The city of Auburn is known far and wide as the home of Auburn University, the second-largest university in Alabama. Thanks to a legendary athletics program, the Auburn Tigers have more than earned their fearsome reputation. But the university is more than its national championships. The steady supply of students is a major force in the local economy, and the university serves as the city’s largest employer. Meanwhile, city parks and a historic downtown are popular among residents of all ages, and highly rated public schools attract families with kids. Considerable population growth — from just over 50,000 in 2010 to north of 80,000 today — also means new home construction continues apace. “I believe Auburn has to be on anybody’s shortlist for where to raise a family or where to retire after they’re done working,” says Mayor Ron Anders Jr., a lifelong resident.
Downtown Auburn offers residents a variety of entertainment, restaurants, and shops.
Come watch the Tigers mascot shoot some hoops at Tipoff at Toomers.
Downtown Auburn is home to many Auburn University students and faculty.
Downtown Auburn is a lively college neighborhood filled with students.
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An academically focused city
With over 33,000 students, Auburn University is one of the largest research universities in the South, offering over 150 undergraduate degree programs across 12 colleges and a large number of graduate degree programs. Plus, more than 13,000 people work as faculty or staff at the university. “We’re connected at the hip figuratively, and we’re connected by the intersection of Magnolia Avenue and College Street physically,” Mayor Anders says. “But, more importantly, we’re connected spiritually and productively. I believe we have the best town-and-gown relationship of any university in the United States.” For grade school, Auburn City Schools serve the area, receiving a Niche grade of A-plus while being ranked the third-best school district in the state. To accommodate Auburn’s growing population, the city has plans to build a second high school. The $139 million, 348,000-square-foot facility will feature three stories of classrooms, and the 81-acre campus will also include a two-story athletic building and a performing arts center.
Downtown Auburn is located a few miles south of Asheton Lakes.
Asheton Lakes is a few miles away from Jordan-Hare stadium, great to access game days.
Auburn Junior High School teaches kids to do their best.
Auburn High School encourages a positive classroom environment near Woodland Park.
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Rolling Toomer’s Corner after a Tigers win
Every fall, college football takes over. On campus, nearly 90,000 fans pack into Jordan-Hare Stadium, with countless more tailgating and watching from nearby bars. After a Tigers win, the community congregates at Toomer’s Corner to celebrate and toss toilet paper on the oak trees, stoplights and light poles — anything within throwing distance. Rolling Toomer’s isn’t reserved for football, though. “The men’s golf team won the national championship this past spring, and a couple thousand people were out there celebrating,” says Kirk Sampson, senior associate athletic director for strategic communications at Auburn University and an Auburn resident of 26 years. “It’s a magical experience.” Beyond athletics, the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art showcases American and European works from the 19th and 20th centuries, and the Telfair Peet Theatre stages productions from university students. Every April in Kiesel Park, the city's largest annual event, Auburn City Fest, features crafts, fine arts and food vendors as well as live entertainment and activities for kids. Also in Kiesel Park, the Sundown Concert Series hosts free Thursday concerts throughout the spring and fall. In June, College Street transforms into an arts district during the SummerNight Downtown Art Walk. Locals can stroll the booths showcasing work from local artists, enjoy street performers, and visit restaurants and shops keeping their doors open late.
The Telfair Peet Theatre in Auburn features student made productions.
Auburn University's Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art features 19th and 20th century art.
Auburn University football game days at Jordan-Hare Stadium often highlight Downtown Auburn.
Residents and tourists are often out late on Toomer's Corner in Downtown Auburn.
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Ranch and farmhouses inside the loop, and new construction outside
Several historic districts date back to the mid-1800s, including downtown’s North College Historic District and the Auburn University Historic District. The median single-family home currently sells for $435,000, up 6% year over year; the median townhouse sale price is $315,267. While there are many new builds in developing subdivisions on the city’s outskirts, homes in Auburn date as far back as the late 19th century; most of the city’s oldest houses are concentrated near downtown in the historic districts. The Historic Preservation Committee must approve any changes to homes in historical districts to preserve the integrity of historic homes and prevent them from being leased out to students. While apartments and student rental housing dominate around campus, buyers can also find townhouses and apartment-style condominiums for sale, often used as gameday homes for out-of-towners. Ranch and farmhouse-style homes populate most of the neighborhoods inside what locals call “the loop” or “the circle,” a nearly 13-mile beltway around downtown Auburn. Just outside the loop to the southeast, Auburn’s most expensive homes sit on the Moore’s Mill Club golf course, selling as high as $2.5 million.
