Top Neighborhoods for Faculty Living in Auburn, Alabama
Top neighborhoods for faculty living in Auburn, Alabama often come down to one important question: what kind of daily lifestyle do you want after work? For Auburn University faculty and staff relocating to the area, the “best” neighborhood is rarely just about price or square footage. Convenience, commute patterns, community feel, and long-term lifestyle usually matter much more over time.
As an Auburn alum and local REALTOR®, I’ve helped many Auburn University faculty and staff members relocate to Auburn and Opelika, Alabama. One thing I’ve noticed repeatedly is that people are often surprised by how different Auburn neighborhoods feel once they actually start living here.
Some faculty members prioritize:
- Walkability
- Quick campus access
- Golf and country club amenities
- Quiet neighborhoods
- Family-friendly communities
- Larger lots
- Easier commutes
- Long-term resale value
The good news is Auburn and Opelika offer several strong options depending on your priorities.
Neighborhoods Near Auburn University
For faculty and staff who want to stay close to Auburn University (https://www.auburn.edu/), certain neighborhoods provide excellent convenience and easier access to campus.
Benefits of living closer to campus can include:
- Shorter commute times
- Easier access to events
- Reduced driving stress
- Quick trips home between meetings
- More walkability in some areas
- Convenient access to Jordan-Hare Stadium (https://auburntigers.com/jordan-hare-stadium)
Some buyers especially appreciate being able to avoid heavier cross-town traffic patterns during school hours and football weekends.
However, buyers should also understand that some close-to-campus areas can come with:
- Smaller lots
- Older homes
- More traffic activity
- Higher demand and pricing in some areas
That’s where balancing priorities becomes important.
Moores Mill: Golf and Country Club Lifestyle
One of the most well-known lifestyle-focused areas in Auburn is the Moores Mill area.
Many buyers relocating from larger cities appreciate the:
- Golf course atmosphere
- Country club environment
- Established feel
- Larger homes
- Community amenities
- Scenic surroundings
The Moores Mill area often appeals to:
- Professionals
- Faculty families
- Buyers wanting a more private residential feel
- People who enjoy golf and social club amenities
You can learn more here:
Moores Mill Golf Club and neighborhoods (https://auburnopelikaalrealestate.com/moores-mill-golf-club-and-moores-mill-neighborhoods/)
For some faculty buyers, this area offers a nice balance between lifestyle and convenience.
Family-Friendly Auburn Neighborhoods
Several Auburn neighborhoods continue attracting Auburn University faculty and staff because of their strong community feel and proximity to schools and campus.
Neighborhoods like:
- The Landings at Academy Drive
- Grove Hill
- Woodward Oaks
- Camden Ridge
- Asheton Lakes
…often attract buyers wanting:
- Family-oriented communities
- Sidewalks and neighborhood interaction
- Convenient school access
- Reasonable commute routes
- Long-term neighborhood stability
Many relocation buyers also appreciate being near Auburn City Schools (https://www.auburnschools.org/), which is frequently part of the relocation conversation for faculty families.
Opelika Is Becoming More Popular With Faculty
One thing many relocation buyers discover after arriving here is that Opelika is often an excellent alternative.
Some faculty initially assume they “have” to live in Auburn.
But after touring both areas, many realize Opelika offers:
- More house for the money
- Newer construction options
- Larger lots
- Quieter neighborhoods in some areas
- Easy access back to campus
- Growing shopping and dining areas
Depending on your work schedule and campus location, some Opelika commutes may actually feel easier than crossing certain parts of Auburn during busy hours.
Areas near Opelika Tiger Town (https://www.opelika-al.gov/397/Tiger-Town) continue growing quickly and attract many relocation buyers.
Auburn Traffic Matters More Than People Expect
One thing faculty members frequently mention after moving here is that commute simplicity matters more long term than they originally realized.
Some neighborhoods may appear close on a map, but:
- School traffic
- Campus congestion
- Train crossings
- Football weekends
- Major road bottlenecks
…can change the feel of your daily routine significantly.
That’s why local guidance matters.
Understanding which neighborhoods “live easier” day-to-day can make a huge difference over time.
A Faculty Relocation Story
I recently worked with a faculty relocation buyer from Texas who originally focused heavily on finding the largest possible home.
But after touring neighborhoods and driving commute routes in real traffic conditions, their priorities shifted quickly.
Instead of maximizing square footage, they ultimately chose:
- Better commute convenience
- Easier campus access
- More practical daily flow
- Strong neighborhood feel
Later, they told me they were incredibly thankful they experienced the area in person before deciding.
That happens often.
Auburn Lifestyle Is a Big Part of the Appeal
Many Auburn University employees relocating here end up loving the combination of:
- SEC college-town atmosphere
- Community pride
- Local events
- Outdoor recreation
- Growing shopping and dining
- Arts and cultural events
- Strong local identity
Places like Auburn Mall (https://www.shopauburnalabama.com/) and Auburn’s continued growth have added even more amenities over time.
Auburn truly offers a blend of university energy and long-term community living that feels unique.
Quick Comparison Table
| Neighborhood Style | Best For |
|---|---|
| Near campus | Walkability and quick access |
| Moores Mill | Golf and country club lifestyle |
| The Landings / Grove Hill | Family-friendly convenience |
| Opelika neighborhoods | Quiet living and value |
| Established Auburn areas | Long-term stability and charm |
Quick Q&A
What neighborhoods are popular with Auburn University faculty?
Many faculty members consider areas near campus, Moores Mill, Grove Hill, The Landings, and select Opelika neighborhoods. However, there are so many more wonderful neighborhoods to choose from.
Is Opelika too far from Auburn University?
Not at all. Many faculty members commute easily from Opelika daily.
What matters most when choosing a neighborhood?
Commute convenience, lifestyle fit, neighborhood feel, and long-term livability usually matter most.
Is local guidance helpful when relocating?
Absolutely. Online maps rarely explain traffic flow, commute realities, or neighborhood atmosphere accurately.
You can explore local neighborhoods here:
Auburn subdivisions (https://auburnopelikaalrealestate.com/auburn-al-subdivisons/)
Laura Sellers is an Auburn REALTOR® with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred Real Estate — the official real estate partner of the Auburn Tigers.
Laura Sellers has 35+ years of experience across residential real estate, mortgage lending, and project management. She specializes in Auburn University faculty and staff relocation, helping buyers find neighborhoods that balance convenience, community, lifestyle, and long-term value.
Faculty relocating to Auburn can absolutely find neighborhoods that balance convenience, community, and value — sometimes in places they never initially expected.
🏡 Thinking about buying or selling in 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/text me today at 334-332-7263 or visit AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com to start your move with a local expert who knows this market inside and out.
Homes, y’all!
