City Comparison
Auburn vs. Opelika
Two great cities, two different personalities — an honest look at what each one does best.
We get this question constantly: should I buy in Auburn or Opelika? Truth is, you can't go wrong with either — they're two miles apart and share the same great schools, restaurants, and small-town feel. But they do have different personalities. Here's an honest look at what each one does best.
#3
Auburn City Schools Rank In AL
24,600+
Auburn University Students
2 Miles
Between Downtowns
Schools: Public & Private
Both cities take education seriously, but each has its own strengths on both the public and private side.
Auburn
- Auburn City Schools ranks #3 among all school districts in Alabama, with math and reading proficiency roughly double the state average.
- Lee-Scott Academy (private, PK–12) has been a fixture since 1967, with about 700 students, a 12:1 student-teacher ratio, and a college-prep, Christ-centered curriculum with 15 sports programs.
Opelika
- Opelika City Schools serves over 5,300 students across 9 schools with a 17:1 student-teacher ratio; Northside School is the district's standout performer.
- Trinity Christian School (private, K–12) has offered a classical, biblical education since 1978, with around 250 students in a close-knit campus setting.
Why Auburn: The University & Downtown Energy
Auburn is built around Auburn University, and that shapes everything — the energy on game days, the steady stream of young professionals and grad students, and a downtown that never really slows down. Toomer's Corner is the heart of it, and it's walkable to some of the best food in the county:
- Acre — Chef David Bancroft's flagship, three blocks from Toomer's Corner, known for elevated Southern flavors.
- The Depot — Gulf-coastal seafood inside the historic Auburn train depot.
- Hamilton's on Magnolia — a casual neighborhood spot one block off Toomer's Corner.
- Tacorita — a local favorite for Mexican street food.
Why Opelika: Historic Downtown & Parks
Opelika's downtown has a different feel — genuinely historic, brick-lined, and a little quieter, with a wave of new restaurants and shops that's made it a destination in its own right over the last decade. A few favorites:
- Zazu Gastropub — scratch-made comfort food using local produce, a downtown institution.
- Café 123 — a go-to for Sunday brunch.
- Butcher Paper BBQ — from-the-ground-up barbecue that's quickly become a local favorite.
- Bow & Arrow — a stylish addition to the downtown dining scene.
Opelika also has some of the best public green space in the county. Floral Park is the standout — a 30-acre, recently renovated park with a splash pad, inclusive playground, sensory trail, and turf athletic fields. Courthouse Square and Municipal Park round out downtown, with Spring Villa Park a short drive out for hiking trails and picnic space.
Quick Comparison
| If you want… | Lean toward |
|---|---|
| University energy, game days, downtown nightlife | Auburn |
| A quieter, historic downtown with new restaurants | Opelika |
| The highest-ranked public schools in the county | Auburn |
| A smaller, close-knit private school community | Opelika (Trinity Christian) |
| Best public parks and green space | Opelika (Floral Park) |
| More home for your budget | Opelika |
Thinking about relocating to either city? Check our Moving to Auburn guide for cost of living and job market details, or reach out and we'll walk you through both sides of the county line.