The Pros and Cons of Retiring in Auburn, Alabama

The evidence is all around; more out-of-towners are taking up full-time residence and retiring in Auburn, Alabama. On the verge of retirement, you might be asking the inevitable question: should we stay put or should we make one last move? If Auburn, Alabama and its surrounding areas and towns aren’t on your short list of considerations, I recommend taking a closer look.

Before we get started, I am a flat fee advisor who helps people retire in Alabama and across the country. Check out my blog for more financial advice for Alabama retirees.

And now, onto the blog!

A certain demographic is on the rise. They’re active. They’re engaged. They’re educated. They’re spirited. They’re discerning. And... more and more, they’re flocking to our neighborhoods, our eateries, our shops, our churches, our arenas, and our town squares.

Many came on a rumor, a persistent mention about the Loveliest Village on the Plains. Some came out of a sense of nostalgia, recalling their idyllic collegiate era. Anecdotally, quite a few have told me the impetus was due to a confluence of juxtaposed factors, like small-town charm with big-city benefits or traditional values with contemporary updates.

Financial Benefits of Retiring in Auburn, AL

From a financial standpoint, the overall affordability of Auburn, Alabama places it well below the

U.S. average for cost of living.

• Alabama in general is tax-friendly to retirees.

• Social Security is not taxed, and private pensions and public pensions (Teachers Retirement System) are not taxed at the state level either.

• There’s also no inheritance tax or estate tax in Alabama.

Auburn, Alabama property taxes are among the lowest in the country and seniors who own a single family home and occupy it as their primary residence can claim an exemption for a portion of the property tax. Anyone age 65 or older can claim the exemption on 100% of their state property taxes. Auburn is located in Lee County and the county offers a homestead exemption for seniors with different levels depending on age, income, and disability.

The one negative regarding taxation is the local sales tax rate. Those in both Auburn and Opelika will pay a combined rate of 9% which is made up of 4% state, 4% county, and 1% city. Currently there’s a 3% state tax to groceries, plus any local tax, but there’s a bill under consideration to reduce the state grocery tax from 3% to 2% effective September 1, 2025. Beyond affordability, however, what really

makes Auburn, AL such a great retirement destination is hard to pinpoint. This is because the area provides such a compelling blend of affordability, low taxes, vibrant cultural life, and a strong sense of community – all wrapped in the charm

of a college town.

It’s a great lifestyle for older people

For certain, Auburn University is a beacon for activity, entertainment, culture, and education. These days, it’s not just football that’s got everyone yelling “War Eagle!” as many programs throughout the year regularly compete for championships at the highest level of college sports. Still, there will be plenty of downtime in between sports seasons, and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) is a great resource for ongoing intellectual, physical, and social enrichment. OLLI is a membership program hosted by the Auburn University Outreach for adults over age 50 who want to continue learning in retirement.

Another great offering by the university is The Jule Museum at Auburn University. The Jule is an academic museum that is free and open to the public with engaging collections, exhibitions, buildings and grounds that offer invigorating engagement for continued learning and community involvement.

Beyond the college scene, there’s no shortage of activities and opportunities for enrichment and participation. Tango dancing anyone? A group of regular devotees has been meeting for well over a decade for weekly practice sessions. Newbies can take weekly classes at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. Milongas and workshops are regularly offered throughout the area. Whether it’s adult ballet or belly dance, tripping the light fantastic is just one way to plug into an existing network of passionate enthusiasts.

Outdoor recreations are a mainstay in our area. Pleasant climates through most of the year allow plentiful outdoor play.

• Pickleball is a hobby rapidly gaining popularity in our area.

• The Alabama Senior Olympics are held at Opelika Sportsplex’s premier pickleball courts, which are open 24/7 to the public for free.

• Chewacla State Park offers eight hiking trails and thirty mountain biking trails.

• Multisport legend, Bo Jackson, ends his annual 60-mile charity ride Bo Bikes Alabama in downtown Auburn.

• Opelika continues development of its Creekline Trails project, and the Robert Trent  Jones Golf Trail at Grand National Opelika features a 54-hole competitive and scenic golf course.

Retirees rave about the availability of year-round recreational activities in our area.

