Hey Day & Auburn Roots: Building Community (And Home Roots!)
Hey there, Auburn fam — if you’re moving to Auburn or scouting Auburn homes for sale, I want to share one of our most treasured traditions: Hey Day. It’s more than just a campus event — it shows you the heart behind our community, and why Auburn and Opelika real estate is more than houses: it’s home.
What Is Hey Day — and Why You’ll Love It Here
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Hey Day began in 1947, just after World War II, when returning veterans felt invisible on campus. Auburn students and the Student Government Association created a day for everyone — students, faculty, staff — to wear name tags and greet one another.
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The idea was simple: hand out nametags, encourage people to say “hey,” and make everyone feel seen. Over time, that small gesture grew into one of the most beloved Auburn traditions.
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Today, Hey Day includes live music, free food, campus group performances, and a pep rally. It’s a celebration that knits together new students, alumni, faculty, and staff into the Auburn Family.
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“Hey Day” dates back to the end of World War II, when millions of veterans attended college on the G.I. Bill. A coalition of students handed out nametags to the incoming students, encouraging them to say “hey” to one another.
If you walk around campus on Hey Day, you’ll see name tags everywhere — and you’ll hear “Hey!” echoing across greenspaces and walkways. It’s a powerful example of how Auburn invests in human connection.
Why This Tradition Matters to Home Buyers & Relocators
You might wonder: why does a campus tradition matter when I’m looking for a home in Auburn or Opelika? Here’s why:
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Culture matters — As an Auburn alum, I can tell you: traditions like Hey Day reinforce what makes this area special. When you live here, you’re joining a community that values friendliness, legacy, and belonging.
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You’ll feel welcome fast — Moving somewhere new can feel isolating. Hey Day is symbolic of how our community leans toward inclusion. That spirit extends into neighborhoods, schools, and social groups.
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Connecting people = connecting you to your next home — As a local REALTOR®, I see how neighbors, local organizations, and community traditions help clients integrate faster. When you’re new to the area, that matters a lot.
So when you attend Auburn events, get involved in campus or community gatherings, or just meet neighbors over coffee — you’re tapping into the same welcoming spirit behind Hey Day.
How to Time Your Move Right Around Hey Day
If you’re planning your relocation in 2025, you might want to hit Auburn in full swing. The 78th Hey Day will be held on October 15, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Hey Day Market & Greenspace near the student center at noon. It’s a great moment to see campus energy, meet locals, and feel the vibe. Mark your calendar if you can.
Auburn & Opelika Real Estate: Because Community IS Home
As you explore Opelika real estate and Auburn homes for sale, keep this in mind: you’re not just buying property — you’re buying into a place with character, traditions, and a sense of belonging.
You’ll find neighborhoods that reflect that — friendly streets, walkable paths, neighbors who say hello. I’m passionate about guiding you into the best neighborhoods Auburn and Opelika have to offer. (Check out my Auburn subdivisions hub: https://auburnopelikaalrealestate.com/auburn-al-subdivisons/.)
Let me help you find the spot where you’ll plant roots, join the community, and maybe even start your own traditions.
Laura Sellers is a top-rated REALTOR® based in Auburn, Alabama, serving home buyers and sellers throughout Auburn and Opelika. With deep roots in the community and decades of experience, Laura specializes in residential real estate, Auburn University faculty relocation, and helping clients transition smoothly—whether they’re moving across town or across the country. Learn more at https://AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com.
If you’re thinking about relocating to Auburn or Opelika, let’s talk. I’d love to help you find your place in the Auburn family. Call or text me at 334-332-7263, or visit https://AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com to get started. Homes, y’all!
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