Opelika initially gained prominence in the late 19th century as a railroad town. Though firmly in the Deep South — in Alabama but about 20 miles from the Georgia border — the city has a colorful history that calls to mind a frontier town in the Wild West. Many things have changed since sister-city Auburn surpassed Opelika in population and recognition, but the railroad still passes through the center of the town. “We’re still very proud of the railroad,” says Leigh Krehling, the community relations officer for Opelika who has lived in the city for 25 years. “You can’t go probably a couple of hours without a train going through." Today, Opelika’s charming downtown and highly rated school system attract residents to the city.
Explore the beautiful and charming city of Opelika.
Learn about the railroad history of Opelika.
Find something new in the downtown area of Opelika.
Admire the murals at the museum in downtown Opelika.
1/4
New construction in Opelika
Opelika and its sister city, Auburn, have grown considerably over the last 15 years. While Auburn is about twice its size, Opelika has grown faster, adding 10.7% to its population since 2020, now sitting around 33,000. That population growth is reflected in the city’s building reports, which point to 700 new residential units added in the past year, including homes and apartments. Most of the current inventory on the market is new construction concentrated in subdivisions surrounding downtown Opelika, generally in a new traditional style with farmhouse touches. Meanwhile, varied styles populate downtown, from older Victorian-inspired houses to smaller bungalows and national-style homes. The median single-family home sells for $345,000, with the high end of the market reaching between $900,000 and $2 million for farmhouse-style homes in some of the upscale neighborhoods around downtown. For a more affordable option, smaller bungalows start between the mid-$100,000s and mid-$200,000s.
Newly constructed homes are common in Opelika.
Take a walk down the friendly streets of Opelika.
Victorian style homes add beauty to the streets of Opelika.
Enjoy the well maintained homes in Opelika.
1/4
Education at highly rated Opelika City Schools
Opelika City Schools serve the community, with the district receiving an A-minus grade from Niche. Students are zoned to one of three kindergarten-through-second grade elementary schools, followed by third-through-fifth-grade intermediate school before all students in the city attend the sixth-grade Fox Run School, Opelika Middle School and Opelika High School. Opelika High School, rated an A-minus by Niche, works with colleges, including the University of Alabama, Auburn University and Southern Union State Community College, to offer dual enrollment programs. Auburn University, the second-largest college in the state by enrollment, is located in nearby Auburn, less than 10 miles from Opelika, while Southern Union State Community College offers an Opelika campus.
Opelika Middle School takes pride in teaching future leaders.
Opelika High School is a great place for kids to have academic success.
Downtown Auburn is home to many Auburn University students and faculty.
Toomer's Corner, at the center of Downtown Auburn, features the paw of Auburn University Tiger.
1/4
Recreation at the Opelika Sportsplex
Much of the city of Opelika’s energy has been directed towards increasing access to its parks and recreation offerings. The largest of these is the Opelika Sportsplex and Aquatics Center, which opened a new outdoor pool and splash playground in the summer of 2024. The facility includes five soccer fields, 24 pickleball courts and a gym. Parks like Municipal Park and West Ridge Park also offer playgrounds for families, while Spring Villa Park recently opened an archery park. Opelika is known for its golf courses, headlined by the RTJ Golf Trail at Grand National. The public club has hosted PGA Tour events and offers three high-level courses.
Let kids play in the splash pad at the Opelika Sportsplex and Aquatics.
Enjoy your time at the Opelika Sportsplex Fall Festival.
Municipal Park boasts a large amount of green space for residents to enjoy.
Play a round of golf at the Robert Trent Jones course in Opelika.
1/4
Shopping and dining around the tracks in downtown
Downtown Opelika is still built around the railroad, with North Railroad Avenue and South Railroad Avenue flanking the tracks. While the south side has traditionally been more business-focused, with restaurants and shops lining South Eighth Street, breweries and record stores have begun to spring up in the more industrial areas just north of the tracks. “Downtown is very active,” Krehling says. “It’s grown over the last couple of years. We have a distillery and a few breweries, so that’s kind of been a big draw for folks.” Southwest of downtown along Interstate 85, the Tiger Town shopping center has big box stores like Target, Home Depot and Best Buy, along with groceries at Kroger and fast-casual restaurants. Nearby, Botanic — a restaurant, bar and market set in a greenhouse — opened in 2022 and has become a community staple. Chain shops and restaurants sit alongside Pepperell Parkway, leading west toward Auburn.
Enjoy the sights and sounds that Opelika has to offer.
Take a friend shopping in Opelika.
Westside residents can shop at Fringe Consignment for women's and children's clothing.
Residents can head to The Coffee Shop in downtown for fresh brewed coffee, pastries, and more.
1/4
Snopelika and other community events
The city organizes several events that unite the community, especially during the holidays. “Christmas is a huge deal here,” Krehling says. “We’re getting a new Christmas tree that’ll be the tallest in Alabama — 72 feet tall.” Among 15 holiday events, Snopelika draws thousands of attendees from the city and the region. And while not officially put on by the city, the annual Opelika Songwriters Festival hosts over 80 performances across three days. In nearby Auburn, college football dominates fall weekends. Over 80,000 fans fill Jordan-Hare Stadium on gamedays to cheer on the Auburn Tigers. While not as dramatic as in Auburn, Opelika often sees increased visitors and traffic on gameday weekends.
