Auburn

Halfway between Tacoma and Seattle, North Auburn is a slow-paced community that gives convenience to the cities at a lower price than its neighboring towns. The Green River runs alongside the east of the neighborhood, backing up to many of the homes in the area and providing some natural beauty to this highly industrial area. Most residents of North Auburn work in the manufacturing and service industries, and their offices and headquarters are on the western end of the neighborhood. "It's a very multicultural neighborhood with many people relocating there for work," says Shafiq Daqeeq, Broker at Berkshire Hathaway Northwest Real Estate. The main thoroughfare in town has restaurants and hang-out options for the community, while every necessity, like grocery stores and trains to the city, is always close. Located near Downtown Auburn, homes here are densely constructed but offer a tranquil suburban lifestyle with small, private backyards. Ranches and double-wide mobile homes built around the 1960s dominate the area's architecture. A few clusters of townhomes are mixed in with the single-family homes and can be purchased for close to $380,000, while the larger, private homes can sell for $600,000 to $700,000. Bilevels, ramblers and the occasional bungalow offer plenty of square footage, decorated with colorful facades and exciting landscaping options. Sidewalks are plentiful in North Auburn and necessary for daily walks as many cars take advantage of the on-street parking in town. Across the board, schools in North Auburn are rated A-plus on Niche for diversity. One of the included schools is Dick Scobee Elementary School, which offers free lunches for all students. Rated a B-minus by Niche.com, this school also has an engaging library program, which provides story time and homework help. At the C-plus-rated Cascade Middle School, students can participate in the robust music program, which includes drumline, jazz band and choir. Auburn High School has a thriving athletics program, offering sports like water polo and golf. It is rated a B by Niche. Brannan Park is a central outdoor hub on the weekends and after work. It encompasses baseball and soccer fields, picnic areas with charcoal grills and a playground. There's also a skate park and a paved walking loop connecting to the Green River. The river is one of the area's best features, offering pristine waters and abundant fishing opportunities. Every year, the Green River gets a return of Coho, Chum and Chinook salmon, and residents can admire their trek upstream. For residents craving more submersion in the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest, Flaming Geyser State Park is only 15 miles east. This secluded park is a local hotspot for kayaking, white water rafting and swimming. Auburn Way runs through the heart of North Auburn, and though it's primarily industrial, there are a few eateries and shops for locals to enjoy. For one, Memo's is a favorite for a quick meal, serving hearty portions of Mexican food from their colorful drive-thru that is open 24/7. On the weekends, North Auburn residents put on their dancing shoes and head to Bourbon Jack's Honky Tonk Grill. The vibrant establishment is the go-to place for line dancing, dishing up southern BBQ and plenty of beer alongside live country music bands. Locals can head south to The Outlet Collection Seattle for the closest Walmart, Nordstrom Rack and Burlington, among other chains. Horse racing lovers can enjoy being just minutes from the Emerald Downs racetrack, which also annually holds community events like its Kentucky Derby celebration. Mt. Rainier sits in the distance beyond the track, making for a beautiful view on sunny days between the usual rain of the region. Nearby, Orion Indoor Archery is a great place to spend a rainy day practicing or having a lesson, and Auburn Golf Course has 18 holes to enjoy along the bank of the Green River. With its proximity to Highway 167 and the Sounder train, residents can expect a small-town feel while still being able to get to two major cities quickly. "The neighborhood is less than 30 minutes from everywhere. Tacoma and Seattle are close by, as well as the airport and a few shopping centers," Daqeeq says.

