Buyers searching for a home in Auburn or Opelika can find a wide range of properties, including traditional single-family homes, new construction, townhomes, condominiums, historic houses, luxury homes, investment properties, fixer-uppers, and homes with larger lots or acreage.
Although Auburn and Opelika are neighboring cities, the available housing can feel different depending on the neighborhood, location, and type of property you are considering. Auburn has a strong mix of established neighborhoods, newer residential developments, condominiums, townhomes, and housing influenced by Auburn University. Opelika offers historic homes, traditional neighborhoods, new construction communities, townhomes, and properties with additional land as you move outside the center of the city.
Here is what buyers should know about the different types of homes available in the Auburn-Opelika area.
Can Buyers Find Traditional Single-Family Homes in Auburn and Opelika?
Yes. Detached single-family homes make up a significant part of the residential market throughout Auburn, Opelika, and the surrounding areas of Lee County.
These homes vary considerably in age, size, design, and lot size. Buyers may find:
- One-story brick ranch homes
- Traditional two-story houses
- Craftsman-style homes
- Cottage-style properties
- Homes on cul-de-sacs
- Properties in planned subdivisions
- Older homes in established neighborhoods
- Homes with fenced yards, garages, porches, or additional storage
Some buyers prefer an established neighborhood with mature landscaping and homes that have been standing for several decades. Others want a recently developed subdivision with newer building materials, modern floor plans, and neighborhood amenities.
The City of Auburn’s planning materials recognize several residential formats within the area, including detached single-family homes, cottages, duplexes, townhouses, condominiums, and other multifamily housing types.
The right single-family home will depend on more than the number of bedrooms and bathrooms. Buyers should also compare the age of the roof and major systems, neighborhood restrictions, homeowners association fees, lot size, commute, and expected maintenance.
Are New Construction Homes Available in Auburn and Opelika?
Yes. New construction is an important part of the Auburn-Opelika housing market.
Depending on current inventory, buyers may find completed homes that are ready for occupancy, properties that are still under construction, and floor plans available in developing communities. New construction options may include detached houses, cottages, townhomes, and homes in larger planned developments.
Current Opelika listings, for example, include both newly constructed townhomes and detached homes in developing communities. The number of available properties and construction stages can change quickly as homes are reserved or completed.
New construction may appeal to buyers who want:
- Modern kitchens and open living spaces
- New roofing, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems
- Energy-efficient windows and appliances
- Contemporary finishes
- Builder warranties
- Lower immediate maintenance needs
- The opportunity to select certain finishes before completion
However, “new” does not automatically mean there will be no issues. Buyers should still consider obtaining an independent home inspection and reviewing the builder’s warranty, neighborhood covenants, lot drainage, completion schedule, and any future development planned around the property.
It is also important to understand what is included in the advertised price. Upgrades, fencing, appliances, blinds, landscaping, and closing-cost incentives may vary between builders and communities.
Can Buyers Find Townhomes and Condominiums?
Yes. Auburn and Opelika both offer attached housing options, including townhomes and condominiums.
Townhomes and condos can work well for buyers who prefer less exterior maintenance, want a smaller lot, or are interested in a property located near employment, shopping, restaurants, downtown areas, or Auburn University.
The Auburn market includes a substantial variety of multi-unit housing. City planning documents identify condominiums, townhouses, apartments, duplexes, and other residential formats throughout Auburn.
Before purchasing a condo or townhome, buyers should carefully review:
- Monthly or annual association dues
- What the association maintains
- Insurance responsibilities
- Parking rules
- Pet restrictions
- Rental restrictions
- Exterior modification rules
- Upcoming assessments
- The association’s financial condition
Two properties with similar purchase prices can have very different total monthly costs once association dues, insurance, utilities, and maintenance responsibilities are included.
Are There Historic Homes in Opelika?
Yes. Historic and architecturally distinctive homes are an important part of Opelika’s housing identity.
