Moving to Auburn Alabama: What Relocating Buyers Should Know Before Choosing a Neighborhood
Moving to Auburn Alabama involves more than finding a house you like. One of the most important things relocating buyers can do is spend enough time understanding Auburn and Opelika before deciding where they want to live.
Auburn isn’t an enormous city.
But don’t let its size fool you.
Where you live can change your everyday experience considerably.
One buyer wants to be close to Auburn University.
Another wants a larger lot.
Someone else wants convenient access to Downtown Auburn.
Another buyer may spend more time shopping and dining around Tiger Town or Opelika.
And some buyers simply want to get home from work without spending unnecessary time in the car.
The house matters. But so does where that house puts you every day.
Table of Contents
- Moving to Auburn Alabama starts with learning the area
- Auburn isn’t all the same
- Do you want to be close to Auburn University?
- Is walkability important to you?
- Would you rather have more land?
- Don’t forget Opelika
- Think about where you’ll actually go
- Experience game-day traffic
- How to compare Auburn neighborhoods
- Quick Q&A
- Getting relocation help before you start touring
Moving to Auburn Alabama? Learn the Area Before Choosing the House
When people relocate, it’s natural to start with the house.
They open a real estate website.
Set a price range.
Choose the number of bedrooms.
Look at photographs.
Then they fall in love with a kitchen. 😂
But I think relocation buyers should reverse that process whenever possible.
First understand the area. Then decide where you want to concentrate your home search.
I’ve lived in the Auburn–Opelika area since 1988 and have been a REALTOR® for over 20 years.
One thing all those years have taught me is that a location that works beautifully for one buyer may make absolutely no sense for another.
That’s why I want to know how you live before I start telling you where houses are located.
Auburn Isn’t Huge — But Every Location Isn’t the Same
Someone looking at Auburn on a map might think:
How different can it really be?
Quite a bit, depending on your priorities.
Auburn includes established neighborhoods, newer developments, condos, townhomes, properties closer to Auburn University and homes farther from campus activity.
Some locations make getting to Auburn University particularly convenient.
Others put you closer to shopping or major roads.
Some properties offer larger lots.
Others trade yard space for proximity to places you want to visit.
That’s why I wouldn’t choose an Auburn neighborhood based solely on a list of supposedly “best” neighborhoods.
There isn’t one universally best place to live.
There’s the location that best matches your priorities.
You can start exploring different areas through my Auburn subdivisions page (https://auburnopelikaalrealestate.com/auburn-al-subdivisons/).
Do You Want to Be Close to Auburn University?
For many relocation buyers, this is one of the first questions.
If you’re relocating to work at Auburn University (https://www.auburn.edu/), your commute may matter tremendously.
But “close to Auburn University” can mean different things.
Do you want to be near campus because you’ll work there every day?
Would you like easier access to Downtown Auburn?
Do you want to attend university activities regularly?
Would you enjoy being close to restaurants and shops around downtown?
Or do you like Auburn University but prefer more separation between campus and home?
Those are very different preferences.
And football season makes that distinction even more important.
Is Walkability Important to You?
Some buyers love the idea of walking.
Maybe they’d like to walk to:
- Auburn University
- Downtown Auburn
- Restaurants
- Shops
- Campus events
- Jordan-Hare Stadium
If that’s important to you, tell your REALTOR® at the beginning of the search.
Don’t assume a listing described as “close to Auburn University” is necessarily walkable for you.
Distance is only part of the equation.
Routes, sidewalks, crossings, terrain and your personal walking tolerance matter.
Jordan-Hare Stadium (https://auburntigers.com/jordan-hare-stadium) is one of Auburn’s most recognizable destinations, but proximity to the stadium also means understanding what happens around that area during major university events.
Maybe You’d Rather Have More Land
Here’s the other side.
You may look at Downtown Auburn and think:
That’s fun to visit. I don’t need to live beside it.
