RELOCATING TO AUBURN UNIVERSITY’S COLLEGE OF BUSINESS? DON’T OVERLOOK THIS
Relocating to Auburn University’s College of Business can be exciting, but one mistake I see people make is focusing only on the house and not on the lifestyle that comes with it.
Many faculty and staff members spend months researching Auburn University, interviewing for positions, negotiating offers, and planning their move.
Then comes the housing decision.
That’s where things get interesting.
A STORY I SEE OFTEN
I worked with a buyer who was relocating for a university position and initially focused almost entirely on commute time.
Their goal was simple.
Find a house close to campus.
The closer, the better.
But after spending time in Auburn, their priorities started to change.
They realized they wanted easy access to restaurants.
They wanted nearby shopping.
They wanted newer amenities.
They wanted low-maintenance living so weekends weren’t spent doing yard work.
By the time they purchased, they chose a completely different type of property than they originally envisioned.
And they were much happier because of it.
IT’S ABOUT MORE THAN THE COMMUTE
Most Auburn University faculty can reach campus fairly quickly from many parts of Auburn and Opelika.
The real question becomes:
How do you want to live when you’re not working?
Some people prioritize:
• Walkability
• Dining options
• Shopping convenience
• Low-maintenance living
• Newer construction
Others prefer:
• Established neighborhoods
• Mature trees
• Larger lots
• Character and charm
• Long-term neighborhood stability
Neither choice is wrong.
The goal is matching your home to your lifestyle.
WHAT MANY COLLEGE OF BUSINESS FACULTY PRIORITIZE
| Priority | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Low Maintenance Homes | More time for travel and professional commitments |
| Convenient Location | Easy access to campus and daily errands |
| Newer Developments | Modern layouts and lower maintenance |
| Dining & Shopping Access | Better work-life balance |
| Resale Potential | Strong long-term investment value |
AUBURN VS. OPELIKA
One thing I tell relocation buyers is not to automatically assume Auburn is the only option.
Both communities offer excellent opportunities.
Auburn Often Appeals To Buyers Who Want:
• Closer proximity to campus
• Established Auburn identity
• Auburn City Schools
• University-focused lifestyle
Opelika Often Appeals To Buyers Who Want:
• Different price points
• New development opportunities
• Historic downtown charm
• Strong community atmosphere
Many buyers end up considering both before making a final decision.
THINK ABOUT YOUR WEEKENDS
This is one of the questions I ask relocation buyers.
What do you want your weekends to look like?
Do you want:
• Minimal yard maintenance?
• Golf?
• Dining out?
• Traveling frequently?
• Entertaining friends?
• Walking trails?
• Community activities?
Your answer often tells us more about the right neighborhood than your budget does.
EXPLORE THE AREA BEFORE YOU DECIDE
Many faculty begin by exploring Auburn University:
Football fans often enjoy experiencing Jordan-Hare Stadium:
https://auburntigers.com/jordan-hare-stadium
Families researching schools frequently review Auburn City Schools:
https://www.auburnschools.org/
Many newcomers spend time shopping and dining near Auburn Mall:
https://www.shopauburnalabama.com/
If you’re researching neighborhoods, Auburn subdivisions are a great starting point:
https://auburnopelikaalrealestate.com/auburn-al-subdivisons/
You can learn more about the local market at:
https://auburnopelikaalrealestate.com
QUICK Q&A
Do most College of Business faculty live in Auburn?
Many do, but some choose Opelika depending on their lifestyle preferences, commute expectations, and housing goals.
Should I focus primarily on commute time?
Commute matters, but lifestyle often becomes equally important after relocation.
Is newer construction popular with faculty?
Yes. Many professionals appreciate lower maintenance and modern layouts.
Do established neighborhoods still appeal to relocation buyers?
Absolutely. Many buyers prefer mature landscaping, larger lots, and neighborhood character.
RELOCATING TO AUBURN?
The best relocation decisions happen when your home matches your lifestyle, not just your budget.
Homes, y’all!
🏡 I’m Laura Sellers, REALTOR® with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred Real Estate, Inc. — the official real estate partner of the Auburn Tigers.
As an Auburn University alum and local real estate expert, I help Auburn University faculty, staff, professionals, and families navigate relocation decisions throughout Auburn and Opelika.
📞 Call or Text: 334-332-7263
🌐 https://auburnopelikaalrealestate.com
Laura Sellers is a top-rated REALTOR® serving Auburn and Opelika, Alabama. With 35+ years of experience across real estate, mortgage lending, and project management, she specializes in Auburn relocation, Auburn University relocation, and helping buyers make confident housing decisions based on both lifestyle and long-term goals.
