Facebook
X
Pinterest
Copy Link
A Parent’s Guide to Buying a Condo for Your Auburn University Student
Why Parents Are Buying Condos for Their Auburn Students
Buying a condo for your Auburn student is one of the most effective ways to provide stable housing while also making a smart long-term real estate investment in Auburn, Alabama. Each year, more parents are choosing to purchase a condo in Auburn rather than pay rent for four years. With Auburn’s steady growth, strong housing demand, and limited inventory close to campus, condos provide both a comfortable place for students to live and a smart long-term financial decision.
Unlike traditional student housing, owning a condo allows your student to enjoy stability, privacy, and a true home environment while attending Auburn University.
Many parents also find that purchasing a condo costs less over time than renting, while creating future resale opportunities.
When Should Parents Start Looking for an Auburn Condo?
Most parents begin their search 12 to 18 months before their student plans to move in. This timeline provides the best opportunity to:
• Explore multiple condo communities
• Watch market trends and pricing
• Secure the best location
• Avoid last-minute pressure
Some parents begin as late as 6 months before move-in, but options may be more limited, especially for properties close to Auburn University.
If your student is currently a freshman or sophomore, now is often the ideal time to begin exploring options for junior or senior year.
Benefits of Buying Instead of Renting
Long-Term Financial Opportunity
Instead of paying rent to a landlord, your monthly payment builds equity in a property you own.
Stable Housing
No concerns about lease renewals, rent increases, or needing to relocate unexpectedly.
Consistent Living Environment
Your student can stay in the same home throughout their college experience.
Future Resale Value
Auburn condos remain in high demand due to Auburn University’s continued growth.
Many parents choose to sell after graduation, while others keep the property for future students or family use.
View available condos HERE!
What to Look for in an Auburn Student Condo
Not all condos are the same. Important factors include:
Location
Distance to Auburn University campus is one of the most important considerations.
Popular areas include:
• South College Street
• West Magnolia Avenue
• North Auburn communities
• Areas on the Tiger Transit route
Community Features
Many Auburn condo communities offer features that students appreciate, including:
• Individual bedroom and bathroom layouts
• Furnished units
• Community pools
• Reserved parking
• Low-maintenance living
Condo Owners Association (COA)
Each community has its own COA, which typically covers exterior maintenance, landscaping, and common areas.
Understanding monthly dues and what they include is an important part of the buying process.
Tiger Transit
Choosing a condo on the Tiger Transit route gives students convenient, reliable access to Auburn University through the university’s free transit system, reducing the need for daily parking on campus.
Understanding the Auburn Condo Market
Auburn’s condo market remains strong due to consistent demand from Auburn University students and their families.
Inventory near campus is limited, and well-maintained units often sell quickly.
Buying early gives parents more options and flexibility when choosing the right property.
How Kent McCown Group Helps Parents Navigate the Process
We work with parents every year who are buying condos for their Auburn students. Our role is to make the process simple, informed, and stress-free.
We help you:
• Understand Auburn condo communities
• Identify the best locations for your student
• Navigate COA structures and fees
• Find properties that fit your timeline
• Coordinate showings around your schedule
We also provide long-term insight into Auburn’s real estate market so you can make confident decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Buying a Condo for Your Auburn Student
Is buying a condo better than renting in Auburn?
For many families, buying can provide long-term financial benefits and housing stability compared to renting.
How far in advance should we start looking?
Most parents begin searching 12 to 18 months before move-in, though some purchase sooner if the right property becomes available.
Are Auburn condos typically furnished?
Many student-focused condos are sold furnished, but it varies by property.
What are COA dues?
COA dues are monthly fees that cover community maintenance, exterior upkeep, and shared areas.
Is Auburn a strong resale market for condos?
Yes. Auburn’s consistent growth and demand from Auburn University families helps support long-term property value.
Final Thoughts: A Smart Housing Decision for Your Auburn Student
Buying a condo in Auburn provides your student with a comfortable, stable place to live while also creating future opportunities for your family.
With the right guidance and timing, purchasing a condo can be a smooth and rewarding process.