Maybe your priority is:
- Larger lot
- More outdoor space
- Room for a garden
- Bigger backyard
- More distance from campus activity
- Different housing styles
That’s perfectly reasonable.
This is why relocation isn’t simply about finding the nicest house within your budget.
It’s about figuring out which compromises you’re willing to make.
Would you trade some proximity for more land?
Would you trade yard size for convenience?
Would you choose an older home in one location over newer construction somewhere else?
Those are the decisions that eventually shape your everyday life.
Don’t Forget About Opelika
This is something people unfamiliar with the area can overlook.
Auburn and Opelika are separate cities, but everyday life frequently crosses between them.
You may live in Auburn and regularly shop or eat in Opelika.
You may live in Opelika and work in Auburn.
You may find a home you love on one side of the area and discover that many of the places you regularly visit are on the other.
Downtown Opelika has its own restaurants, businesses, events and character.
Tiger Town is another major shopping and dining destination.
You can learn more about the area through Opelika Tiger Town (https://www.opelika-al.gov/397/Tiger-Town).
That’s why I think someone relocating here should understand both Auburn and Opelika rather than drawing an arbitrary line between them before they’ve explored the area.
Think About Where You’ll Actually Go
Here’s an exercise I wish more relocating buyers would do.
Make a list of the places you expect to visit regularly.
Not vacation destinations.
Normal Tuesday destinations.
For example:
- Work
- Grocery store
- Church
- Medical providers
- Gym
- Auburn University
- Downtown Auburn
- Downtown Opelika
- Tiger Town
- Restaurants
- Family
- Childcare or other recurring activities
- Parks and recreation
Then compare those locations with the homes you’re considering.
A house can look perfect online.
But if its location makes your everyday routine unnecessarily inconvenient, those beautiful countertops may eventually become a lot less exciting.
Spend Time in Auburn Before You Decide
If your relocation schedule allows it, spend some time experiencing Auburn rather than simply touring houses.
Drive around.
Visit Downtown Auburn.
Walk around Toomer’s Corner.
See Samford Hall.
Explore Auburn University.
Drive through different parts of Auburn.
Go into Opelika.
Visit Downtown Opelika.
Drive around Tiger Town.
Look at restaurants and shopping.
Notice how the roads connect.
Pay attention to how long it actually takes to get from one place to another.
You don’t need to become an Auburn expert before buying a home.
That’s part of what I’m here for.
But the more you understand the area, the better questions you’ll know to ask.
And Yes — Experience Football Traffic
If you’re moving to Auburn and you’ve never experienced an Auburn home football weekend, understand that a normal weekday doesn’t show you everything.
Football Saturdays change Auburn.
Downtown Auburn fills with fans.
Storefront windows turn orange and blue.
Restaurants get busy.
Toomer’s Corner becomes a gathering place.
Tailgates surround Auburn University.
Traffic patterns change.
Pedestrian activity increases.
Jordan-Hare Stadium becomes the center of attention.
If you’re considering living relatively close to campus, it’s useful to understand what the area feels like during major events.
You may absolutely love it.
Or you may decide you’d rather enjoy Auburn football when you choose and then go home somewhere farther from the activity.
Either answer is fine.
What’s important is knowing your preference before you buy.
Auburn vs. Opelika Isn’t an Either/Or Decision
I think people sometimes want me to reduce Auburn and Opelika to a simple comparison.
Which one is better?
That’s not particularly useful.
The better question is:
Which location works better for what you need?
Auburn and Opelika offer different neighborhoods, housing styles, price points, lot sizes and proximity to different destinations.
And your priorities may change what makes sense.
Someone working at Auburn University may evaluate location differently from someone working elsewhere.
Someone who wants Downtown Auburn access may prioritize differently from someone who wants convenient access to Tiger Town.
Someone downsizing may want something completely different from a buyer looking for more land.
That’s why I start with the buyer rather than declaring one area the winner.
For current public-school information, buyers can consult Auburn City Schools (https://www.auburnschools.org/) and Opelika City Schools (https://www.opelikaschools.org/).