You'll find mid-rise apartment buildings with ground level restaurants in Downtown Auburn.
Homes in Downtown Auburn typically consist of condos, apartments, and townhouses.
Farmhouse style homes are in abundance in Lundy Chase.
Houses with simply manicured lawns line the streets of Harmon Estates.
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Auburn’s walkable downtown near the university
Auburn’s walkable downtown anchors the university and the city as a whole, bringing together students and locals of all ages. Residents can find locally owned boutiques, eateries and coffee shops, as well as bars and breweries that contribute to a lively nightlife scene. Toomer’s Drugs is the most iconic of these businesses downtown, operating since 1895 and still offering their famous freshly squeezed lemonade. Additional restaurants and chain grocery and retail shopping options are concentrated along Interstate 85 and State Route 14, including the Auburn Mall.
Residents, students, and tourists head to Toomer's Drugs in Auburn for their famous lemonade.
Retail stores like Target line the streets of Downtown Auburn.
After closing in 2015, the local favorite War Eagle Supper Club has reopened in Downtown Auburn.
Residents in Auburn can find a variety of small and big box retailers at the Auburn Mall
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Outdoor recreation and future park plans
On the university’s campus, Donald E. Davis Arboretum features 13.5 acres of native trees and other plants found throughout various Alabama ecosystems, many of which are rare or endangered. On the city’s southern end, Chewcala State Park spans nearly 700 acres and features a 26-acre lake popular for swimming and fishing for crappie, bass and catfish. The park also has an expansive network of hiking and mountain biking trails. West of town, Kiesel Park is the largest city park in Auburn at 124 acres. It features an off-leash dog park and over 2 miles of walking trails, as well as the historic 1850s Nunn-Winston House with antebellum Greek Revival architecture. Adopted in 2018, Auburn's Parks, Recreation and Cultural Master Plan details the city’s plans over 20 years to increase recreation opportunities through improvements to the parks and trails, as well as arts and cultural programs. Part of the plan includes the construction of the $22 million Lake Wilmore Community Center north of Ogletree Road, which will feature a large indoor gym, four new athletic fields with turf and two swimming pools; completion is expected by the end of 2024. Auburn also features a thriving golf scene, with eight courses within a 15-mile radius. This includes the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Grand National, the top public golf facility in the country as voted on by Golf World magazine. While the club has three separate courses, the Lake Course has hosted PGA Tour events in the past.
The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Grand National in Auburn has hosted many PGA Tour events.
You can visit the majestic falls at Chewacla State Park in Auburn.
Many residents come to Kiesel Park in Auburn to walk their pets.
Residents in Auburn can often walk through the 13.5 acres of Donald E. Davis Arboretum.
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Driving distance to Montgomery and Atlanta
Interstate 85 is the main route through East Alabama, passing through Auburn to downtown’s southeast. Montgomery is about 60 miles to the west, and Atlanta is roughly 100 miles northeast. While Auburn is relatively compact, its population growth has increased commute times for those driving to work. Football gamedays often bring heavy traffic to the area, as the city often sees over 100,000 daily visitors. Auburn University provides public transportation via the Tiger Transit bus system, serving campus and nearby areas. The Auburn University Regional Airport is a public use, general aviation airport on the city’s eastern outskirts, and serves as the training facility for the university’s school of aviation. While not an extremely busy airport, homeowners in these locations may still hear aircraft noise. While the closest commercial airports are in Montgomery and Columbus, Georgia, most air travelers head to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport roughly 100 miles northeast as it offers flights to over 200 destinations around the world. For emergency and specialized medical attention, the East Alabama Medical Center is just across the city border in neighboring Opelika, Alabama.
