Northwoods
An Alabama Power Smart Neighborhood® developed with Holland Homes in north Auburn.
Northwoods began developing around 2019 through a collaboration between Holland Homes and Alabama Power. The community was introduced as an energy-efficient smart neighborhood with connected-home technology and access from North Donahue Drive.
Northwoods Photo Gallery
Builder & Program History
Holland Homes was identified as the original builder, working with Alabama Power on the Smart Neighborhood® concept. Buyers should verify the builder, construction date, warranties, upgrades, and subsequent modifications for each address.
Connected-Home Features
Original marketing referenced connected heating, cooling, and water-heating systems along with smart-home controls. Installed equipment, compatibility, ownership, subscriptions, support, and energy performance vary by property.
Technology Originally Marketed
Some Northwoods homes were marketed with equipment such as Google Home or Google Mini devices, Ring cameras or doorbells, an indoor camera, Nest thermostats, Vivint control panels, and smart outlets.
These brands and devices may have been removed, replaced, disconnected, become obsolete, or require paid service. Confirm what conveys with the home, whether accounts can transfer, and whether the manufacturer still supports each device.
See Northwoods
This local video offers a quick look at the neighborhood. Streets, landscaping, technology, and individual properties may have changed since recording.
Neighborhood Snapshot
Location
Northwoods is located off North Donahue Drive in Auburn, with routes toward Auburn University, Downtown Auburn, Highway 280, shopping, dining, parks, and Opelika.
Schools
School attendance zones can change. Confirm the current assignment for an exact property through the Auburn City Schools locator and the school system.
What Buyers Should Verify
- The applicable homeowners association, current dues, assessments, transfer fees, services, insurance provisions, and maintenance responsibilities.
- All recorded covenants, restrictions, amendments, plats, easements, setbacks, and architectural-review requirements.
- The make, model, age, ownership, condition, warranty, subscription requirements, privacy controls, and cybersecurity support for every connected device.
- Actual utility history and energy performance for the individual home; general neighborhood efficiency or savings claims should not be assumed.
- Builder and warranty history, property boundaries, survey and title matters, drainage, flood information, and insurance availability.
- Home condition through appropriate inspections, including insulation, HVAC, water heating, appliances, electrical systems, roofs, foundations, and prior improvements.
- Current school assignment, utilities, internet service, cellular coverage, and travel requirements important to the buyer.
Buyers should obtain complete current governing documents through official sources, title work, the association, builder records when available, and professional advisers.
Directions
Travel north on North Donahue Drive. After passing the Yarbrough Elementary School area, the Northwoods entrance has historically been described as being on the left. Confirm the exact route before traveling because roads and landmarks can change.
Northwoods Frequently Asked Questions
Does every Northwoods home have the same smart-home equipment?
No. Installed devices and systems can differ, and owners may have replaced or removed equipment. Confirm what conveys, what works, and any ongoing service costs for the exact home.
Does the Smart Neighborhood designation guarantee lower utility bills?
No specific savings should be assumed. Review the home’s actual utility history, equipment, insulation, condition, and your expected usage when comparing ownership costs.
What happens to smart-home accounts when a home sells?
Confirm which devices can transfer and arrange for the seller’s access to be removed. Set up your own accounts, credentials, and service plans according to each provider’s instructions.
Considering Northwoods?
Laura Sellers, REALTOR® and Associate Broker with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred Real Estate — the Official Real Estate Partner of the Auburn Tigers, has lived in the Auburn area since 1988.
I can help you compare available homes and identify the smart-home, builder, warranty, association, covenant, and inspection details to review before making an offer.
