Auburn University Relocation: Downtown Auburn or More Space in Opelika?
Auburn University relocation buyers frequently face the same decision: choose a home closer to downtown Auburn and campus, or consider more space in Opelika.
Both options can make sense. Living near downtown Auburn may provide convenient access to the university, restaurants, campus traditions, and local events. Opelika may offer different property styles, lot sizes, neighborhood settings, and prices.
Which one are you taking—closer to downtown Auburn or more space out in Opelika?
The right choice depends on your commute, budget, preferred lifestyle, property needs, and long-term plans.
Table of Contents
- Why relocation buyers compare Auburn and Opelika
- Benefits of living near downtown Auburn
- Possible tradeoffs near campus
- Benefits of considering Opelika
- Comparing the two options
- Commute and traffic considerations
- Questions to ask before choosing
- Quick Q&A
- Plan your Auburn University move
Why Auburn University Relocation Buyers Compare Both Cities
Auburn and Opelika are neighboring cities, but they offer different living experiences.
A buyer relocating to work at Auburn University may initially assume that living in Auburn is the only practical option. However, many university employees also consider properties in Opelika.
The best location depends on more than the city name.
Buyers should compare:
- The location of their university department
- Campus parking arrangements
- Actual commute time
- Home prices within their budget
- Property condition
- Lot size
- Homeowners association fees
- Desired neighborhood setting
- Access to shopping and restaurants
- Maintenance responsibilities
- Long-term resale plans
- How frequently they expect to visit downtown Auburn
A home that is farther away in miles may still provide a manageable commute. Likewise, an Auburn property described as “close to campus” may not be equally convenient to every university building or parking area.
Option One: Closer to Downtown Auburn
Living near downtown Auburn can provide convenient access to the university and many of the places that create Auburn’s distinctive atmosphere.
Depending on the property, residents may be close to:
- Auburn University
- Downtown restaurants and shops
- Toomer’s Corner
- Samford Hall
- Campus events
- Tiger Walk
- Auburn football tailgating
- Jordan-Hare Stadium
- Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art
- Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center
For some relocation buyers, being close to campus is worth accepting a smaller home, less yard space, or a more active environment.
A Shorter University Commute
A shorter commute may provide more time at home and reduce the amount of daily driving.
However, the complete commute matters—not simply the distance to the edge of campus.
An Auburn University employee should consider:
- The location of the department or building
- The assigned parking area
- The drive from home to parking
- The walk or transportation from parking to work
- Traffic during normal work hours
- Road closures and university events
A property may appear to be five minutes from campus but require additional time to reach the employee’s actual destination.
Access to Downtown Auburn
Some buyers want to live close enough to visit downtown without making a special trip.
That may mean easier access to restaurants, shops, Toomer’s Corner, campus traditions, and university events.
Close-to-downtown housing can include:
- Condominiums
- Townhomes
- Older detached homes
- Newer infill properties
- Student-oriented developments
- Game-day properties
These options may differ significantly in parking, homeowners association fees, maintenance, rental restrictions, and surrounding activity.
Auburn Football and University Events
Living near Jordan-Hare Stadium may make it easier to enjoy Tiger Walk, tailgating, football games, and other Auburn traditions.
It can also mean heavier traffic, more pedestrians, road closures, and additional activity during major university events.
Some buyers enjoy being at the center of it all. Others would rather visit campus and then return to a more residential setting.
Possible Tradeoffs Near Downtown Auburn
Convenience often involves compromise.
A buyer focusing on downtown Auburn or areas close to campus may encounter:
- Smaller properties
- Limited yard space
- More vehicle or pedestrian activity
- Less privacy
- Higher demand for certain locations
- Homeowners association fees
- Parking restrictions
- Older homes requiring maintenance
- Greater exposure to game-day traffic
- Student-oriented housing nearby
None of these factors automatically makes a property undesirable. They simply need to match the buyer’s expectations.
A person moving from a large metropolitan area may consider Auburn traffic relatively manageable. Another buyer coming from a quieter community may view the same activity differently.
Visit the area during ordinary work hours, evenings, and a university event when possible.
Option Two: More Space in Opelika
Opelika gives Auburn University relocation buyers another set of options to consider.
Depending on the property and price range, buyers may find different combinations of:
- Interior space
- Yard size
- Newer construction
- Established homes
- Neighborhood settings
- Garage space
- Storage
- Bonus rooms
- Outdoor living areas
More space is not guaranteed simply because a property is in Opelika. Buyers must compare actual homes. However, expanding the search into Opelika may provide options that are not available within the buyer’s preferred Auburn location and budget.
A Distinctive Community
Opelika is not simply an extension of Auburn. It has its own downtown, community events, restaurants, parks, historic properties, and identity.
Residents can enjoy downtown Opelika, Municipal Park, Opelika SportsPlex, and shopping and dining at Opelika Tiger Town.
For some buyers, Opelika offers the right balance: access to Auburn University for work and a separate community experience at home.
Potential for a Different Property Setting
A buyer who prioritizes space may be willing to accept a longer commute in exchange for:
- An additional bedroom
- A larger garage
- More storage
- A bonus room
- A larger lot
- An outdoor entertaining area
- A different neighborhood atmosphere
The best value is not always the home with the most square footage. Condition, location, recurring expenses, maintenance, and floor-plan functionality also matter.
