Moving to Auburn, Alabama: What You Should Know
Here is the plain-language answer: Auburn is a college town where Auburn University anchors the economy and culture, Auburn City Schools serve K-12 families in the city, and the median home sells for about $408,000. You can expect easy interstate access, a cost of living below the national average, and a housing market that works for buyers, sellers, and university families alike.
I relocated here myself in 2005 and have since helped many buyers make the same move. This guide covers schools by name, commute times, housing options, and the buying tips that matter most for relocation.
What makes Auburn practical for a move.
Auburn combines a university town energy with a broad mix of housing options. Auburn University is the city\u2019s major employer, bringing research jobs, clinics, cultural events, and SEC game days. The downtown and nearby malls and shopping areas keep everyday needs close. For most relocating buyers the deciding factors are the schools, the commute, and the price range, and this guide covers all three with numbers and names you can verify.
Schools named
Auburn City Schools serves the city, including Auburn High School, Auburn Junior High, and several elementary schools.
Commute times
1.5 hours to Atlanta, 1 hour to Montgomery, 2 hours to Birmingham, under 15 minutes across the city itself.
Cost of living
The overall cost of living in Auburn runs below the national average, and housing is the largest share: median sale price about $408,000.
The district's schools,
by name.
Auburn City Schools is the public district that serves the city. Assignment is address-based, so the exact school your child attends depends on your home address. Names and levels are public facts from the district.
Full Auburn Schools GuideAuburn High School
Grades 10–12
Auburn Junior High
Grades 7–8
Elementary schools
Cary Woods, Dean Road, Ogletree, Ray D. Ogletree, Richland, Yarbrough and others across the city
Assignments can change and are set by the district; verify with Auburn City Schools for a specific address.
Getting around Auburn and beyond.
I-85 runs past Auburn, linking the city to Atlanta, Georgia to the east and Montgomery to the west. Within town, most destinations are a short drive, and game days bring the heaviest traffic around the campus area.
Where families find a home in Auburn.
Auburn's market ranges from condos and homes in the $200,000s to executive homes above $1 million. These are the main options buyers actually choose from:
Established single-family homes
Neighborhoods like Cary Woods, Grove Hill, Yarbrough Farms, and Camden Ridge offer single-family homes in a wide range of sizes and price points.
New construction
Communities like Woodward Oaks and The Preserve offer newly built single-family homes and townhomes with builder warranties and modern floor plans.
Condos, townhomes and student housing
Near the university and downtown, condos and townhomes give owners low-maintenance options and are popular with university families and investors.
Executive and custom homes
Areas such as Moore’s Mill and Asheton Lakes carry custom and executive single-family homes, many on larger, wooded lots.
Price ranges are observed ranges from recent market activity and shift with the market; source: Zillow, Redfin and local MLS data, 2026.
How to buy smart in Auburn.
- 1 Get pre-approved by a local lender early so you know your number before you shop.
- 2 Check the assignment for your address with Auburn City Schools directly; assignments are address-based.
- 3 Compare Auburn and Opelika. Opelika often offers more home for the money and is only minutes away.
- 4 If you are relocating from out of state, plan a scouting trip or use video tours to shortlist homes before you travel.
- 5 If you buy new construction, use your own buyer agent; the on-site agent represents the builder, not you.
HomeLink Realty
Rozi Dover · Associate Broker
Rozi Dover is a REALTOR and Associate Broker with HomeLink Realty in Auburn and Opelika, Alabama. She relocated to the Auburn area in 2005 and has spent more than two decades helping relocating families settle in. Call 334.663.0077 or book a call to start your move.
Moving to Auburn questions.
What is it like moving to Auburn, Alabama?
Auburn is a college town of about 65,000 to 76,000 residents where Auburn University anchors the economy and culture. You get a lively downtown, Auburn City Schools for K-12 families, year-round community events, and steady demand in the housing market. Most home buyers find a much lower cost of living than Atlanta or other large metros.
What schools do Auburn families use?
Auburn City Schools is the public school district serving the city (Auburn High School for grades 10-12, Auburn Junior High for grades 7-8, plus several elementary schools). Enrollment is address-based, so the school your child attends depends on your home address. Verify assignments directly with the district when you are shopping for a home.
How expensive is housing in Auburn, Alabama?
As of 2026, Auburn's median sale price is about $408,000, with average home values around $423,000 and typical homes spending about 36 days on market. Single-family homes range from the low $200s in older areas to well over $900K+ in executive neighborhoods, and condos near the university typically run from the low $200s to the $600s.
How far is Auburn from Atlanta and other cities?
Auburn is about 60-75 minutes from Atlanta, Georgia, about 1 hour from Montgomery, and around 2 hours from Birmingham by interstate. I-85 runs through Auburn, which makes travel to important destinations straightforward.
When is the best time to move to Auburn?
Many relocating families aim to arrive before the school year starts, which in the Auburn City district typically begins in early August. Auburn University classes begin mid-August. Buyers who want the widest choice of homes usually look in late spring and early summer, while inventory remains active.
Resources for your move.
Best Auburn Neighborhoods
From neighborhoods near campus to luxury communities.
SchoolsAuburn City Schools
District facts, levels, and address-based enrollment.
CostsCost of Living
The cost of living breakdown for both cities.
CompareAuburn vs. Opelika
Which city fits your priorities?