You don’t have to be a Tiger to live in Auburn, Alabama

Home to more than Tigers and War Eagle fans

The city council proclaims this even though Auburn is home to Auburn University. It is also home to about 77,000 people who love their city and its various opportunities. Auburn is in Lee County, consistently listed as one of Alabama’s best places to live.

Auburn may be the largest city in eastern Alabama, but it harbors a small-town feel. Auburn is often referred to as “the loveliest village on the plains” – a sentiment that most people who live there fully agree with.

Life in Auburn has a suburban feel where most residents own their homes and know their neighbors. If you are a college student looking to attend classes at the University, you will find that Auburn is home to students just like you.

It’s also home to people who attend classes, graduate, and stay because the city has so much to offer. Plus, it is a great place to retire and just “kick back” and enjoy all that you have accomplished in life. It’s a great place to raise a family and it’s a cool place to explore.

A Town with A Lot to Offer

Auburn has lots of coffee shops and parks. Young professionals who live in Auburn tend to enjoy outdoor sports and dining with friends, family, and co-workers. But don’t overlook the fact that people who live in Auburn love their neighbors, who can be retirees. You will feel at home in Auburn at any age.

You can cheer for the home team or cheer for your team when they come for a visit to play football, baseball, basketball, or a number of other sports.

If you have never lived in a college town, you have missed having a lot of fun. College towns are known for keeping a person feeling young and seeking the best life has to offer.

In fact, the University offers courses that anyone can take or audit. So, have you ever thought of returning to school to get that undergraduate degree or a master’s or more? College towns like Auburn offer the right opportunity to do this safely.

As a parent moving to the area, the public schools in Auburn are highly rated and a few years ago, Auburn was listed as one of the “most livable places” in the country. Auburn’s school system has repeatedly been ranked among the top public-school systems in the state and nation.

Auburn City Schools have been ranked among the top 100 school districts in the United States by Parenting Magazine and as the best educational value in the Southeast by The Wall Street Journal.

A few facts about the city

Auburn is accessible by Interstate 85, US 29, and US 280. The city also has a general aviation airport, the Auburn University Regional Airport (AUO) (formerly Auburn-Opelika Robert G. Pitts Airport), which is 2 miles (3.2 km) east of downtown Auburn.

The major commercial airports closest to Auburn are the Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) (Atlanta) and the Birmingham–Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) (Birmingham). Each of these airports is within 2 hours driving distance from Auburn and together they offer air service to most of the world’s major airports.

There are also two regional airports close to Auburn: Montgomery Regional Airport (MGM) (Montgomery) and the Columbus Metropolitan Airport (CSG) (Columbus).

Daily ground transportation runs between Auburn and the Atlanta airport. Tiger Taxi, Eagle Town Taxi, and Spirit Town Taxi all provide both local taxi services and flat-rate transportation services to other cities.

Auburn’s Art and Culture Scene is Vast

Auburn is the home to the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. The Smith Museum maintains a collection of primarily 19th- and 20th-century American and European art.

The museum’s exhibits include the Advancing American Art Collection, consisting of 36 works by mid-20th-century American artists including Jacob Lawrence, Ben Shahn, and Georgia O’Keeffe, a collection of engravings by naturalist John James Audubon, and works by Dalí, Chagall, Renoir, Picasso, and Matisse.

Major sculptural works at the museum include a collection of Tibetan bronzes, Jean Woodham‘s Spinoff, and Dale Chihuly‘s Amber Luster Chandelier.

Auburn is also home to Auburn Area Community Theater (AACT), a community-based organization that puts on three productions a year, including a spring children’s show. A number of dance schools are located in the city that have a variety of dance styles, such as ballet, jazz, hip-hop, ballroom, and even Irish dancing, which is supported by the Drake School of Irish Dance.

Play Outside

Recreational opportunities in Auburn are endless. There are 16 parks, highlighted by Chewacla State Park, a 700-acre park in the Appalachian foothills, Kiesel Park, a 200-acre park with numerous trails, and the Louise Kreher Forest Ecology Preserve. The Donald E. Davis Arboretum showcases 150 different tree species native to Alabama and the Southeast. Auburn is also ringed by miles of multi-use trails and several lakes.

While Auburn does not have a major sport’s team, the University’s teams are major forces in Auburn’s culture and economy. Auburn is home to 146 holes of golf at six courses and has played host to several professional and amateur golf tournaments.

Auburn Links was rated as one of the top three new courses in the nation when it opened in 1996, and the Robert Trent Jones designed Grand National course in the Auburn Metro Area is often cited as one of the top public courses in the nation. In fact, in 2005, the Auburn Metro Area was ranked number 1 in the United States for golf by Golf Digest.

So, what are some top things to do in Auburn, Alabama?

Visit Chewacla State Park. This beautiful state park has 696 scenic acres, offering plenty of room to rest, relax, and play outdoors. It’s just a short drive from the Auburn-Opelika area. Facilities include a 26-acre lake, swimming area, playground, a modern campground, picnic areas with tables, grills and shelters, cabins, and hiking and mountain biking trails.

Hike through Tuskegee National Forest. The forest offers a perfect escape for those who want to explore some unspoiled nature! The main attractions are the four hiking and mountain bike trails, a popular shooting range, fishponds, horse riding trails, and a wildlife viewing area. There’s even an overnight camping area.

Visit the Fine Arts gallery at the Jule Collins Smith Museum. This impressive museum is one of the city’s absolute gems – featuring a wide range of valuable art on display. From traditional to contemporary, there are over 2,000 pieces of art on display! The museum was founded in 1948, and locals say, “It remains a complete treasure for the city.”

Check Out the Birds of Prey at the Southeastern Raptor Center Not only is a visit here very educational, it’s also an interactive experience. You can see and interact with wild birds like owls and other raptors. This center is dedicated to the rehabilitation of raptors. Through its educational program, injured birds are treated and released back into the wild.

Visit Auburn University. From the impressive clock tower to the many beautiful old buildings, this university is a highlight of the city. The peaceful grounds offer a great way to spend a quiet afternoon.