Situated to the northeast of Tacoma, South Auburn is a longstanding neighborhood offering budget-friendly homes, beautiful parks and proximity to downtown Auburn's amenities. "The neighborhood is an older, more established area where most of your neighbors know each other. It's a good place to live for buyers looking for a strong community where your neighbors can be your friends," says Realtor Alex Bradshaw with MJRE Seattle. The housing stock in Auburn consists of mostly ranch-style homes and some tri-levels, all built between the 1960s and 1980s. "Homes in South Auburn also have great deals with prices that have a much better price point than local averages," says Bradshaw. With an average sale price of $460,000, South Auburn offers greater affordability than Seattle, where prices are double. Its proximity to Seattle's amenities allows for financial flexibility without sacrificing city conveniences. The community also has specialized housing for residents who are 55 and older. Leisure Manor Park offers budget-friendly manufactured homes, with recently updated properties costing between $90,000 and $160,000, while homes that need a bit of TLC are priced as low as $60,000. The area provides diverse public school options. Gildo Rey Elementary School offers a range of resources and features a large, colorful playground with an interactive activity area. Mt. Baker Middle School offers various student activities, including the Canine Chronicle student journal. Auburn High School emphasizes aquatic sports, offering competitive swimming, diving and water polo. All three schools receive a B rating from Niche. During summer break, Les Gove's playground and spray park are popular. This 20-acre green space boasts public art and 100 cherry blossom trees blooming each spring. Paved walking trails, bocce ball, and picnic cottages are available. Community events, like Auburn's annual Fourth of July festival, are hosted here. Additionally, Auburn Library and White River Valley Museum are located in the park, showcasing local history. The community also celebrates KIDSDAY at Les Gove Park in June. It kick-starts summer with free live entertainment, inflatable rides, mini golf, hands-on ArtRageous activities, face painting and over 100 vendors. Game Farm Park, one of Auburn's largest community parks, offers baseball, basketball courts, and various activities. It features a scenic backdrop of hillside and White River, with a one-mile paved loop trail. Game Farm Park hosts the Petpalooza, a free event for pet lovers and their four-legged family members. Petpalooza commences with a Dog Trot 3K/5K Fun Run. Roegner Park is also located along the banks of the White River, adjacent to Auburn Riverside High School. The standout feature is the off-leash dog park and artwork. The closest food spot within the community is Frugals, an eye-catching burger joint. However, more restaurants and eateries can be found in the downtown area, around Main Street and Auburn Way. Fill up at Rainbow Café, a mom-and-pop diner with hearty stacks of pancakes and breakfast platters. Spunky Monkey Bar & Grill and Oddfellas Pub & Eatery offer an after-work brew with classic pub fare. For a sweet treat, head to Gosanko Chocolate for locally made truffles and ice cream. South Auburn offers a variety of entertainment options. Catch a stand-up comedy show or mystery theater musical at Auburn Avenue Theater. Try the local axe-throwing craze with friends at Sea Axe. Explore hobby shops and boutiques like A Little Knitty for knitting supplies and classes. The Outlet Collection is a local favorite for shopping, featuring upscale retail shops, department stores, and big box stores. After shopping, relax with a big box of popcorn at the local Regal movie theater. Traveling is convenient with the Auburn Train Station offering the Sounder Light Rail, with trips to Seattle and Tacoma. Offering attractively-priced homes, well-rated schools and various indoor and outdoor community spaces—this is South Auburn.

The West-Hill-Midway neighborhood provides the suburbia feel with modest homes and paved sidewalks; however, city life is easy to reach as it’s adjacent to downtown Auburn. “It’s a bedroom community for Seattle that’s a little more affordable than other areas,” says Shawn Maxey, realtor at Terry Wise and Associates. “You’re a short commute to the Valley. It’s only a 30-minute drive to Seattle and Bellevue.” The proximity gives residents convenience to several shops like the Outlet Collection Seattle or major attractions like the nearby casinos and raceways. West-Hill-Midway is west of Highway 167 and the Auburn Train Station, offering straightforward commuter access. “There’s a pretty good mix of styles, a lot of single-family homes,” Maxey says. “You have modern homes and craftsmen being constructed. There’s a good balance, a large variety of