Opelika has officially recognized historic areas, including the Northside Residential Area and Geneva Street Residential Area. The Northside Historic District includes examples of Victorian, Neoclassical, Mission Revival, Tudor Revival, Colonial Revival, cottage, and other architectural styles dating from the late 1800s through the first half of the twentieth century.
Historic homes may include features such as:
- Large front porches
- Original hardwood flooring
- Tall ceilings
- Decorative trim
- Built-in cabinetry
- Older fireplaces
- Unusual room layouts
- Mature trees and landscaping
- Architectural details not commonly found in newer construction
These properties can offer character that is difficult to reproduce in a modern subdivision. They may also require additional maintenance or specialized repairs.
Buyers considering a home inside one of Opelika’s designated historic districts should find out whether proposed exterior changes require review or a Certificate of Appropriateness. Opelika’s Historic Preservation Commission provides guidelines intended to protect the architectural and historical character of designated properties and districts.
Before purchasing an older home, buyers should pay particular attention to the foundation, roof, electrical system, plumbing, windows, insulation, moisture concerns, and previous renovations.
Are There Older Homes Outside the Historic Districts?
Yes. Not every older home in Auburn or Opelika is located inside a formally designated historic district.
Buyers can find established neighborhoods containing ranch homes, brick homes, cottages, and traditional properties built during different periods of the cities’ development. Some have already been renovated, while others provide an opportunity for a buyer to make improvements gradually.
An older home may offer:
- A more established street
- Mature landscaping
- A larger or differently shaped lot
- Construction details from an earlier period
- Renovation potential
- A location closer to an established part of town
The condition of older properties varies widely. Some have been extensively modernized, while others may still have aging systems. Buyers should not judge a home solely by cosmetic updates such as flooring, paint, countertops, or fixtures.
A detailed inspection can help identify which improvements are optional and which may need to be addressed sooner.
Can Buyers Find Luxury or Custom Homes?
Yes. Buyers looking at the upper end of the Auburn-Opelika market may find custom-built properties, larger residences, golf-community homes, and houses with upgraded outdoor living spaces.
Depending on current inventory, these properties may feature:
- Custom architectural details
- Larger kitchens and entertaining areas
- Multiple living spaces
- Home offices
- Guest suites
- Three-car garages
- Outdoor kitchens
- Pools
- Covered patios
- Larger lots
- Golf course or water views
- Gated or managed community amenities
Luxury homes require a different comparison process than a typical residential purchase. Buyers should look beyond square footage and examine construction quality, replacement costs, homeowners association requirements, specialized systems, landscaping expenses, and the availability of comparable sales.
Unique homes can also require a more detailed valuation because there may be fewer directly comparable properties nearby.
Are Homes With Acreage Available Near Auburn and Opelika?
Yes. Buyers who want more land may find properties with larger lots or acreage in the areas surrounding Auburn and Opelika.
The farther the search extends into Lee County and nearby communities, the more likely buyers may be to encounter properties with:
- Additional privacy
- Workshops or detached garages
- Space for recreational vehicles
- Pasture or wooded acreage
- Ponds
- Gardens
- Storage buildings
- Room for future improvements
Lee County listings include a mixture of single-family homes, condos, townhomes, waterfront properties, gated-community homes, and properties offering larger lots or additional land. Availability changes constantly, so buyers may need to search beyond the city limits when acreage is a priority.
Land should be evaluated just as carefully as the house itself. Buyers should investigate surveys, boundaries, easements, access, utilities, septic systems, drainage, flood zones, zoning, and restrictions on how the property may be used.
A property that appears to include usable acreage may contain wetlands, steep terrain, utility easements, or other limitations that affect future plans.
Can Buyers Find Investment Properties Near Auburn University?
Yes. Auburn’s connection to Auburn University creates interest in condominiums, townhomes, detached houses, and other properties that may be considered for rental or investment purposes.
