Moving to Auburn Alabama: Walkability Depends on Where You Live
Moving to Auburn Alabama comes with a lot of surprises, and one thing relocation buyers quickly learn is this:
Walkability is NOT the same everywhere in Auburn.
Some areas are extremely walkable.
Some require driving almost everywhere.
And your lifestyle can completely change depending on location.
As a REALTOR® helping buyers relocate to Auburn and Opelika, I talk about this constantly because many people moving here assume Auburn is either:
- fully walkable
OR - completely car-dependent
The reality is somewhere in the middle.
Downtown Auburn Is One of the Most Walkable Areas
If you live near downtown Auburn and Auburn University (https://www.auburn.edu/), you can often:
- walk to restaurants
- walk to coffee shops
- walk to events
- walk to campus
- walk to football games near Jordan-Hare Stadium (https://auburntigers.com/jordan-hare-stadium)
That lifestyle is a huge draw for:
- Auburn University faculty and staff
- Graduate students
- Young professionals
- Parents buying condos for Auburn students
- Buyers wanting a more connected lifestyle
Many relocation buyers specifically ask for:
- sidewalks
- shorter commutes
- walkability
- golf cart access
- nearby restaurants
- nearby entertainment
And downtown Auburn definitely offers more of that lifestyle than many people expect.
Most Auburn Neighborhoods Still Require Driving
At the same time…
A lot of Auburn neighborhoods are designed more around driving than walking.
That surprises some out-of-state buyers.
Even in beautiful neighborhoods, you may still drive to:
- grocery stores
- restaurants
- shopping
- schools
- entertainment
That does NOT mean the neighborhoods are bad.
It just means the lifestyle feels different depending on location.
For example:
- Some buyers LOVE quiet neighborhoods farther from traffic
- Others want sidewalks and activity nearby
- Some want quick access to Auburn University
- Others prefer more privacy and larger lots
That’s why relocation conversations matter so much.
Sidewalks Vary A LOT in Auburn and Opelika
This is another thing buyers don’t always realize before moving to Auburn Alabama.
Sidewalk availability varies heavily by:
- neighborhood
- subdivision age
- development style
- city planning
- road layout
Some neighborhoods have:
- extensive sidewalks
- walking trails
- community connections
Others may have:
- limited sidewalks
- sidewalks only on one side
- very little pedestrian infrastructure
And honestly?
That can dramatically affect daily life.
Especially for buyers who:
- walk dogs
- jog regularly
- have children
- enjoy evening walks
- want outdoor community interaction
Auburn Lifestyle Depends on Location
One of the reasons Auburn and Opelika real estate is so interesting is because the lifestyle can shift dramatically depending on where you buy.
| Area Type | Typical Lifestyle |
|---|---|
| Downtown Auburn | Walkable, active, connected |
| Golf course communities | Driving + neighborhood amenities |
| Newer subdivisions | Mixed sidewalks and driving |
| Rural properties | Privacy and larger land |
| Opelika historic areas | Some walkability with character |
That’s why I always tell relocation buyers:
Don’t just focus on the house.
Focus on:
- your daily routine
- commute
- preferred lifestyle
- activity level
- traffic tolerance
- walkability expectations
Because those things matter long after move-in day.
A Real Relocation Conversation I Hear Often
I recently talked with a relocation buyer who originally wanted a house “close to Auburn.”
But after we discussed their actual lifestyle, they realized they really wanted:
- sidewalks
- nearby restaurants
- evening walks
- quick access to events
- lower driving time
That completely changed the areas they focused on.
And honestly?
That happens all the time.
Auburn Continues Attracting Relocation Buyers
People continue relocating to Auburn because of:
- Auburn University
- SEC culture
- football weekends
- community atmosphere
- strong local identity
- outdoor lifestyle
- Auburn City Schools (https://www.auburnschools.org/)
- shopping near Auburn Mall (https://www.shopauburnalabama.com/)
But “living in Auburn Alabama” can feel VERY different depending on neighborhood and location.
That’s why having local guidance matters.
If you’re researching neighborhoods, you can also explore Auburn subdivisions (https://auburnopelikaalrealestate.com/auburn-al-subdivisons/) to compare different areas and lifestyles.
BHHS and Auburn Connection
Laura Sellers is a REALTOR® with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred Real Estate — the official real estate partner of the Auburn Tigers.
As an Auburn alum who has lived and worked in this area for decades, Laura helps buyers understand not just the homes… but the lifestyle differences between neighborhoods throughout Auburn and Opelika.
Homes, y’all!
Quick Q&A
Is Auburn Alabama walkable?
Some parts are very walkable, especially downtown Auburn near Auburn University, while many neighborhoods still require regular driving.
What are the most walkable areas in Auburn Alabama?
Downtown Auburn and areas near campus tend to offer the highest walkability, restaurants, sidewalks, and event access.
Do Auburn neighborhoods have sidewalks?
Some do extensively, while others have limited sidewalk infrastructure depending on age and design.
Why does walkability matter for relocation buyers?
Walkability can affect daily routines, commute times, social life, exercise habits, and overall lifestyle satisfaction after moving.
Laura Sellers is a top-rated REALTOR® serving Auburn and Opelika, Alabama. She specializes in Auburn University faculty and staff relocation, residential real estate, and helping buyers find neighborhoods that fit their lifestyle goals. Learn more at AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com.
🏡 Thinking about moving to Auburn or Opelika?
I’m Laura Sellers, REALTOR® with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred Real Estate, Inc. — the official real estate partner of the Auburn Tigers.
📲 Call or text 334-332-7263
🌐 AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com