demographics.” Homes built in the 21st century are craftsmen-style with three to four bedrooms, usually priced between $560,000 and over $1 million. Other styles include ramblers, split levels and traditional. Ramblers and split levels range from $420,000 to $750,000 for a larger five-bedroom. Traditional homes range from $540,000 for a three-bedroom to $825,000 for larger homes with multi-car garages. Most of the dining and shopping is located within downtown Auburn, but some neighborhood spots exist. Leaf’s Deli is a hidden secret tucked on W Valley Highway. A popular item with locals is their chicken sandwiches and subs, specifically the chicken bacon ranch combo. Before hitting the train, many stop for the morning brew and sandwiches at PNW Coffee Company. Starting Gate Restaurant has been an Auburn staple for decades, serving up all-day breakfast to folks on a first-name basis. Groceries can be bought from Saar’s Super Saver along Auburn Way. Right nearby is the Outlet Collection Seattle. The large shopping center includes over 100 retail stores and restaurants, holding anchor stores such as Best Buy Outlet, Burlington Coat Factory, and Nordstrom Rack. Residents are 3 miles from the Emerald Downs Raceway. “In the spring and summer, people like going out there and watching the races,” Maxey says. Usually, race season ends around November. Year-round, folks can try their luck at the Muckleshoot Casino and the Imperial Palace Casino. Maxey noted that it’s also a popular spot for residents. For outdoor recreation, many head to Jornada Park. This park attracts the most neighborhood activity with its playground and basketball court. The Lewis Lake Nature Park connects folks to nature through its bench seating or walking around the 0.25-mile loop trail to explore the various bird species or habitats. Other times, some head to the park’s pond to catch fish. Six miles east is Game Farm Park, the city’s most used park. People may engage in competitive games within the fields and tennis courts or catch a show within its amphitheater. “A couple of rivers that go through the park and fishermen like that,” Maxey says. The neighborhood is split between Federal Way School District and the Auburn School District. More students would enroll in the Auburn district, which earns a B-plus from Niche. Starting off is Evergreen Heights Elementary, which earns a B-plus from Niche. Middle school is completed at Cascade Middle. The C-plus-rated school offers nearly 20 after-school clubs and programs. Auburn High wraps grade school, earning a B grade from Niche. Commuters to downtown Auburn are only 4 miles away. Then, commuters to downtown Seattle or Bellevue will hop on Interstate 5 or Highway 167 for a 24-mile drive. I-5 often draws lots of traffic, especially during peak hours. Another option for these metro cities is on the tracks. “People go down and ride the Sounder train. That’s a big draw,” Maxey says. “They park down in Auburn and ride the train into Seattle.” It’s about a half-hour train ride to King Station. Air travel can be done through the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.

Just a few miles from Lake Tapps and adjacent to the White River, Lakeland, 30 miles south of Downtown Seattle, is part of Auburn. The community offers a slowed-down pace, natural features and other attributes. "Among other reasons, you might choose Lakeland if you're a new homeowner looking for a place to raise a family," says Corey Lofton, a real estate broker with the Washington Real Estate Team with Kelly Right Real Estate. Lofton, who also has experience in the mortgage industry, says proximity to the water and great parks are two of the area's highlights. The area is mainly residential, with single-family homes built in the 1990s through the early 2000s, many of which have been updated. Houses with 2,000 to 3,000 square feet range from $560,000 to $790,000. "You can get an affordable home in Lakeland Hills but still be close to North Seattle," Lofton says. "$650,000 in here will run you like a million in Seattle." Another plus is the low monthly homeowners association fees — typically less than $30. "They have an umbrella HOA that covers that whole area, maintaining the parks and trails, making them look nice," Lofton says. In the River Rock Auburn development, newly constructed houses with modern designs and river views cost $1.2 million to $1.3 million. Townhouses and condos at Mill Pond at Lakeland were built in the mid-1990s, cost $350,000 to $400,000 and have monthly HOA fees of about $500, which go toward common area maintenance and lawn service. Kids may attend public schools like Ilalko Elementary School, which has a B grade from Niche or Lakeland Hills Elementary, with an A-minus. Over 82% of teachers at both schools have a master's degree or higher. Mount Baker Middle School has a C grade, and Auburn