The number of residents in Auburn more than quadrupled in the 1980s, and growth never stopped. The population now sits just under 10,000, an increase of 29% since 2020. Locals say the growth spurt was spurred by the city’s location between Atlanta and Athens. (The small Georgia city is not to be confused with the city of the same name in Alabama, where football-crazy Auburn University resides.) “I didn’t even know what Auburn was eight to nine years ago. A lot of people are just moving to a quiet, nice suburban area,” says broker Eladia Aracena, owner of Cena Realty, who has 15 years of real estate experience in the area. More growth is on the way as the nonprofit Rowen Foundation constructs a 2,000-acre campus just south of the city. The mixed-use site will house environmental, agricultural and medical research facilities and is expected to create over 100,000 jobs over the next several decades. Meanwhile, the city’s current top employment sectors are service, retail and manufacturing jobs, but most residents commute to Atlanta for work.
Nestled amidst rolling hills, the small town of Auburn is rapidly transforming into a bustling and vibrant hub for innovative manufacturing and diverse service providers, attracting entrepreneurs and skilled workers alike.
Continued growth is on the horizon as the nonprofit Rowen Foundation embarks on an ambitious project to construct a sprawling 2,000-acre campus, nestled just south of the vibrant city.
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Homes sell for below Atlanta’s median
The median home price in Auburn is $338,000, lower than the median price in Atlanta. Recent construction includes Harmony, built around the city’s new Municipal Center. The downtown community has trails, a garden and an apiary. “We have new construction going on all over the city, from one end to the other,” says Staci Waters, Auburn’s main street coordinator.
The newly constructed Harmony community is elegantly designed and thoughtfully developed around the city’s state-of-the-art Municipal Center in Auburn, offering residents a vibrant and engaging living environment enriched by modern amenities and green spaces.
The vibrant city of Auburn has officially relocated its municipal building to a newly constructed facility, designed for enhanced accessibility and functionality, reflecting the community’s growth and commitment to better serving its residents.
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Getting to Atlanta and Athens
Interstate 85, west of Auburn, travels 42 miles into Atlanta. Highway 29 goes 32 miles east to Athens. The Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is 52 miles away. The nearest hospital is Northeast Georgia Medical Center Barrow, which is 10 miles away in Winder.
Small businesses in Whistlestop Shop’s tiny cottages
Small businesses operate out of the Whistlestop Shops, a collection of small wooden cottages downtown. Businesses include a seamstress, a spice store and a sports card shop, each looking out onto the decorative red caboose near the railroad tracks, where a farmers market is held every Tuesday from October to July. A few small shopping centers, grocery stores and restaurants are along Highway 29. Waters says the city is working with investors to revitalize the downtown and attract local restaurants.
Vibrant murals, crafted by talented local artists, brilliantly showcase the stunning beauty and rich artistic spirit that can be found throughout the streets of Auburn.
Each week, shoppers from near and far flock to the charming, quaint retail cottages of the Whistlestop Shop, drawn in by their unique offerings and warm atmosphere.
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Most students attend Barrow County schools
Most students attend the Barrow County School System, which gets a B-plus on Niche. A few students on Auburn’s western edge attend Gwinnett County Public Schools, which gets an A. Higher education options within 50 miles include the University of Georgia, Georgia Tech, Emory University and more.
Winder-Barrow High School is renowned for its exceptional academic programs and dedicated faculty, consistently earning its reputation as one of the premier educational institutions in the county.
Gwinnett County Public Schools is one of the largest and most dynamic school districts in the entire state of Georgia, serving a diverse community of students and families with a wide range of educational programs and opportunities.
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Fairy tales come alive at Auburn Ever After
Every May, children mingle with characters such as Spider-Man and Cinderella during downtown's Auburn Ever After. “It’s a fairy tale day for kids,” Waters says. “It’s just a magical day for them.” In October, live music fills the air for AuburnFest, with hayrides and a barbecue competition near the Whistlestop Shops.