For additional shopping information, visit Auburn Mall (https://www.shopauburnalabama.com/).
A Realistic Auburn Relocation Scenario
Imagine you’re relocating to Auburn for work.
You find a house online.
Beautiful kitchen.
Great primary bathroom.
Right number of bedrooms.
The price works.
You could easily become emotionally attached to that house before you’ve even learned where anything is.
Now imagine taking another approach.
Before deciding, you drive from the house to work.
Then to the grocery store.
Then downtown.
You look at where your church or other regular activities would be.
You drive through the area at different times.
You compare that location with another home in a completely different part of Auburn or Opelika.
Suddenly you’re not simply comparing two houses.
You’re comparing two different versions of your everyday life.
That’s a much better way to approach relocation.
How Should You Compare Auburn Neighborhoods?
Instead of asking me for the “best neighborhood,” tell me what matters to you.
For example:
“I want a short commute to Auburn University.”
That’s useful.
“I’d like a larger yard.”
Useful.
“I want to be able to get Downtown Auburn easily.”
Useful.
“I don’t care about being close to campus, but I go to Tiger Town constantly.”
Useful.
“I want newer construction.”
Useful.
“I want an established neighborhood with mature trees.”
Also useful.
Those preferences give us something objective to work with while keeping the decision where it belongs:
with you.
Quick Q&A About Moving to Auburn Alabama
What should I know before moving to Auburn, Alabama?
Learn the Auburn–Opelika area before focusing too narrowly on a particular neighborhood. Consider your commute, everyday destinations, preferred home style, lot size and desired proximity to Auburn University and Downtown Auburn.
Should I live close to Auburn University?
That depends on your priorities. Some buyers value campus proximity while others prefer more distance from university and game-day activity.
Should I consider Opelika if I’m relocating to Auburn?
Yes, if the location and housing options fit your needs. Auburn and Opelika are separate cities, but residents frequently travel between them for work, shopping, restaurants and other activities.
Which Auburn neighborhood is best?
There isn’t one neighborhood that’s universally best. Buyers should compare objective characteristics such as location, housing type, lot size, amenities, commute and proximity to the places they regularly use.
Should I visit Auburn before buying a home?
When practical, spending time in the area can help you understand locations, traffic patterns, distances and the relationship between Auburn, Auburn University and Opelika.
What if I’m relocating to Auburn University?
Start by thinking about how often you’ll commute to campus and how close you want to live to university and Downtown Auburn activity. Then compare housing options that meet those priorities.
When should I contact an Auburn REALTOR®?
Ideally, before you begin touring homes or clicking “contact agent” on listing websites. Getting your own local REALTOR® involved early can help you understand locations before you become attached to a particular property.
Related Auburn Relocation Topics
- Moving to Auburn Alabama
- Auburn relocation
- Relocating to Auburn University
- Living in Auburn Alabama
- Auburn neighborhoods
- Auburn vs. Opelika
- Auburn homes for sale
- Opelika homes for sale
- Downtown Auburn
- Downtown Opelika
- Living near Auburn University
- Auburn University relocation
- Retiring in Auburn Alabama
Visit AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com for more Auburn–Opelika relocation, neighborhood and real estate information.
I’ve Been Helping People Navigate Auburn–Opelika for Over 20 Years
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.
After living here since 1988, I don’t just want to send relocation buyers a list of houses.
I want you to understand where you’re moving.
Because once the closing is over, you’re not going to spend every minute admiring your kitchen.
You’re going to live here.
Thinking About Moving to Auburn?
Contact me before you start touring homes or click “contact agent” on a real estate website.
Tell me what matters to you — commute, location, lot size, proximity to Auburn University, Downtown Auburn, Opelika, shopping, restaurants or whatever else shapes your everyday life.
Then we can start looking for a home in a location that makes sense for you.
Laura Sellers, Associate Broker, REALTOR®
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred Real Estate
334-332-7263
AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com
Homes, y’all!