Riverside High School has a B-plus. In addition to athletics, music and clubs, the high school excels in its drama department and has its own 400-seat venue, the Auburn Riverside Theatre, or ART. The theatre also allows bookings for other performances, events and community group gatherings. Roegner Park features two fenced-in fields for dogs and a portion of the White River Trail. The paved, multiuse trail runs from the East Valley Highway through Roegner and onto Game Farm Wilderness Park. Lakeland Hills Park has walking paths and a playground for children. About 4 miles southeast, 80-acre Lake Tapps Park offers a beach and recreation by the water. "It's a man-made lake. People go there to relax and chill," Lofton says. There are several boat ramps, swimming areas, and a scenic view of Mount Rainier. Tapps Island Golf Course, located inside a private homeowners association, is open to the public, with tee times by reservation. Just south of Lake Tapps Parkway, Lakeland Town Center has a well-rounded variety of businesses and restaurants. A whiskey flight and a burger at Stack 571 or a hand-tossed pie from The Rock Wood Fired Pizza make a night out memorable. Teriyaki, tacos and doughnuts are available at eateries in the area. Haggen has grocery picks like high-quality meat, sustainable seafood and an in-house bakery, plus Pacific Northwest-grown plants, a coffee bar and a pharmacy. Heading up A Street, across the river, there are many more places to choose from around the White River Junction shopping center. "Lakeland is very central, so if you want to be more in the city for shopping, there's also the outlet mall," Lofton says. The Outlet Collection Seattle, located in Auburn along state Routes 18 and 167, includes dozens of shops and businesses, with everything from the Nike Clearance Store and Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store to the Auburn Valley Humane Society Cat Cafe and Gotcha!, an indoor arena play space with foam dart action. There are public bus stops along Lakeland Hills Way and other roads. About 4 miles to the north, Auburn Station in Downtown Auburn offers light rail service, with over 600 parking spaces on site. State Route 167 is nearby, and it's about a 20-mile drive to Sea-Tac, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.

Lea Hill is a tree-lined suburban neighborhood situated 3 miles from downtown Auburn. Greg Hunter from Real Broker LLC has sold houses in the Auburn area for the last seven years. “Lea Hill is very conveniently located near the airport and major highways,” Hunter says. “Boeing, Costco, and Amazon are also nearby, and Covington has an amazing shopping center.” Lea Hill has more spacious lots than nearby neighborhoods, owing to its distance from Tacoma and Seattle. “It’s a little bit out there, farther away from the cities than some people might prefer.” The housing market in Lea Hill is consistent with area averages. Schools are notably within walking distance for many residents and there are four public parks in the neighborhood. Lea Hill is a planned neighborhood with wide streets that curve into frequent cul-de-sacs. Most properties come equipped with a driveway and a garage, which keeps streets clear of any parked cars. Mature conifers stretch across the skyline and complement the distant mountain ranges. Most of the houses in the area feature contemporary Ranch-style designs in one- and two-story layouts. Exterior stone ornaments and log-cabin style features are a common sight in the neighborhood. These little details are part of what makes the properties in Lea Hill emblematic of the Pacific northwestern style. Properties range in price from $350,000 for a condo, to over $1 million for a newly constructed four-bedroom house. A recently sold two-story, five-bedroom home closed for $740,000. For education, parents send their children to Lea Hill Elementary School which is conveniently located within the neighborhood itself. The school boasts a 12 to one student-teacher ratio and scores a C-plus on Niche. Rainier Middle School is nestled in the heart of the neighborhood and earns a B-minus on Niche. The school has a student body of around 1,000 kids and offers a variety of unique after-school clubs, such as the Robotics Club. With the Green River on their doorstep and the Puget Sound 10 miles to the west, The Fishing Club at Rainier Middle School has access to a vibrant watershed. Auburn Mountainview High School is known for being the epicenter of many picturesque views, including the nearby Olympic Mountains and Cascade Mountains. The school teaches 1,584 students and earns a B-plus rating on Niche. Green College's main campus is also in Lea Hill. The community college offers a variety of degree programs as well as almost 50 technical and professional programs. Seattle is widely known for its coffee culture and diverse range