DON’T Buy a House in Auburn, Alabama (Unless You’re Ready to Stay Forever)

There’s a reason I tell people not to buy a house in Auburn—because once you do, you won’t want to leave. That’s exactly what happened to me. When I moved here in 2004, I thought it was temporary. I had plans to head to Napa, sell wine, and live out a totally different future. But Auburn had other plans for me.

Unplanned Attachment

At first, I thought I was living in a cow pasture with a Target. I wasn’t sure Auburn was going to be my forever place. But something changed. As the years went by, this little town began to feel more and more like home. When 2017 rolled around and the last of my kids graduated—well, I was supposed to head west. Instead? I stayed put.

The Energy Here is Addictive

Auburn is bright. It’s happy. It’s full of college-town energy and southern charm. The culture, the friendliness, and the vibrancy of the town just pull you in. It’s young, it’s alive, and it never really gets old. Sure, I wouldn’t mind a few more Italian restaurants, but even that’s changing. There’s always something new popping up.

You Might Just Fall in Love Too

Auburn isn’t just a place. It’s a feeling. It’s waking up happy. It’s being grateful for where you live. And it’s knowing deep down that you’ve found your place. I say this with all sincerity: Wild horses couldn’t drag me away. And if you do decide to buy a house here, you just might find yourself saying the same.