Auburn is a rural city with commuter convenience
Auburn is a rural bedroom community in the Springfield metropolitan area. While residents commute out of the community for work, people choose the area for its secluded location, tranquil atmosphere and school district. "Auburn has a bigger population and larger school district than nearby places like Pawnee , but still keeps a small hometown feel," says Dominic Campo, managing broker at Campo Realty Inc., who's sold in the area before. The city's downtown is home to many local businesses and events, like the annual Redbud Days Carnival. The city's CAP Index Crime Score is 2 out of 10, below the national average of 4.
Neighborhood layouts and prices change based on location
Neighborhoods range from denser, gridded subdivisions near the city's core to more isolated suburbs. Some properties are shaded by and partially hidden behind large-bowed trees, while others have lawns that benefit from direct sunlight all day. Driveways accommodate parking needs. Bungalows and ranch-style homes are all over the city. Still, some older homes have Colonial, Victorian and cottage-style architectural elements. The city's median price is around $149,000, significantly less than the national median of around $435,000. However, a home's size, age or proximity to the Edgewood Golf Course can increase prices to the $200,000 to $400,000 range.
Auburn’s school district attracts people to move outside the city
"School districts are the number one reason people move away from Springfield," Campo says. Auburn Community Unit School District No. 10 serves over 1,000 students. Auburn High School has an active theater program that performs a fall play and a spring musical every year. Both the district and the high school have a B-minus rating from Niche.
Local parks have events, baseball games and tee times
Auburn Square, the city's central green space, is often the top choice for annual events and festive holiday displays. Veterans Park is more of a recreational hub, offering four baseball diamonds and a small playground. Union and Pohlod parks also have play spaces, and Union Park was recently renovated to be ADA accessible. On the city's southern end, Edgewood Golf Club's fairways are open to the public, but the club also offers memberships.
Two creeks pass through the city. While Central Illinois can be susceptible to flash flooding, First Street reports that Auburn is at a minor risk from flooding.
Jackson Street and the central square offer most retail options
Auburn has its fair share of businesses for a rural city. Every new commercial or industrial business that opens in the city is entitled to various rebates and fee waivers during its first year in town. Around Auburn Square are locally owned restaurants and bars like El Indio, Benderz and Slauterhouse Brewing Co. Various other small businesses and a shopping center are along Jackson Street. The center has Harry's Pharmacy, Dollar General and a Price Cutter supermarket.
Residential golf carts, trains and two highways to Springfield
The community is heavily car-dependent. "I would say about 98% of people are commuting to Springfield," Campo says. "Auburn can feel a bit closer to Springfield than surrounding areas because it has two accesses to the city." State Route 4 connects Auburn and Springfield directly, while state Route 104 sends drivers to Interstate 55, which reaches the city in about 20 miles. In addition to employers, Springfield also has Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport and the nearest hospitals. Along Auburn's residential streets, golf carts cruise by almost as often as cars.
A working industrial railroad passes through the community. Burlington Northern Santa Fe trains roll by a few times a day, but Campo says residents rarely complain of excess noise or traffic delays.
Locals celebrate with Redbud Days, golf outings and summer lunches
The city's largest event is the Redbud Days Carnival. Crowds enjoy a Miss Auburn pageant, cornhole tournaments and an evening glow foam party in Auburn Square. The Auburn Activities Committee orchestrates several other events, like the annual golf outing at Edgewood Golf Course. Smaller gatherings include alumni events, garage sales and free lunches at Union Park during the summer.