of locally owned coffee shops for residents to choose from. Lea Hill is no exception to this rule. The neighborhood is home to a Huxdotter Coffee store, which is part of a small family-owned coffee company that has consistently won awards as one of the Best of Snoqualmie Valley. In addition to this coffee shop, Lea Hill has a retail and dining hub on Southeast 312th Street. On this street, residents will find restaurants like Lezzet, a Turkish-inspired brunch stop, or Pho U, which serves traditional bowls of Vietnamese cuisine. Bogey's Public House is a classic burger bar. Lea Hill is also home to many parks and outdoor recreational centers, such as Lea Hill Skate Park. In addition to the skating facility, this locally loved outdoor space has a basketball court and a playground. Isaac Evans Park is on the banks of the Green River and is a popular spot for a picnic. Kids enjoy using the unique zip lines that can be found at the parl. Nearby is the Auburn Golf Course, a well-maintained 18-hole course that is perched atop rolling hills. After golfers get their ball stuck in the sandlot for the fifth time, they can cool their frustration by admiring the magnificent views of the river that the course provides. Lea Hill is bordered by Route 18, which runs into Federal Way. As a large suburban neighborhood, most residents in Lea Hill will need a car to access essential amenities. The port of Tacoma is a major hub of international trade and commerce, handling more than 10 million tons of cargo per year. The port employs over 100,000 workers and is located fewer than 20 miles from Lea Hill. Other major employers in the area include jobs in technology and healthcare.

From the Green River to the towering green firs to the green you can cash in at the casino; it doesn’t get much greener than Plateau, Auburn, where the suburbs meet the rural countryside. Megan White, Realtor with RE/MAX who has lived in Auburn most of her life, says, “You have homes with larger lots with multiple acres and others in tighter neighborhoods.”<br><br>In the northern section of Plateau, you’ll find yourself in a subdivision of single-family homes no more than a mile from Auburn Way, the neighborhood’s main road. It offers a mix of ranch-styles, split-levels and Cape Cods from the mid-1900s along tree-lined streets on quarter-acre lots. You can get a smaller 1,000-square-foot home starting at $450,000, a larger 3,000-square-foot house for up to $850,000 and everything in between. Most homes come with fenced-in backyards, so you can have some privacy. And while there are no sidewalks, the wide streets and slow-paced atmosphere allow you to enjoy peaceful strolls while greeting neighbors. As you head south on Auburn Way, you’re greeted by a more rural setting with similar homes on one-to-three-acre lots surrounded by farmland. With more space and the majestic sight of Mount Rainier in the distance, you can expect to pay anywhere from $700,000 to $1 million.<br><br>Enjoy more natural beauty at Fenster Nature Park. Locals like to stop by the dog-friendly park to walk or jog along the short gravel trail by the Green River, a popular spot to fish from the banks. For a more casual outing, head to Shaughnessy Park to play basketball and pickleball or eat at a picnic table by the playground. Muckleshoot Casino is just steps from several homes in the suburban section of Plateau. Located on Auburn Way, the casino is open 24/7, so you can place your bets whenever you want or stop by to eat at the restaurant and dance the night away to live music. If you love the Fourth of July, the casino goes big to celebrate. “The Muckleshoot tribe sets up dozens of firework stands with hand-painted signs and sell fireworks from June 1 through July 4 every year,” says White. “Then they host their own public fireworks show.”<br><br>There are a few small plazas about a half-mile down the road where you can shop and dine out. Head to Khan Grocery and Deli to stock your fridge and pantry with halal foods. When you don’t want to cook, grab some Mexican food and a margarita at La Rioja. For dessert, walk to Anthony’s right next door to get a Mexican-inspired smoothie, like the Mangonada. You can also drive about 4 miles west to Downtown Auburn, which has several more restaurants and big box stores to choose from.<br><br>Kindergarten through fifth-grade students attend Chinook Elementary School, rated a B-minus by Niche. They’ll go on to C-plus-rated Olympic Middle School and B-rated Auburn High School. The high school offers students the opportunity to be part of the International Thespian Society, an honor society for theater students, which has produced actors like Tom Hanks and Julia Louis-Dreyfus.<br><br>With the liveliness of a casino, the neighborly touch of a suburb and the beauty of the countryside, Plateau makes for a harmonious neighborhood in Auburn.