If you’re considering buying a condo for your Auburn student, we’re here to help you understand your options and find the right fit.
Explore our full Auburn Condo Guide for Parents or contact Kent McCown Group to begin your search.
Living in Auburn Alabama: Why It’s One of the Best Cities for Dog Lovers
Living in Auburn Alabama: Why It’s One of the Best Cities for Dog Lovers
When people think about living in Auburn Alabama, they often picture Auburn University, beautiful neighborhoods, and a strong sense of community. But for dog owners, Auburn offers something even more special…a lifestyle that truly includes your dog.
Here, dogs aren’t just welcome. They’re part of everyday life.
From walkable neighborhoods and dog-friendly coffee shops to parks, trails, and community events, Auburn makes it easy to build a life that both you and your dog will love.
Dog Friendly Parks in Auburn Alabama
One of the biggest reasons dog owners love Auburn is the access to outdoor space.
Some local favorites include:
• Kiesel Park — A 119-acre park with open fields, wooded trails, and a dedicated off-leash dog area
• Town Creek Park — Scenic walking paths perfect for daily walks
• Auburn’s Greenways — Miles of connected trails throughout the city
• Chewacla State Park — Waterfalls, hiking trails, and plenty of space to explore
Whether your dog loves long walks, new smells, or just time outside, Auburn makes it easy to build those moments into everyday life.
Dog Friendly Shops in Auburn Alabama
Living in Auburn Alabama means you don’t have to leave your dog at home when you grab coffee.
It’s common to see water bowls outside, dogs relaxing at their owner’s feet, and neighbors stopping to say hello. This is simply part of the Auburn lifestyle.
- Coffee & Casual: Coffee Mafia (indoor friendly), Ross House Coffee
- Dining with Patios: Hamilton’s on Magnolia, Moe’s, Little Italy, Tacorita, Taco Mama, Mellow Mushroom, Baumhower’s Victory Grille.
- Breweries: New Realm Brewing Co. (patio/lawn), Red Clay Brewing (Opelika).
Dog Friendly Neighborhoods in Auburn Alabama
Many neighborhoods in Auburn Alabama were designed with walkability in mind.
Sidewalks, quiet streets, and community green spaces make it easy to take your dog for walks without ever leaving your neighborhood.
This daily routine helps create a healthier lifestyle and stronger connection to the community.
It’s one of the reasons so many people moving to Auburn say it feels like home almost immediately.
Dog Friendly Events in Auburn Alabama Like Bark in the Park
One of the best examples of Auburn’s dog-friendly culture is Bark in the Park, happening this year on March 28th.
This annual event brings together local dog owners, rescue organizations, and community members for a day focused entirely on celebrating dogs and supporting pet adoption.
Events like this reflect what makes Auburn special. People here care deeply about animals, and that shows in how the community supports organizations like CARE Humane Society.
Through our Homes for Dogs initiative, we’ve seen firsthand how Auburn families open their homes and hearts to rescue dogs every single month.
Auburn Makes It Easy to Find a Home That Fits Your Whole Family…Including Your Dog
In Auburn, your dog isn’t an afterthought when choosing where to live.
Many homes offer:
• Fenced yards
• Sidewalk-friendly neighborhoods
• Nearby parks and trails
• Dog-friendly community spaces
Whether you’re looking for a quiet neighborhood, a home near walking trails, or a yard with room to run, Auburn offers options that make life easier and better for both you and your dog.
Check out Auburn Homes here.
Why So Many Dog Lovers Choose to Call Auburn Home
At its heart, Auburn is a place built around connection.
Connection to neighbors.
Connection to nature.
Connection to community.
And for dog lovers, that connection extends to the life they share with their pets every single day.
It’s not just about finding a house.
It’s about finding a place where every member of your family feels at home.
Thinking About Moving to Auburn, Alabama?
If you’re looking for a dog-friendly community, Auburn is one of the best places you can choose.
Our team lives here, walks these same trails, and works closely with local organizations like CARE Humane Society through our Homes for Dogs program.
If you’re considering buying or selling in Auburn, we’d love to help you find a home that fits your entire family, including the four-legged ones.
