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 54 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Auburn, GA over the last 12 months is $367,500, down 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Set on nearly a full acre in one of Auburn's premier luxury neighborhoods, this new construction residence delivers a thoughtfully crafted living space designed for both comfort and versatility. The home features five bedrooms, four and a half bathrooms, and a three-car garage complemented by an extended driveway for additional parking. Large European tilt-style windows invite abundant natural
Situated on a level 0.75-acre lot in one of Auburn’s most desirable luxury communities, this 2025 new construction home offers approximately 4,850 square feet of well-designed living space. The layout includes five bedrooms, four and a half baths, and a three-car garage with an extended driveway. Natural light fills the home through oversized European-style windows, and the main living area is
Set on a private level lot, this exceptional 2025 new construction residence offers over 4,272 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space in one of Auburn's most sought-after luxury communities. With 4 bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms, this home seamlessly blends architectural sophistication with modern comfort. From the moment you enter, the home makes a striking impression with epoxy-finished
Why wait for a backyard or a pool? Skip the construction dust and move straight into this 2020-built masterpiece in the sought-after Auburn Station. While nearby new builds offer a house, 362 Auburn Crossing offers a lifestyle. Avoid the extra $10k+ costs of installing a fence, blinds, and landscaping—it’s all done for you here! Best of all, you’ll enjoy resort-style living from day one. Take a
***Most Popular Floor Plan – The Continental***Mill Creek HS***Extended Driveway*** Beautiful 5-bedroom, 4-bath home featuring the highly sought-after Continental floor plan in the desirable Pinebrook community and top-rated Mill Creek High School district. Situated on a premium lot with an extended driveway, offering exceptional parking and curb appeal. The open-concept main level features
Georgia's Most Extraordinary Private Lake Estates estate on 20+ acres in Barrow County is a rare blend of luxury, privacy, equestrian amenities, and sustainable living, just minutes from retail, dining, and Briscoe Field, and about an hour from Atlanta's airport. Centered around a spring-fed private lake, the property offers a dock, sand beach, fully stocked fishing waters, rolling fenced
Charming 3-Bedroom Townhouse in Auburn, GA - Move-In Ready! Welcome to this beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom townhouse located in the heart of Auburn, Georgia. This well-designed home offers an open floor plan with abundant natural light and modern finishes throughout. As you enter, you'll find a welcoming foyer that leads into a spacious living area perfect for daily living and
Discover the perfect blend of privacy, functionality, and country living on this beautiful 5-acre property in the sought-after Mill Creek High School district. With no HOA and zoned RA200 Agriculture/Residence, this fully fenced property offers endless possibilities for hobby farming, business use, or simply enjoying peaceful acreage living. The property features a well-appointed 3-bedroom,
Unlock the potential of this versatile parcel of land, offering a prime opportunity for investors and developers alike. With the possibility to clear and build up to three duplexes, this property is perfectly suited for creating a strong, income-producing asset in a growing area. Whether you're looking to expand your rental portfolio or start a new development project, this lot provides the space
DRASTICALLY REDUCED!! Exciting new progress is being made on this unique Castle “De Kennedy”! Features a huge Owner’s Suite, and an abundant flex space to be finished out to buyer’s specifications. 2 Upper Levels offers three bedrooms and a game room, all with baths and access to balconies. The transitional areas are still in progress. The home is constructed with ICF concrete reinforced with
Opportunities like this don't come around often. This package deal includes two neighboring properties (1 of the three has already sold)! Income-producing and set up for success with long-term tenants in place and the land is ready for expansion.The first property includes two duplexes plus a single-family home, creating a strong mix of rental options and reliable cash flow. The second property
Welcome Home to this incredible property where timeless charm, generous living space, exceptional storage, and unmatched functionality come together on a peaceful, private setting just under an acre with no HOA. Featuring 6 bedrooms, 4 full baths, an apartment for multigenerational living on the main, and an extraordinary 5-car garage configuration, this property is thoughtfully designed for
