In 2020, the Princeton Review ranked Auburn University in the top spot for happiest students. In the same year, the college also took second place as the best place for business studies.
The city’s also known as ‘Loveliest Village on the Plains’ and listed as one of the Top 100 Places to Live in the USA by Livability.com.
If you’re moving to Auburn soon for work or studies, you might wonder, ‘is it all true?’. Find out what it’s really like living in Auburn, AL ahead of your big move.
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Auburn University
This prestigious institution is one of the largest in the southern states. It has over 160 years of tradition to its name, and over 250 alumni worldwide.
The institution offers 13 different colleges and schools to choose from. There are also over 550 clubs and student organizations to choose from at Auburn University, and it’s known as a dominant force in the field of athletics.
The 240,000 square Recreation and Wellness Center offers a host of fitness opportunities. These include:
- Indoor walking or running track
- Multi-purpose court for badminton, soccer, basketball, and volleyball
- Fitness studios for group classes
- Outdoor recreation areas for kayaking and canoeing
- Cardio and weight training areas
- A game room with table tennis and foosball
- Basketball and racquetball courts
- A pool with a wet climbing wall
- Climbing towers and a bouldering cave
There are also outdoor relaxation areas and gardens where students can spend time in reflection or meeting with friends.
Auburn university places a high priority on creating memorable experiences for all its students in a relaxed environment that’s conducive to learning.
Cost of Living in Auburn, AL
Apart from quality education, this college town offers a cost of living that’s on a par with the rest of the US, although slightly higher than the Alabama average.
House prices are higher than the average at around $230,000, but you’ll find plenty of residential rentals on offer while you search for your dream home. Students can opt for the bustle and spirit of campus life or opt for an off-campus home close to the University’s shuttle system, Tiger Transit.
There are plenty of jobs available in Auburn, and the city boasts an unemployment rate that’s 24% lower than the national average.
Auburn University and student-related services are the major employers in the city. Other major industries in Auburn include pharmaceuticals, retail, and food and beverage outlets.
Foodie Culture in Auburn, AL
Auburn’s southern hospitality spills over into a wealth of food and drink outlets. While nobody can resist the chance to snack on grilled cheese and freshly squeezed lemonade from Toomer’s Drugstore, the city’s also home to some award-winning culinary experiences.
Toomer’s is so famous it’s replicated on an acre of land outside town, complete with a genetic copy of Toomer’s oak tree outside its doors.
Here, you can tuck into the famous lemonade as well as chili dogs and ice cream. The more adventurous can try Gulf red snapper served and apple-radish-fennel slaw, or chicken-fried bacon.
If you’re a brunch enthusiast, Lucy’s modern American eatery won’t disappoint, offering California-style bistro eats and the best giant pancakes in town.
Is seafood more your style? The Depot serves up buttery Maine lobster and briny oysters. Fancy some pork? The Hound will delight with Pail-O-Pork rinds or meatloaf made with two kinds of bacon.
What’s more, the Tony & Libba Rane Culinary Science Center is set to open soon, offering a host of dining experiences across the culinary spectrum.
In between or after mealtimes, you’ll find no shortage of excellent coffee shops and craft beer outlets in town either.
Things to Do in Auburn, AL
College football games are a highlight of the social calendar in Auburn, and football weekends attract massive crowds and a cheery vibe to the city.
During quieter times, you’ll find no shortage of things to do either.
Tuskegee National Forest is the smallest of its kind in the US, but it’s big on attractions offering a chance to enjoy camping, horse riding, wildlife viewing, a shooting range, and mountain bike trails.
Chewacla State Park boasts a 26-acre lake perfect for lakeside picnics, fishing, canoeing, and swimming as well as the chance to spend the night camping.
Nature lovers can take their outdoor experiences to the next level with a visit to the interactive Southeastern Raptor Center. You can hold and feed rare birds during your visit and learn more about these fascinating creatures in the process.
The Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art is a treasure trove of over 2,000 works of contemporary as well as traditional art.
A walk around the prestigious Auburn University is a must for everyone. It’s an impressive historic point of interest filled with architectural highlights and photo opportunities.
Downtown Auburn’s abuzz with live music every night of the week. Try Bourbon Street Bar, Piccolo, and Fat Daddy’s for the best beats in town.
During the summer, you can head to nearby Opelika for the free Summer Swing Concert Series held on the banks of the Rocky Brook Creek.
Despite its student atmosphere and happening nightlife, Auburn retains a country feel that spills over into the regular Farmer’s Markets hosted among the city’s green spaces.
The best activities for kids include Hickory Dickory Park and the Kreher Preserve & Nature Center.
If you’re looking for a change of scenery, Auburn offers easy access to Huntsville and Atlanta. You’re only a few hours away from the shores of Orange Beach when you live in Auburn, AL.
Living It Up
With all these perks attached to living in Auburn, AL, it’s no wonder that this city is one of the fastest-growing places in Alabama.
It offers abundant potential for work, play, and relaxation, and plenty of opportunities for all.
If you’d like more information on how to live your best home life, browse our blog for tips on finding, building, or creating the home of your dreams.