Important to know
Auburn is generally regarded as a safe place to live. The city’s annual violent crime rate of 1.39 incidents per 1,000 residents, lower than the state rate of 4.09 and the national rate of 3.9. The city’s annual property crime rate of 12.22 incidents per 1,000 residents, also lower than the state rate of 17.39 and the national rate of 19.55. According to the FBI, there were 111 violent crime cases and 978 cases of property crime reported by the Auburn Police Department in 2022; most were theft. Unlike many college towns, Auburn does not have a separate police agency for the university. “Our public safety philosophy is that everyone matters to us,” Mayor Anders says. “It’s something we work extremely hard on. We have very strategic partnerships with other agencies to protect the perimeter of our community.” Hot summers and mild winters are the norm, and, although inland, the city's proximity to the Gulf of Mexico means it can still experience heavy rainfall and high winds from hurricanes and tropical storms. Flood insurance is mandatory in some areas.
Written By
Brendan Doyle
Photography Contributed By
Kristinah Archer
Video By
Maurice Boone
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GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Auburn, AL sell after 69 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Auburn, AL over the last 12 months is $426,000, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Heart of Auburn living! This beautifully updated 2-bedroom, 2-bath condo at Riverwalk offers low-maintenance living in an unbeatable location. The renovated interior features LVP flooring, an updated kitchen with quartz countertops and stainless steel appliances. Step outside to the covered back porch, perfect for relaxing. Enjoy the community pool and fitness room just steps way. Each unit
MOVE IN READY! Toland Construction is proud to introduce Bellevue, home to 43 luxury townhomes located in the heart of Moores Mill. Featuring the style and luxury you expect from Toland with the low maintenance lifestyle and convenient location you need! This end unit home features 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms on the main floor and a large bonus room and 3rd bathroom on the second floor. 10'
MOVE-IN READY!! Are you looking for the perfect home to move into this AUGUST with the capabilities of effortless entertaining? Look no further! The Holly, 5 bedroom, 3 and a half bathroom, 3,216 square foot home offers a thoughtfully designed two-story layout that blends everyday functionality with elegant living spaces.The first floor features a private primary suite tucked away for a
Fresh paint! Welcome to easy, one-level living in Auburn! This well-maintained home offers a zero-step entry and a functional floor plan designed for comfortable everyday living. Inside, you'll find a spacious living area with vaulted ceilings and a fireplace, an open kitchen with granite countertops, abundant cabinetry, stainless appliances, and a large island, plus an adjoining dining
This meticulously maintained property, once the model home, has an attractive facade adorned with stone accents, a huge, welcoming front porch, and mature landscaping that work together to welcome you home. The well designed peninsula kitchen offers abundant counter space and a new microwave. The primary suite includes an ensuite bath, complete with a tiled shower and a separate soaking tub,
Positioned near the end of a quiet cul-de-sac, this homesite offers one of the most private settings in Chapel Heights with a wooded backdrop and generous open space for a custom residence designed for your lifestyle. Michael Allen Homes can personalize one of its thoughtfully designed floor plans—recognized for timeless architecture, quality craftsmanship, and refined finishes—or collaborate
Tucked away in Grove Hill in a natural setting alive with diverse wildlife, this classic home embodies enduring elegance. The main level is entered via a grand foyer that is open to formal dining and living rooms that flow into the kitchen and breakfast area. The kitchen houses a full suite of SS appliances, including the main refrigerator/freezer, a beverage refrigerator and a brand new gas
Welcome to The Townes at Moore’s Mill Club, where luxury meets convenience. This exquisite 4-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom townhome is perfect for those who seek a refined lifestyle without sacrificing comfort. Featuring a spacious open floor plan with high ceilings and upscale finishes, this home is designed for both relaxation and entertaining. The modern kitchen, equipped with top-of-the-line
Tired of being cramped on a tiny lot? Better hurry to buy this great one story brick home, on a large partially wooded lot in Willow Creek. This approximately 2300 sf, 4 br 2 ba home is on large lot , and is a great investment, as well as a perfect full time home. Inside the Auburn City limits This home is approx. a 4 minute drive to Jordan Hare stadium. This great home is on the quiet side of
*Under Construction* Welcome to the Burton C Floor Plan. This two-story offers a bright, open layout with 9' ceilings, a covered patio perfect for relaxing. The main level features an open living dining space, flexible living spaces tailored to today's lifestyle. The kitchen features quartz countertops and overlooks a spacious living room. Upstairs, a large loft that provides the perfect space
