The focal point of Auburn, AL, is the University of Auburn, but when you look past all that blue and orange, you’ll see that Auburn is so much more than just a college town. It’s true that you’ll likely hear a warm “War Eagle!” every time you turn a corner, but that is more of an ode to Auburn’s southern hospitality than the college itself.
Auburn has a strong, tech-centered economy, plenty of indoor and outdoor activities, and some of the most charming homes for sale in Alabama. An idyllic city for anyone from young professionals to retirees, below is the top 11 reasons to relocate to Auburn, AL.
Reasons for Young Professionals to Relocate to Auburn
Auburn University
We must begin by addressing the elephant (or the tiger) in the room: much of Auburn’s culture surrounds Auburn University. Students make up one-third of the city’s population, and many of the other two-thirds are Auburn alumni who loved the city so much they decided to stay. This means that Auburn has a relatively young demographic and a vibrant culture that roars through the city. If you want to make sure that wherever you live has plenty to do and an abundance of community events, look no further than relocating to Auburn.
Entertainment, Food, and Downtown Auburn
Downtown Auburn is a central hangout spot for students, families, and working professionals. Places like the Coffee Cat Cafe and Big Blue Bagel and Deli offer local coffee and eats on your way to work, and The Hound and Byron’s Smokehouse provide the perfect pre-game brunch on the weekends. No matter what you are craving, from Vietnamese to Tex-Mex or Italian, you’ll find it all in Auburn.
Auburn Research Park
Situated along Devall Dr, Auburn Research Park provides 156 acres of innovative research and manufacturing facilities. With everything from labs to medical training centers to technology research buildings, there is no better place to further your career than Auburn Research Park. The MRI Research Center in Auburn Research Park even hosts the largest research MRI Scanner in the entire southeastern region. The park even offers high-quality childcare on-site, and you’ll have plenty of opportunities to meet newly-graduated college students looking to enter the field.
Attainable Housing in a Rising Market
One of the key reasons to relocate to Auburn is the appreciating and attainable housing market. Here you will have access to a diverse array of housing, from single-family homes for sale in Auburn to properties with a ton of land to small, one-bedroom condos for sale.
The Auburn real estate market is strong and competitive, and home values trend upwards 7.9% year over year. The median price for homes in Auburn is $375K, with several options on either side of that price point. When you buy a home for sale in Auburn, you can have peace of mind knowing that you made a worthwhile investment that won’t depreciate.
Reasons for Families to Relocate to Auburn
Excellent Public School System
Families choose to relocate to Auburn because the Auburn School District is one of the top 10 school districts in the entire state of Alabama. The school district offers eight elementary schools, two middle schools, one junior high school, and a brand new, $72M high school. Two schools (Wrights Mill Road Elementary and Auburn Junior High) are national Blue Ribbon Schools, and Auburn High has a number of AP courses and a high priority on college and career readiness.
Outdoor Activities for the Whole Family
The many parks and outdoor trails in Auburn are ideal for a day out with the family that isn’t centered around Auburn sports. . Chewacla State Park is a local favorite and provides 696 acres of campsites, hiking trails, and a 26-acre lake where you can fish, swim, kayak, or canoe to your heart’s content. Kiesel Park is Auburn’s largest park and offers a plethora of amenities such as a pavilion, a garden, a pond, and a 2 ¼-mile walking trail.
A Bustling Sports Culture
For most Southerners, football is a family affair, and Auburn emphasizes this whole-heartedly. Auburn University boasts several family-friendly events and activities, as they want the entire family to come together during the game season. There’s no place like Samford Stadium to bring your children to their first SEC football game or to spend the day playing games and tailgating with all your neighbors.
One of the most fun things to let your kids witness is Toomer’s Corner after a big Auburn Tiger win. Toomer’s Corner is a drugstore that has been operating in the same location since 1896. Following a victory, students and fans rain toilet paper all over the historic Auburn landmark. Your kids will think the amount of toilet paper covering the building and surrounding trees is hilarious! If you’re checking this out as a family, we recommend going early the morning after the win so that the downtown area isn’t as packed with people and you can clearly see the aftermath of this long-standing Auburn tradition.
Social Engagement Opportunities
Auburn is full of events that help the greater community and some amazing initiatives for the whole family to get involved in. Downtown Auburn hosts local art festivals, farmers’ markets, and live concerts in the off-season that always offer ways to volunteer or support local businesses.
On a more philanthropic level, Camp iCare is sponsored by Auburn University and aims to teach kids about philanthropy and different ways to help others. Storybook Farm in Auburn provides horse and dog therapy for children with life-altering circumstances. The Farm is entirely supported by the local community and thrives on the help of local volunteers, so it provides an excellent opportunity for the family to serve together.
Reasons for Retirees to Relocate to Auburn
Medical Access
Not every person in retirement needs access to frequent healthcare, but if you do, Auburn has you covered. Dean Road is home to more than 15 doctors’ offices in different medical fields, providing an abundance of available care for Auburn residents. In addition, East Alabama Medical Center has an impeccable emergency center and is right next door to Auburn in Opelika.
Friendly Locals
If you want to retire to a place where you can go to the same coffee shop every day and see someone you know, Auburn will provide that experience. Even if you don’t see someone you know, you’ll likely start up a conversation with a stranger, because that’s just the nature of Auburn. Credit the southern hospitality or the comradery of a recent Auburn University win, but you will always see a friendly face around town.
A Diverse Array of Amenities
Whether you enjoy spending time on the golf course or browsing through the latest art gallery, Auburn has plenty to offer. One of the best reasons to retire in Auburn is because there is so much to do for all ages, with six golf courses and 16 parks within the city limits. The Donald E. Davis Arboretum is a great place for a mild walk with beautiful scenery, and if you prefer to stroll indoors, the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art is engaging and inspiring.
Not finding what you need in Auburn? Just 40 minutes away by car is Lake Martin, with 41 acres of sparkling water with plenty of watercraft opportunities for a weekend getaway.
Top 11 Reasons to Relocate to Auburn, AL
If you’ve been searching for real estate in Alabama, consider all these reasons to relocate to Auburn. If you are considering something more north, check out these reasons to relocate to Wilmington, NC.