Music is another benefit to retiring in Auburn, AL. The annual Opelika Songwriters Festival, the Sound Wall’s Supper Club and music venue, Waverly’s 280 Boogie, Auburn’s Sundown Concert Series, Opelika’s Summer Swing Concerts, and two top-notch performing arts venues (the Gogue Performing Arts Center and East Alabama Arts) are just a few of the opportunities for musical artists and aficionados. Mild winters and long, warm seasons boost the allure of outdoor music venues. Summers provide storm drama and hot, humid temperatures, but on any given evening throughout the summer, you can seek respite from the heat through song and community. Some retirees have indulged their inner muse and recorded their own tracks at our state-of-the-art professional recording studios, Lucky Man Studio and The Sound Wall Music Initiative. Keeping up with all the local events is a job unto itself. The Auburn Opelika Tourism site does a superb job of keeping everyone updated. Lifestyle publications like East Alabama Living and local media outlets like Radio Alabama.

Volunteering their time, talent, and treasure is often an important consideration for those retiring to Auburn, AL. The area offers abundant opportunities for community involvement for the philanthropically oriented. Volunteering is an excellent way to meet like-minded people, to exchange service for access to events, and to contribute to the community. Whether it’s ushering for a musical theater production, emceeing at a festival, distributing groceries at a food bank, tutoring at an after-school program, or mucking stables at the Storybrook Farm, you can always lend a hand and turn a stranger into a neighbor through donating your time, your skills, your expertise, your money, and – most of all – your servant’s heart.

Housing & Healthcare Options

If you haven't packed your bags by now, it's worth mentioning the appealing neighborhoods and communities for retirees in Auburn, Alabama, each offering comfort, convenience, and community. The Asheton Lakes, Cary Woods, and Camden Ridge neighborhoods are highly rated, established enclaves and are known for their safety, mature trees, and easy access to shops, golf, and oak-leaf trails.

The downtown Auburn & College Street area is a walkable 55+ area near The Hotel at Auburn University, boutiques, theaters, and dining. Active adult communities abound as well with the Legacy at Cary Creek, The Enclave at Richland Road offering age-targeted living and maintenance-free homes and social amenities for 55+ residents. In nearby Opelika, places like Northbrook & Fox Run Village are quiet, established neighborhoods known for being peaceful and pet friendly.

Newer developments like Hamilton Gables offer single-story duplexes near Tiger Town shopping center and Saugahatchee Country Club which can be ideal for retirees wanting convenience alongside active furnishings. The National Village and The Springs of Mill Lakes are also dedicated 55+ communities featuring resort-style amenities, golf, trails, maintenance-free lifestyles, and organized social events.

Healthcare in Auburn for retirees is reliable, high-quality, and broadly accessible with a particularly strong central hospital system led by East Alabama Health. The East Alabama Medical Center (EAMC) in Opelika was recognized by Newsweek in 2025 as of “America’s Best-In-State Hospitals” in Alabama. Auburn University Medical Clinic and Mercy Medical Clinic provide general outpatient services in Auburn and Opelika, and several nursing homes and

senior living communities in Opelika receive positive reviews – U.S. News highlights at least one top-rated facility in the area.

So . . . what about the “cons”?

I know what you’re thinking: “I thought this was a pros and cons list”. It is, but the fact of the matter is there just aren’t many negatives associated with retiring in the Auburn, AL area. To be fair, the intense summer climate makes “It’s not the heat; it’s the humidity” somewhat of a mantra. Also, the region is prone to thunderstorms, tornadoes, and the occasional tropical

storm. Alabama summers are not for everyone, though the spectacular spring times, the vibrant autumns, and the short, mild winters more than make up for the balmy summertime sweat. And everyone abides by the saying, “If you don’t like the weather in Alabama, just wait a few minutes, and it’s sure to change.”

Transit can be another negative, especially for those accustomed to public transit. Life here without transportation is difficult, as public transportation is limited and largely connected to the university. And for those not directly connected to Auburn University, the youthful and busy feel of Auburn, especially during football season – while welcoming to some, may be overwhelming to others. Adapting to university-guided traffic patterns and navigating a more independent transit system are realities to consider when contemplating relocation to the area.

Retire in Auburn, AL

The final take on retiring in the Auburn, AL area is that if you value affordability, mild winters, a blend of outdoor activities, university culture, and a stable community, retiring in Auburn-Opelika could be a great fit.

Still, transitioning in retirement is complex. Deciding where and when to relocate during this phase of life raises the stakes. But if done correctly, it can be one of the best decisions you ever make.

How can you know you’re making the best decision? Here are three questions to ask:

• What does an ideal retirement look like for you?

• If money weren’t a concern, what would you want to experience in life?

• What would it mean for you to feel financially secure and know you can make significant life changes in retirement?

Sorting through these types of questions and getting a breakthrough of clarity so you have a high level of confidence in knowing the right next step in your retirement journey are the types of conversations we regularly have with our clients and prospective clients. Send me a note if you’d like to talk about how I can help you retire in Auburn, Alabama or any of the surrounding communities.