Situated in the highly sought-after neighborhood of “Harmony” thoughtfully curated by Lew Oliver, this spacious 2 bedroom, 2 1/2 bathroom townhome features premium finishes throughout. The open concept on main includes a chefs kitchen that boasts a gas range, ample cabinetry for storage, quartz countertops, and separate pantry along with a functional living room, dining room, and half bath. The
Beautiful 5-bedroom, 4-bath home, move-in ready in the desirable Pinebrook community and top-rated Mill Creek High School district. Situated on a premium lot with an extended driveway, offering exceptional parking and curb appeal. The open-concept main level features hardwood floors, a formal dining room, built-in desk area, and a spacious kitchen with granite countertops, oversized island, and
Our beautiful four-bedroom rental homes feature high-end finishes such as granite countertops, resilient plank flooring, fireplaces, attached garages, stainless steel appliances, and large bedrooms with spacious closets. With three floor plans to choose from, you can find the perfect layout to fit your lifestyle. Whether you need extra space for a home office or a guest room for hosting visitors,
Newer construction pool home available for lease in a charming one-street community just inside Barrow County with NO HOA. Enjoy the convenience of nearby shopping, dining, and I-85 access while still experiencing the peace and quiet of a scenic, pastoral setting where the night sky truly shines. This stunning home features a gorgeous pool with spa PERFECT for summer and upscale finishes
Move In & Make Summer Yours! Get 8 Weeks FREE The Station at Kentmere by ARK Homes offers BRAND NEW 3-bedroom townhomes in Auburn, GA. These modern homes feature smart home technology, private yards, attached garages, and open-concept layouts. Located near top schools, shopping, and major commuter routes, this professionally managed community offers comfort and convenience just outside the city.
Move-in ready, with Washer/Dryer included!Beautiful 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms in the desirable Pinebrook at Hamilton Mill community. The main level features hardwood flooring throughout, a separated formal dining room and a dedicated home office conveniently located next to the living room—ideal for remote work or study. This office can easily be turned into a 5th bedroom. The open-concept
Move In & Make Summer Yours! Get 8 Weeks FREE The Station at Kentmere by ARK Homes offers BRAND NEW 3-bedroom townhomes in Auburn, GA. These modern homes feature smart home technology, private yards, attached garages, and open-concept layouts. Located near top schools, shopping, and major commuter routes, this professionally managed community offers comfort and convenience just outside the city.
Move In & Make Summer Yours! Get 8 Weeks FREE The Station at Kentmere by ARK Homes offers BRAND NEW 3-bedroom townhomes in Auburn, GA. These modern homes feature smart home technology, private yards, attached garages, and open-concept layouts. Located near top schools, shopping, and major commuter routes, this professionally managed community offers comfort and convenience just outside the city.
Move In & Make Summer Yours! Get 8 Weeks FREE The Station at Kentmere by ARK Homes offers BRAND NEW 3-bedroom townhomes in Auburn, GA. These modern homes feature smart home technology, private yards, attached garages, and open-concept layouts. Located near top schools, shopping, and major commuter routes, this professionally managed community offers comfort and convenience just outside the city.
Move In & Make Summer Yours! Get 8 Weeks FREE The Station at Kentmere by ARK Homes offers BRAND NEW 3-bedroom townhomes in Auburn, GA. These modern homes feature smart home technology, private yards, attached garages, and open-concept layouts. Located near top schools, shopping, and major commuter routes, this professionally managed community offers comfort and convenience just outside the city.
Move In & Make Summer Yours! Get 8 Weeks FREE The Station at Kentmere by ARK Homes offers BRAND NEW 3-bedroom townhomes in Auburn, GA. These modern homes feature smart home technology, private yards, attached garages, and open-concept layouts. Located near top schools, shopping, and major commuter routes, this professionally managed community offers comfort and convenience just outside the city.
Move In & Make Summer Yours! Get 8 Weeks FREE The Station at Kentmere by ARK Homes offers BRAND NEW 3-bedroom townhomes in Auburn, GA. These modern homes feature smart home technology, private yards, attached garages, and open-concept layouts. Located near top schools, shopping, and major commuter routes, this professionally managed community offers comfort and convenience just outside the city.
Move In & Make Summer Yours! Get 8 Weeks FREE The Station at Kentmere by ARK Homes offers BRAND NEW 3-bedroom townhomes in Auburn, GA. These modern homes feature smart home technology, private yards, attached garages, and open-concept layouts. Located near top schools, shopping, and major commuter routes, this professionally managed community offers comfort and convenience just outside the city.
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