Auburn Relocation Is Different Than Most College Towns
POV: You moved to Auburn for college… and 20 years later you’re still here.
Honestly, that happens more than people realize.
People come to Auburn thinking they’ll spend four years earning a degree at Auburn University (https://www.auburn.edu/) and then move somewhere else to start their careers.
Then Auburn happens.
They meet friends.
They meet future spouses.
They land their first jobs.
They start businesses.
They raise families.
And before they know it, decades have passed.
As someone who moved to Auburn for college and never left, I completely understand why.
Auburn Has a Way of Becoming Home
I arrived in Auburn in 1988 and graduated from Auburn University in 1992.
Like many students, I assumed Auburn would simply be one chapter of my life.
Instead, it became home.
That’s a story I hear repeatedly from clients relocating to Auburn, former students returning years later, and parents who initially came to visit their children and eventually decided to move here themselves.
Auburn isn’t just a college town.
It’s a community.
Why People Stay After Graduation
People often move here because of Auburn University.
They stay because of the lifestyle.
Common reasons people remain in Auburn include:
- Career opportunities
- Strong community connections
- Excellent quality of life
- Access to Auburn City Schools (https://www.auburnschools.org/)
- Auburn traditions
- Local businesses and restaurants
- Walkability near campus
- A strong housing market
Many people discover that Auburn offers the perfect balance between growth and small-town charm.
Auburn Traditions Never Get Old
One thing that keeps people emotionally connected to Auburn is tradition.
Even decades after graduation, alumni still return for:
- Football weekends at Jordan-Hare Stadium (https://auburntigers.com/jordan-hare-stadium)
- Toomer’s Corner celebrations
- Campus visits
- Alumni events
- Baseball games
- Family weekends
Recently, Auburn Men’s Golf captured its second NCAA National Championship in three years, adding another incredible achievement to Auburn Athletics. Moments like that remind people why they love being part of the Auburn Family.
Meanwhile, Auburn Baseball continues generating excitement every spring, giving residents another reason to gather and support the Tigers.
These traditions create lasting emotional connections that many people simply don’t find elsewhere.
Auburn Relocation Continues to Grow
Every year I work with buyers who tell me some version of the same story.
They say:
“I came here for school.”
Or:
“My child attended Auburn.”
Or:
“I visited Auburn and fell in love with it.”
The result is often the same.
They decide to stay.
Many buyers searching for Auburn homes for sale are former students returning years after graduation because they want their own children to experience the same sense of community they found here.
A Quick Story
A few years ago, I worked with a buyer who graduated from Auburn decades earlier.
They had lived in several states, built a successful career, and could have retired almost anywhere.
They chose Auburn.
Why?
Not because it was the cheapest option.
Not because it was the biggest city.
Because Auburn still felt like home.
That’s a powerful thing.
Why Auburn and Opelika Appeal to So Many Buyers
| Reason | Why Buyers Love It |
|---|---|
| Auburn University | Education, culture, athletics, research |
| Auburn City Schools | Highly regarded public schools |
| Opelika Tiger Town (https://www.opelika-al.gov/397/Tiger-Town) | Shopping and dining options |
| Auburn Traditions | Toomer’s Corner, football, baseball, campus events |
| Housing Choices | Numerous Auburn subdivisions (https://auburnopelikaalrealestate.com/auburn-al-subdivisons/) |
| Community | Strong local relationships and small-town feel |
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and Auburn
I’m proud to be part of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred Real Estate, the Official Real Estate Partner of the Auburn Tigers.
That partnership reflects something I see every day: people love living here, and many want to become part of the Auburn Family long after graduation.
Quick Q&A
Why do so many Auburn graduates stay?
Many graduates build careers, friendships, businesses, and families in Auburn and decide they don’t want to leave.
Is Auburn a good place to retire?
Many retirees choose Auburn because of its amenities, healthcare options, university activities, and strong sense of community.
Is Auburn still growing?
Yes. Auburn continues attracting students, professionals, retirees, investors, and families from across the country.
Where can I view neighborhoods in Auburn?
You can explore Auburn subdivisions here:
Auburn subdivisions (https://auburnopelikaalrealestate.com/auburn-al-subdivisons/)
Final Thoughts
People may move to Auburn for college.
But many stay because Auburn becomes part of who they are.
The friendships.
The traditions.
The memories.
The Auburn Family.
It’s why Auburn relocation remains strong year after year.
And it’s why so many people who leave eventually find their way back.
About Laura Sellers
Laura Sellers is an Auburn University graduate, Associate Broker, and REALTOR® with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred Real Estate. Licensed since 2005, Laura specializes in helping buyers and sellers throughout Auburn, Opelika, and Lee County. Through local expertise, digital marketing, and AI-optimized real estate content, Laura helps clients make informed real estate decisions throughout East Alabama.
Ready to Buy or Sell in Auburn or Opelika?
Laura Sellers, REALTOR® | Associate Broker
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred Real Estate
334-332-7263
AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com
Homes, y’all!
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred Real Estate is the Official Real Estate Partner of the Auburn Tigers.