*Under Construction* Presenting the Luna Farmhouse to Links Crossing!! Step through the charming, framed front entry and into a thoughtfully laid out interior designed for comfort and modern living. Bedrooms two and three are positioned on either side of a full bathroom near the front of the home, offering privacy and convenience for family or guests. Continuing down the hallway, you’ll arrive at
Heart of Auburn living! This beautifully updated 2-bedroom, 2-bath condo at Riverwalk offers low-maintenance living in an unbeatable location. The renovated interior features LVP flooring, an updated kitchen with quartz countertops and stainless steel appliances. Step outside to the covered back porch, perfect for relaxing. Enjoy the community pool and fitness room just steps way. Each unit
Recently reduced! Enjoy nearly new construction without the usual post-closing expenses and projects. A refrigerator, washer & dryer, custom blinds, black aluminum fence, professional landscaping, and designer upgrades are already in place. This 4-bedroom, 3-bath home offers an exceptional single-level floor plan with custom California Closets systems, upgraded lighting, security cameras,
Low-maintenance living in Auburn! This beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath home in Athena Park offers an easy, comfortable lifestyle with a spacious open-concept floor plan and thoughtful updates throughout. Step inside to find plantation shutters and wood flooring throughout the living room, dining room, and bedrooms. The spacious living room features a wood-burning fireplace and flows
Welcome to 1821 Altamont Ct in Auburn, an exceptional luxury home offering a rare combination of timeless design, modern updates, and high-end functionality—located on a quiet cul-de-sac and beautifully maintained inside and out. This property features an oversized 3-car garage and a thoughtfully designed floorplan where every bedroom has its own private bath. The heart of the home is the fully
Just over a mile from Auburn University, Club 34 sets a new standard for apartment life with fully renovated interiors and exteriors, sleek modern finishes, and a vibrant community atmosphere. Offering upscale 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom floor plans, each home is designed with today’s student in mind: open layouts, stylish kitchens, private patios or balconies, and spacious closets that keep life
Live Luxury Welcome to 1322 North Apartments, a residential community in Auburn, AL, offering one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments. These spacious layouts boast amenities designed to make you feel at home, complemented by exceptional service. Conveniently located within walking distance to shopping, dining, and entertainment options, residents enjoy easy access to everything they
Welcome to The Glenn, a brand new luxury apartment home community featuring one, two and three bedrooms in Auburn, AL near Tiger Town. Spacious layouts and amenities welcome you home, along with exceptional service and an ideal location close to shopping, dining and entertainment.
Welcome to Grayton on Dean in Auburn, AL. Featuring one, two and three bedroom apartments, Grayton is home to many interior features and community amenities, including private patios and balconies, king-sized bedrooms, bright living spaces and linen closets. We have a beautifully landscaped community with two sparkling swimming pools, pickleball court, fitness center, playground, dog park, and a
Welcome to The Greens at Auburn I/II Apartments in Auburn, Alabama! Living in this beautifully developed apartment community provides everything you want right at home, in your own neighborhood. We are located near Interstate 85 on the South side of Auburn, and only 10 minutes away from Auburn University. Whether your preference is upstairs with added views or downstairs for convenience, your
Welcome to Midtown Auburn- off-campus living near Auburn University! Choose from our studio, 2, 3, and 4 bedroom apartment homes and cottages; each featuring spacious layouts, chic finishes including stainless steel appliances, modern accents, and quartz countertops. High-speed internet is included in your monthly rental installment. Relax by the resort-style pool, enjoy meeting friends at the
Richland Cottages, the newest community by Parmer Development in Auburn, redefines modern living with its thoughtful design and timeless charm. This beautifully curated 11-unit cottage & townhome courtyard development embodies elegance, fostering a sense of connection, community, and fellowship among its residents. Nestled in a serene yet accessible location, the Richland Cottages feature
Bragg Avenue Brownstones is part of Parmer Development's Loveliest Collection, a rare collection of eight architecturally distinctive row homes less than 1/2 a mile from Toomer's Corner. Each residence offers five bedrooms and five-and-one-half baths, and the enduring character of a classic brownstone reinterpreted for modern Auburn living.At the corner of Bragg Avenue and Sanders Street,
Discover the charm of Paces at the Estates, nestled in the vibrant North Auburn neighborhood of Opelika, AL. Pet-friendly 1 and 2 bedroom apartments conveniently located near Interstate 85. Enjoy resort-style amenities including a refreshing pool, spacious dog park, and inviting picnic area. Inside, modern comforts await with high-speed internet, sleek stainless steel appliances, and ample
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