Connect with us here.
Why Living in East Alabama Is So Special | Lifestyle, Land, and Legacy in Auburn and Opelika
(And why mornings like this remind me every time)
Living in East Alabama
Some mornings Living in East Alabama don’t need much explanation.
This photo was taken on the way to take the kids to school. No filters, no staging, just a quiet backroad, winter trees silhouetted against the sunrise, and fields that have been part of someone’s story for generations.
And honestly, moments like this are exactly why I believe East Alabama is such a special place to call home.
It’s not flashy.
It’s not rushed.
It doesn’t try to compete with big cities.
It’s something different entirely.
A Pace That Lets You Breathe
Life here moves a little slower, and I mean that in the best way. There’s space to think, to wave at neighbors, to take the long way home just because the view is worth it.
That slower pace is part of why so many buyers today are expanding their searches into rural and suburban areas around Auburn and Opelika. Larger lots, quiet surroundings, and outdoor space have become priorities, especially with remote work allowing more flexibility in where people live.
People aren’t just buying houses here.
They’re buying lifestyle.
Backroads, Land, and Legacy
East Alabama is filled with land that tells stories. Property passed down from grandparents to parents to children. Farm parcels divided among siblings. Homes built on acreage where families grew up.
At the same time, counties like Lee County continue to grow rapidly, attracting new residents and investment while still holding onto that sense of place and connection to the land. landboss.net
That blend of legacy and opportunity is rare.
You can feel history here…and still see the future being built.
Real Estate That Reflects Community
Our housing market mirrors that balance too. Median home prices in areas like Opelika remain lower than the national average and the overall cost of living is lower as well, which helps families establish roots and build generational stability.
Across East Alabama, home sales have remained active and prices continue trending upward over time, reflecting steady demand for living in this region.
But beyond the numbers, what matters most is what those homes represent:
Cookouts
Front porches
Kids riding bikes
Dogs running in big backyards
Sunday dinners
That’s the real market value.
Growth Without Losing Identity
Yes, we’re growing.
Job expansion, new businesses, university influence, and infrastructure investment are bringing more people to Auburn and Opelika every year.
Retail, dining, and development continue expanding too, blending convenience with small-town friendliness.
But what I love most is this:
Even with growth, you can still find a sunrise on a backroad that looks exactly like this photo.
That’s not something every place can say.
Why It Matters to Me
As someone who works in real estate here, I don’t just sell homes.
I help people step into this lifestyle…the quiet moments, the community, the generational stories, the sunsets that catch you off guard.
Living in East Alabama isn’t special because it’s perfect.
It’s special because it’s real.
And sometimes all it takes is a morning drive to remind you.
For Sale By Owner in Auburn and Opelika: Be Brave but Be Prepared
Once upon a time, bravery meant stepping into the unknown and trusting yourself to figure it out along the way. March’s chapter in our Real Estate Is a Fairytale series is inspired by courage, and in real estate one of the bravest choices I see homeowners make is deciding to pursue For Sale By Owner in Auburn and Opelika.
For Sale By Owner, often referred to as FSBO, is something many sellers explore. Sometimes it is about saving money. Sometimes it comes from confidence in managing the process. And sometimes it simply reflects a desire to stay in control of one of life’s largest financial decisions. Check out this article from NAR about FSBO’s
I understand that mindset. Exploring your options is part of being an informed homeowner. When homeowners begin researching For Sale By Owner in Auburn and Opelika, they are usually looking for clarity about what the journey actually involves. Like many paths that appear simple from the outside, there are often more moving parts than expected.
Selling a home involves far more than placing a sign in the yard or sharing a listing online. Pricing requires interpretation of market activity and comparable sales. Marketing involves positioning, exposure, and presentation. Coordinating showings, negotiating offers, managing contracts, handling disclosures, navigating inspections, working through appraisal questions, and coordinating closing timelines all become the seller’s responsibility.
