the location fit your commute?
How much maintenance will the property require?
How long do you expect to own it?
Will the home still work if your needs change?
How does the property compare with other options within your budget?
A home needs to do more than photograph well.
It needs to work for your life.
Auburn or Opelika?
I don’t think relocation buyers need to decide this before we even begin.
Instead, let’s talk about your priorities.
If Auburn is the right fit for your needs, we’ll focus there.
If Opelika offers properties that match what you’re looking for, we can explore those too.
And sometimes comparing the two helps a buyer become much clearer about what matters most.
For buyers considering Auburn, my Auburn subdivisions page can help introduce different residential options:
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 other local destinations:
Auburn Mall (https://www.shopauburnalabama.com/)
Tiger Town (https://www.opelika-al.gov/397/Tiger-Town)
And you can find more Auburn–Opelika real estate and relocation information at:
AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com
A Realistic Auburn–Opelika Relocation Example
Imagine you’re relocating for a job connected to Auburn.
You begin your search saying:
“We need to buy in Auburn.”
Then we talk.
You want a newer home.
You need a home office.
You’d like more space for guests.
You want a garage.
You have a particular budget.
And you’re comfortable with a reasonable drive to work.
At that point, it may make sense to look at Auburn and Opelika rather than automatically limiting the search before we’ve seen the available options.
You may ultimately choose Auburn.
You may choose Opelika.
The point isn’t for me to make that decision for you.
My job is to help you understand your options so you can make an informed decision.
Why Relocation Strategy Matters
Buying locally when you already know the area is one thing.
Relocating from hundreds of miles away is different.
You’re trying to figure out:
Where will I work?
What will my commute be like?
What does this location feel like?
How far is it from the places I’ll use regularly?
How does Auburn compare with Opelika?
What type of home can I find within my budget?
What am I overlooking because I don’t know the area yet?
I’ve lived in the Auburn–Opelika area since 1988.
That local knowledge matters when I’m helping someone who may have only a few days to learn the area and make important real estate decisions.
Quick Q&A About Auburn Relocation and Buying in Opelika
Do Auburn relocation buyers also consider Opelika?
Yes. Depending on their individual needs, budget, commute, and current inventory, some buyers relocating to the Auburn area choose to include Opelika in their search.
Can I live in Opelika and work in Auburn?
Many people travel between Auburn and Opelika, but the suitability of a particular location depends on your workplace, schedule, route, and personal commuting preferences.
Can I find newer homes in Opelika?
Opelika has homes of many different ages, including newer construction and newer subdivisions. Availability varies, so current listings should be evaluated when you’re ready to buy.
Is Opelika less expensive than Auburn?
Prices vary by property, location, size, condition, age, amenities, and current market conditions. I would compare current properties rather than assume one city will always be less expensive than the other.
Which city has better long-term appreciation?
Future appreciation can’t be guaranteed. Instead of predicting future prices, I help buyers evaluate current pricing, location, property characteristics, comparable options, and how well a home fits their expected ownership plans.
Should I decide between Auburn and Opelika before contacting a REALTOR®?
No. That’s actually a great conversation to have before you narrow the search.
Planning an Auburn Relocation? Let’s Compare Your Options
If you’re planning an Auburn relocation, don’t assume you need to figure everything out before you call me.
That’s what I’m here for.
Tell me:
Why are you moving?
Where will you work?
What’s your budget?
What kind of home do you want?
How much space do you need?
How long do you expect to own it?
Then we can look at Auburn, Opelika, or both based on your actual priorities.
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, contact me before you start touring properties or clicking contact-agent buttons on real estate websites.
Let me help you learn the area, compare your options, and build a home search around the way you actually plan to live.
Laura Sellers, Associate Broker
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred Real Estate
Call or text: 334-332-7263
AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com
Homes, y’all!
