Happy Thanksgiving! As we gather today to enjoy our homemade feasts with family, most of us are reflecting on those aspects of our lives that we feel thankful for. In the real estate business, one major idea that comes to mind is being thankful for the wonderful community where we reside. The Auburn and Opelika area is associated with many things—from the innovation brought on by Auburn University, to the small-town feel specific to “The Loveliest Village on the Plains.” This Thanksgiving, we’re sharing a few of the reasons we’re thankful to live in Auburn and Opelika!
- Everything Auburn University. From cheering on the Auburn Tigers in Jordan-Hare to the connection to research, technology and innovation the university cultivates, Auburn University serves as a significant one among the reasons we’re thankful to live in Auburn and Opelika. Auburn University is what brings many people to the area whether via student attendance, careers or both, creating a thriving town that would not be the same otherwise.
- The sense of place in downtown Auburn and Opelika. Both downtown Auburn and downtown Opelika exhibit character unique to their respective spots, boasting a mix of historic and new construction, revitalization and tradition. These central areas not only house shopping and restaurants to keep us entertained, but they’re also aesthetically pleasing enough that you’ll want to stay awhile—even if just taking a casual stroll.
- Diverse arts and entertainment. Speaking of entertainment, we’re thankful to live in Auburn and Opelika due to the area’s strong support of art and culture. Places like Auburn’s Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center and Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art and the Opelika Center for the Performing Arts, among others, prove that the arts are not only alive, but thriving, in East Alabama.
- Comforting and creative local cuisine. We could go on and on about Auburn and Opelika’s selection of award-winning restaurants, but perhaps you should go try them yourself! From farm-to-table concepts to classic barbecue joints, our culinary scene is representative of nearly every genre—providing the ability to please even the pickiest palate.
- Excellent schools. Auburn and Opelika city schools are among the best in the state, serving as a major draw for many moving to the area. With the opening of its new high school this year, Auburn specifically is currently accommodating rapid growth, with a new elementary school in the works to open for the 2018-19 school year.
- A selection of recreational opportunities. Go mountain biking at Chewacla State Park, play a round of golf at Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail’s Grand National, or hit some balls at Auburn’ Yarbrough Tennis Center. The Auburn-Opelika area has no shortage of outdoor recreational opportunities including disc golf, swimming, fishing, hiking and more.
- Proximity to major cities. The Auburn-Opelika area is less than hour-and-a-half from Atlanta and Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, three hours from the Gulf Coast, two hours from Birmingham and one hour from Montgomery. Our location makes it easy to get practically anywhere in the world with a quick car drive.
- High rankings. Auburn-Opelika consistently ranks highly on lists like Niche.com’s “Safest College Campuses in Alabama,” U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Colleges,” Forbes’ “Best Small Places for Business and Careers,” Forbes’ “Top 25 Best Places to Retire” and others. If non-residents are recognizing Auburn and Opelika as a great place to live, then we should, too!
- Thriving economy. Auburn and Opelika place a strong emphasis on their local businesses, but they both also serve as sites for large industries like Baxter Healthcare, Pharmavite, LLC, Briggs & Stratton, Master Brand Cabinets, GE Aviation, Seohan Auto USA and many more. This investment from worldwide corporations proves that Auburn and Opelika are ideal places to work and live.
- Friendly people. The people living in the Auburn and Opelika community are unlike any other! The warm and friendly bond among the residents of the area are one of our top reasons why we’re thankful to live in Auburn and Opelika.
As you count your blessings this Thanksgiving, remind yourself why our community is such a special one to call home. Moving to the area? Contact Realtor Ryan Roberts for your real estate needs in Auburn, Opelika and Lake Martin. Call Ryan at 334-750-9872 or email [email protected].
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your families!