Understanding what buyers are looking for is another important piece of the equation. Today’s buyers are not just comparing your home to the one down the street. They are comparing presentation, online visibility, condition, pricing strategy, and perceived value across everything they see in their search. In Auburn and Opelika especially, buyer expectations are shaped by university driven demand, investor activity, and relocation timelines. Knowing how buyers evaluate listings can influence staging choices, photography decisions, pricing adjustments, and negotiation positioning. When sellers understand buyer behavior, they are better equipped to present their home in a way that resonates with the market.
None of that is impossible. It simply means you are carrying every part of the process yourself.
Over the years I have watched homeowners step confidently into the For Sale By Owner process and later discover how many details exist behind the scenes. Addressing inspection findings, responding to appraisal challenges, or managing contractual deadlines can become stressful, especially when emotions are tied to the home.
This is where professional representation often changes the experience. Not because sellers are incapable, but because real estate involves marketing reach, legal awareness, negotiation strategy, and local market insight that is difficult to replicate independently.
For Sale By Owner in Auburn and Opelika presents unique considerations tied to our local market. University cycles influence demand. Investor activity shifts competition. Relocations affect timing. Neighborhood specific trends impact pricing. Understanding these dynamics can influence exposure, days on market, and ultimately net proceeds.
Bravery in real estate does not always mean going it alone. Sometimes it means asking questions, gathering insight, and choosing the path that best protects your investment and peace of mind.
Whether you ultimately pursue For Sale By Owner in Auburn and Opelika or choose professional guidance, the most important outcome is making an informed and confident decision.
If selling has been on your mind and you want to talk through your options locally, We are always happy to have that conversation. No pressure. No expectations. Just insight to help you determine your next chapter. Learn about our approach here.
Because every good fairytale begins with clarity about where the path leads.
Things to Do in Auburn & Opelika This March
Things to Do in Auburn & Opelika to Add to Your Calendar
March is when Auburn and Opelika really start waking up again. Because warmer afternoons mean more time outside, the community calendar fills up quickly. Whether you’re new to the area or you’ve called this place home for years, there’s always something happening that helps you stay connected to the heartbeat of the community.
Here are a few events happening this month that are worth checking out.
Arts, Culture & Entertainment
Early in the month, the Opelika Center for the Performing Arts hosts Cirque Kalabanté on March 8, bringing high-energy performance and acrobatics to the local stage. It’s a great option if you’re looking for something different than the usual dinner outing.
For those who enjoy local creative experiences, the Spring Invitational Exhibition kicks off March 9 and runs through April, highlighting regional artists and adding another opportunity to explore Auburn’s art scene.
And toward the end of March, one of the area’s most anticipated music events arrives, the Opelika Songwriters Festival, March 26–29. Over 40 artists perform across multiple downtown venues, creating an intimate and walkable live music experience that draws fans from across the Southeast.
Community Favorites
If you enjoy relaxed evenings out, then you will love Food Truck Friday. It returns in March with local trucks, live music, and vendors gathering in downtown Opelika. It’s a free community event and always a fun way to support small businesses and spend time outdoors.
Another unique local experience offered throughout the year is Tea on Thach, a monthly high-tea gathering featuring specialty teas and curated bites, perfect for slowing down and catching up with friends.
🐾 Bark in the Park — Come See Us
One event especially meaningful to our team is Bark in the Park, hosted as part of Auburn’s Parks and Recreation annual events lineup. This pet-friendly gathering celebrates the community’s love for animals and time outdoors.
Because of our continued involvement supporting CARE Humane Society and our Homes for Dogs initiative, Kent McCown Group will be there, and we would love for you to stop by and say hello if you’re attending.
Events like this reflect what we love most about this area, which is a strong sense of connection between neighbors, families, and even our pets.
Why Local Events Matter
There is never a shortage of things to do in Auburn & Opelika. The calendar stays busy year-round with sports, music, cultural festivals, and family-friendly experiences designed to help people engage with the community. Click Here To see the full calendar.
For those considering moving here, events like these offer a glimpse into daily life beyond listings and statistics. They show the personality of the community — welcoming, active, and deeply relational.
And if you ever want recommendations tailored to your interests, just reach out. Helping people discover the lifestyle here is one of our favorite parts of what we do.