However, buyers should not assume that every property can be rented in the same way. Zoning, occupancy rules, homeowners association restrictions, lease requirements, and short-term rental regulations may affect what is permitted.
The City of Auburn has separate registration and licensing requirements for certain short-term rental operations, and buyers are encouraged to confirm whether the intended use is allowed before purchasing a property.
An investment buyer should consider:
- Whether rentals are permitted
- Long-term versus short-term rental rules
- Association restrictions
- Property management costs
- Expected maintenance
- Insurance requirements
- Parking availability
- Vacancy risk
- Distance from the intended renter’s destination
- The property’s potential resale audience
A property should make sense based on verified expenses and realistic rental expectations, not simply because it is located near the university.
Are Fixer-Uppers Available in Auburn and Opelika?
Yes. Fixer-uppers and homes that need cosmetic or structural improvements periodically become available in both cities.
These properties may appeal to buyers who want to renovate a home for personal use, create equity through improvements, or purchase an investment property. However, the level of work can range from fresh paint and flooring to major repairs involving the foundation, roof, plumbing, electrical system, or HVAC.
Before purchasing a fixer-upper, buyers should determine:
- What repairs are actually needed
- Which repairs must be completed immediately
- Whether the planned work requires permits
- Whether the buyer’s loan allows for the property’s current condition
- Whether the total purchase and renovation cost is reasonable
- Whether neighborhood or historic-district rules affect the project
A low asking price does not necessarily mean a property is a bargain. The complete cost should include inspections, repairs, permits, financing, insurance, temporary housing, and a reserve for unexpected problems.
Is Auburn or Opelika Better for a Particular Type of Home?
Neither city is automatically better for every buyer.
Auburn may provide more options for buyers interested in university-area condos, townhomes, newer subdivisions, and residential developments connected to the city’s continued growth. Opelika may stand out to buyers interested in historic architecture, established neighborhoods, downtown character, new construction, and properties extending toward less densely developed areas.
There is considerable overlap between the two markets. Buyers can find new homes, older homes, townhomes, larger properties, and traditional single-family residences on both sides of the Auburn-Opelika area.
The better question is not simply, “Should I buy in Auburn or Opelika?”
The better questions are:
- What type of home fits the way I plan to use it?
- What total monthly payment can I comfortably manage?
- How much maintenance do I want?
- Is a homeowners association acceptable to me?
- How important are lot size and privacy?
- Do I need to be near a particular destination?
- Am I buying a primary residence, second home, or investment?
- How long do I expect to own the property?
Once those priorities are clear, a local real estate professional can narrow the search to properties that make sense rather than showing every available listing.
What Should Buyers Do Before Choosing a Home?
Buyers should compare the entire property, not just its appearance or listing price.
Before making an offer, consider reviewing:
- The home’s age and condition
- Inspection findings
- Recent comparable sales
- Property taxes
- Insurance estimates
- Association dues and restrictions
- Utility expectations
- Renovation needs
- Commute and access
- Resale considerations
- Planned development nearby
Current inventory can change quickly, especially within a specific price range or property category. A buyer who needs a one-story home, a townhome with limited maintenance, a historic property, or several acres may need a search strategy built around that requirement.
Finding the Right Home in Auburn or Opelika
The Auburn-Opelika area does not offer only one style of home or one type of neighborhood. Buyers can explore everything from historic cottages and established brick homes to new construction, condominiums, custom residences, investment properties, and homes with additional land.
The right property depends on what you are trying to accomplish, how you want to live, and what responsibilities you are prepared to take on after closing.
David Knapp is an Associate Broker with Stillwaters Realty Group at Keller Williams Auburn-Opelika. He helps buyers compare properties throughout Auburn, Opelika, Lee County, and the surrounding East Alabama market.
To discuss the type of home you are searching for, contact David at 334-750-1700 or davidknapp@kw.com.
Stillwaters Realty Group
Keller Williams Auburn-Opelika
1747 Ogletree Road, Suite C
Auburn, AL 36830
Have a blessed one.