Picking pecans at Whistlestop Park
Whistlestop Park is a small greenspace downtown where fresh pecans can be picked off trees hanging over picnic tables. The City of Auburn Ballfields has sports fields and walking trails. James Shackelford Memorial Park’s nature trail winds through an area with picnic shelters.
Whistlestop Park is surrounded by majestic pecan trees, their sprawling branches providing a cool and inviting shade during the sweltering summer days, creating an enchanting atmosphere as visitors stroll through the park and indulge in some delightful shopping.
James Shackelford Park is a beautiful, vibrant oasis nestled in Auburn, featuring a network of winding walking trails that meander through lush greenery and colorful flower beds.
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Hot summers and mild winters in Auburn
Auburn gets warm falls and springs, hot summers and mild winters. According to Georgia Bureau of Investigations statistics, violent and property crimes rose slightly in 2023. The county's crime rate is more than doubled by those of Fulton County in Atlanta and Clarke County in Athens, but higher than that of the neighboring Jackson County.
Written By
Josh Gully
Photography Contributed By
Bradley Parrish
Video By
Houston Knight
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Auburn, GA sell after 50 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Auburn, GA over the last 12 months is $386,000, down 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to 1600 Steeplechase Rd – where timeless charm meets modern luxury.This beautifully updated single-story home radiates curb appeal with its sleek metal roof, fresh exterior, and inviting front porch perfect for morning coffee or evening sunsets. Step inside to soaring ceilings, a cozy brick fireplace, and sun-filled living spaces that effortlessly blend comfort and
Stunning 6-Bedroom, 3.5-Bath Southern Charmer in Mineral Springs Crossing! Welcome to one of the largest and most impressive homes in the highly coveted Mineral Springs Crossing community! From the moment you step inside the inviting entry foyer, you’ll feel right at home. A formal dining room and additional flex space—perfect for a home office—set the tone for versatile living. The spacious
Modern Lake Estate on Acreage, with Equine, Barn with living quarters, and Sustainable Features-Barrow County, GA. STUNNING, BREATHTAKING ESTATE offers high-end living space on beautiful farmland. Luxury, functionality, and sustainability all come together in this dream estate, ideal for those seeking a private, peaceful, self-sufficient lifestyle still, 20 minutes from shopping/fine dining, and
This stunning home offers plenty of space and features designed for comfort and entertainment. The kitchen is a highlight, boasting a tile backsplash, a center island, and a large dining area with beautiful backyard views. Step outside to enjoy the oversized back deck and the large, fenced-in backyard-perfect for hosting gatherings or relaxing in privacy. Upstairs, you'll find brand-new carpeting
Welcome to this charming 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home with a 2-car garage, with a hard to beat location. Step into the inviting foyer, where you'll find a formal living room and dining room to the right. As you follow the hall past the half bath to the kitchen, you will be greeted with granite counters, plenty of storage, and a sunny breakfast nook that's perfect for casual meals. Just beyond, the
Welcome to this beautiful, Brand new Townhouse 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, located at the exclusive Harmony Community in the Heart of Downtown Arburn. open FLoor plan with chefs kitchen included a five -burner gas range Quartz countertops, Hardwood floor on the main level All stainless steel appliances are included The HOA maintains lawncare and exterior Attached 2 car garage for just close distance
The Station at KentmereNew Townhomes for Rent in Auburn, GA – Just Outside AtlantaExplore brand-new, three-bedroom townhomes crafted for comfort, style, and convenience. Situated in a rapidly growing corridor near Highway 316 and I-85, The Station at Kentmere features open-concept layouts, chef-inspired kitchens, stainless steel appliances, smart home technology, in-home laundry, and
MOVE IN READY!!! ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL 3 bed, 2.5 bath Townhome in Auburn FOR LEASE! Be the VERY 1st to enjoy this AMAZING *REDLAND Floor Plan! This Home has all the BELLS & WHISTLES of a LUXURY HOME! Open Concept w/Hardwoods on Main level. *Crisp Clean Kitchen w/Modern Look Gray Cabs, *Beautiful Quartz Stone Countertops and *SS Appliances. *5-burner Gas Range. *Microwave *Spacious Walk in Pantry.
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