Downtown Auburn or More Space in Opelika?
| Consideration | Closer to Downtown Auburn | More Space in Opelika |
|---|---|---|
| University commute | May offer a shorter drive | Usually depends more on route and location |
| Campus atmosphere | Greater access to university traditions | More separation from campus activity |
| Property size | Some options may offer less space | Search may include larger homes or lots |
| Football weekends | Easier access but more activity | Additional travel but often less direct stadium traffic |
| Downtown access | Convenient to downtown Auburn | Convenient to Opelika’s own downtown |
| Housing types | Condos, townhomes, infill, and detached homes | Historic homes, established properties, and newer developments |
| Parking | Can be limited in some close-in locations | Varies, but some homes may offer more garage or driveway space |
| Lifestyle | University-centered convenience | Separate community setting with access to Auburn |
Neither choice is universally better.
The right home is the one that fits your real routine, finances, and plans—not the one that sounds best in a relocation brochure.
Test the Commute Before Choosing
Do not judge a commute entirely by mileage or an online map.
Auburn University employees should test potential routes during their normal working hours whenever possible.
Consider:
- Morning and afternoon traffic
- School traffic
- Campus construction
- Train crossings
- Major intersections
- Your university parking location
- Football weekends
- Graduation and move-in periods
- Alternative routes
A commute from one Opelika property may be easier than the drive from another property located within Auburn. Exact location matters.
If you cannot test the route personally before buying, ask for video tours, study several route options, and allow extra time in your estimate.
Do Not Ignore the Long-Term Plan
Some relocation buyers focus exclusively on reaching work quickly. That makes sense, but your home also needs to support life outside the university.
Ask whether you expect to:
- Remain in the area long term
- Work remotely part of the week
- Host visiting relatives
- Attend frequent Auburn events
- Need more bedrooms later
- Want a lower-maintenance property
- Spend time downtown
- Use parks or recreational facilities
- Prefer a larger yard
- Sell the property within several years
Your priorities may change. A flexible floor plan and a manageable location can help the home continue working for you.
Buyers can review different Auburn subdivisions and compare them with available Opelika communities.
Those researching public schools should verify current attendance zones, enrollment procedures, and policies directly through Auburn City Schools or Opelika City Schools.
A Realistic Relocation Example
Imagine an incoming Auburn University employee who wants a detached home with a home office, guest bedroom, two-car garage, and usable outdoor space.
The buyer initially searches only near downtown Auburn. The location is convenient, but the available homes within the budget require compromises on space, condition, or parking.
After expanding the search into Opelika, the buyer finds additional property options. The commute is longer, but the home better supports remote work, visiting relatives, and everyday life.
Another buyer may reach the opposite conclusion. Someone who wants a low-maintenance condominium, frequently attends campus events, and places a high value on walkability may prefer to remain close to downtown Auburn.
The right answer depends on what you are willing to trade—and what you are not.
Questions to Ask Before Choosing Auburn or Opelika
- How many days each week will I commute to Auburn University?
- Where is my department and assigned parking area?
- How much space do I genuinely need?
- Would I use a larger yard?
- How often will I visit downtown Auburn?
- Do I enjoy being near university activity?
- How important are Auburn football weekends?
- Am I comfortable with a longer drive?
- What recurring homeownership expenses will I have?
- Do I prefer an established or newer property?
- How long do I expect to own the home?
- Which compromises can I accept?
Visit AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com to begin researching Auburn and Opelika real estate options.
Quick Q&A About Auburn University Relocation
Should an Auburn University Employee Live in Auburn?
Not necessarily. Living in Auburn may provide convenient campus access, but many employees also consider Opelika. The best choice depends on the individual property, route, budget, and lifestyle.
Is Opelika Far From Auburn University?
Commute time depends on the property’s exact location and the university destination. Buyers should test actual routes during normal working hours.
Will I Get More House in Opelika?
You may find different property options, but more space or a lower price is not guaranteed. Compare current listings, condition, location, and recurring expenses.
Is Downtown Auburn Walkable to Campus?
Many downtown locations provide convenient pedestrian access to parts of campus. However, buyers should evaluate the specific property, workplace, route, and individual mobility needs.
Does Living Near Campus Mean More Football Traffic?
It can. Properties near the stadium, downtown, or major campus routes may experience more activity during football games and university events.
When Should I Start My Relocation Home Search?
Begin early enough to obtain financing, understand the area, compare Auburn and Opelika, tour suitable properties, complete inspections, and prepare for closing.
Related Auburn–Opelika Real Estate Topics
- Moving to work at Auburn University
- Auburn versus Opelika
- Living near downtown Auburn
- Homes near Auburn University
- Auburn University employee relocation
- Auburn condominiums and townhomes
- Opelika homes with more space
- Commuting from Opelika to Auburn
- Auburn game-day traffic
- Choosing an Auburn–Opelika neighborhood
Which One Are You Taking?
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.
Whether you want convenient access to downtown Auburn or more space in Opelika, Laura can help you compare properties based on your university commute, budget, lifestyle, and long-term plans.
Call or text Laura Sellers at 334-332-7263.
Visit AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com to begin planning your move.
Homes, y’all!