Residents cook up fresh food at Opelika's National Night Out.
Win a prize at the Opelika Sportsplex Fall Festival.
Food Truck Friday in Opelika features live bands and music.
O Grows Farmer's Market in Opelika also has beautiful flowers for sale.
1/4
Commutes to nearby employers like the East Alabama Medical Center
While Opelika plays into its railroad heritage, the city doesn’t offer passenger train service. Residents instead drive anywhere they need to go. East Alabama Health is the city’s largest employer, with more than 3,000 employees commuting to campuses in Opelika and Auburn. Several manufacturing facilities also operate in the city. Meanwhile, Opelika’s sister city, Auburn, is less than 10 miles away, while I-85 leads about 60 miles west to Montgomery, Alabama’s capital. Columbus, Georgia, is a little less than a 30-mile drive, while Atlanta sits roughly 100 miles northeast on I-85. Opelika residents looking for commercial flights will often head to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, as its status as a hub for Delta Airlines means it offers nonstop flights to over 200 destinations.
Feel welcomed when you visit the city of Opelika.
The East Alabama Medical Center is just down the road from Opelika.
I-85 keeps Opelika residents in route to cities like Atlanta and Montgomery.
Read about the railroad history of Opelika.
1/4
Hot summers and a recent dip in crime
Residents generally consider Opelika a safe place to live. While violent and property crimes each hover just above the national average as reported by the FBI, the Opelika Police Department reported a 25.5% dip in violent crime in 2023 compared to the four-year average between 2019 and 2022. Many in Opelika attribute the improvements to the police department’s focus on how it interacts with the community. “Our police chief has changed the culture of the policing around here and the relationship with the community,” Krehling said. “He’s been working hard on that the last couple of years.” Weather-wise, Opelika has the hot, muggy summers and mild winters characteristic of the Deep South. Severe storms are relatively common in the warm months, while occasional tropical systems can bring winds and flood risk.
Written By
Brendan Doyle
Photography Contributed By
John Gibbons
Video By
Grace Kim
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Stacie LeCroy,
an experienced agent in this area.
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.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Opelika, AL sell after 81 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Opelika, AL over the last 12 months is $335,000, up 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Community shines bright in Firefly, Opelika's newest Holland Homes community! Welcome to the Todd C on presale lot 84- build time six months. The Todd C is a three bedroom, two bathroom, 1395 square foot home. The front door opens to a spacious foyer with a coat closet. As you enter through the foyer, you are greeted by an open concept kitchen and dining area. The kitchen features a large center
Introducing Fox Run Phase 5! Take advantage of our Summer Savings Incentive with use of Preferred Lender. The Duette 4D is a two bedroom, two bathroom, 1237 square foot home. As you enter into the home, you enter into the living room that features large windows and vaulted ceilings. The living room leads to the open concept dining room and kitchen that features custom cabinets and a large center
WELCOME TO THE BOROUGH AT WYNDHAM SOUTH! Step inside this amazing 3 bedroom/2.5 bath home that features the "Austin" plan built by DRB Homes! Just beyond the foyer, you'll find a thoughtfully designed open-concept layout where the living area flows into the kitchen creating a warm, inviting space ideal for entertaining guests or everyday moments at home. The kitchen offers ample countertop space,
This new construction is nestled on a spacious 1.5-acre lot, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Enjoy the ultimate privacy while being minutes away from Opelika and Auburn, making your commute a breeze. Step inside to discover a bright and airy living area, complete with a fireplace for cozy evenings. The kitchen boasts brand-new stainless-steel appliances and a stunning view of the massive
Discover the potential of this private 8-acre parcel located in the peaceful Beauregard area of Opelika. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle, this landlocked property includes a recorded easement for legal access and offers a unique opportunity to build a secluded home, invest in timber, or enjoy a natural retreat. With public water access available, the option to install a well, and an
2.5 acres of land. Serene and private setting that has easy access to downtown Opelika.No restrictions but endless possibilities for development. Ideal for residential, recreational, or agricultural use. Don't miss out on the opportunity for limitless potential in this land. Create your own vision from the ground up on this prime piece of East Alabama Land!Don’t miss out on this blank canvas with
Layered into Opelika's revitalized downtown, and walkable to local shopping, coffee, and restaurants, we offer the best of modern amenities paired with charming historic sensibilities. One, two, and three-bedroom apartment homes await to welcome you. We're thrilled to honor the history of this amazing area and are ready to step into the next chapter with the community. Savor the best of the past
BRAND NEW END UNIT, AVAILABLE FOR IMMEDIATE MOVE INThis beautiful New Construction, one-level Harris Doyle Home is available for immediate occupancy. With convenience to shopping, dining, and entertainment, this home is centrally located and boasts beautiful finishes such as LVP flooring, Quartz countertops, and stainless steel appliances. The gas range is perfect for those who enjoy cooking
WELCOME HOMELegends Townhomes provides an unparalleled living experience in luxury two- and three-bedroom rental homes. Each spacious, pet-friendly townhome offers ample square footage and upscale finishes. Enjoy a chef-inspired kitchen at the heart of your new home featuring stainless-steel, energy-efficient appliances. The open-concept layout maximizes the space so you can spread out and
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
